GOODWIFE (rising). Alas the day I made you fry the cakes! Alas the day I would have beaten you!
KING. Nay, goodwife, 'twas that saved my life. I bless the day you made me fry the cakes! I bless the day you would have beaten me! (Lifting his hand over her head.)
And you I bless, goodwife, for your loyalty to England and her king! Soldiers, salute this brave goodwife!
[Soldiers form in a double line from door of hut, and hold their bows aloft to make an arch. The Goodwife passes up this lane, under the bows, and stands in door of hut. The King and the Prince salute her.]
Footnote 1: [(return)]
The explanations in brackets may be read aloud by the teacher.
Footnote 2: [(return)]
The words in parentheses are not intended to be read aloud; they will give the child the cue as to how the part should be rendered and thus stimulate better expression.
Footnote 3: [(return)]
The teacher should explain that King Alfred was one of the most famous and best beloved kings of England, and that while he was king the Danes were trying to conquer England. At the time of the story, he had been defeated by the Danes, and was compelled to hide with a few followers in the forest to avoid falling into the hands of the enemy.