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.]
CHIEF. Now listen, Danes! A hundred silver pieces will I give the man who makes King Alfred prisoner! Hear—all of you!—One hundred silver pieces!
DANES. Aye! Aye!
CHIEF (to Goodwife and Alfred). And when this Alfred's taken, to me you'll bend your English knees! To me, you English beggar! Now come, my men! To hunt King Alfred!
DANES (going). To hunt King Alfred! To hunt King Alfred!
[They go. King Alfred smiles. The Goodwife looks after them, listening for a moment.]