Scene III.—At Home

Little goat, bleat!Little table, rise!

Then a table will rise before you with all the food you can eat. When you have finished eating, you must say:

Little goat, bleat!Little table, away!

and it will disappear before your eyes. Good-by, dear little Two-Eyes. I must go now, but remember what I have told you.

Little Two-Eyes.Why, where has that queer looking little woman gone? I am so hungry I'll try now if what she said can be true.

Little goat, bleat!Little table, rise!

Goat.Bla-a! Bla-a! Bla-a!

Little Two-Eyes.Oh, look, little goat! what a pretty table! and how good the food looks. Now we shall have all we want to eat. Here is something for you, and here are oranges and meat and pudding for me! Dear little woman! How can I thank her? Now I can eat no more.

Little goat, bleat!Little table, away!

Goat.Bla-a! Bla-a! Bla-a!

Little Two-Eyes.There, it is gone.Aren't we happy, little goat? But see, it is time to go home. Come, little goat.

Mother.Here, little Two-Eyes, here are the crusts your sisters saved for you.

Two-Eyes.Thank you, mother, but I don't care for any crusts. I'm not hungry.

Mother.Not care for them? You are not hungry? You have always eaten them before now and asked for more! You didn't eat any supper last night, either. What does this mean? What did you have to eat to-day?

Two-Eyes.I cannot tell you, mother.

Mother.You cannot? Then, little One-Eye, you shall go to the hillside with little Two-Eyes and find out why she is no longer hungry.

Little One-Eye.I don't want to go! The walk is too long, and I shall get tired!

Mother.Just this once, my dear! You will not have to go again. But we must learn the secret.

Little Two-Eyes.Come, sister. Come, little goat.

Little Two-Eyes.Now we are almost there. Are you tired, little One-Eye?

Little One-Eye.Oh! I am so tired, and my feet hurt so I can hardly walk.

Little Two-Eyes.I have to walk this far every day.

Little One-Eye.Yes, but you have two eyes like other people and you must expect to work. I cannot go any farther. I'll lie down here and rest.

Little Two-Eyes.I'll sing you a pretty song:

Are you awake, little One-Eye?Are you asleep, little One-Eye?

Yes, you are asleep, little One-Eye, and now I can have my dinner.

Little goat, bleat!Little table, rise!

Goat.Bla-a! Bla-a! Bla-a!

Little Two-Eyes.Here is the little table again! Oh, how thankful I am for the good food. Dear little old woman, you are very good to send me such nice things to eat. Here is some for you, little goat. Now I have had enough.

Little goat, bleat!Little table, away!

There, it is gone. Little One-Eye, wake up! It is time to go home.

Little One-Eye.Did I go to sleep?

Little Two-Eyes.Indeed, you did, and now we must hurry home. Come, little goat!

Mother.Well, little One-Eye, tell us what you have seen. Why doesn't little Two-Eyes eat the food we have for her?

Little One-Eye.I don't know, mother.The way was so long and I was so tired; I fell asleep; and when I woke up it was time to come home.

Mother.It was a hard walk for you, my dear; but we must find out who is giving little Two-Eyes something to eat. To-morrow you must go, little Three-Eyes.

Little Three-Eyes.I'll find out, mother. If anyone dares to give food to little Two-Eyes, I'll tell you all about it.

Mother.Yes, my dear, I know you won't go to sleep. I can trust you to find out everything.

Little Two-Eyes.Come, sister, we must go on, for it is a long way to the top of the hill.

Little Three-Eyes.I'm not going any farther, I'm too tired! I'll rest a little here.

Little Two-Eyes.All right, little Three-Eyes. I'll sing you a song.

Are you awake, little Three-Eyes?Are you asleep, little Two-Eyes?

Yes, you are asleep, and now I'll have my dinner.

Little goat, bleat!Little table, rise!

Goat.Bla-a! Bla-a! Bla-a!

Little Two-Eyes.Here is our dinner again, little goat. See this fresh lettuce and cabbage and good bread and butter. Here is some honey, too, and cake. Isn't this a good dinner?

Little goat, bleat!Little table, away!

Goat.Bla-a, bla-a, bla-a!

Little Two-Eyes.Now it is gone. Three-Eyes, wake up! It is time home.

Little Three-Eyes.How long I have slept! What will my mother say? But I think I have a surprise for you, little Two-Eyes!

Mother.Well, little Three-Eyes, did you go to sleep, too?

