Queen of Hearts (pleading). Ay, truly, my lord. And I do especially yearn for the return of the fire-crackers.
King of Spades. Ay, cousin, if he would but return the fire-crackers, hear him, I urge, hear him.
King of Hearts (to the three Knaves). Hale me hither that Knave again. (Exeunt the Knaves, L.) I greatly doubt me, sweet lady, that the thieving churl will return the crackers. He did not return the tarts. But if he can and does return the fire-crackers, then at your request will I spare him his life.
Queen of Hearts. You make me promise of that, my King?
King of Hearts. You have my word upon it.
[Enter, L., the three Knaves escorting the Knave of Hearts, who is very sore as a result of his beating.]
King of Hearts. Knave, the Queen hath begged of me to let thee speak ere the headsman seals thy lips forever.
Knave of Hearts. A blessing upon you, good lady.
King of Hearts. And now speak what thou hast to say, and may thy words be brief.
Knave of Hearts. My liege, I did not steal the fire-crackers. I did but see them near the tapers, and I did fear lest they catch fire and explode upon the table. Methought they were the daintier did they hold some sweet contents, and so I took them and bore them off, and found them void. So then I was about to bring them back to the banquet board, when yon messengers did seize me and hale me roughly before your Majesties.