Burns's Standard Reading-Books

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867 Excerpt: ...burn our houses, and drive away our cattle? Alfred. I do hate them. Gandelin. Heartily! He does not speak heartily, husband. Alfred. Heartily I hate them;--most heartily. Gubba. Give me thy hand then, thou art an honest fellow. Alfred. I was with King Alfred in the last battle he fought. Gandelin. With King Alfred? Heaven bless him! Gubba. What is become of our good king? Alfred. Did you love him then? Gubba. Yes, as much as a poor man may love a king, and kneeled down and prayed for him every night, that he might conquer those Danish wolves; but it was not to be so. Alfred. You could not love Alfred better than I did. Gubba. But what is become of him? Alfred. He is thought to be dead. Gubba. Well, these are sad times; Heaven help us! Come, you shall be welcome to share the brown loaf with us; I suppose you are too sharp set to be nice. Gandelin. Ay, come with us, you shall be as welcome as a prince I But hark ye, husband; though BK. IV. H I am very willing to be charitable to this stranger (it would be a sin to be otherwise), yet there is no reason he should not do something to maintain himself: he looks strong and capable. Gubba. Why, that's true. What can you do, friend? Alfred. I am willing to help you in anything you choose to set me about. It will please me best to earn my bread before I eat it. Gubba. Let me see. Can you tie up faggots neatly? Alfred. I have not been used to it. I am afraid I should be awkward. Gubba. Can you thatch? There is a piece blown off the cow-house. Alfred. Alas, I cannot thatch. Gandelin. Ask him if he can weave rushes: we want some new baskets. Alfred. I have never learned. Gubba. Can you stack hay? Alfred. No. Gubba. Why, here's a fellow! and yet he hath as many pair of hands as his neighbours. Dame, can you employ him in...