Little Three-Eyes.—Yes, mother, but only with two eyes. Little Two-Eyes sang to me,

"Are you awake, little Three-Eyes?Are you asleep, little Two-Eyes?"

and so two of my eyes went to sleep, but one stayed awake and watched.

Mother.What did you see? Tell me quickly, dear little Three-Eyes.

Little Three-Eyes.First she said,

"Little goat, bleat!Little table, rise!"

and the goat said, "Bla-a, bla-a, bla-a!" Then a table came up out of the ground. Oh! it was such a pretty little table with a white cloth over it and all kinds of good things on it. No wonder little Two-Eyes doesn't eat any of our common food. Itisn't good enough for her! She has food fit for a queen,—nuts and cake, and candy, too!

Mother.So that is why little Two-Eyes doesn't eat the crusts we save for her! Well, I'll see if she is going to have better food, than we have. Bring me the long sharp knife.

[Goes out and soon returns.]

There, now the goat is dead. Little Two-Eyes, perhaps you'll eat the food we give you now!

Little Two-Eyes.Oh, my poor little goat! What shall I do without it!

Mother.Go to bed, and to-morrow morning you shall go to the hillside alone. And you must stay there all day, too.

Little Two-Eyes.Oh, dear! Oh, dear! my poor goat is dead! Now I shall be hungry and lonely too! Where shall I go, and what can I do?

Little Wood Fairy.Little Two-Eyes, why are you weeping?

Little Two-Eyes.Because my mother has killed my poor goat, and she has sent me here to stay all alone, and I am so hungry and thirsty again.

Little Wood Fairy.Little Two-Eyes, let me tell you what to do. Ask your sisters to give you the heart of your goat. Bury it in the ground before the house door. Watch, and to-morrow a wonderful tree will come up out of the ground.

Little Two-Eyes.Thank you, dear little woman! I'll go home and do as you have told me.

Little Two-Eyes.Little One-Eye and little Three-Eyes, please let me have the heart of my goat!

One-Eye.Certainly, if that is all you want.

Three-Eyes.Here it is, but I don't see what you want it for!

Little Two-Eyes(goes to door). Now I'll plant it as the little woman told me. I wonder what kind of a tree will appear to-morrow? Poor little goat, I'm so sorry you have gone! Now I must go into the house and try to sleep.

Little One-Eye.Mamma, mamma, look here! Come quickly! Isn't this a wonderful tree!

Mother.Why, how strange! This tree was not here yesterday. I wonder how it came! I never saw such a beautiful tree before!

Little One-Eye.Do you see the golden apples on it? O mamma! may we have some? Please, mother!

Mother.Yes, dear little One-Eye. You are the oldest, climb up into the tree and pick some golden apples for us.

One-Eye.That will be fun. Here I go!

Mother.Why don't you get the apples, little One-Eye?

Little One-Eye.They all get away from me. When I try to pick one it springs back!

Mother.Come down, little One-Eye. Now little Three-Eyes, you can see better with your three eyes, than your sister withher one eye. You may climb up and get some apples for us.

Little Three-Eyes.I'll pick a lot of them and throw them down for you to catch. Why, how funny they act! I almost get one and it always springs away!

Mother.Come down and let me try. I never heard of fruit that would not be picked. Now children, I'll get some of the lovely apples for you. There! Why, what is the matter? I can't reach a single apple.

Little Two-Eyes.Let me try; perhaps I can pick some.

Mother.You, with your two eyes! How can you expect to get them if we can't?

Little Two-Eyes.Please let me try, mother.

Mother.Well, I suppose you can try, but I know you can't get them.

Two-Eyes.Here they are. Catch them, mother; catch them, little One-Eye! Oh, mother! I see a young man on horsebackcoming along the road. He looks like a prince.

Mother.Hurry down, little Two-Eyes! He must not see you,—a girl with two eyes! I'm ashamed of you. Hide under this barrel!

[The prince rides up.]

Prince.Good morning, ladies, what a lovely tree you have here! She who gives me a branch shall have whatever she wishes.

Little One-Eye.The tree is ours, Great Prince; but when we try to get its fruit, it slips away from us.

Prince.It is strange, if the tree belongs to you, that you cannot get the fruit! But where do these apples come from?

Little Three-Eyes.We have another sister, but she has only two eyes and we are ashamed of her; so we hid her under this barrel, and she has rolled the apples out to you.

Prince.Little Two-Eyes, come out.Can you get me a branch from this wonderful tree?

