nds and cries._) Have at him! Have at him, sir! Now, a good
one for me, sir, a good one!

[_The sounds and cries gradually cease._]

QUEEN OF CLUBS. Prithee, Sir Joker, finish your rhyme; you did but sing
the first lines.

JOKER (_sings_).

"The Queen of Hearts
She baked some tarts
All on a summer's day;
The Knave of Hearts
He stole those tarts,
And bore them far away.

"The King of Hearts
Called for those tarts,
And beat the Knave full sore--"

_Enter the KING OF HEARTS, L., somewhat out of breath, rolling
down his sleeves, and followed by the KNAVES OF DIAMONDS, CLUBS,
and SPADES._

KING OF HEARTS. Ah, but I did ply the rod right lustily! I am quite
aweary. [_Sits down._]

KING OF SPADES (_rubbing his hands_). We did much enjoy the music!

QUEEN OF HEARTS. Good spouse, I would beg one thing of thee. It being
the Fourth of July, and so our nation's birthday, spare the rogue his
life. Let him come before us again. You heard him say he would make
explanation. Let him come and speak. Perchance it is not too late for
him to make restitution.

KING OF HEARTS (_in astonishment_). Dost thou truly desire that the
varlet should be spared?

QUEEN OF HEARTS (_pleading_). Ay, truly, my lord. And I do especially
yearn for the return of the fire-crackers.

KING OF SPADES. Ay, cousin, if he would but return the fire-crackers,
hear him, I urge, hear him.

KING OF HEARTS (_to the three KNAVES_). Hale me hither that Knave again.
(_Exeunt the KNAVES, L._) I greatly doubt me, sweet lady, that the
thieving churl will return the crackers. He did not return the tarts.
But if he can and does return the fire-crackers, then at your request
will I spare him his life.

QUEEN OF HEARTS. You make me promise of that, my King?

KING OF HEARTS. You have my word upon it.

[_Enter, L., the three KNAVES escorting the KNAVE OF HEARTS, who
is very sore as a result of his beating._]

KING OF HEARTS. Knave, the Queen hath begged of me to let thee speak ere
the headsman seals thy lips forever.

KNAVE OF HEARTS. A blessing upon you, good lady.

KING OF HEARTS. And now speak what thou hast to say, and may thy words
be brief.

KNAVE OF HEARTS. My liege, I did not steal the fire-crackers. I did but
see them near the tapers, and I did fear lest they catch fire and
explode upon the table. Methought they were the daintier did they hold
some sweet contents, and so I took them