WOODCUTTER. She is not here, my lord. (Looking round to see that they
are alone) My lord, are you one of the Princes who is seeking the hand
of the Princess.
RED PRINCE (complacently). I am, fellow.
WOODCUTTER. His Majesty the King was here a while ago. He is to make
his decision between you this afternoon. (Meaningly) I think I can
help you to be the lucky one, my lord.
RED PRINCE. You suggest that I take an unfair advantage over my
fellow-competitors?
WOODCUTTER. I suggest nothing, my lord. I only say that I can help
you.
RED PRINCE (magnanimously). Well, I will allow you to help me.
WOODCUTTER. Thank you. Then I will give you this advice. If a beggar
woman asks you for a crust of bread this afternoon, remember--it is
the test!
RED PRINCE (staggered). The test! But I haven't _got_ a crust of
bread!
WOODCUTTER. Wait here and I will get you one.
(He goes into the hut)
RED PRINCE (speaking after him as he goes). My good fellow, I am
extremely obliged to you, and if ever I can do anything for you, such
as returning a crust to you of similar size, or even lending you
another slightly smaller one, or---- (The WOODCUTTER comes back with
the crust.) Ah, thank you, my man, thank you.
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