QUEEN (always the housekeeper). And even he mightn't have taken any interest in his meals.
KING (with a sigh). However, those days are over. We must think of a new test. Somehow I think that, in a son-in-law, moral worth is even more to be desired than mere brute strength. Now my suggestion is this: that you should disguise yourself as a beggar woman and approach each of the three princes in turn, supplicating their charity. In this way we shall discover which of the three has the kindest heart. What do you say, my dear?
QUEEN. An excellent plan. If you remember, I suggested it myself yesterday.
KING (annoyed). Well, of course, it had been in my mind for some time. I don't claim that the idea is original; it has often been done in our family. (Getting up) Well then, if you will get ready, my dear, I will go and find our three friends and see that they come this way. [They go out together.
(As soon as they are out of sight the PRINCESS comes back.)
PRINCESS. Well, Woodcutter, what did I tell you?
WOODCUTTER. What did you tell me?
PRINCESS. Didn't you listen to what they said?
WOODCUTTER. I didn't listen, but I couldn't help hearing.
PRINCESS. Well, I couldn't help listening. And unless you stop it somehow, I shall be married to one of them to-night.