King of Spades. Oh, alack!
Joker. But it was a noteworthy pie. I have rhymed upon it. Pray listen. [Sings.]
"Sing a song of sixpence,
A pocket full of rye,
Four-and-twenty blackbirds baked in a pie;
When the pie was opened
The birds began to sing;
Was not that a dainty dish to set before the King?"
King of Spades. Indeed that must have been a toothsome dish.
[Noise and commotion without. Enter the Knaves, L., two dragging, one pushing the Knave of Hearts. He is forced to his knees in front of the King of Hearts' throne.]
King of Hearts (sternly). There be severe accusations against thee, Knave.
Knave of Hearts. Oh, my King! I pray—
"DIDST THOU STEAL THE FIRE-CRACKERS?"
King of Hearts. Silence, churl! Answer but my questions. Didst thou steal the fire-crackers?