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+Project Gutenberg's Dramatic Reader for Lower Grades, by Florence Holbrook
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Dramatic Reader for Lower Grades
+
+Author: Florence Holbrook
+
+Release Date: January 10, 2009 [EBook #27764]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DRAMATIC READER FOR LOWER GRADES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charlene Taylor, Carla Foust, Joseph Cooper
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note
+
+
+Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice. A printer
+error has been changed and is listed at the end.
+
+
+
+
+   DRAMATIC READER
+
+   FOR LOWER GRADES
+
+   BY
+
+   FLORENCE HOLBROOK
+
+   NEW YORK CINCINNATI CHICAGO
+   AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY
+
+
+
+
+   COPYRIGHT, 1911,
+
+   BY FLORENCE HOLBROOK.
+
+   ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL, LONDON.
+
+   HOLBROOK'S DRAMATIC READER.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE CHILDREN
+
+
+These little plays--well-known stories done into dialogue--were written
+for children who like to imagine themselves living with their favorite
+characters in forest, in palace, or in fairyland.
+
+It is hoped that you will enjoy these old friends in their new dress
+almost as well as you loved them in the old. When you read the words of
+bird or tree or prince or child, try to speak with the voice and manner
+which you think that character would use. Thus you will make the reading
+a joy to yourselves and a great satisfaction to your hearers.
+
+To try to put oneself in the place of another is very good training for
+the imagination. It also teaches us to be more kind to others and to
+all living creatures. We learn that most persons are striving to do
+better and to be better, and we grow in understanding and sympathy.
+
+May these little plays help you to the enjoyment of the great dramas
+which you will read when you are older.
+
+                                           FLORENCE HOLBROOK
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+                                                           PAGE
+
+   LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD                                     7
+
+   GOLDILOCKS, OR THE THREE BEARS                            16
+
+   THE BIRD WITH THE BROKEN WING                             26
+
+   CORNELIA AND HER JEWELS                                   34
+
+   CINDERELLA                                                39
+
+   THE PIED PIPER                                            56
+
+   MOTHER GOOSE'S PARTY                                      65
+
+   LITTLE TWO-EYES                                           83
+
+   THE DAYS OF THE WEEK                                     100
+
+   HAeNSEL AND GRETEL                                        107
+
+   KING ALFRED                                              125
+
+   ROBIN HOOD AND THE SAD KNIGHT                            139
+
+   WILLIAM TELL                                             152
+
+   TIME AND THE SEASONS                                     162
+
+   THE GINGERBREAD MAN                                      170
+
+   THE GOOD FAIRY                                           178
+
+
+
+
+A DRAMATIC READER
+
+
+
+
+LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD, MOTHER, BIRD, WOLF, MILLER,
+GRANDMOTHER
+
+
+SCENE I.--_At Red Riding-Hood's Home_
+
+_Mother._ Would you like to go to grandmother's to-day, my child? The
+sun is bright and the air is warm and pleasant.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Yes, mother, you know I always like to visit
+dear grandmamma.
+
+_Mother._ Then you may go. You may carry your little basket, and I'll
+put some honey and a jar of butter in it for grandma.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Oh, that will be a nice present for her! And
+may I take her some flowers?
+
+_Mother._ Yes, dear child. Gather some of those you like best.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Here they are, mother--roses and pansies!
+Aren't they pretty?
+
+_Mother._ Very pretty and sweet. Now put on your little red cloak and
+take the basket. Be very careful as you pass through the wood, and go
+directly to grandma's house.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Yes, dear mother. Nothing will harm me. All
+the birds and animals love me and I love them.
+
+_Mother._ Good-by, little daughter. Give me a kiss and take my love to
+dear grandmother.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Good-by, mamma: good-by!
+
+
+SCENE II.--_In the Wood_
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood (singing)._
+
+   Good morning, merry sunshine,
+   How did you come so soon?
+   You chase the little stars away
+   And shine away the moon.
+   I saw you go to sleep last night
+   Before I ceased my playing.
+   How did you get 'way over there,
+   And where have you been staying?
+
+How pretty it is here in the wood! Oh, what a lovely bed of moss! You
+must come with me, pretty green moss, to grandma's house. Good morning,
+pretty bird: will you sing to me this morning?
+
+_Bird._ Yes, little Red Riding-Hood. I will sing to you because you love
+all the birds and can understand my song. Soon I'll show you my little
+birds who are just big enough to fly.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Thank you, dear bird, I shall be glad to see
+the cunning little things. But now I must hurry to grandmother's with
+the butter and the honey. Good-by!
+
+_Bird._ Good-by, little friend! Chirp, chirp; chirp, chirp!
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Now the little bird has flown away. I must put
+this moss in my basket and then hurry along--
+
+_Wolf._ Ugh, ugh!
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Oh! how you frightened me, Mister Wolf! Where
+did you come from?
+
+_Wolf._ From my pretty cave, far, far in the dark wood, little girl.
+What is your name?
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Why, don't you know me? I'm little Red
+Riding-Hood.
+
+_Wolf._ I'm a stranger in this place, little girl; but I shall know you
+the next time I see you--ugh, ugh! What have you in your pretty basket,
+little Red Riding-Hood? It smells like honey.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ It _is_ honey, Mr. Wolf. I am taking it to my
+dear grandmother.
+
+_Wolf._ Are you all alone in the wood, my child? Isn't your mother with
+you? Aren't you afraid?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Afraid? no, indeed! Why should I be afraid?
+All the animals are my friends.
+
+_Wolf._ Oh, yes, of course they are all your friends! But is it far to
+your grandmother's house?
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ No, Mr. Wolf, only about half a mile. You go
+down this path to the mill and then turn to the right, and the first
+house you come to is my grandmother's. It's a little red house.
+
+_Wolf._ Oh, that is very easy to find! But I know a shorter way through
+the wood. Let us run a race and see who will get there first.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ All right, Mr. Wolf. Good-by!
+
+_Wolf._ Ugh, ugh; good-by!
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ How fast he runs! I know he will win the race.
+How surprised dear grandma will be when Mr. Wolf knocks at the door! Now
+I see the mill. I will sing the pretty mill song we learned in school
+the other day.
+
+[_Begins to sing, then stops suddenly._]
+
+Oh, there is the miller. Good morning, Mr. Miller! Have you seen Mr.
+Wolf go by?
+
+_Miller._ No, little Red Riding-Hood. Have you seen a wolf in the wood?
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Yes, Mr. Miller, and he said he would race
+with me to my grandmother's house.
+
+_Miller._ My dear child, I will call the men who are chopping trees in
+the forest and they will catch Mr. Wolf. He is no friend of ours, and
+you must not talk with him, for he is cruel and will do you harm.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Will he? Then I will never say another word to
+him. But I must hurry on to dear grandmother's.
+
+
+SCENE III.--_Grandmother's House_
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Here I am at the door; I will knock. May I
+come in, dear grandmother?
+
+_Wolf_ (_in the house_). Open the latch and walk in.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Here I am, dear grandmother! I am so glad the
+bad wolf did not get here first. Are you so sick you must stay in bed?
+See the nice butter and honey that mother sent you. And see the pretty
+flowers I've brought you.
+
+_Wolf._ Thank you, my child.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ How rough your voice is, grandmother!
+
+_Wolf._ That's because I've such a bad cold.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ But how bright your eyes are, grandmother!
+
+_Wolf._ The better to see you, my child.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ How long your arms are, grandmother!
+
+_Wolf._ The better to hold you, my child.
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ And how big your teeth are, grandmother!
+
+_Wolf._ The better to eat you--ugh! ugh!
+
+[_The miller and the wood choppers rush in._]
+
+_Mr. Miller._ Here's an end to you, Mr. Wolf! These men with their axes
+will stop your cruel deeds.
+
+[_The wolf runs out, followed by the men._]
+
+Come, little Red Riding-Hood, don't be afraid. The wolf can't harm you
+now. Here is your grandmother, who has just come home from the village.
+She will take care of you.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Dear grandmother! I thought that the wolf was
+you.
+
+_Grandmother._ Darling little Red Riding-Hood! How glad I am that you
+are safe. Now you must stay with me till your mother comes, and we will
+tell her how the brave men saved you and me from the hungry wolf. Won't
+she be glad to see her little Red Riding-Hood again?
+
+
+
+
+GOLDILOCKS, OR THE THREE BEARS
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--GOLDILOCKS, THE DOLLIE, FATHER BEAR, MOTHER BEAR,
+BABY BEAR
+
+
+SCENE I.--_Goldilocks in the Garden with her Doll_
+
+_Goldilocks._ O dear! I do wish mother would come home. I am going to
+meet her. She told me not to go out of the garden lest I should get
+lost; but if I keep in the road, I _can't_ get lost! Come, Dollie, you
+and I will go just a little way to meet mamma.
+
+How warm it is in the sunshine! I think we shall go into the shady wood
+a little while. Let us pick some of these pretty flowers to make a
+wreath--won't mother be surprised when I show her all these flowers.
+Here is a lovely red one; and here's another like a daisy.
+
+How dark it is here! I cannot see the road. I wonder if I'm lost! O
+mamma, mamma! I'm afraid. Dear Dollie, I'm glad you are with me.
+
+_Dollie._ But I'm afraid, too!
+
+_Goldilocks._ Please, dear Dollie, don't be afraid. Why, there's nothing
+to be afraid of--oh!
+
+_Dollie._ What is the matter, Goldilocks?
+
+_Goldilocks._ Look, what is that?
+
+_Dollie._ I don't see anything.
+
+_Goldilocks._ I thought I saw a bear.
+
+_Dollie._ Well, I hope not. I don't like bears.
+
+_Goldilocks._ But there is a little house. Isn't it a funny little
+house? I wonder who lives there!
+
+_Dollie._ Dear Goldilocks, please, don't you think we'd better go home?
+I don't like strange little houses in the wood.
+
+_Goldilocks._ Perhaps a kind fairy lives there who will show us the way
+home.
+
+_Dollie._ Yes, or perhaps she is the Gingerbread Witch who will turn us
+into gingerbread for her supper!
+
+_Goldilocks._ Don't say such uncomfortable things, Dollie. She couldn't
+turn you into gingerbread, anyway.
+
+_Dollie._ Well, I know I'm made of sawdust, but she might make mush of
+me for breakfast!
+
+_Goldilocks._ I know you're fooling now, dear Dollie. Let's look in the
+window. I don't see anyone. I'll knock at the door. No one answers.
+Come, Dollie, we'll open the door and walk in. How nice and warm it is.
+There is a good fire in the kitchen stove.
+
+_Dollie._ Yes, and I smell something good to eat.
+
+_Goldilocks._ Here it is on the table--what pretty bowls--one, two,
+three! I'll taste the porridge in the big bowl first. O Dollie, it is
+too hot! I burned my mouth.
+
+_Dollie._ Try the next bowl. Perhaps the porridge in the middle-sized
+bowl is not so hot.
+
+_Goldilocks._ No, indeed, it isn't; but it is too cold.
