ACT II
KING (lying on the ground and laughing so that the tears run down his cheeks): Oh, but this is fine! First I was fat and old. Now I am as big a goose as any in the flock. What would my courtiers say?
(Springing up suddenly.)
Look at that "court gander"! There he goes with the whole flock.
(He dashes wildly after the geese and tries to crack the whip, but cannot.)
Now they are in the meadow; what will the boy say?
(Boy returns and sees the geese in the meadow; the king looks ashamed.)
BOY: Just as I expected. I have found the book, but you have lost the geese. What a time I shall have trying to find them!
KING: Never mind; I will help you get them together again.
BOY: Humph! Much help you'll be. But go there by that stump and don't let the geese pass you. Wave your arms at them and shout at them. Surely you can do that!
KING: I'll try.