GOODWIFE. May they never see a hair of his head!
(Lifting up arms.)
May Heaven protect and save King Alfred!
KING (growling). You seem to love King Alfred—
GOODWIFE. I love the ground he treads on!
KING (as before). Of course,—'tis English ground!
GOODWIFE (shaking head). Not that—I love the air he breathes!
KING. Well—'tis English air.
GOODWIFE (sharply). No, no! I love the king!—the king himself!
KING (growling). Out upon King Alfred! Out upon him, I say!