+
+_Dollie._ Aren't you hard to please? I'm so hungry I could eat anything.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Goldilocks._ Now this in the little bowl is just right. Sit down,
+Dollie, and we'll eat it all up.
+
+_Dollie._ Do you think it is very polite for us to eat it all?
+
+_Goldilocks._ You should have spoken of that before. It is too late now
+when it is all gone. Come, let us go into the parlor.
+
+_Dollie._ Don't you think we'd better go home?
+
+_Goldilocks._ How can we when I don't know the way? I'm tired, and I
+think I'll rest awhile in this nice big rocking-chair. But it's too
+high; I can't get into it.
+
+_Dollie._ Don't move it out of its place.
+
+_Goldilocks._ Never mind! I'll try the middle-sized chair. I don't like
+this, it is too low.
+
+_Dollie._ Well, Goldilocks, you must not put chairs out of their places!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Goldilocks._ Oh, it won't hurt them. Now let us try this pretty little
+chair. Come, Dollie, I'll sing you a song:
+
+   Rock-a-bye, Dollie, in the treetop,
+   When the wind blows, the cradle will rock;
+   When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall
+   And down will come Dollie, cradle and all!
+
+[_Chair breaks._]
+
+_Dollie._ Well, something broke then!
+
+_Goldilocks._ Yes, the cradle and all came down that time. Dear, O dear!
+I wish I hadn't rocked you so hard. I wish I hadn't run away!
+[_Crying._]
+
+_Dollie._ Don't cry, dear Goldilocks. Let us see what we can find in the
+next room. Perhaps some one is in there who will take us to your dear
+mother.
+
+_Goldilocks._ O Dollie! I'm a naughty girl not to mind my mother. If I'd
+only stayed at home in the garden!
+
+_Dollie._ Oh, see the big bed!
+
+_Goldilocks._ I'm so tired I believe I'll climb in and go to sleep. But
+I don't like it. This big bed is too hard.
+
+_Dollie._ And this middle-sized one is too soft.
+
+_Goldilocks._ But this little one is _just right_.
+Go--to--sleep--Dollie--
+
+
+SCENE II.--_The Bear Family in the Wood_
+
+_Father Bear._ Well, little son, aren't you about ready to go home?
+
+_Sonny Bear._ Oh, no, father! Let me play just a little longer. Here are
+such good places to hide in the shady wood.
+
+_Mother Bear._ No, dear little sonny, we must go home now. It is getting
+late. It's time for you to have your supper and go to bed.
+
+_Sonny Bear._ All right, mother dear. I believe I am hungry, and your
+porridge is always so good.
+
+_Mother Bear._ Most children like porridge. Perhaps you can have a nice
+red apple, too.
+
+_Sonny Bear._ Oh, goody! Little sonny bears always like apples, don't
+they, papa?
+
+_Father Bear._ Yes, my dear. Mother, let me take your knitting basket.
+What are you making now?
+
+_Mother Bear._ A warm cap for sonny. Isn't it pretty?
+
+_Father Bear._ Very pretty, and he should be very glad he has such a
+good mother.
+
+_Sonny Bear._ She _is_ a good mother, and you are a very good father,
+too.
+
+_Father Bear._ Well, here we are at home again. But the door is open.
+I'm certain I closed it when we went away. Who has been here?
+
+_Mother Bear._ Let us take off our wraps and have our tea.
+
+_Father Bear._ Why, somebody has been tasting my porridge.
+
+_Mother Bear._ What? Let me see! Some one has left a spoon in my
+porridge, too.
+
+_Sonny Bear._ Oh, mamma! Look at my bowl! Some one has eaten my porridge
+all up.
+
+_Mother Bear._ Never mind, sonny boy, you may have some of mine. But I
+wonder who has been here. Let us go into the parlor and see if anyone is
+there.
+
+_Father Bear_. Who's been moving my chair?
+
+_Mother Bear._ Some one has been sitting in my chair!
+
+_Sonny Bear._ Look, mother! Some one has been rocking in my chair and
+broken it all to pieces! O dear! my nice little chair!
+
+_Father Bear._ Never mind, Sonny Bear; don't cry. I'll buy you another
+chair at Mr. Wolf's store to-morrow.
+
+_Mother Bear._ And now it is time for us to go to bed. Our little son is
+tired and sleepy.
+
+_Father Bear._ I'll carry him up stairs. Come, sonny, there you are up
+on my shoulder.
+
+   Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross
+   To see an old woman ride on a white horse.
+   With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes,
+   She shall have music wherever she goes!
+
+Well, who's been in my bed, I'd like to know?
+
+_Mother Bear._ Why, look at my bed. Some one has been lying on my bed!
+
+_Sonny Bear._ Come quick, Mother! Father, come! Some one is in my bed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Goldilocks_ (_waking and frightened_). Oh, see the three Bears. Come,
+Dollie, let us jump out of the window. [_Runs away._]
+
+_Mother Bear._ The little girl has gone, dear. Now you must go to
+sleep.
+
+
+
+
+THE BIRD WITH THE BROKEN WING
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--THE BIRD, THE OAK TREE, THE MAPLE, THE WILLOW, THE
+SPRUCE, THE PINE, THE JUNIPER, THE FOREST FAIRY, JACK FROST
+
+
+SCENE I.--_In the Woods_
+
+_The Oak._ See that flock of birds coming! The winter is near and they
+are flying south.
+
+_The Maple._ I hope they will not light on my branches; I like to keep
+my leaves in order.
+
+_The Willow._ So many birds will break my tender twigs. I am sure I do
+not want them either. Here they come!
+
+[_The birds fly over the trees._]
+
+_Little Bird._ Oh, I can fly no farther! My wing is broken and I cannot
+hold it up. I am so tired and cold and hungry! I must rest to-night in
+this forest. I am sure some big strong tree will give me a resting
+place. I will ask this tall Oak, he looks so strong and his leaves are
+so thick and warm! May I rest in your branches to-night, great Oak Tree?
+I am a poor little bird with a broken wing and I am cold and tired and
+hungry.
+
+_The Oak._ I am sorry; but my branches are all engaged by the squirrels,
+who are getting their acorns in for the winter. I have no room for
+strange birds.
+
+_Little Bird._ Oh! I am so lonely, so tired! Surely the handsome Maple
+Tree will take me in. She has no acorns and so the squirrels will not be
+in her branches. Kind, lovely Maple Tree, may I rest to-night in your
+branches? I am a poor little bird with a broken wing. I will not harm
+your pretty leaves.
+
+_The Maple._ My leaves tremble to think of taking in strange birds! My
+house is in perfect order and I cannot think of disturbing it. Please go
+away!
+
+_Little Bird._ Oh, what shall I do? The Oak and the Maple are so unkind
+and I am shivering with cold and weak with hunger. Surely _some_ tree
+must be kind. Dear Willow, you are kind, are you not? Will you take me
+upon your graceful branches just for to-night?
+
+_The Willow._ Really, Mr. Bird with the broken wing, I think you should
+have gone on with the other birds. I cannot take you in. I do not know
+your name or anything about you. Besides, I am very sleepy, and so, good
+night!
+
+_Little Bird._ Oh, my dear bird friends, how I wish some of you were
+here! I shall perish with the cold if I must stay on the ground. Where
+can I go? The Oak, the Maple, and the Willow have all turned me away and
+the night is coming on.
+
+_The Spruce._ Dear little bird with the broken wing, come to me! Can you
+hop up into my branches if I hold them down to you? See, here I am! I am
+not so handsome as the Maple tree, but my leaves grow thick and I'll
+try to keep you warm through the night. Come!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Little Bird._ Dear Spruce tree, how kind you are! I did not see you at
+first. Yes, here I am, on your lowest branch. How cosy and warm I feel.
+Oh, you are so good, and I was so tired and cold. Here I'll rest. I wish
+I could ever thank you enough for your goodness.
+
+_The Spruce._ Do not speak of that, dear little bird; I am ashamed of
+the proud, selfish trees that would not shelter you. Should we not all
+be kind and helpful to one another?
+
+_The Pine._ Well said, sister Spruce. And I will do my best to help you.
+I am not so strong as the Oak tree, little bird, but I will stand
+between you and the cold north wind. Rest warm and safe in the branches
+of the kind Spruce tree.
+
+_Little Bird._ I thank you, tall Pine tree, for your kindness. You are a
+good brother of the Spruce and I shall rest well while you are both
+taking care of me.
+
+_The Juniper._ I cannot keep the strong north wind from you, little bird
+with the broken wing, but if you are hungry, you may eat of my berries.
+Perhaps then you will rest better.
+
+_Little Bird._ Thank you, dear Juniper tree. Why are you all so kind to
+me? Your berries are good, and now I am cold and hungry no longer. I'll
+go to sleep. Good night, dear trees!
+
+_Trees._ Good night, little bird, and may you have sweet dreams!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+SCENE II.--_Midnight in the Forest_
+
+_Jack Frost._ Here I am in the great forest. How I dislike to touch all
+these beautiful leaves; yet I must obey the orders of King Winter. Here
+comes the Forest Fairy. Do you know why I have come, dear Fairy of the
+Forest?
+
+_Forest Fairy._ Yes, Mr. Frost. I know that you must touch all the
+leaves, turning them into brilliant hues of gold and crimson and brown.
+I dislike to have them go, and yet you and I must obey the commands of
+King Winter. But,--
+
+_Jack Frost._ But what, dear Fairy? You speak as if you had some wish to
+make--what is it?
+
+_Forest Fairy._ I must tell you. Such a dear little bird came to the
+forest this evening. He had a broken wing, and he was cold and very
+tired. He asked shelter from the great Oak, the proud Maple, and the
+graceful Willow,--and all refused. I was so ashamed of my trees!
+
+_Jack Frost._ What! did all the trees refuse to help a poor, tired
+little bird?
+
+_Forest Fairy._ Listen! just as I was intending to speak to the trees,
+I heard the Spruce tell him to come to her branches and she would give
+him shelter. Then the Pine tree offered to keep the north wind from him,
+and the Juniper gave him her berries to eat. Could you, dear Jack
+Frost--
+
+_Jack Frost._ Yes, yes, I know what you would ask. Such kindness as this
+should meet with some reward. The leaves of the proud Oak, the Maple,
+and the Willow shall fall to the ground when the cold of winter comes;
+but the Spruce, the Pine, the Juniper, and all their family shall keep
+their leaves and they shall be green all through the year. They shall be
+called the Evergreen Trees.
+
+
+
+
+CORNELIA AND HER JEWELS
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--CORNELIA, NYDIA THE MAID, JULIA, ELDER SON, YOUNGER
+SON
+
+
+SCENE.--_Home of Cornelia_
+
+_Nydia._ Madam, the lady Julia waits to salute you.
+
+_Cornelia._ Bid her enter, I pray. It is not fitting to have her wait.
+
+_Nydia._ She is at the door, gracious madam.
+
+_Cornelia._ Welcome, thrice welcome, fair Julia.
+
+[_Nydia carries Julia's casket._]
+
+_Julia._ Thanks, dear Cornelia, for your kind greeting. May you and all
+your household have peace and joy.
