Thank goodness.
KING. However, I think that it will prevent unnecessary discussion
afterwards if we--Take care, here is another one. (He hurries back.)
_Enter the RED PRINCE_.
QUEEN (with not nearly so much conviction). Could you spare a crust of
bread, sir, for a poor hungry old woman?
RED PRINCE. A crust of bread, madam? Certainly. As luck will have it,
I have a crust on me. My last one, but--your need is greater than
mine. Eat, I pray.
QUEEN. Th-thank you, sir.
RED PRINCE. Not at all. Come, eat. Let me have the pleasure of seeing
you eating.
QUEEN. M-might I take it home with me, pretty gentleman?
RED PRINCE (firmly). No, no. I must see you eating. Come! I will take
no denial.
QUEEN. Th-thank you, sir. (Hopefully) Won't you share it with me?
RED PRINCE. No, I insist on your having it all. I am in the mood to be
generous. Oblige me by eating it now for I am in a hurry; yet I will
not go until you have eaten. (She does her best.) You eat but slowly.
(Sternly) Did you deceive me when you said you were hungry?
QUEEN. N-no. I'm very hungry. (She eats)
RED PRINCE. That's better. Now understand--however poor I am, I can
always find a crust of bread for an old woman. Always! Remember this
when next you are hungry.
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