(To Wrenboys.) Here, my dears, we will not eat while you are in want of food.  We will give it all to you.

1st Wrenboy:  Is it that we can have what is on that table?

2nd Dowager Messenger:  You may, and welcome.

1st Wrenboy:  (With a shout.) Do you hear that news!  Come on now.  Take your chance!  I’ll have the first start!  Skib scab!  Hip, hip, hooray!

(They rush at table and upset it, flinging themselves on the food)

CURTAIN

ACT III

ACT III

The Hall of Justice.  It is nearly dawn.  The last of the Princes is getting in through the window.  They are wearing their masks.

Ogre:  (Outside door to left.) Open now the door for myself.

1st Prince:  No, we will get rid of him now.  Let the Grugach stay outside.

2nd Prince:  That will be best.  He cannot break the bars of this door, or get round over the high wall to the door on the other side.

3rd Prince:  I am sore with the blows he put on us, driving us before him through the wood.

4th Prince:  Let us call to the Guardian, and let him deal with him.  He can bring his foot soldiers and his guns.

5th Prince:  A villain that Ogre is and a thief, wanting to steal away the golden-handled sword.  But we would not tell him where it was, and he never will find it under the step of the Judge’s chair. (Lifts top of step, takes out sword and puts it back again.)

Ogre:  (Outside.) Are ye going to open the door?

1st Prince:  It is a great thing to have that strong door between us.

2nd Prince:  Take care would he break it in.

3rd Prince:  No fear.  It would make too much noise.  It would bring every person in the house running.

4th Prince:  Let us go quick and call the Guardian.

5th Prince:  What will he say seeing us in these clothes?  He will be vexed with us.

1st Prince:  It was folly of us running away.  But he will forgive us, knowing it will teach us better sense.

2nd Prince:  Come to him then, I don’t mind what he will do to us so long as we are safe from the terrible Grugach of an Ogre. (All go to right door, it opens and Ogre bursts in.)

Ogre:  Ye thought to deceive me, did ye?  Ye thought to bar me out and to keep me out?  And I after minding you and caring you these seven years!

3rd Prince:  What way did you get in?

Ogre:  It’s easy for me to get in any place.  If I had a mind I could turn into a house fly and come through the lockhole of the door.  It’s much if I don’t change the whole lot of ye into small birds, and myself to a hawk going through you!  Or, into frightened mice, and I myself into a starving cat!  It’s much if I don’t skin you with this whip, and grind your bones as fine as rape seed!