+
+_Cornelia._ And may those blessings be yours also, dear Julia. But tell
+me, what treasures have you in that charming casket?
+
+_Julia._ A few poor jewels, fair friend. Bring me the casket, Nydia.
+These are some presents my parents and husband have given me.
+
+_Cornelia._ I am so glad you have brought them to show me. You are very
+kind, for you know I greatly admire beautiful jewels.
+
+_Julia._ See, here is a pearl necklace.
+
+_Cornelia._ How lovely! Let me clasp it about your neck. It is very
+becoming. And what other gems have you?
+
+_Julia._ Here is a girdle my mother gave me for a wedding present. Isn't
+it pretty?
+
+_Cornelia._ Pretty! my dear, it is exquisite! Your mother showed much
+good taste when she chose this for you.
+
+_Julia._ And here are some rings from the far East. See these emeralds
+and rubies; how they flash in the sunlight!
+
+_Cornelia._ How well they look on your white hands! But I see something
+else.
+
+_Julia._ Yes, this is my handsomest jewel, a diamond bracelet. This I
+like best of all.
+
+_Cornelia._ They are all lovely, my dear friend, and I am glad you have
+such beautiful things.
+
+_Julia._ But, dear Cornelia, where are your jewels? All Rome knows how
+rich your famous father, Scipio, was, and surely he gave you many
+handsome ornaments. Please show them to me.
+
+_Cornelia._ Oh, no, dear friend. But hark! I think I hear my sons.
+Nydia, tell them I wish to see them.
+
+_Nydia._ Here are the children, madam.
+
+_The Boys_ (_running in_). Dear mother! darling mother!
+
+_Cornelia._ Tell me, my Caius, what did the pedagogue teach you to-day?
+
+_Caius._ O mother! It was wonderful! He told us how Horatius kept the
+bridge in the brave days of old. Wasn't that a great and noble deed,
+mother mine?
+
+_Cornelia._ Yes, my darling. And you, my Tiberius, have you been pleased
+with your lessons?
+
+[Illustration: CORNELIA AND HER JEWELS]
+
+_Tiberius._ Mother, how you must honor our grandfather, the noble
+Scipio! Our teacher told the boys of his great campaigns in Africa and
+how the Senate called him Africanus after the war was over.
+
+_Cornelia._ Yes, my son, such work and such lives are lessons worthy of
+study. They teach the young how they too may live and die for their
+beloved country.
+
+_Caius._ I shall try to be a brave man some day, too, dear mother.
+
+_Tiberius._ And I, mother, shall try to be worthy of our noble family.
+
+_Cornelia._ My dear, noble boys! Julia, these are my jewels.
+
+_Julia._ How you shame my vanity, noble Cornelia! What are all the
+precious stones in the world compared with these noble boys! Daughter of
+the famous Scipio, the world will remember you through the great deeds
+of your sons, and all mankind will honor you as CORNELIA, MOTHER OF THE
+GRACCHI.
+
+
+
+
+CINDERELLA
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--CINDERELLA, MOTHER, FATHER, KATHERINE, ELIZABETH,
+FAIRY GODMOTHER, PRINCE, HERALD
+
+
+SCENE I.--_Cinderella's Home_
+
+_Mother._ I am so glad we are all invited to the ball at the Prince's
+palace. You know, my dear, that it will be a great pleasure for our
+girls.
+
+_Father._ Yes; and I suppose you will all have to buy new ball dresses.
+
+_Katherine._ O mamma! isn't it lovely! May I have a blue silk dress?
+
+_Elizabeth._ And may I have pink, dear mother? And shall we get them
+to-day?
+
+_Mother._ Yes, my child; and you may both go with me to buy your dresses
+and slippers.
+
+_Cinderella._ Dear papa, may I go to the ball at the Prince's palace?
+
+_Father._ You, my child! Aren't you too young for parties? Ask your
+mother.
+
+_Cinderella._ May I go to the ball, mother?
+
+_Mother._ Nonsense, child! what are you thinking of? A ball is no place
+for a child like you. You are better off at home by the kitchen fire.
+
+_Cinderella._ But I'm fourteen. Sister Katherine, won't you coax mamma
+to let me go?
+
+_Katherine._ No, indeed, I'll not! What would you do at a ball? a silly
+thing like you!
+
+_Elizabeth._ Don't be a goose. Wait till you're older and better
+looking. There's no room in the carriage for you, and you are too young,
+anyway.
+
+_Mother._ Come, girls, it is time for us to go down town to buy our new
+gowns. Cinderella, go to your lessons. Don't think any more about the
+ball. You can't go, and so that's the end of it.
+
+
+SCENE II.--_Cinderella's Home_
+
+_Father._ Come, girls! aren't you ready yet? Is your mother coming?
+
+_Katherine._ Yes, father, in just a minute.
+
+_Mother._ Here we are, dear. Don't the girls look sweet?
+
+_Father._ Yes, yes! but, come on, for we are late now.
+
+_Mother._ Good night, Cinderella. Be a good girl and go to bed at nine
+o'clock.
+
+[_All go out, leaving Cinderella alone._]
+
+_Cinderella._ Good-by!--Now they have gone and I am all alone. Oh, why
+couldn't I go, too! How pretty they all looked! I would not take up much
+room, and I don't like to be left here by myself when they are having
+such a good time. Oh, dear! I believe I'm going to cry, but I can't help
+it. [_Cries._]
+
+[_Enter fairy godmother._]
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ Why are you crying, Cinderella?
+
+_Cinderella._ Who is that? I thought I heard some one speaking to me,
+but I can't see anybody.
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ What is the matter, Cinderella?
+
+_Cinderella._ Oh, _lovely_ lady! who are you?
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ I am your fairy godmother, my child, and I wish to
+know why you are crying.
+
+_Cinderella._ Oh, dear! I'm crying because they have all gone to the
+ball; and I wanted to go, too, and they wouldn't take me!
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ Never mind, my dear. Stop crying, and I will let you
+go.
+
+_Cinderella._ Oh, dear fairy godmamma! will you, really? But how _can_ I
+go in this old dress?
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ You'll see. Tell me, Cinderella, have you a big
+yellow pumpkin in the kitchen garden?
+
+_Cinderella._ Yes, I think so. I saw one there yesterday.
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ Go, get it for me.
+
+_Cinderella_ (_runs out, and returns with the pumpkin_). I've found it!
+Here it is!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ Yes, that is a fine pumpkin. I'll touch it with my
+wand. What is it now?
+
+[_The pumpkin is changed to a carriage._]
+
+_Cinderella._ Oh! oh! how lovely! Such a beautiful, big, yellow coach!
+Why, it is much finer than papa's black carriage.
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ I am glad you like your coach. Now do you think
+there are any rats in your rat trap?
+
+_Cinderella._ I'll go see. Yes, here is the trap with two big rats in
+it. What long tails they have!
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ Wait till I touch them with my fairy wand. Now what
+do you see?
+
+_Cinderella._ Oh, dear godmother! what a wonderful wand to change rats
+into great handsome horses with long manes and tails! You dear horses!
+I'll get you some sugar to eat.
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ Don't stop to pet them now, but fetch me the
+mousetrap.
+
+_Cinderella._ Here it is with two cunning little mice in it. What will
+you do with them?
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ Touch them with my fairy wand and turn them into a
+coachman and a footman. See, the coachman is on the box with the reins
+in his hand, and the footman holds the door open for you. Will you step
+in, Cinderella?
+
+_Cinderella._ In _these_ clothes, dear godmother?
+
+_Fairy Godmother_ (_laughing_). That wouldn't be nice, would it? Well,
+let us see what my wand can do for you. Now look in the glass and tell
+me what you see there.
+
+_Cinderella._ Oh, what a pretty lady! Why, I do believe she is myself!
+What a beautiful dress! And look, dear godmother! see my pretty glass
+slippers!
+
+_Fairy Godmother._ Yes, my dear, you are all ready for the Prince's
+ball. I want you to have a happy time, but remember this. You must start
+for home when the clock strikes twelve or your pretty clothes will
+change, your coach will turn into a pumpkin, your horses to rats, and
+you will have to walk home.
+
+_Cinderella._ I'll remember, dear godmother, and run away on the first
+stroke. Thank you so much! Good-by!
+
+[_Enters the coach and is driven away._]
+
+
+SCENE III.--_The Prince's Palace_
+
+_Cinderella._ Here I am at the palace. Please announce me as the Lady
+from Far Away.
+
+_Herald._ The Lady from Far Away!
+
+_Prince._ What a lovely lady! she must be a princess. Tell me, fair
+lady, are you a princess from the land of flowers?
+
+_Cinderella._ I am not a princess, sir, but only a girl from the land of
+happy thoughts.
+
+_Prince._ You say well, fair lady, for no one can look upon you without
+thoughts of love and joy.
+
+_Cinderella._ And you, great Prince, have thoughts of great and noble
+deeds, have you not?
+
+_Prince._ Yes, I have thoughts of great deeds, of brave men and fair
+ladies, of games and victories,--but now I have forgotten all but you.
+
+_Cinderella._ Will you remember me to-morrow or shall I fade away like
+the dreams of night?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Prince._ No dreams could be fairer, but I hope you will not vanish as
+they do. If you do, I am quite sure that I shall find you!
+
+_Cinderella._ Don't be too sure, for I am not what I seem. I am a
+princess only in your thoughts; really I am--
+
+_Prince._ What? a flower, a star, a goddess?
+
+_Cinderella._ No, only a woman--
+
+_Prince._ The best of all, a woman! And now will the dream-woman dance
+with me?
+
+_Cinderella._ With pleasure; what lovely music!--and so many pretty
+women. What beautiful rooms!
+
+[_Cinderella, the Prince, her father, mother, sisters, and two gentlemen
+dance the minuet._]
+
+_Prince._ Will you not tell me your name and where you live?
+
+_Cinderella._ Both are a secret.
+
+_Prince._ It makes no difference to me, for I know you, and that is
+enough.
+
+_Cinderella._ I hear the clock! What hour is it striking?
+
+_Prince._ Twelve--but that is early. You need not go?
+
+_Cinderella._ Yes, I must, and quietly. Do not try to keep me,
+Prince--good night!
+
+_Prince._ She is gone! and I do not know where she lives. How can I find
+her? I'll give another ball and hope she will come again.
+
+[_All go out._]
+
+
+SCENE IV.--_Cinderella's Home_
+
+_Father._ Well, girlies, did you have a pleasant time at the ball?
+
+_Katherine._ Oh, yes, papa, splendid! But did you see the lovely
+princess that came so late?
+
+_Elizabeth._ She was the prettiest girl there. I wonder who she is!
+
+_Mother._ So do I. It seems to me I've seen her somewhere. Perhaps I've
+met her in my travels; but I can't remember where it was.
+
+_Father._ What is her name?
+
+_Katherine._ I heard some one say she was Lady Far Away. But that's not
+a real name.
+
+_Elizabeth._ Perhaps she is a princess in disguise.
+
+_Cinderella._ Tell me, sister, how this princess looked.
+
+_Elizabeth._ Oh! she is lovely! Golden curls and blue eyes and such a
+sweet smile!
