User:Wonderfulwhoa/sandbox

KING ALFRED AND THE BURNT CAKES

Alfred the Great was a much-loved king of England who lived from A.D. 849 to A.D. 899. He was kind and honest in all dealings with his subjects, encouraged literacy among his people, and showed bravery and courage when his country was under attack.

One day, the Vikings, a fierce, warlike people, led a surprise attack on King Alfred's army. Alfred was forced to flee for his life. Disguising himself as a poor, ragged shepherd, he trudged through dense forests and crossed many streams. Very tired and hungry, he was wondering where he could get some food, when suddenly he came into a clearing in the woods. Before his eyes, was an old hut with smoke pouring out of the chimney. This gave him hope. The cabin had not been abandoned. His knock brought the woodcutter's wife to the door.

"Could you please give me a little food and a place to sleep tonight?" he asked politely. "I have lost my way."

"Come in," replied the woodcutter's wife. "We don't have much, but what we have we will share with you. You may earn your supper. I have to milk the cows. You watch these cakes," she said, pointing to the cakes on the hearth. "Don't let them burn. Watch them carefully! When they are done take them away from the fire."

Alfred agreed and found a comfortable place to sit near the big stone fireplace. He was soon engrossed in his thoughts. "I can't accept defeat. What action must I take? Where is the best place to lead a counterattack?"

Perhaps in the quietness of the little hut he sought God for wisdom and strength. At any rate, he was oblivious to the rising smoke that came from the burning cakes.

He had a rude awakening from his thoughts when the door suddenly flew open! The woodcutter's wife flew into a rage when she saw the smoke and smelled the burning cakes.

"You lazy, good-for-nothing, low-down daydreamer!" she yelled. "Look what you have done! Now, none of us will have any supper." Alfred bowed his head in shame as she continued to berate him.

The woodcutter, coming home after a hard day of work, strode into the room, spotted the stranger and recognized at once who he was.

"Quiet, woman!" he shouted. "Don't you know to whom you are speaking? We are honored to have our kind and noble king in our little hut."

Fear gripped the heart of the woman, and she fell at the feet of the king and begged him to save her life.

King Alfred smiled and said, "Arise, good woman. I deserved that tongue-lashing. I agreed to watch the cakes. Whoever accepts a task, whether king or peasant, is responsible to do it and do it well. I failed; I am sorry. Forgive me."

The woman was truly grateful for the king's honesty and forgiveness. Happiness seemed to pour over her like a warm summer rain. Her temporary anger had subsided. She smiled and said, "Everything is all right. I'll just make some more cakes."