Yes, my lord, he came but just before you.
FIRST DANE (_whispering_). Hear that, my lord,--just before us!
SECOND DANE (_whispering_). It may be King Alfred!
THIRD DANE (_whispering_). Disguised as a beggar, sir!
FOURTH DANE (_whispering_). 'Twould be safest to take him prisoner, my
lord!
CHIEF (_nodding_). We'll take him with us to be certain.
GOODWIFE (_hearing this_). Yes, take him! 'Twould serve him right! He
burnt my cakes just now!
CHIEF. What! Burnt your cakes?
GOODWIFE. Yes, my lord! And I'd have beaten him had not your lordship
come.
CHIEF (_aside to Danes_). This cannot be the king.
FIRST DANE (_shaking head_). No king would fry cakes!
SECOND DANE (_shaking head_). He could not be made to fry them!
THIRD DANE (_shaking head_). Nor take a beating from a woman!
[_The Goodwife has crept up to listen; and so overhears this last
remark._]
GOODWIFE. He wouldn't, eh? Ha, ha! Well, I sent him within to mix fresh
dough! And I sent him with my stick, I did!
[_Flourishing stick._]
FOURTH DANE. Would you let a woman threaten you with a stick, my lord?
CHIEF (_proudly)._ Never! Besides, King Alfred would be dressed as are
his princes and his soldiers. I have thought that from the first.
Release the beggar!
[_Danes release King Alfred.
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