+
+_Katherine._ She wore a beautiful dress that shone like the moonlight.
+
+_Elizabeth._ Did you notice her pretty slippers? They looked like
+crystal.
+
+_Mother._ The Prince danced with her all the time.
+
+_Father._ Why, here comes the Prince's herald. I'll see what he wants.
+Here is a note. It is an invitation to go to the Prince's palace again
+to-night. Do you all want to go?
+
+_All._ Yes, yes, father, please!
+
+_Father._ All right, we'll go!
+
+_Cinderella._ Can't I go this time, mamma?
+
+_Mother._ No, my dear. When you are a little older you can go, but not
+now.
+
+
+SCENE V.--_At the Palace_
+
+_Prince._ I wonder if my fairy princess will come to-night. I've been
+looking for her for more than an hour. Oh, here she is! Dear lady, I've
+been hoping you would come.
+
+_Cinderella._ So you have not forgotten me?
+
+_Prince._ No, and never shall. Will you go with me to see the flowers?
+
+_Cinderella._ What lovely flowers! This is certainly the home of the
+flower fairies. See the roses nodding at us. They almost ask us to love
+them.
+
+_Prince._ May I give you this dainty pink one? It is the color of your
+cheeks.
+
+_Cinderella._ Remember I am from the land of Far Away and I must vanish
+at midnight.
+
+_Prince._ Tell me where your father lives that I may call upon him.
+
+_Cinderella._ Not now; but sometime I may tell you about my fairy
+godmother.
+
+_Prince._ There! I knew you must be a sister of the fairies. Does your
+fairy godmother have a fairy wand?
+
+_Cinderella._ Yes, and she does wonderful things with it--but my father
+and mother do not know about her.
+
+_Prince._ Of course not. Only very young people know about fairy
+godmothers. But we know, don't we?
+
+_Cinderella._ Hark! I hear the chimes ringing. It must be twelve
+o'clock, and I must go.
+
+_Prince._ Do not go, dear princess. Stay here in my palace, always.
+
+_Cinderella._ The fairies are calling me and I am late. I must go.
+Perhaps I can come again sometime. Oh, I am afraid--
+
+_Prince._ Afraid of what?
+
+_Cinderella._ Good-by, good-by!
+
+_Prince._ She's gone! What was she afraid of? I cannot see her! Who is
+that child running down the stairway? She must be one of the servants
+who has been watching the dancers. I wish I could see my princess. What
+is that shining thing on the stairs? She has lost one of her crystal
+slippers. Now I know how I shall find her. To-morrow I shall send a
+herald through the city to find the owner of this pretty little slipper.
+
+
+SCENE VI.--_Cinderella's Home_
+
+_Cinderella._ Mamma, mamma, here is a man on horseback who wants to see
+you.
+
+_Mother._ What is your errand, sir?
+
+_Herald._ I am sent by the great Prince of our country to find the owner
+of this slipper. He says he will marry no one but the lady who can wear
+this little crystal slipper.
+
+_Mother._ I'll call my daughters. Katherine! Elizabeth! We were all at
+the ball at the Prince's palace. Katherine, is this your glass slipper?
+Try it on.
+
+_Katherine._ Yes, mother. My, how small it is! I cannot get my foot in
+it!
+
+_Elizabeth._ Perhaps it will fit me. My feet are smaller than yours. No,
+I cannot push my foot in, no matter how long I try. It must be a magic
+slipper.
+
+_Cinderella._ May I try on the slipper?
+
+_Mother._ My dear child, why should you try on the slipper? It belongs
+to the princess who went to the ball.
+
+_Katherine._ And you were not at the ball, Cinderella!
+
+_Elizabeth._ Your foot is too big for it, my dear little sister.
+
+_Herald._ Pardon me, ladies, but the orders of the Prince are that every
+lady, young or old, must try on the slipper, and when the owner is found
+she must go with me to the palace.
+
+_Cinderella._ Give it to me, please. See how easily it slips on my
+foot--and here is the mate to the glass slipper in my pocket. Dear
+Mother, I am the fairy princess you saw at the ball.
+
+_Mother._ You, my dear! and I did not know you!
+
+_Herald._ Now, lady, please come with me to the Prince's palace. You
+shall be a princess.
+
+_Cinderella._ Good-by, dear sisters! Good-by, dear mother! I am going to
+the Prince's palace.
+
+
+
+
+THE PIED PIPER
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--MAYOR, FIRST COUNCILMAN, SECOND COUNCILMAN, THIRD
+COUNCILMAN, TEN CITIZENS, PIPER
+
+
+SCENE I.--_The Mayor's Office_
+
+_Mayor and Councilmen, sitting around a table.--Citizens come in._
+
+_First Citizen._ Our Mayor is a noddy!
+
+_Second Citizen._ Look at our corporation sitting in the gowns we pay
+for, and doing nothing!
+
+_Third Citizen._ See here, how the rats made a nest in my Sunday hat!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Fourth Citizen._ When I was cooking dinner the bold rats licked the
+soup from my ladle!
+
+_Fifth Citizen._ They are so bold they are always fighting with the dogs
+and cats!
+
+_Sixth Citizen._ Yes, and they kill them, too!
+
+_Seventh Citizen._ My baby cried in his sleep, and when I went to him
+there was a big rat in his cradle.
+
+_Eighth Citizen._ What are you going to do about it, Mr. Mayor?
+
+_Ninth Citizen._ You'd better wake up, sirs! Don't go to sleep over
+this!
+
+_Tenth Citizen._ I tell you, you'll have to do something to save us from
+this army of rats!
+
+_First Councilman._ What _can_ we do?
+
+_Second Councilman._ I'm sure we've tried everything, but every day the
+rats grow worse and worse.
+
+_Third Councilman._ I'm sure it isn't very pleasant for us to have the
+city overrun with the creatures!
+
+_Mayor._ I'd sell my ermine gown for a guilder! It is no easy thing to
+be mayor and I wish I was a plowboy in the country! Try to think of
+something to do.
+
+_First Councilman._ It is easy to bid us rack our own brains!
+
+_Second Councilman._ I'm sure my head aches trying to think.
+
+_Third Councilman._ I've wondered and thought, till I've no thoughts
+left.
+
+_Mayor._ Oh! if I only had a great big trap! Yes, a thousand big traps!
+Bless us, what noise is that? Is it a rat?--Come in!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[_Enter Piper._]
+
+_First Councilman._ Who is this who dares to come into the Mayor's
+office without an introduction?
+
+_Second Councilman._ Hasn't he a funny coat?
+
+_Third Councilman._ But what a pleasant face! He smiles all the time.
+
+_Mayor._ He looks like the picture of my grandsire. What is your name,
+and your business, my man?
+
+_Pied Piper._ Please your honors, my name is Pied Piper. My business is
+to play upon my pipe. I can charm with the magic of my notes all things
+to do my will. But I use my charm on creatures that do people harm, the
+toad, the mole, and the viper, and rats--rats!
+
+_Mayor._ Rats! Well, then, you're the man we want. We'll pay you a
+thousand guilders if you'll free our town of rats.
+
+_Piper._ A thousand guilders! Done! It's a bargain!
+
+
+SCENE II.--_Same as Scene I. The Mayor and Councilmen looking out of
+window_
+
+_Mayor._ There he goes down the street.
+
+_First Councilman._ What a strange looking pipe he plays!
+
+_Second Councilman._ I believe it must be a magic one.
+
+_Third Councilman._ Do you hear the music? What is that other noise?
+
+_Mayor._ Look, look at the rats! Did you ever see such a sight!
+
+_First Councilman._ The streets are crowded with them! Big and little,
+brown, black, and gray, they are tumbling over each other in their
+hurry!
+
+_Second Councilman._ Sir! he is going toward the bridge.
+
+_Third Councilman._ They must think he is playing a tune of apples and
+cheese!
+
+_Mayor._ There they are at the river. They are plunging in! they will be
+drowned!
+
+_First Councilman._ Good for the piper!
+
+_Mayor._ Ring the bells for the people. Tell them to get long poles,
+poke out the nests and block up the holes!
+
+_Second Councilman._ Here comes the Piper.
+
+_Third Councilman._ That was well done, Mr. Piper.
+
+_Pied Piper._ Yes, all the rats are drowned and now I've come for my
+pay.
+
+_Mayor._ Pay! why what have you done? Just played a tune on your pipe.
+You must be joking.
+
+_Piper._ You promised--
+
+_First Councilman._ You impudent fellow! You certainly don't think a
+tune on your pipe is worth one thousand guilders? There is no work in
+that.
+
+_Second Councilman._ The rats are dead and can't come to life again, I
+think!
+
+_Mayor._ My friend, we are much obliged, of course. We are much obliged
+and will gladly give you fifty guilders. You know your time is not worth
+more.
+
+_Piper._ No trifling, pray. I'll have what you promised, or you may find
+that I'll play a tune you do not like!
+
+_Mayor._ What! do you threaten us, fellow? Do what you please. Do you
+think we care? Play on your old pipe whatever tune you wish.
+
+_Piper._ Listen, then, and look from your window when I play again in
+the street below.
+
+[_Goes out._]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Mayor._ What does the lazy fellow mean by his threats?
+
+_First Councilman._ Hear his wonderful music! Listen.
+
+_Second Councilman._ Oh! what is he doing! See the children!
+
+_Third Councilman._ They are following him. There is my son. Where are
+you going, my boy? Come back!
+
+_Mayor._ Let me see! O woe! there are my own three lovely children. Run,
+some one, and stop them!
+
+_Third Councilman._ I'll go; I'll go.
+
+[_Runs out._]
+
+_Mayor._ It is useless. Every child in our city is following the magic
+sound.
+
+_Second Councilman._ The music seems to say: "Come, children, to the
+wonderful land of play. There flowers and fruits will welcome you. The
+birds and beasts will play with you, and you will never be sad or sorry
+in the wonderful land of play." No wonder the children follow the Piper.
+
+_Third Councilman_ (_enters_). The children and the Piper have all
+disappeared! A mountain opened and let them in!
+
+_First Councilman._ The children, the blessed children, have gone! What
+shall we do without the children?
+
+_Mayor._ Oh, wicked man that I am! Why did I break my promise? Why did
+I not give him the thousand guilders?
+
+_Second Councilman._ Yes, we are all wicked men, and we are punished for
+not keeping our word.
+
+_Mayor._ Let us write this sad story on a column so that all may read;
+and let us paint the picture of the Piper with our little ones following
+him, on a church window, so that all men may know how our children have
+been stolen away.
+
+_First Councilman._ And may this sad story teach us all to keep our word
+with every one.
+
+
+
+
+MOTHER GOOSE'S PARTY
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--MOTHER GOOSE, JACK GOOSE, MOTHER HUBBARD, DOG,
+A-DILLAR-A-DOLLAR, MARY (AND HER LAMB), OLD MRS. SHOEMAN, HER SONS
+(TOMMY TUCKER, JACKY HORNER), MISS MUFFET, BOY BLUE, BO-PEEP, NANCY
+ETTICOAT, LITTLE BOY WHO LIVES IN THE LANE, OLD KING COLE, MAN IN THE
+MOON, TOM THE PIPER'S SON, MISTRESS MARY
+
+
+SCENE I.--_Home of Mother Goose_
+
+_Mother Goose._ I really think I must give a party. All my friends have
+been so good to me and I have been entertained in so many homes!
