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570
ROBERT LOWELL
ROBIN
My kinsman has an open hand.
MAN WITH MASK
ROBIN
Ridden like horses, fleeced like sheep,
worked like cattle, clothed and fed
like hounds and hogs!
I want to find him.
MAN WITH MASK
ROBIN
Whipping-posts, gibbets, bastinadoes
and the rack! I must be moving.
Wait, I'll take up the Rattlesnake.
Please, help me find my kinsman.
(ROBIN
takes hold of the
MAN WITH THE MASK's
shoulder. The
MAN
steps back and draws his sword.)
MAN WITH MASK
Move!
You've tom my cloak. You'd better keep
a
civil
tongue between your teeth.
I have a mission.
(ROBIN
raises his cudgel. He and the
MAN WITH THE MASK
stand
a moment facing each other.)
Boy
ROBIN
Brain him, Robin.
Mangle the bastard's bloody face.
He doesn't like our kinsman, Robin.
I only asked for information.
MAN WITH MASK
For information! Information
is my trade. I was a lawyer
before I learned the pleasures of
the
military
life. The Major
was my first teacher. Now I know you!
I met you at the tavern. You
were short of cash then. Take this crown:
drink to the Major, then a health