ACT I
(King in plain clothes had gone out for a walk in the park. He sat under a tree to read a book and fell asleep. When he waked up he walked on, forgetting his book. He sees a lad looking after a flock of geese and calls him.)
KING: Boy, I left a book lying under a tree in the park. Will you please get it for me? If you do, I will give you a gold piece.
BOY: Give me a gold piece to go to the park, indeed! You must have a pocketful of gold pieces. Or you must think me more stupid than I am.
KING: Stupid! Who thinks you stupid?
BOY: Why, who would be so foolish as to give me a gold piece just for running half a mile for a book? No, no, you are joking. You couldn't make me believe that.
KING: Well, you know "seeing is believing." Look! here is the gold piece for you.
BOY: But it is in your hand. If I saw it in my own hand, that would be a different matter.
KING (laughing): You are certainly not stupid, my boy; but you may have it in your own hand. Here it is.
(Boy stands still, looking worried,)
KING: Well, why don't you go?
BOY: I only wish I could. But what would become of the geese while I am away? If they strayed into the meadow over yonder, I should have to pay trespass-money—more than the gold piece—and lose my place besides.
KING: I'll tell you what we'll do. You go for the book, and I'll herd the geese.
BOY (laughing): You herd the geese—a pretty gooseherd you would make! You are too fat and too old.
KING (to himself, shaking with laughter): Well, Well, "fat and old." What next, I wonder!
BOY: Why, you couldn't mind the geese. Just look at the "court gander" there—the one with the black head and wings. He is the ringleader whenever there is any mischief. He would lead you a pretty dance.
KING: Never mind the geese. I'll answer for them, and I promise to pay all damages if they get away.
BOY (handing the king his whip): Well, then, be careful. Watch the "court gander."
(Boy walks on a few feet, then hurries back.)
KING: What's the matter now?
BOY: Crack the whip!
(King tries but fails.)
BOY: Just as I thought. Here, this way! Can't you see? You are stupid!
KING: Just let me try once more.
(King tries.)
BOY: Well, that did pretty well.
(Moves off muttering.)
He is as big a goose as any in the flock.