+Wherever I go I am sure to see one of my Mother Goose books, and the
+children all seem to love it so much. Let me see! whom shall I invite? I
+think I'll ask Old Mother Hubbard to take tea with me and we'll talk
+about the party together. Jack, Jack!
+
+_Jack_ (_enters_). Yes, mother dear, what is it?
+
+_Mother Goose._ Jack Goose, I wish you to run over to Mother Hubbard's
+house and ask her to take tea with me this afternoon. Now be nimble,
+Jack,--be quick!
+
+_Jack._ Yes, mother dear. See me jump over the candlestick! Isn't that
+fine jumping?
+
+_Mother Goose._ Very fine indeed, Jack. Now do your errand, and hurry
+home.
+
+_Jack._ Yes, mother, I will. Good-by.
+
+_Mother Goose._ Good-by.
+
+
+SCENE II.--_House of Mother Hubbard_
+
+_Jack_ (_knocking_). I wonder if Old Mother Hubbard is at home. Hark! I
+hear her dog barking. Yes, and I hear her step. Here she is!
+
+_Mother Hubbard_ (_opening the door_). Who is this knocking so loud? Oh,
+it's you, little nimble Jack! Will you come in?
+
+_Jack._ No, thank you, Mrs. Hubbard. My mother wishes you to come over
+to our house for tea this afternoon. Will you come?
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ Yes, thank you, Jack, I will. Tell your mother that
+I'm just going to market to buy my poor doggie a bone.
+
+_Jack._ O Mother Hubbard! _please_ let me play with your dog. He's such
+a dear old doggie! Do you remember how he danced a jig the other day?
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ Yes, Jack, I do; and I think you danced with him. You
+are both nimble young things and both like to dance. Well, good-by, now.
+Have a good time together and I'll bring you something little boys like.
+
+_Jack._ Thank you! Good-by, good-by! Now, doggie, let's dance.
+
+   Old Mother Hubbard, she went to the cupboard,
+     To get the poor doggie a bone;
+   But when she got there, the cupboard was bare,
+     And so the poor doggie had none.
+
+_Dog_ (_sadly_). Bow-wow, bow-wow, bow-wow!
+
+_Jack._ Oh! you don't like that song! Never mind, old fellow! Mother
+Hubbard has gone to the butcher's and she'll get you a bone, I'm sure.
+Wait till she comes back.
+
+_Dog_ (_gayly_). Bow-wow, bow-wow, bow-wow!
+
+_Jack._ I thought you would like that. Here she comes now. We've had a
+lovely dance, Mother Hubbard, and now I must hurry home.
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ Thank you for staying and taking good care of my dog.
+Here are some fresh Banbury buns for you.
+
+_Jack._ Oh, thank you, Mother Hubbard. I'm very fond of Banbury buns.
+Good-by!
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ Good-by, Jack. Tell your mother I'll be over soon.
+
+_Jack._ Bring your dog with you, and we'll have another dance. Good-by.
+
+_Dog._ Bow-wow! bow-wow! bow-wow!
+
+
+SCENE III.--_Mother Goose and Mother Hubbard at the Tea Table_
+
+_Mother Goose._ I am pleased to see you, Mother Hubbard. I hear that
+your cupboard is no longer bare and empty, and I am very glad you are
+able to give your poor dog all the bones a good dog should have. Now for
+our tea. Shall I put two or three lumps in your cup?
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ Three, please. I like my tea very sweet. And now tell
+me, Mother Goose, what is the reason you sent for me to-day?
+
+_Mother Goose._ Well, I am going to give a party and I wish to ask your
+advice.
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ Indeed! Whom do you think of inviting?
+
+_Mother Goose._ First, the dear Old Woman who lives in the shoe--
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ What! and all her children?
+
+_Mother Goose._ No, only the two eldest. You know the party is for my
+son Jack, too, and we must have the young people as well as their
+parents. Old King Cole will come and bring his fiddlers three to play
+for the young folks who dance.
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ I hope you won't invite Tom the Piper's Son, or My Son
+John as his mother calls him,--or Humpty-Dumpty. They are not good boys
+for your son Jack to play with!
+
+_Mother Goose._ I suppose not; but I like them all, and I dislike to
+leave out anyone. I don't wish to hurt their feelings.
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ There are little Bo-Peep and Boy Blue, who are good
+children, although rather silly; and there are little Miss Muffet and
+Nancy Etticoat, both very pretty little girls; and there are Jacky
+Horner and Tommy Tucker and the Man-in-the-Moon and Taffey and
+Daffey-Down-Dilly and--
+
+_Mother Goose._ I'll have to give a garden party if I invite all those!
+I can't leave any out, and I think I'll have the party out-of-doors.
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ That will be fine! I only hope it will be a pleasant
+day. When will you give it?
+
+_Mother Goose._ Two weeks from to-day, the first of May.
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ That's May Day and a very good day for a party
+out-of-doors. Well I must go home now. Good-by! If I can help you,
+please call upon me.
+
+_Mother Goose._ Thank you, Mother Hubbard! Good-by, and thank you again
+for coming over.
+
+
+SCENE IV.--_At the Party_
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ What a lovely day you have for your party, Mother
+Goose! The sun shines so bright and warm, and the flowers are lovely. Is
+there anything I can do?
+
+_Mother Goose._ No, thank you. I'm glad you came early. Have you seen
+the tables?
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ They are lovely! Where did you get such pretty
+flowers?
+
+_Mother Goose._ From Mistress Mary, quite contrary. You know she has a
+garden
+
+   With cockle shells, and silver bells,
+   And pretty maids all in a row.
+
+_Mother Hubbard._ I see some one coming.
+
+_Mother Goose._ Why, how do you do, A-Dillar-a-Dollar! Are you always in
+such good time?
+
+_A-Dillar-a-Dollar._ I'm afraid not, Mrs. Goose. They call me
+
+   A ten o'clock scholar,
+   Why did you come so soon?
+   You used to come at ten o'clock,
+   And now you come at noon!
+
+_Mother Goose._ And here comes Mary with her little lamb. Do you like
+the lamb better than a Teddy Bear, Mary?
+
+_Mary._ Yes, indeed, I do. Because the lamb loves me, you know.
+
+   It followed me to school one day,
+     Which was against the rule;
+   It made the children laugh and play,
+     To see the lamb at school.
+
+_Mother Goose._ Here comes the Old Woman who lives in a shoe, and her
+two oldest boys. Dear Mrs. Shoe-woman, I am very glad to see you! How
+did you leave all of your children?
+
+_Mrs. Shoe-woman._ Oh, dear, Mother Goose! I have so many children I
+don't know what to do: when they are naughty I give them some broth
+without any bread, and whip them all soundly and put them to bed.
+
+_Mother Goose._ Here are all the children coming to the party! Come,
+children, let us have a dance. All stand around the Maypole as I call
+your names:
+
+Little Miss Muffet and Boy Blue;
+
+Little Bo-Peep and Jacky Horner;
+
+Nancy Etticoat and Jack-be-nimble;
+
+Mary and the little Boy who lives in the Lane.
+
+All take ribbons and stand around the Maypole. Are you all ready?
+
+_Children._ Yes, Mother Goose, we are all ready when the music begins.
+
+_Mother Goose._ Old King Cole, will you have your three fiddlers play
+for the dance?
+
+_King Cole._ With pleasure, dear Mother Goose--and I'll sing:
+
+   Hey diddle, diddle! the cat and the fiddle;
+     The cow jumped over the moon;
+   The little dog laughed to see such craft,
+     And the dish ran away with the spoon.
+
+_Children_ (_sing_).
+
+   Old King Cole was a merry old soul;
+     And a merry old soul was he;
+   He called for his pipe and he called for his bowl,
+     And he called for his fiddlers three.
+
+[Illustration: MOTHER GOOSE'S PARTY]
+
+_Mother Goose._ These are very good songs, but they will not do for a
+Maypole dance. Here, Little Tommy Tucker, sing for your supper.
+
+_Tommy Tucker._ All right, Mother Goose.
+
+   Handy Spandy, Jack-a-dandy,
+   Loved plum cake and sugar candy;
+   He bought some at a grocer's shop,
+   And out he came, hop, hop, hop.
+
+_Children._
+
+   Little Tommy Tucker, sings for his supper;
+   What shall he eat? White bread and butter;
+   How shall he eat it without any knife?
+   How shall he marry without any wife?
+
+[_Dance about the Maypole._]
+
+_Mother Goose._ Why, who can that man be? He is tumbling down in a very
+queer way! Who are you?
+
+_Man._
+
+   I'm the Man in the Moon,
+   Come down too soon
+   To ask the way to Norwich.
+   I went by the south,
+   And burnt my mouth,
+   Eating cold pease-porridge.
+
+Are Jack and Jill here?
+
+_Jack._ Here I am, Mr. Moon-Man.
+
+_Jill._ Oh, dear Mr. Moon-Man, where is your dog and your bundle of
+sticks?
+
+_Jack._ Tell us what the children play in your country, the Moon!
+
+_Children._ Please do, Mr. Moon-Man!
+
+_Moon-Man._ Well, children, I can tell you how they learn to count. They
+all say--
+
+   One, two; buckle my shoe;
+   Three, four; shut the door;
+   Five, six; pick up sticks;
+
+and then they all pick up sticks and put them on the fire.
+
+_Tom._ I don't think that is much fun!
+
+_Children._ Of course you don't. You don't like sticks.
+
+   Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son,
+   Stole a pig and away he run!
+     The pig was eat,
+     And Tom was beat,
+   And Tom ran roaring down the street!
+
+_Mistress Mary._ Now, children, let us sit in a circle and play games
+and sing songs. Little Bo-Peep, you may sing your little song first.
+
+_Little Bo-Peep._
+
+   Little Bo-Peep, she lost her sheep,
+     And doesn't know where to find them;
+
+_Children._
+
+   Leave them alone and they will come home
+     Bringing their tails behind them.
+
+_Mistress Mary._ Now Jack and Jill--
+
+_Jack and Jill._ Shall we go up the hill to get a pail of water?
+
+_Children._
+
+   Jack and Jill went up the hill
+     To get a pail of water.
+   Jack fell down and broke his crown,
+     And Jill came tumbling after.
+
+_Boys._
+
+   Up Jack got and home did trot
+     As fast as he could caper;
+   He went to bed to mend his head,
+     With vinegar and brown paper.
+
+_Girls._
+
+   Jill came in and she did grin,
+     To see his paper plaster;
+   Her mother, vexed, did spank her next
+     For laughing at Jack's disaster.
+
+_Mistress Mary._ Now, I'll sing a song and then help Mother Goose with
+the supper. [_Sings._]
+
+   Sing a song a sixpence,
+     Pocket full of rye;
+   Four-and-twenty blackbirds
+     Baked in a pie.