Little Two-Eyes.Yes, Prince; here is a branch with many golden apples on it.

Prince.And what is your wish, little Two-Eyes?

Little Two-Eyes.O Prince! My mother and my sisters are ashamed of me and do not treat me well. They do not give me enough to eat and they do not like to have me near them. Please take me away where I can be happy and free!

Prince.Come with me, little Two-Eyes; you shall go to my father's palace and be a little princess. There you will be happy and free and never be hungry or lonely again.

THE WEEK—Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday,Sunday

Monday.Well, I am glad to be here at last. Certainly my work is very important. As the first working day of the week, I begin all business; and I have always heard that if a thing is well begun, it is half done. People call me Moon-day—isn't that a pretty name, the day of the moon? How beautiful the moon is, riding in her silver chariot across the dark blue sky! I am proud of my name. The moon is constantly changing and I like change. I like brightness and cleanliness too, and good housewives wash their clothes on Monday. How whiteand clean they look hanging on the line! The sun and wind play hide and seek and help to cleanse the clothes. School begins on Monday and the little children run and laugh on their way to school. Every one seems happy that another week has begun.

Tuesday.I am named for Tui, the god of war. In the countries of the north I am greatly honored by all the people. Soldiers when going to war call on Tui for help, and they like to begin a battle on Tuesday. Monday likes to begin work, but I like to make some progress. The children always know their lessons better on Tuesday, and are happier than on Monday. The white clothes are sprinkled and rolled, and now the maids iron the pretty baby dresses and the house linen. They sing and laughover their work. The world is all running smoothly on Tuesday, and I think I like my work the best.

Wednesday.I should be the best of days, for I am named for Woden, or Odin, the king of the gods. The hardest work of the week is finished when I come, and there is time for a rest. Perhaps mother will bake a special cake for dinner. To-day the children take their music lessons, and the boys go for a lesson in swimming or gymnastic exercise. This is the day young people choose for their wedding day, and you don't know how glad I am to be a part of their happiness. I believe I have more sunshine than the other days, for Woden likes to have clear skies and health-giving breezes. I would not change with any of my sister days.

Thursday.I bring the thunder and the lightning, and I cleave the dark clouds with my rapid flashes. I glory in a storm, for Thor, the god of thunder, has chosen me for his day, and I bear his name. A life of ease and quiet has no charms for me. I like the din and crash of war, the noise and hurry of business. The fury of the heavens, the crash of falling trees, the roaring of waters,—what can give greater pleasure? Business thrives on Thursday. Men rush to and fro, buying and selling, building great houses, digging in the mines, and sailing the seas. Life and action are my delight. Hurrah for Thor's day!

Friday.After the bustle and work of the week I come to clean and settle all disturbances. Now dirt and dust must disappear under the broom and brush.How the windows shine and how spotless is the hearth! Children rake up the leaves and burn them; all rubbish must be cleared away. Order and neatness I love; and so does Freya, for whom I am named. She is the goddess of beauty, and there is no beauty where neatness and order are absent. Some say that I am an unlucky day, but that is a mistake. See what wonderful things have happened on my day, what great men have been born on Friday! I am the last school day of the week, and to-day the children may forget lessons and play outdoors a little longer. To-day the family gather for a story at the twilight hour, and all is rest and happiness.

Saturday.I am the jolly day of the week. "School is out!" the children cry, and all day long they sing and call to each other in their games. To-day I smell the cakes and pies cooking in the range, for Saturday is baking day. How the little children love to watch mother stirring the cake and frosting, and how they beg to clean the sweet stuff out of the bowl. Father comes home earlier to-day, and all go for a walk in the woods or park. All men need a holiday, for "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." The boys play ball and run and shout in their joy. The girls have little parties, and cook gives them some fresh cakes. I am named for Saetere, god of the harvest, and he is always merry. So I wish all people to be happy on Saturday, the play day of the week.

Sunday.You have all spoken well, my sisters, and each one has some claim to be the best day of the week. How fine it is that every day holds some special joy in work or play! But you all know the highest joy is mine. I am named for the golden sun that gives light to the world. On Sunday men think of the inner light that makes them love the good and the true and persuades them to do right. To-day the family is united, and in the morning with fresh garments and happy faces they seek the knowledge of a higher life. Around the dinner table they talk happily together of their work and play, and they plan how they may do better work during the next week. Love and peace are in all hearts. A desire to help the weak and poor and sad is in every soul. I am happy and blest to be Sunday.

