d, and that while he was
king the Danes were trying to conquer England. At the time of the story,
he had been defeated by the Danes, and was compelled to hide with a few
followers in the forest to avoid falling into the hands of the enemy.]

TIME: _More than a thousand years ago._
PLACE: _a forest in England._

* * * * *

KING ALFRED.
DANISH CHIEF.
GOODWIFE.
ENGLISH SOLDIERS.
PRINCE.
DANES.

* * * * *

[_A hut is at one side. Near by is a pile of burning fagots. The_ PRINCE
_enters from the forest. He carries a great spear. He looks about;
creeps to the hut and looks in the window; shows satisfaction; returns
to the forest._]

PRINCE (_softly_). All is well. Enter!

(_Enter_ Two ENGLISH SOLDIERS _from forest. They carry large bows and
wear quivers holding arrows._)

We are safe here, my men. Tell King Alfred that.

[_The first Soldier salutes and enters forest._]

SECOND SOLDIER. Danes may hide in the hut, Prince--

PRINCE (_shaking head_). There's only an old woman within.

[_Enter_ FIRST SOLDIER. _He holds the bushes and vines aside._]

FIRST SOLDIER. The king!

[_Enter_ KING ALFRED. _He is disguised as a beggar. He is young, manly,
and courageous._]

PRINCE (_bowing)._ You can rest safely here, King Alfred.

KING. Do you think the Danes are still in pursuit?

PRINCE. No, your Majesty, I am sure we have escaped them this time.

SECOND SOLDIER. Besides, they would not know your Majesty dressed so.

KING (_anxiously_). Gentlemen, disguise yourselves as you have me.

PRINCE. That will not do, Sire. The Danes must not see you dressed as we
are. 'Twill make you safer.

KING. Aye, but there's more danger for you dressed so. Come, be beggars
now with me!

FIRST SOLDIER (_shaking head_). Our first thought is for you, Sire.

SECOND SOLDIER. Should you fall into the Danes' hands now, what will
become of England?

KING. Why, she must fight again!

PRINCE, (_shaking head_). Our soldiers ran from the Danes to-day, and
lost the battle to them!

KING. 'Tis because they fear these Danes as they do monsters,--monsters
come to rob them,--to burn their homes,--to make them slaves!

SOLDIERS. Aye! Aye!

KING. If only I could turn their fear to rage and fierce, hot anger!
Then England would not flee! She'd fight her foes and conquer!

SOLDIERS. Aye! Aye!

PRINCE. 'Tis for that great work you should save yourself, Sire! For
that, you