[_The_ WICKED ELF _suddenly appears on the opposite side of the road._]

WICKED ELF. Good day to you, pretty maid!

INGÉ. Good day to you, dear Elf!

WICKED ELF. Wilt cross this muddy road?

INGÉ. I must.

WICKED ELF. Then I'll tell you how to do it and not so much as wet your
shoe.

INGÉ. Oh, thank you, dear Elf!

WICKED ELF. Throw down your loaf and--

INGÉ. (_showing surprise; interrupting_). Throw down the loaf?

WICKED ELF. Why, yes,--to use it for a stepping-stone.

INGÉ. But 't will spoil the bread!

WICKED ELF. But 't will save your shoes!

INGÉ. Well, that's true--

WICKED ELF. A pretty maid ne'er wears a muddy shoe.