PERSONS IN THE PLAY—Hänsel,Gretel,Mother,Father,The Gingerbread Witch,Sandman,Children

Hänsel.I wish mother would come home! I'm cold and hungry. I'm tired of bread. I want some milk and sugar.

Gretel.Hush, Hänsel; don't be cross!

Hänsel.If we only had something good to eat: eggs, and butter and meat. Oh, dear!

Gretel.Dear Hänsel, if you will stop crying, I'll tell you a secret.

Hänsel.Oh, what is it? Something nice?

Gretel.Yes, indeed. Look in this jug! It is full of milk. Mother will make us a pudding for supper.

Hänsel.Goody, goody! How thick the cream is! Let me taste it.

Gretel.Aren't you ashamed, you naughty boy! Take your finger out of the cream. We must go back to work. When mother comes she will be cross if you have not finished the broom.

Hänsel.I'll not work any more. I want to dance.

Gretel.So do I. I like to dance better than to work. Come, let us dance and sing.

Brother, come and dance with me,Both my hands I offer thee;Right foot first,Left foot then,Round about and back again.

Hänsel.I can't dance. Show me what I ought to do.

Gretel.Look at me. Do this.

With your foot you tap, tap, tap!With your hands you clap, clap, clap!Right foot first,Left foot then,Round about and back again.

Hänsel(dancing).

With your hands you clap, clap, clap!With your foot you tap, tap, tap!Right foot first,Left foot then,Round about and back again.

Gretel.That is fine, brotherkin! Soon you will dance as well as I. Come, try again.

With your head you nick, nick, nick!With your fingers click, click, click!Right foot first,Left foot then,Round about and back again.

Hänsel.

O Gretel dear, O sister dear,Come dance and sing with me.

Gretel.

O Hänsel dear, O brother dear,Come dance and sing with me.Tra, la, la, tra, la, la,La, la, la, la, tra, la, la.

[Knocks down the milk.]

Mother(enters). What is all this noise?

Gretel.'Twas Hänsel. He wanted—

Hänsel.'Twas Gretel. She said I—

Mother.Hush, you noisy children! What work have you done? Gretel,your stocking is not done yet; and where are your brooms, you lazy Hans? You have knocked over the milk too! What shall we have for supper? Lazy folks can't stay in my house. Take the basket and go to the woods for strawberries. And don't dare to come back without them! Off with you! and be quick too!

[The children go out. Mother sits weeping.]

Oh! I am so tired and hungry. Nothing in the house to eat. What shall I do for the poor hungry children—Oh, dear, what can I do!

[Goes to sleep, crying.]

Father(enters, singing).

Hillo, hilloo, hillo, hilloo,Little mother, where are you?

Mother(looking up). Who is singing and making so much noise?

Father.I called you, for I am hungry and want my supper.

Mother.Your supper! with nothing in the house to eat and nothing to drink.

Father.Let us see. Open your eyes and look in my basket. Cheer up, mother!

Mother.What do I see? Ham and butter and flour and sausage! Where did you get all these good things, father?

Father.Hurrah, won't we have a merry time, won't we have a happy time? I sold so many brooms at the fair that I could buy you all these good things and some tea besides.

Mother.Tea! how good it smells and how glad I am! Now I will cook the supper.

Father.But where are the children? Hänsel! Gretel! Where are they?

Mother.Oh, the bad children! They did no work and they were singing and dancing and spilled the milk, so I sent them to the woods to pick some strawberries for supper.

Father.Laughing and dancing! Why should you be angry? Where have they gone?

Mother.To the mountain.

Father.To the mountain! the home of the witch!

Mother.What do you mean? The witch?

Father.Yes, the old witch of the mountain turns all children to gingerbread and then she eats them.

Mother.Eats them! Oh, my children, my pretty little children! Come, we must find them! Hänsel, Gretel, where are you?

[Runs out.]

Father.I will go with you, mother. Don't cry! we will surely find them.

[Goes out.]

Hänsel,Gretel

Gretel.See, my wreath is nearly done.

Hänsel.And the basket is filled with strawberries. Won't mother be pleased? We will have them for supper.

Gretel.Let me put the wreath on you!

Hänsel.No, no! boys don't wear wreaths. Put it on your own head. You shall be queen of the woods.

Gretel.Then I must have a nosegay, too.

Hänsel.Now you have a scepter and a crown. You shall have some strawberries, too. Don't they taste good?

Gretel.Let me feed you.

