KING ALFRED AND THE CAKES. 13

Good gracious—though—the cakes! I quite forgot.

[Runs precipitately to oven door, and opens it. He starts
back with horror.

Oh! here’s a horrid, burning shame! all hot!

Soot black! What fire could thus to ashes turn’em ?
Unless ’t was kindled with the wood of Birnam.

No wonder that my mind tow’rds Scotland turns,
Methinks I’m in the Land of Cakes and Burns.

I’ve been and done it. Yes; there’ll be a row
When Mrs. Smith comes in; she won't allow

BAKINGS CAREFUL < ~
“~~ Lo

   

  

For my neglected baking—an excuse
That I was busy, cooking Guthrum’s goose.