Teja.
Yea, verily. And Ildibad, what said he?
Balthilda.
Thy old spearbearer lay and slept. I stepped across him, Sire.
Teja.
I thank thee, Balthilda.... I am not hungry. I thank thee. (Silence. Balthilda stands and looks tearfully at him.)
Teja.
I see, thou hast still a request to make of me. I pray thee, speak!
Balthilda.
My King, if I return home with a well-filled basket, then shall I be mocked by all the women.... And the men shall say----