Hänsel.And I'll feed you. Don't be greedy!

Gretel.Oh, Hänsel, the berries are all gone. What naughty children we are! We must pick some more now for mother.

Hänsel.I don't care, I was so hungry. But it is too late to pick strawberries now. Let us go home.

Gretel.Let us hurry; it is dark and I'm afraid.

Hänsel.Pooh,I'mnot afraid. But I can't see the way. Gretel, we're lost!

Gretel.What was that?

Hänsel.What?

Gretel.That shining there in the dark!

Hänsel.Pshaw, don't be afraid! That is a birch tree in its silver dress.

Gretel.There, see! a lantern is coming this way.

Hänsel.That is a will-of-the-wisp with its little candle.

Gretel.I'm frightened, I'm frightened! I wish I were home!

Hänsel.Gretelkin, stick close to me! I'll take care of you.

Gretel.See! what is that little man in gray?

Hänsel.I see him, too. I wonder who he is!

Sandman(comes).

With my little bag of sandBy every child's bedside I stand.Then little tired eyelids close,And little limbs have sweet repose.Then from the starry sphere aboveThe angels come with peace and love.Then slumber, children, slumber,For happy dreams are sent youThrough the hours you sleep.

[Goes away.]

Hänsel.I'm sleepy. Let us go to sleep.

Gretel.Let us say our prayers first.

Both.

When at night I go to sleepFourteen angels watch do keep:Two my head are guarding,Two my feet are guiding,Two are on my right hand,Two are on my left hand,Two who warmly cover,Two who o'er me hover,Two to whom 'tis givenTo guide my steps to Heaven.

Gretel.Good night, dear brother.

Hänsel.Good night, dear sister. Don't be afraid. I'll take care of you.

[They sleep.]

Hänsel.Wake up, dear little sister! The birds are singing and it is time to get up!

Gretel.I'm awake, dear brother. Come, let us hurry home.

Hänsel.Here is a path! Oh, Gretel, look at the pretty house!

Gretel.A cottage all made of chocolate creams!

Hänsel.The house seems to smile!

Gretel.It looks good enough to eat.

Hänsel.Let's nibble it!

[A voice within the house.]

Nibble, nibble, manikin!Who's nibbling at my housekin?

Hänsel.Oh, did you hear?

Gretel.It's the wind!

Hänsel.Never mind, let us eat the cake. I'm hungry. Take a bite! Isn't it good?

Gretel.Yes, and look at the candy! What a funny fence this is! It looks like little boys and girls made of gingerbread with sugar trimmings. I wonder who lives in this house?

[The Gingerbread Woman comes out of the house and speaks.]

You've come to visit me, that is sweet,You charming children, so good to eat!

Hänsel.Who are you, ugly one? Let me go!

Gretel.Take your arms away from me!

The Gingerbread Witch.Come into my house, little children! You may have sugarplums and peaches and cherries and candies and everything nice that little folks like!

Hänsel.No, I won't! I don't want to go into your house. I want to go home!

Gretel.I don't like you, Mrs. Gingerbread! You aren't nice like my mother. I want to go home to my own mother!

The Gingerbread Witch.Come, dear little Gretel. You must go in with me. We'll leave Hänsel in this little house outside. He must get fatter, so we will give him many good things to eat. Get in, Hänsel. I must lock you in!

Hänsel.What are you going to do with me?

The Gingerbread Witch.I'll fatten you up nicely and then you will see! NowI'll go inside for some sugarplums. You wait here, Gretel, until I come back. Hocus, pocus, malus locus! now you can't move!

[Goes in.]

Hänsel.Listen, Gretel! Watch the old witch and see everything she does to me. Hush, she's coming back!

The Gingerbread Witch.Now, Hans, eat this raisin. It will make you fat! Now, Gretel, you have stood still long enough.

Hocus, pocus, elder bush!Rigid body loosen, hush!

Then, Gretel, you must come with me, but Hans cannot move until he gets nice and fat like you. Run in, little daughter, and get some more nuts and raisins for him. I like plump little bodies like yours!

[Gretel goes in.]

Hänsel.Please let me out, Mrs. Gingerbread.

The Gingerbread Witch.When you are fatter. Now I must look to my fire. Itis burning well, and the oven will soon be hot enough to bake my dinner. When I change my gingerbread I'll pop little Gretel in and shut the door.

[Gretel comes in very quietly and goes to Hans.]

Gretel.

Hocus, pocus, elder bush!Rigid body loosen, hush!

