the cakes are done, I will go and stack the wood. Maud. Have a care, friend; do not let the cakes burn, but turn them now and then on the hearth. me. King Alfred.-I shall do as you bid (They go out.) King Alfred.—If all this woe fell on none but me, I could bear it, and hope on. But, land of my birth! when I think on thee, my heart is wrung with grief! From Tweed to Thames thy streams run red with blood; my brave troops are slain; the poor are cut down on their own hearths; and I, born. to be their guard and shield, strive in vain to save them from these wolves! Great God! if I am not fit to save this land from fire and sword, I pray thee, on my knees, to raise up some new king to take my place, and let him slay the Dane. But here come my hosts. (Hengst and Maud come in.) Maud (to the King).-Help me down with the pail, good man. This new milk, with the cakes, will make a good meal. But, lack the day! how they are burnt ! Not one turn have they had! You oaf! you dull loon! King Alfred.-Good dame, I am much to blame; but my mind was full of sad thoughts. Hengst. Maud, you must not be so hard on him; it may be he's in love. I know when I was in love with theeMaud.-Much you bear that in mind! Hengst. Yes, wife, though it is so long since; as I sat by the side of the hearth to watch the I Maud. us sup. Hold thy tongue, and let King Alfred.—How sweet is this new milk, and this brown bread! Hengst.-Eat thy fill, friend. Where shall we lodge him, Maud? Maud. We have but one room, you know; but there is fresh straw in the barn. King Alfred (turns his face from them). If I do not lodge like a king, at least I shall lodge as well as my poor troops, who now lie on the bare ground. Hengst. What news do I hear? It is the tramp of horse! What can it mean? King Alfred.—God keep these good folk from harm through my ill fate! (Hengst comes back, and not far from him Gurth, with his sword drawn.) Maud. God help us, a sword! |