Gubba. Well, these are sad times; Heaven help us! Come, you shall be welcome to share the brown loaf with us; I suppose you are too sharp set to be nice.
Gandelin. Ay, come with us; you shall be as welcome as a prince! But hark ye, husband; though I am very willing to be charitable to this stranger, (it would be a sin to be otherwise,) yet there is no reason he should not do something to maintain himself: he looks strong and capable.
Gubba. Why, that’s true. What can you do, friend?
Alfred. I am very willing to help you in anything you choose to set me about. It will please me best to earn my bread before I eat it.
Gubba. Let me see. Can you tie up fagots neatly?
Alfred. I have not been used to it. I am afraid I should be awkward.
Gubba. Can you thatch? There is a piece blown off the cowhouse.
Alfred. Alas! I cannot thatch.
Gandelin. Ask him if he can weave rushes: we want some new baskets.
Alfred. I have never learned.