Well, I'm glad there's one that thinks so well
of him!
GOODWIFE. You are a traitor and should be punished!
(_Taking up stick._)
I myself will do it!
[_Lifting stick. Enter the_ PRINCE _and_ ENGLISH SOLDIERS.]
PRINCE (_kneeling_). Your Majesty is safe!
GOOD WIFE (_aside_). What!--Your Majesty, they say!
SOLDIERS (_kneeling, joyfully_). King Alfred! King Alfred!
GOODWIFE (_aside)._ What!--King Alfred!--
KING. Rise, my Prince! Rise, my soldiers! Ah, I'm glad they did not find
you!
[_He grasps their hands._]
GOODWIFE (_aside; showing fear_). It is--it is--the king!
KING. We'll fight again, my men! At daybreak we'll surprise them.
SOLDIERS. Aye! Aye!
KING. Goodwife, your king now thanks you.
GOODWIFE (_kneeling_). Oh, your Majesty, forgive me! forgive me!
KING (_gently_). Arise, goodwife.
GOODWIFE (_rising_). Alas the day I made you fry the cakes! Alas the day
I would have beaten you!
KING. Nay, goodwife, 'twas that saved my life. I bless the day you made
me fry the cakes! I bless the day you would have beaten me! (_Lifting
his hand over her head._)
And you I bless, goodwife, for your loyalty to England and her king!
Soldiers, salute this brave goodwife!
[_Soldiers form in a double line from door of hut, and hold their bows
aloft to make an arch.
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