I put too great constraint upon his will;

Things would be changed if he were with us still.

I ought not to have forced him to the trade.

King Cole:

"A forced thing finds a vent," my father said;

And yet a quickening tells me that your son

Is not far from you now; for I am one

Who feels these things, like comfort in the heart.

 The couple watched King Cole and shrank apart, For brightness covered him with glittering. "Tell me your present troubles," said the King, "For you are worn. What sorrow makes you sad?" [Pg 26]

[Pg 26]

The Showman:

Why, nothing, sir, except that times are bad,

Rain all the season through, and empty tents,

And nothing earned for stock or winter rents.

My wife there, ill, poor soul, from very grief,

And now no hope nor prospect of relief;

The season's done, and we're as we began.

Now one can bear one's troubles, being a man,

But what I cannot bear is loss of friends.

This troupe will scatter when the season ends:[Pg 27]

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