All here, save Sarah Scarlett, who bides with Goody Gleason, and Bess,
who hath been away since dawn. Robin and Kit have gone to search for
her.

SCARLETT.
Well, Bess or no Bess, the maypole is waiting! Play us another catch,
goodfellow Faunch! My heels grow rusty!

[All start to dance.

ROBIN
(bursting in from right, followed by Kit Carmel). Simon! Simon! You'll
not dance so gaily when you've heard the news! Put up your music,
Faunch! Give over your capers, Lackleather! Bess hath been taken by the
Puritans!

[General consternation.

SCARLETT
(as all stop dancing).
You're jesting, lad!

ROBIN
(as he catches breath).
'Tis no jest, Simon! 'Tis bitter truth. 'Tis towards the stocks they
are leading her!

SCARLETT
(outraged).
You let them capture her?