+   When the pie was opened
+     The birds began to sing,
+   Wasn't that a dainty dish
+     To set before the king?
+
+_Mother Goose._ Now I must have some children to help me.
+
+_Jack Goose._ I'll take the bean porridge hot and bean porridge cold,
+mother, and Tommy Tucker can go with me and pass the white bread and
+butter.
+
+_Mother Goose._ That's my good Jack. Now Tom the Piper's Son may take
+the roast pig and Mary may pass the Banbury cross buns.
+
+_Miss Muffet._ Dear Mother Goose, may I pass the curds and whey?
+
+_Mother Goose._ Yes, my dear child, but be careful not to spill any.
+Then for the last course Jack Horner will pass the Christmas pie and
+give every child a big fat plum.
+
+_Children_ (_sing_).
+
+   Little Jacky Horner
+   Sitting in a corner
+   Eating a Christmas pie
+   He put in his thumb
+   And pulled out a plum
+   And said--What a great boy am I?
+
+_Old King Cole._ Mother Goose, you have given us a beautiful party and
+we have had a lovely time. We hope you will live to give many more to
+your friends and the children.
+
+_Children._ Yes, Mother Goose, your party was just lovely!
+
+_Mother Goose._ Thank you, dear children.
+
+_King Cole._ Now, little folks, let us sing a good-by song to Mother
+Goose.
+
+_The girls_ (_bowing to King Cole_).
+
+   The king was in the counting room,
+     Counting out his money.
+
+_The boys_ (_bowing to Mother Goose_).
+
+   The queen was in the parlor,
+     Eating bread and honey.
+
+_All._
+
+   The maid was in the garden
+
+(_To Mistress Mary_)
+
+     Hanging out the clothes,
+   Along came a blackbird
+     And nipped off her nose!
+
+_Mother Goose._ And that story means that night is coming and putting
+the day to sleep.
+
+_King Cole._ So it does, and you see the sun is fast going down behind
+the western hills. Say good-by, children, for it is time to go home.
+
+_Children._ Good night, Mother Goose.
+
+_Mother Goose._ Good night, dear children, and don't forget your old
+Mother Goose.
+
+_Children._ Forget dear Mother Goose? Never! Good-by, good-by!
+
+_Mother Goose._ Good-by.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+LITTLE TWO-EYES
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--MOTHER, LITTLE ONE-EYE, LITTLE TWO-EYES, LITTLE
+THREE-EYES, LITTLE OLD WOMAN, TREE, PRINCE, GOAT
+
+
+SCENE I.--_Dining Room at Little Two-Eyes' Home_
+
+_Mother._ Come to dinner, little One-Eye and little Three-Eyes. Here is
+some good soup and white bread for you. Little Two-Eyes, you can have
+what your sisters do not want.
+
+_Little Three-Eyes._ Here's a crust for you. That is enough for a girl
+with only two eyes.
+
+_Little One-Eye._ What a shame to have a sister with two eyes! You look
+just like other people! Little Three-Eyes and I are very different.
+
+_Little Three-Eyes._ Here little Two-Eyes, take this bowl. I don't want
+any more and you can have what is left.
+
+_Mother._ Now, children, run away and play. Little Two-Eyes, take the
+goat and go out to the hillside. You must stay till it begins to get
+dark, and then you may come home. You must work, because you have two
+eyes like other people, but my little One-Eye and Three-Eyes may stay at
+home and play.
+
+
+SCENE II.--_On the Hillside_
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Come, little goat, here is some green grass for you
+to eat. I wish that my sisters loved me and that my mother was not
+ashamed of me. Oh, why do I have two eyes just like all other people? I
+am so hungry, Oh, dear! Oh, dear! (_Cries._)
+
+_Wood Fairy._ My child, why do you cry?
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Because I have only two eyes, and my mother and my
+sisters treat me badly. I don't have enough to eat and I am so hungry.
+My dress is old, and my sisters have nice dresses and pretty ribbons.
+But who are you?
+
+_Wood Fairy._ I am the little Old Woman who lives on this hill. I have
+come to help you. Listen, little Two-Eyes! You need never be hungry
+again. Say to your little goat:
+
+   Little goat, bleat!
+   Little table, rise!
+
+Then a table will rise before you with all the food you can eat. When
+you have finished eating, you must say:
+
+   Little goat, bleat!
+   Little table, away!
+
+and it will disappear before your eyes. Good-by, dear little Two-Eyes. I
+must go now, but remember what I have told you.
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Why, where has that queer looking little woman gone?
+I am so hungry I'll try now if what she said can be true.
+
+   Little goat, bleat!
+   Little table, rise!
+
+_Goat._ Bla-a! Bla-a! Bla-a!
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Oh, look, little goat! what a pretty table! and how
+good the food looks. Now we shall have all we want to eat. Here is
+something for you, and here are oranges and meat and pudding for me!
+Dear little woman! How can I thank her? Now I can eat no more.
+
+   Little goat, bleat!
+   Little table, away!
+
+_Goat._ Bla-a! Bla-a! Bla-a!
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ There, it is gone. Aren't we happy, little goat? But
+see, it is time to go home. Come, little goat.
+
+
+SCENE III.--_At Home_
+
+_Mother._ Here, little Two-Eyes, here are the crusts your sisters saved
+for you.
+
+_Two-Eyes._ Thank you, mother, but I don't care for any crusts. I'm not
+hungry.
+
+_Mother._ Not care for them? You are not hungry? You have always eaten
+them before now and asked for more! You didn't eat any supper last
+night, either. What does this mean? What did you have to eat to-day?
+
+_Two-Eyes._ I cannot tell you, mother.
+
+_Mother._ You cannot? Then, little One-Eye, you shall go to the hillside
+with little Two-Eyes and find out why she is no longer hungry.
+
+_Little One-Eye._ I don't want to go! The walk is too long, and I shall
+get tired!
+
+_Mother._ Just this once, my dear! You will not have to go again. But we
+must learn the secret.
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Come, sister. Come, little goat.
+
+
+SCENE IV.--_The Hillside_
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Now we are almost there. Are you tired, little
+One-Eye?
+
+_Little One-Eye._ Oh! I am so tired, and my feet hurt so I can hardly
+walk.
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ I have to walk this far every day.
+
+_Little One-Eye._ Yes, but you have two eyes like other people and you
+must expect to work. I cannot go any farther. I'll lie down here and
+rest.
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ I'll sing you a pretty song:
+
+   Are you awake, little One-Eye?
+   Are you asleep, little One-Eye?
+
+Yes, you are asleep, little One-Eye, and now I can have my dinner.
+
+   Little goat, bleat!
+   Little table, rise!
+
+_Goat._ Bla-a! Bla-a! Bla-a!
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Here is the little table again! Oh, how thankful I am
+for the good food. Dear little old woman, you are very good to send me
+such nice things to eat. Here is some for you, little goat. Now I have
+had enough.
+
+   Little goat, bleat!
+   Little table, away!
+
+There, it is gone. Little One-Eye, wake up! It is time to go home.
+
+_Little One-Eye._ Did I go to sleep?
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Indeed, you did, and now we must hurry home. Come,
+little goat!
+
+
+SCENE V.--_At Home_
+
+_Mother._ Well, little One-Eye, tell us what you have seen. Why doesn't
+little Two-Eyes eat the food we have for her?
+
+_Little One-Eye._ I don't know, mother. The way was so long and I was
+so tired; I fell asleep; and when I woke up it was time to come home.
+
+_Mother._ It was a hard walk for you, my dear; but we must find out who
+is giving little Two-Eyes something to eat. To-morrow you must go,
+little Three-Eyes.
+
+_Little Three-Eyes._ I'll find out, mother. If anyone dares to give food
+to little Two-Eyes, I'll tell you all about it.
+
+_Mother._ Yes, my dear, I know you won't go to sleep. I can trust you to
+find out everything.
+
+
+SCENE VI.--_On the Hillside_
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Come, sister, we must go on, for it is a long way to
+the top of the hill.
+
+_Little Three-Eyes._ I'm not going any farther, I'm too tired! I'll rest
+a little here.
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ All right, little Three-Eyes. I'll sing you a song.
+
+   Are you awake, little Three-Eyes?
+   Are you asleep, little Two-Eyes?
+
+Yes, you are asleep, and now I'll have my dinner.
+
+   Little goat, bleat!
+   Little table, rise!
+
+_Goat._ Bla-a! Bla-a! Bla-a!
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Here is our dinner again, little goat. See this fresh
+lettuce and cabbage and good bread and butter. Here is some honey, too,
+and cake. Isn't this a good dinner?
+
+   Little goat, bleat!
+   Little table, away!
+
+_Goat._ Bla-a, bla-a, bla-a!
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Now it is gone. Three-Eyes, wake up! It is time home.
+
+_Little Three-Eyes._ How long I have slept! What will my mother say? But
+I think I have a surprise for you, little Two-Eyes!
+
+
+SCENE VII.--_At Home_
+
+_Mother._ Well, little Three-Eyes, did you go to sleep, too?
+
+_Little Three-Eyes._--Yes, mother, but only with two eyes. Little
+Two-Eyes sang to me,
+
+   "Are you awake, little Three-Eyes?
+    Are you asleep, little Two-Eyes?"
+
+and so two of my eyes went to sleep, but one stayed awake and watched.
+
+_Mother._ What did you see? Tell me quickly, dear little Three-Eyes.
+
+_Little Three-Eyes._ First she said,
+
+   "Little goat, bleat!
+    Little table, rise!"
+
+and the goat said, "Bla-a, bla-a, bla-a!" Then a table came up out of
+the ground. Oh! it was such a pretty little table with a white cloth
+over it and all kinds of good things on it. No wonder little Two-Eyes
+doesn't eat any of our common food. It isn't good enough for her! She
+has food fit for a queen,--nuts and cake, and candy, too!
+
+_Mother._ So that is why little Two-Eyes doesn't eat the crusts we save
+for her! Well, I'll see if she is going to have better food, than we
+have. Bring me the long sharp knife.
+
+[_Goes out and soon returns._]
+
+There, now the goat is dead. Little Two-Eyes, perhaps you'll eat the
+food we give you now!
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Oh, my poor little goat! What shall I do without it!
+
+_Mother._ Go to bed, and to-morrow morning you shall go to the hillside
+alone. And you must stay there all day, too.
+
+
+SCENE VIII.--_On the Hillside_
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Oh, dear! Oh, dear! my poor goat is dead! Now I shall
+be hungry and lonely too! Where shall I go, and what can I do?
+
+_Little Wood Fairy._ Little Two-Eyes, why are you weeping?
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Because my mother has killed my poor goat, and she
+has sent me here to stay all alone, and I am so hungry and thirsty
+again.
+
+_Little Wood Fairy._ Little Two-Eyes, let me tell you what to do. Ask
+your sisters to give you the heart of your goat. Bury it in the ground
+before the house door. Watch, and to-morrow a wonderful tree will come
+up out of the ground.
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Thank you, dear little woman! I'll go home and do as
+you have told me.
