'Twill make you safer.
KING. Aye, but there's more danger for you dressed so. Come, be beggars
now with me!
FIRST SOLDIER (_shaking head_). Our first thought is for you, Sire.
SECOND SOLDIER. Should you fall into the Danes' hands now, what will
become of England?
KING. Why, she must fight again!
PRINCE, (_shaking head_). Our soldiers ran from the Danes to-day, and
lost the battle to them!
KING. 'Tis because they fear these Danes as they do monsters,--monsters
come to rob them,--to burn their homes,--to make them slaves!
SOLDIERS. Aye! Aye!
KING. If only I could turn their fear to rage and fierce, hot anger!
Then England would not flee! She'd fight her foes and conquer!
SOLDIERS. Aye! Aye!
PRINCE. 'Tis for that great work you should save yourself, Sire! For
that, you should wear the beggar's rags now!
[_Enter_ ENGLISH SOLDIERS _in great haste._]
THIRD SOLDIER. Sire, save yourself! The Danes still follow us!
FOURTH SOLDIER. They have crossed the river!
THIRD SOLDIER. They pursue your Majesty!
PRINCE. Go to the hut there, Sire. Let the Danes find you begging from
the goodwife.
KING. But you, my men, where will you hide?
FIRST SOLDIER. We'll scatter, Sire.
KING. Then go, go at once! I'll await you here, if the Danes go on.
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