us; I suppose you are too sharp set to be nice.

Gandelin. Aye, come with us: you shall be as welcome as a prince! But hark ye, husband; though I am very willing to be charitable to this stranger (it would be a sin to be otherwise,) yet there is no reason he should not do something to maintain himself: he looks strong and capable.

Gubba. Why, that's true. What can you do, friend?

Alfred. I am very willing to help you in any thing you choose to set me about. It will please me best to earn my bread before I eat.

Gubba. Let me see. Can you tie up faggots neatly?

Alfred. I have not been used to it. I am afraid I should be aukward. Gubba. Can you thatch? There is a piece blown off the cow-house. Alfred. Alas! I cannot thatch.

Gandelin. Ask him if he can weave rushes we want some new baskets. Alfred. I have never learned. Gubba. Can you stack hay? Alfred. No.

Gubba. Why, here's a fellow! and yet he hath as many pair of hands as his neighbours. Dame, can you employ him in the house? He might lay wood on the fire, and rub the tables.

Gandelin. Let him watch these cakes then I must go and milk the kine. Gubba. And I'll go and stack the wood, since supper is not ready.

Gandelin. But pray, observe, friend! do not let the cakes burn; turn them often on the hearth.

Alfred. I shall observe your direc

tions.

ALFRED alone..

Alfred. For myself, I could bear it: but England, my bleeding country,

for thee my heart is wrung with bitter anguish !-From the Humber to the Thames the rivers are stained with blood. My brave soldiers cut to pieces! My poor people-some massacred, others driven from their warm homes, stripped, abused, insulted; and I, whom Heaven appointed their shepherd, unable to rescue my defenceless flock from the ravenous jaws of these devourers! Gracious Heaven! if I am not worthy to save this land from the Danish sword, raise up some other hero to fight with more success than I have done, and let me spend my life in this obscure cottage, in these servile offices: I shall be content, if England is happy. -O! here come my blunt host and hostess.

Enter GUBBA and GANDelin.

Gandelin. Help me down with the pail, husband. This new milk, with

the cakes, will make an excellent supper: but, mercy on us, how they are burnt! black as my shoe; they have not once been turned: you oaf, you lubber, you lazy loon

Alfred. Indeed, dame, I am sorry for it but my mind was full of sad thoughts.

Gubba. Come, wife, you must forgive him; perhaps he is in love. I remember when I was in love with theeGandelin. You remember!

Gubba. Yes, dame, I do remember it, though it is many a long year since; my mother was making a kettle of furmety

Gandelin. Prithee, hold thy tongue, and let us eat our suppers.

Alfred.

How refreshing is this

sweet new milk, and this wholesome bread.

Gubba. Eat heartily, friend. Where shall we lodge him, Gandelin?

Gandelin. We have but one bed you know; but there is fresh straw in the barn.

Alfred (aside.) If I shall not lodge like a king, at least I shall lodge like a soldier. Alas! how many of my poor soldiers are stretched on the bare ground!

Gandelin. What noise do I hear! It is the trampling of horses. Good husband, go and see what is the matter.

Alfred. Heaven forbid my misfortunes should bring destruction on this simple family! I had rather have perished in the wood.

GUBBA returns followed by ELLA, with his sword drawn.

Gandelin. Mercy defend us, a sword! Gubba. The Danes! the Danes! O do not kill us!

Ella (kneeling.) My liege, my Lord, my Sovereign! have I found you?