The Gingerbread Witch.What are you saying?

Gretel.Oh, nothing,—only,—

The Gingerbread Witch.Only what?

Gretel.Only, much good may it do to Hans!

The Gingerbread Witch.Poor Hans is too thin, but I hope the raisins and nuts will be good for him. But, you, my plump little Gretel, are just fat enough—come, peep in the oven and see if the gingerbread is ready!

Hänsel(softly).

Sister dear, have a care;She means to hurt you, so beware!

Gretel(shyly). I don't understand what I am to do!

The Gingerbread Witch.Do? Why, open the oven door!

Hänsel.Sister dear, now take care!

Gretel.I'm such a goose, I don't understand.

The Gingerbread Witch.Do as I say, it's only play! This is the way.

[Opens the door and looks in oven. Hans and Gretel run and push her in.]

Children sing.One little push, bang goes the door, clang! Now, let us be happy, dancing so merrily. Hurrah! Hurrah!

Hänsel.Why, see the children, Gretel. The fence is moving! The gingerbread children arerealchildren, but their eyes are shut!

The Children.We are saved! We are saved!

Gretel.Who are you? Why do you keep your eyes shut? You're sleeping and yet you are talking!

The Children.O touch us, we pray, that we may awake!

Hänsel.The witch has changed them into gingerbread children. I know what to do. Let us say what the witch said to you, and what you said to me!

Hänsel and Gretel.

Hocus, pocus, elder bush!Rigid body loosen, hush!

The Children.(Opening their eyes and running toward Hänsel and Gretel.) We thank you, we thank you both!

Gretel.Oh, I am so glad!

The Children.The spell is broken and we are free. The witch can do us no more harm. Come, let us shout for glee!

Hänsel.

Come, children all, and form a ring,Join hands together, while we sing.

Gretel.Oh, Hänsel dear, I wish father and mother were here!

Hänsel.Look, Gretel! There they are!

[Father and Mother enter.]

Father.Why, mother, the children are here! Come, my dear Hänsel and Gretel! How glad I am we have found you safe and well!

Hänsel.Oh, father, we must tell you all about the Gingerbread Witch!

Mother.My dear children, were you frightened?

Gretel.Yes, mother, I was. But, mother, Hänsel comforted me, and we said our prayers and went to sleep.

Mother.The good angels watched over you and brought you back! Come, let us go to the village and take all these dear children to their mothers. Won't they be surprised and happy to see their dear children again?

Father.Come, children!

PERSONS IN THE PLAY—Queen Judith,Ethelbald,Ethelbert,Ethelred,Alfred,Peasants,King's Officers

Ethelbald.Tell us a story, lady mother.

Ethelbert.Yes, tell us a story.

Ethelred.I wish it would stop raining, so that we might take our hawks for a hunt!

Queen.I have something to show you, my princes. Is not this a beautiful book?

Alfred.How lovely the red velvet, and see, the clasp is of gold!

Ethelred.And there are jewels in the clasp!

Queen.It is well bound, as so precious a volume should be; but the binding is the least valuable part of the book. Shall we look within?

Ethelbald.Pray show us, lady mother!

Queen.Observe the forms of mighty warriors, fair ladies, and royal chiefs of the olden times in bright and glowing colors.

Ethelbert.How brave they look! Who are they? Tell us of them, dear mother.

Queen.These pictures are beautiful and appeal to the eye, but neither they northe velvet and gold of the binding give the joy which is greatest.

Alfred.What do you mean, dear lady mother?

Queen.This is a book I greatly enjoy, for it is full of the tales of the mighty King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. You will like to hear me read these brave stories when you are tired with your day's work, or on rainy days when you can neither hunt nor ride. Then you know not how to amuse yourselves and time is heavy on your hands, since you can neither read nor play upon the musical instruments that give us so much pleasure.

Ethelred.The book is so lovely. Let me take it, lady mother!

Queen.I would that the children of my royal husband could read the book.

Ethelbald.Our father does not think much of books and music. He likes to hunt and fight, and so do I.

Ethelred.And I love to hunt, but I love to hear the stories of great kings and warriors, too.

Alfred.To which of us wilt thou give the book, lady mother?

Queen.I will bestow it on him who shall first learn how to read it.

Alfred.Will you really, dear mother?

Queen.Yes, upon the faith of a queen, I will. I will not give it to one who cannot read it. Books are meant for the learned and not for the ignorant. The sons of a king should cease to play with toys.

