SOLDIERS (kneeling, joyfully). King Alfred! King Alfred!
GOODWIFE (aside). What!—King Alfred!—
KING. Rise, my Prince! Rise, my soldiers! Ah, I'm glad they did not find you!
[He grasps their hands.]
GOODWIFE (aside; showing fear). It is—it is—the king!
KING. We'll fight again, my men! At daybreak we'll surprise them.
SOLDIERS. Aye! Aye!
KING. Goodwife, your king now thanks you.
GOODWIFE (kneeling). Oh, your Majesty, forgive me! forgive me!
KING (gently). Arise, goodwife.