PRINCE (_saluting_). Farewell, my King!
SOLDIERS (_saluting_). Farewell, King Alfred, farewell!
[_They go. The King crosses to hut, and knocks at door, which is opened
by the_ GOODWIFE. _She holds a wooden bowl and a large flat stone in her
hands._]
GOODWIFE (_aside_). Another beggar, as I live!
(_Aloud, sharply_). Well, what do you want?
KING. A bite to eat, goodwife.
GOODWIFE. My cakes are not yet baked.
KING. I will wait, then.
GOODWIFE (_indignantly_). Well, and you will not, sir!
KING (_alarmed_). You will not drive me off, good woman!
GOODWIFE. And who are you, that you should sit by and wait, whilst I do
all the work! And do you think you are the king, sir?
KING. No, no! I--
GOOD WIFE (_interrupting_). You'll fry the cakes yourself, sir! And that
you will at once, sir! Go now and mend the fire, and lay this stone upon
it.
[_The King takes the stone; crosses to the fire, and stirs it; places
the stone on the burning wood. When the stone is hot, the Goodwife pours
the batter from the bowl on the stone._]
GOODWIFE. Now watch these cakes while I'm within. And watch them well:
rye cakes do burn while one is winking.
KING. I'll watch them carefully, goodwife.
(_The Goodwife enters hut.
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