Gubba (aside). What will become of us? Ah! dame, that tongue of thine has undone us!
Gandelin. O, my poor dear husband! we shall all be hanged, that’s certain. But who could have thought it was the king?
Gubba. Why, Gandelin, do you see we might have guessed he was born to be a king, or some such great man, because, you know, he was fit for nothing else.
Alfred (coming forward). God be praised for these tidings! Hope is sprung up out of the depth of despair. O, my friend! shall I again shine in arms—again fight at the head of my brave Englishmen—lead them on to victory! Our friends shall now lift their heads again.
Ella. Yes, you have many friends, who have long been obliged, like their master, to skulk in deserts and caves, and wander from cottage to cottage. When they hear you are alive and in arms again, they will leave their fastnesses, and flock to your standard.
Alfred. I am impatient to meet them: my people shall be revenged.
Gubba and Gandelin (throwing themselves at the feet of Alfred). O, my lord——
Gandelin. We hope your majesty will put us to a merciful death. Indeed, we did not know your majesty’s grace.
Gubba. If your majesty could but pardon my wife’s tongue; she means no harm, poor woman!
Alfred. Pardon you, good people! I not only pardon you, but thank you. You have afforded me protection in my distress; and if ever I am seated again on the throne of England, my first care shall be to reward your hospitality. I am now going to protect you. Come, my faithful Ella, to arms! to arms! My bosom burns to face once more the haughty Dane; and here I vow to Heaven, that I will never sheath the sword against these robbers, till either I lose my life in this just cause, or