The King turns the cakes carefully, then sits
on a log; he shows that his thoughts are far away._)
I _will_ drive them out! I _will!_
(_Pause._)
To-night I'll get my men together.
(_Pause._)
We will take them by surprise--at daybreak.
[_Enter the_ GOODWIFE; _she rushes to the fire._]
GOOD WIFE (_looking at cakes_). Burnt to cinders! Not one of them fit
to eat!
KING. I am sorry--I--
GOOD WIFE (_interrupting)._ Oh, you good-for-nothing! I would like to
beat you!
KING. What can I do to make it right?
GOODWIFE (_taking up a stick_). You'll mix more dough! More dough! Do
you hear?
KING. I'll be glad to do it, Madam!
GOODWIFE (_flourishing stick_). In with you! Now in with you, and get to
work!
[_The King enters the hut. Enter_ DANISH CHIEF _and_ DANES _from the
forest. They carry spears and shields._]
GOODWIFE (_with fear; dropping stick_). The Danes!
CHIEF (_haughtily)._ Aye, Danes!
GOODWIFE. I have no silver! Not a piece, sir!
CHIEF. Burn the hut, men!
DANES. Aye! Aye!
[_They start toward the hut. The Goodwife falls on her knees before
them._]
GOODWIFE. I pray you, spare my home!
[Illustration: "NOT ONE OF THEM FIT TO EAT!"]
CHIEF. We spare no home to any English. Do you not know that?
GOODWIFE.
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