Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - Läseboken - 95. Alfred (A Drama)
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
Below is the raw OCR text
from the above scanned image.
Do you see an error? Proofread the page now!
Här nedan syns maskintolkade texten från faksimilbilden ovan.
Ser du något fel? Korrekturläs sidan nu!
This page has never been proofread. / Denna sida har aldrig korrekturlästs.
116
Läsebok. N:o 94—95. 116
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.
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 careless fellow!
Alfred. Indeed, dame, I am very 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 thee.
Gandelin. You remember!
Gubba. Yes. dame, I do remember, though it is many
a long year since! my mother was making a kettle of
frumenty —
Gandelin. Prithee, hold your 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
1 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 misfortune should bring
destruction on this simple family! I would rather have perished
in the wood.
(Gubba returns, followed by Ella with Iris sword drawn.)
Gandelin. Mercy defend us, a sword!
Gubba. The Danes! the Danes! Oh! do not kill us!
Ella (kneeling). My Liege, my Lord, my Sovereign!
have I found you?
Alfred (embracing hirn). My brave Ella!
Ella. I bring you good news, my Sovereign! Our
troops that were shut up in Kenwith Castle, made a desperate
sallv — the Danes were slaughtered. The fierce Hubba lies
, o
gasping on the plain.
Alfred. Is it possible! am I yet a king?
Ella. Their troops are panic-struck; the English soldiers
call aloud for Alfred. Here is a letter which will inform
you of more particulars. (Gives him a letter.)
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