Alfred.May I take the book a little while?

Queen.Yes, you may take the precious volume, Alfred, for I know you will not injure it, and I hope you will soon learn how to make its wisdom your own.

Alfred.Thank you, lady mother. I shall study the book and learn to read, for I wish to know all about the brave knights of Arthur's court.

King Alfred,Oscar the Earl,Odulph, the Earl's Son

Alfred.All the others have gone back to their homes. In no other way can ye serve me. Wherefore do ye go about to weep and break my heart?

Oscar.We weep, royal Alfred, because thou hast forbidden us to share thy fortunes; as if we were the swarm of summer flies, who follow only while the sun shineth.

Alfred.My valiant Oscar, and you my faithful Odulph, listen to me. I do not despair. The time is not ripe now for further war. Our foes the Danes have conquered us for a time. I trust that the time will come when we shall drive them from our land. But we must do that which seems best for the present and seek to be more successful in the future. We must not sit down and weep; no, this rather shall you do. Go back to your own people and keep mein their memory. When the Dane rules most cruelly, then rise up and cry aloud in the ears of the people, "Alfred the king yet liveth!" Then gather the soldiers and I shall come to lead them to victory.

Oscar.Thou shalt be obeyed, my royal lord. I will return to my men and do as thou hast said. But let my son Odulph stay with thee, if only as thy servant.

Odulph.Well will I serve thee, my royal lord. It is not well for the king to fare alone.

Alfred.I am well content to serve myself, or even to be servant to others, until a happier time shall come. If Odulph desires to serve me, it shall be by bringing good tidings of your success with my people. When the time comes that we may again fight for our country, let him bring me the welcome message. Then we will free our country from the Danish yoke.

Oscar.Farewell, my royal master, since thou wilt have it so.

Odulph.And may the time soon come when I shall bring the message to thee!

Alfred.Farewell, my loyal friends. All will be well.

King Alfred,Peasant Cudred,Wife Switha

Alfred.Save you, good father! May a Saxon stranger, whom the Danish robbers have made homeless, share a lodging with thy master's cattle for the night?

Cudred.Wilt thou swear to me that thou art not a Dane in disguise?

Alfred.I say to thee, my friend, I am no Dane, but a true Saxon.

Cudred.Then thou shalt share the calf's crib to-night. Perchance thou art hungry, too?

Alfred.To say truth, father, I have not broken my fast to-day; neither have I had aught to drink save from these marshy streams. I shall be right thankful forsome food, even a crust of coarsest rye bread.

Cudred.Rye bread, forsooth! Thou talkest of dainties indeed! Thou wilt get nothing better than flat oaten cakes here.

Alfred.I have always wished to taste an oaten cake.

Cudred.Follow me, then, and thou shalt have thy desire. Switha, Switha!

Switha.Well, I hear thee!

Cudred.Switha, I have brought thee home a guest who will be glad to partake of our supper.

Switha.A guest! And thinkest thou I've naught better to do than broil fish and bake cakes for all the vagabonds who roam the land?

Cudred.Patience, good Switha. I have not asked thee to cook for a vagabond. This is an honest Saxon whom it will be charity to feed and shelter for the night.

Switha.Let me hold the torch and seethis Saxon guest. Thou lookest like a guest of fashion, sorry fellow!

Cudred.Cease thy scolding talk, woman! I see by this light that our guest hath not been used to beg for charity from such as thou. Why be so hard of heart and by thy rude taunts make bitter the food he must receive from our hands?

Switha.I have heard that charity begins at home, and I am sure we are poor enough.

Cudred.Not poor enough to refuse food to the hungry, such as it is. Here is fish, and here an oaten cake which you wish to taste.

Alfred.Thanks for your goodness, kind host. Indeed, I am hungry.

Switha.You eat like a hungry wolf.

Alfred.And now I am hungry no longer. I thank you both for a good supper, and I hope you will never be sorry you have given charity to a stranger. Now, Cudred, I shall be glad to sleep.

Cudred.This way, then, to the bed ofstraw. Now, tell me truly, art thou not some mighty earl in disguise?

Alfred.I am Alfred, thy king—I know from thy goodness to me when thou thoughtest me a beggar that thou art a good man, therefore I confide in thee. I know thou wilt not betray thy king.

Cudred.Not all the gold of Denmark should tempt me to commit so base a crime, but we must not let Switha know who thou art, my royal master.