+
+
+SCENE IX.--_At Home_
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Little One-Eye and little Three-Eyes, please let me
+have the heart of my goat!
+
+_One-Eye._ Certainly, if that is all you want.
+
+_Three-Eyes._ Here it is, but I don't see what you want it for!
+
+_Little Two-Eyes_ (_goes to door_). Now I'll plant it as the little
+woman told me. I wonder what kind of a tree will appear to-morrow? Poor
+little goat, I'm so sorry you have gone! Now I must go into the house
+and try to sleep.
+
+
+SCENE X.--_In the Garden_
+
+_Little One-Eye._ Mamma, mamma, look here! Come quickly! Isn't this a
+wonderful tree!
+
+_Mother._ Why, how strange! This tree was not here yesterday. I wonder
+how it came! I never saw such a beautiful tree before!
+
+_Little One-Eye._ Do you see the golden apples on it? O mamma! may we
+have some? Please, mother!
+
+_Mother._ Yes, dear little One-Eye. You are the oldest, climb up into
+the tree and pick some golden apples for us.
+
+_One-Eye._ That will be fun. Here I go!
+
+_Mother._ Why don't you get the apples, little One-Eye?
+
+_Little One-Eye._ They all get away from me. When I try to pick one it
+springs back!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Mother._ Come down, little One-Eye. Now little Three-Eyes, you can see
+better with your three eyes, than your sister with her one eye. You may
+climb up and get some apples for us.
+
+_Little Three-Eyes._ I'll pick a lot of them and throw them down for you
+to catch. Why, how funny they act! I almost get one and it always
+springs away!
+
+_Mother._ Come down and let me try. I never heard of fruit that would
+not be picked. Now children, I'll get some of the lovely apples for you.
+There! Why, what is the matter? I can't reach a single apple.
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Let me try; perhaps I can pick some.
+
+_Mother._ You, with your two eyes! How can you expect to get them if we
+can't?
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Please let me try, mother.
+
+_Mother._ Well, I suppose you can try, but I know you can't get them.
+
+_Two-Eyes._ Here they are. Catch them, mother; catch them, little
+One-Eye! Oh, mother! I see a young man on horseback coming along the
+road. He looks like a prince.
+
+_Mother._ Hurry down, little Two-Eyes! He must not see you,--a girl with
+two eyes! I'm ashamed of you. Hide under this barrel!
+
+[_The prince rides up._]
+
+_Prince._ Good morning, ladies, what a lovely tree you have here! She
+who gives me a branch shall have whatever she wishes.
+
+_Little One-Eye._ The tree is ours, Great Prince; but when we try to get
+its fruit, it slips away from us.
+
+_Prince._ It is strange, if the tree belongs to you, that you cannot get
+the fruit! But where do these apples come from?
+
+_Little Three-Eyes._ We have another sister, but she has only two eyes
+and we are ashamed of her; so we hid her under this barrel, and she has
+rolled the apples out to you.
+
+_Prince._ Little Two-Eyes, come out. Can you get me a branch from this
+wonderful tree?
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ Yes, Prince; here is a branch with many golden apples
+on it.
+
+_Prince._ And what is your wish, little Two-Eyes?
+
+_Little Two-Eyes._ O Prince! My mother and my sisters are ashamed of me
+and do not treat me well. They do not give me enough to eat and they do
+not like to have me near them. Please take me away where I can be happy
+and free!
+
+_Prince._ Come with me, little Two-Eyes; you shall go to my father's
+palace and be a little princess. There you will be happy and free and
+never be hungry or lonely again.
+
+
+
+
+THE DAYS OF THE WEEK
+
+THE WEEK--MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Monday._ Well, I am glad to be here at last. Certainly my work is very
+important. As the first working day of the week, I begin all business;
+and I have always heard that if a thing is well begun, it is half done.
+People call me Moon-day--isn't that a pretty name, the day of the moon?
+How beautiful the moon is, riding in her silver chariot across the dark
+blue sky! I am proud of my name. The moon is constantly changing and I
+like change. I like brightness and cleanliness too, and good housewives
+wash their clothes on Monday. How white and clean they look hanging on
+the line! The sun and wind play hide and seek and help to cleanse the
+clothes. School begins on Monday and the little children run and laugh
+on their way to school. Every one seems happy that another week has
+begun.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Tuesday._ I am named for Tui, the god of war. In the countries of the
+north I am greatly honored by all the people. Soldiers when going to war
+call on Tui for help, and they like to begin a battle on Tuesday. Monday
+likes to begin work, but I like to make some progress. The children
+always know their lessons better on Tuesday, and are happier than on
+Monday. The white clothes are sprinkled and rolled, and now the maids
+iron the pretty baby dresses and the house linen. They sing and laugh
+over their work. The world is all running smoothly on Tuesday, and I
+think I like my work the best.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Wednesday._ I should be the best of days, for I am named for Woden, or
+Odin, the king of the gods. The hardest work of the week is finished
+when I come, and there is time for a rest. Perhaps mother will bake a
+special cake for dinner. To-day the children take their music lessons,
+and the boys go for a lesson in swimming or gymnastic exercise. This is
+the day young people choose for their wedding day, and you don't know
+how glad I am to be a part of their happiness. I believe I have more
+sunshine than the other days, for Woden likes to have clear skies and
+health-giving breezes. I would not change with any of my sister days.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Thursday._ I bring the thunder and the lightning, and I cleave the dark
+clouds with my rapid flashes. I glory in a storm, for Thor, the god of
+thunder, has chosen me for his day, and I bear his name. A life of ease
+and quiet has no charms for me. I like the din and crash of war, the
+noise and hurry of business. The fury of the heavens, the crash of
+falling trees, the roaring of waters,--what can give greater pleasure?
+Business thrives on Thursday. Men rush to and fro, buying and selling,
+building great houses, digging in the mines, and sailing the seas. Life
+and action are my delight. Hurrah for Thor's day!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Friday._ After the bustle and work of the week I come to clean and
+settle all disturbances. Now dirt and dust must disappear under the
+broom and brush. How the windows shine and how spotless is the hearth!
+Children rake up the leaves and burn them; all rubbish must be cleared
+away. Order and neatness I love; and so does Freya, for whom I am named.
+She is the goddess of beauty, and there is no beauty where neatness and
+order are absent. Some say that I am an unlucky day, but that is a
+mistake. See what wonderful things have happened on my day, what great
+men have been born on Friday! I am the last school day of the week, and
+to-day the children may forget lessons and play outdoors a little
+longer. To-day the family gather for a story at the twilight hour, and
+all is rest and happiness.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Saturday._ I am the jolly day of the week. "School is out!" the
+children cry, and all day long they sing and call to each other in their
+games. To-day I smell the cakes and pies cooking in the range, for
+Saturday is baking day. How the little children love to watch mother
+stirring the cake and frosting, and how they beg to clean the sweet
+stuff out of the bowl. Father comes home earlier to-day, and all go for
+a walk in the woods or park. All men need a holiday, for "all work and
+no play makes Jack a dull boy." The boys play ball and run and shout in
+their joy. The girls have little parties, and cook gives them some fresh
+cakes. I am named for Saetere, god of the harvest, and he is always
+merry. So I wish all people to be happy on Saturday, the play day of the
+week.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Sunday._ You have all spoken well, my sisters, and each one has some
+claim to be the best day of the week. How fine it is that every day
+holds some special joy in work or play! But you all know the highest joy
+is mine. I am named for the golden sun that gives light to the world. On
+Sunday men think of the inner light that makes them love the good and
+the true and persuades them to do right. To-day the family is united,
+and in the morning with fresh garments and happy faces they seek the
+knowledge of a higher life. Around the dinner table they talk happily
+together of their work and play, and they plan how they may do better
+work during the next week. Love and peace are in all hearts. A desire to
+help the weak and poor and sad is in every soul. I am happy and blest to
+be Sunday.
+
+
+
+
+HAeNSEL AND GRETEL
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--HAeNSEL, GRETEL, MOTHER, FATHER, THE GINGERBREAD
+WITCH, SANDMAN, CHILDREN
+
+
+SCENE I.--_In the Cottage_
+
+_Haensel._ I wish mother would come home! I'm cold and hungry. I'm tired
+of bread. I want some milk and sugar.
+
+_Gretel._ Hush, Haensel; don't be cross!
+
+_Haensel._ If we only had something good to eat: eggs, and butter and
+meat. Oh, dear!
+
+_Gretel._ Dear Haensel, if you will stop crying, I'll tell you a secret.
+
+_Haensel._ Oh, what is it? Something nice?
+
+_Gretel._ Yes, indeed. Look in this jug! It is full of milk. Mother will
+make us a pudding for supper.
+
+_Haensel._ Goody, goody! How thick the cream is! Let me taste it.
+
+_Gretel._ Aren't you ashamed, you naughty boy! Take your finger out of
+the cream. We must go back to work. When mother comes she will be cross
+if you have not finished the broom.
+
+_Haensel._ I'll not work any more. I want to dance.
+
+_Gretel._ So do I. I like to dance better than to work. Come, let us
+dance and sing.
+
+   Brother, come and dance with me,
+   Both my hands I offer thee;
+       Right foot first,
+       Left foot then,
+   Round about and back again.
+
+_Haensel._ I can't dance. Show me what I ought to do.
+
+_Gretel._ Look at me. Do this.
+
+   With your foot you tap, tap, tap!
+   With your hands you clap, clap, clap!
+       Right foot first,
+       Left foot then,
+   Round about and back again.
+
+_Haensel_ (_dancing_).
+
+   With your hands you clap, clap, clap!
+   With your foot you tap, tap, tap!
+       Right foot first,
+       Left foot then,
+   Round about and back again.
+
+_Gretel._ That is fine, brotherkin! Soon you will dance as well as I.
+Come, try again.
+
+   With your head you nick, nick, nick!
+   With your fingers click, click, click!
+       Right foot first,
+       Left foot then,
+   Round about and back again.
+
+_Haensel._
+
+   O Gretel dear, O sister dear,
+     Come dance and sing with me.
+
+_Gretel._
+
+   O Haensel dear, O brother dear,
+     Come dance and sing with me.
+       Tra, la, la, tra, la, la,
+       La, la, la, la, tra, la, la.
+
+[_Knocks down the milk._]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Mother_ (_enters_). What is all this noise?
+
+_Gretel._ 'Twas Haensel. He wanted--
+
+_Haensel._ 'Twas Gretel. She said I--
+
+_Mother._ Hush, you noisy children! What work have you done? Gretel,
+your stocking is not done yet; and where are your brooms, you lazy Hans?
+You have knocked over the milk too! What shall we have for supper? Lazy
+folks can't stay in my house. Take the basket and go to the woods for
+strawberries. And don't dare to come back without them! Off with you!
+and be quick too!
+
+[_The children go out. Mother sits weeping._]
+
+Oh! I am so tired and hungry. Nothing in the house to eat. What shall I
+do for the poor hungry children--Oh, dear, what can I do!
+
+[_Goes to sleep, crying._]
+
+_Father_ (_enters, singing_).
+
+   Hillo, hilloo, hillo, hilloo,
+   Little mother, where are you?