Alfred.I shall be careful. Soon, I hope, my friends will bring me word that my army awaits me, when I shall again try to set my country free.

King Alfred,Switha

King Alfred.It rains so hard to-day that I cannot hunt, so will mend my bow and make some new arrows. May I sit by your fire, good dame Switha?

Switha.Yes, and as I have made agood batch of cakes you might watch them bake.

Alfred.Gladly will I watch them. Show me what I must do.

Switha.Turn them often before the fire, thus, so that they will not burn. Now I will go for more wood for the fire.

Alfred.How long, I wonder, must I remain in hiding. It is very hard to wait. If only I knew how my people were faring. Will the time never come when I can rule over England and unite my people? So many plans have I for their happiness and progress. Schools we must have. The Bible must be translated for the people to read. Roads must be built and the country made safe for all. How long must I sit in Cudred's cottage mending arrows when my heart wishes to help my suffering people!

Switha(running in). I thought I smelled them burning! Oh, thou lazy, useless fellow! Thou art ready enough to eat thecakes, but too lazy to keep them from burning. No wonder thou hast no home, idle as thou art.

Alfred.I pray thee, good dame, forgive me. I was lost in thought of happier days and forgot my duty. Really I am sorry.

Switha.Ay, ay, that is always the way with thee. That smooth tongue of thine is better to thee than silver or gold; for it obtains for thee food, lodging, and friends, and softens all the wrath thy faults provoke. However, I shall set by all the burnt cakes for thy portion of the week's bread, I promise thee; and thou shalt have no other till they are all eaten.

Alfred.My good mistress, here comes a pilgrim boy to ask thy charity. May I bestow one of these cakes on him?

Switha.Thou mayest do what thou wilt with thine own, man! but do not presume to give away my property to idle fellows like thyself.

Alfred.But, mistress, may I not givehim that which was to have been my portion for dinner?

Switha.No, indeed! I have enough to do with feeding one vagrant without adding all the lazy pilgrims who pass by.

Alfred.See, mistress, my amulet! I will give thee this jewel, Switha, if thou wilt permit me to feed this poor pilgrim.

Switha.Very well, then. Give him thy portion while I go and hide the jewel.

[Goes out as Odulph enters.]

Alfred.Welcome, Odulph! Tell me thy tidings. I hunger for good news.

Odulph.My tidings, royal Alfred, are these: Hubba, the Dane, the terror of England, is slain, and his banner of the Raven waves in my father's hall!

Alfred.What? Is thy father's castle in the possession of the Danes?

Odulph.Not so, my royal master; but the banner of the Danes, captured by your victorious Saxons, hangs in his hall. We were pent up in the castle by the Danestill our provisions failed. When the last loaf was eaten, and our archers had launched their last arrows, my valiant father led the garrison in an attack upon the foe.

Alfred.Brave Oscar! And you defeated them!

Odulph.Yes, because of the carelessness of the Danes. They believed they had us in their power, and they never dreamed we would leave the castle walls. Few as we were, we fell upon them and slew their chiefs. The soldiers fled, and left our men victorious. Then my father raised the cry, "Alfred the king!" All the country is calling, "Alfred the king!"

Alfred.The time is ripe. I thank you, Odulph. Your father is a noble man, and I shall know how to show a king's gratitude to you both. Shall we go?

Odulph.Lead on, King Alfred, England is ready. Soon you shall head your army shouting, "Long live King Alfred!"

PERSONS IN THE PLAY—Robin Hood,Little John,Midge,Will Scarlet,The Abbot,The Knight,The Prior,The Lord Chief Justice,The Lady

[Robin Hood and his men making arrows.]

Robin Hood.This feather is too short. Give me another, Little John. This is a better one.

Midge.Making arrows is not a simple thing, is it, my master?

Robin Hood.Indeed, no; if the feathers be too short, the arrows will not keep true to their course; and if the feathers be too long, the arrows will not fly swiftly.

Little John.If all men knew how to make arrows, their skill in shooting would seem greater. Look to your arrows, say I, before you shoot.

Will Scarlet.We should thank the graygoose for the even growth of her feathers, which carries our arrows straight to the mark.

Robin Hood.First the strong bow that bends to our hand, then the straight arrow, tough and trim, and the feathers that wing it to its mark. But best of all the steady hand and keen eye that direct our winged shaft. But you have worked well this morning, my men, and now we may rest awhile. Sing us a song, Will Scarlet, while we lie beneath the friendly oak.

Will Scarlet(sings).

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