+
+_Mother_ (_looking up_). Who is singing and making so much noise?
+
+_Father._ I called you, for I am hungry and want my supper.
+
+_Mother._ Your supper! with nothing in the house to eat and nothing to
+drink.
+
+_Father._ Let us see. Open your eyes and look in my basket. Cheer up,
+mother!
+
+_Mother._ What do I see? Ham and butter and flour and sausage! Where did
+you get all these good things, father?
+
+_Father._ Hurrah, won't we have a merry time, won't we have a happy
+time? I sold so many brooms at the fair that I could buy you all these
+good things and some tea besides.
+
+_Mother._ Tea! how good it smells and how glad I am! Now I will cook the
+supper.
+
+_Father._ But where are the children? Haensel! Gretel! Where are they?
+
+_Mother._ Oh, the bad children! They did no work and they were singing
+and dancing and spilled the milk, so I sent them to the woods to pick
+some strawberries for supper.
+
+_Father._ Laughing and dancing! Why should you be angry? Where have they
+gone?
+
+_Mother._ To the mountain.
+
+_Father._ To the mountain! the home of the witch!
+
+_Mother._ What do you mean? The witch?
+
+_Father._ Yes, the old witch of the mountain turns all children to
+gingerbread and then she eats them.
+
+_Mother._ Eats them! Oh, my children, my pretty little children! Come,
+we must find them! Haensel, Gretel, where are you?
+
+[_Runs out._]
+
+_Father._ I will go with you, mother. Don't cry! we will surely find
+them.
+
+[_Goes out._]
+
+
+SCENE II.--_In the Forest_
+
+HAeNSEL, GRETEL
+
+_Gretel._ See, my wreath is nearly done.
+
+_Haensel._ And the basket is filled with strawberries. Won't mother be
+pleased? We will have them for supper.
+
+_Gretel._ Let me put the wreath on you!
+
+_Haensel._ No, no! boys don't wear wreaths. Put it on your own head. You
+shall be queen of the woods.
+
+_Gretel._ Then I must have a nosegay, too.
+
+_Haensel._ Now you have a scepter and a crown. You shall have some
+strawberries, too. Don't they taste good?
+
+_Gretel._ Let me feed you.
+
+_Haensel._ And I'll feed you. Don't be greedy!
+
+_Gretel._ Oh, Haensel, the berries are all gone. What naughty children we
+are! We must pick some more now for mother.
+
+_Haensel._ I don't care, I was so hungry. But it is too late to pick
+strawberries now. Let us go home.
+
+_Gretel._ Let us hurry; it is dark and I'm afraid.
+
+_Haensel._ Pooh, _I'm_ not afraid. But I can't see the way. Gretel, we're
+lost!
+
+_Gretel._ What was that?
+
+_Haensel._ What?
+
+_Gretel._ That shining there in the dark!
+
+_Haensel._ Pshaw, don't be afraid! That is a birch tree in its silver
+dress.
+
+_Gretel._ There, see! a lantern is coming this way.
+
+_Haensel._ That is a will-of-the-wisp with its little candle.
+
+_Gretel._ I'm frightened, I'm frightened! I wish I were home!
+
+_Haensel._ Gretelkin, stick close to me! I'll take care of you.
+
+_Gretel._ See! what is that little man in gray?
+
+_Haensel._ I see him, too. I wonder who he is!
+
+_Sandman_ (_comes_).
+
+   With my little bag of sand
+   By every child's bedside I stand.
+   Then little tired eyelids close,
+   And little limbs have sweet repose.
+   Then from the starry sphere above
+   The angels come with peace and love.
+   Then slumber, children, slumber,
+   For happy dreams are sent you
+   Through the hours you sleep.
+
+[_Goes away._]
+
+_Haensel._ I'm sleepy. Let us go to sleep.
+
+_Gretel._ Let us say our prayers first.
+
+_Both._
+
+   When at night I go to sleep
+   Fourteen angels watch do keep:
+   Two my head are guarding,
+   Two my feet are guiding,
+   Two are on my right hand,
+   Two are on my left hand,
+   Two who warmly cover,
+   Two who o'er me hover,
+   Two to whom 'tis given
+   To guide my steps to Heaven.
+
+_Gretel._ Good night, dear brother.
+
+_Haensel._ Good night, dear sister. Don't be afraid. I'll take care of
+you.
+
+[_They sleep._]
+
+
+SCENE III.--_In the Wood--Morning_
+
+_Haensel._ Wake up, dear little sister! The birds are singing and it is
+time to get up!
+
+_Gretel._ I'm awake, dear brother. Come, let us hurry home.
+
+_Haensel._ Here is a path! Oh, Gretel, look at the pretty house!
+
+_Gretel._ A cottage all made of chocolate creams!
+
+_Haensel._ The house seems to smile!
+
+_Gretel._ It looks good enough to eat.
+
+_Haensel._ Let's nibble it!
+
+[_A voice within the house._]
+
+   Nibble, nibble, manikin!
+   Who's nibbling at my housekin?
+
+_Haensel._ Oh, did you hear?
+
+_Gretel._ It's the wind!
+
+_Haensel._ Never mind, let us eat the cake. I'm hungry. Take a bite!
+Isn't it good?
+
+_Gretel._ Yes, and look at the candy! What a funny fence this is! It
+looks like little boys and girls made of gingerbread with sugar
+trimmings. I wonder who lives in this house?
+
+[_The Gingerbread Woman comes out of the house and speaks._]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+   You've come to visit me, that is sweet,
+   You charming children, so good to eat!
+
+_Haensel._ Who are you, ugly one? Let me go!
+
+_Gretel._ Take your arms away from me!
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ Come into my house, little children! You may
+have sugarplums and peaches and cherries and candies and everything nice
+that little folks like!
+
+_Haensel._ No, I won't! I don't want to go into your house. I want to go
+home!
+
+_Gretel._ I don't like you, Mrs. Gingerbread! You aren't nice like my
+mother. I want to go home to my own mother!
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ Come, dear little Gretel. You must go in with
+me. We'll leave Haensel in this little house outside. He must get fatter,
+so we will give him many good things to eat. Get in, Haensel. I must lock
+you in!
+
+_Haensel._ What are you going to do with me?
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ I'll fatten you up nicely and then you will
+see! Now I'll go inside for some sugarplums. You wait here, Gretel,
+until I come back. Hocus, pocus, malus locus! now you can't move!
+
+[_Goes in._]
+
+_Haensel._ Listen, Gretel! Watch the old witch and see everything she
+does to me. Hush, she's coming back!
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ Now, Hans, eat this raisin. It will make you
+fat! Now, Gretel, you have stood still long enough.
+
+   Hocus, pocus, elder bush!
+   Rigid body loosen, hush!
+
+Then, Gretel, you must come with me, but Hans cannot move until he gets
+nice and fat like you. Run in, little daughter, and get some more nuts
+and raisins for him. I like plump little bodies like yours!
+
+[_Gretel goes in._]
+
+_Haensel._ Please let me out, Mrs. Gingerbread.
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ When you are fatter. Now I must look to my
+fire. It is burning well, and the oven will soon be hot enough to bake
+my dinner. When I change my gingerbread I'll pop little Gretel in and
+shut the door.
+
+[_Gretel comes in very quietly and goes to Hans._]
+
+_Gretel._
+
+   Hocus, pocus, elder bush!
+   Rigid body loosen, hush!
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ What are you saying?
+
+_Gretel._ Oh, nothing,--only,--
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ Only what?
+
+_Gretel._ Only, much good may it do to Hans!
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ Poor Hans is too thin, but I hope the raisins
+and nuts will be good for him. But, you, my plump little Gretel, are
+just fat enough--come, peep in the oven and see if the gingerbread is
+ready!
+
+_Haensel_ (_softly_).
+
+   Sister dear, have a care;
+   She means to hurt you, so beware!
+
+_Gretel_ (_shyly_). I don't understand what I am to do!
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ Do? Why, open the oven door!
+
+_Haensel._ Sister dear, now take care!
+
+_Gretel._ I'm such a goose, I don't understand.
+
+_The Gingerbread Witch._ Do as I say, it's only play! This is the way.
+
+[_Opens the door and looks in oven. Hans and Gretel run and push her
+in._]
+
+_Children sing._ One little push, bang goes the door, clang! Now, let us
+be happy, dancing so merrily. Hurrah! Hurrah!
+
+_Haensel._ Why, see the children, Gretel. The fence is moving! The
+gingerbread children are _real_ children, but their eyes are shut!
+
+_The Children._ We are saved! We are saved!
+
+_Gretel._ Who are you? Why do you keep your eyes shut? You're sleeping
+and yet you are talking!
+
+_The Children._ O touch us, we pray, that we may awake!
+
+_Haensel._ The witch has changed them into gingerbread children. I know
+what to do. Let us say what the witch said to you, and what you said to
+me!
+
+_Haensel and Gretel._
+
+   Hocus, pocus, elder bush!
+   Rigid body loosen, hush!
+
+_The Children._ (_Opening their eyes and running toward Haensel and
+Gretel._) We thank you, we thank you both!
+
+_Gretel._ Oh, I am so glad!
+
+_The Children._ The spell is broken and we are free. The witch can do us
+no more harm. Come, let us shout for glee!
+
+_Haensel._
+
+   Come, children all, and form a ring,
+   Join hands together, while we sing.
+
+_Gretel._ Oh, Haensel dear, I wish father and mother were here!
+
+_Haensel._ Look, Gretel! There they are!
+
+[_Father and Mother enter._]
+
+_Father._ Why, mother, the children are here! Come, my dear Haensel and
+Gretel! How glad I am we have found you safe and well!
+
+_Haensel._ Oh, father, we must tell you all about the Gingerbread Witch!
+
+_Mother._ My dear children, were you frightened?
+
+_Gretel._ Yes, mother, I was. But, mother, Haensel comforted me, and we
+said our prayers and went to sleep.
+
+_Mother._ The good angels watched over you and brought you back! Come,
+let us go to the village and take all these dear children to their
+mothers. Won't they be surprised and happy to see their dear children
+again?
+
+_Father._ Come, children!
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+KING ALFRED
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--QUEEN JUDITH, ETHELBALD, ETHELBERT, ETHELRED,
+ALFRED, PEASANTS, KING'S OFFICERS
+
+
+SCENE I.--_In the Castle_
+
+_Ethelbald._ Tell us a story, lady mother.
+
+_Ethelbert._ Yes, tell us a story.
+
+_Ethelred._ I wish it would stop raining, so that we might take our
+hawks for a hunt!
+
+_Queen._ I have something to show you, my princes. Is not this a
+beautiful book?
+
+_Alfred._ How lovely the red velvet, and see, the clasp is of gold!
+
+_Ethelred._ And there are jewels in the clasp!
+
+_Queen._ It is well bound, as so precious a volume should be; but the
+binding is the least valuable part of the book. Shall we look within?
+
+_Ethelbald._ Pray show us, lady mother!
+
+_Queen._ Observe the forms of mighty warriors, fair ladies, and royal
+chiefs of the olden times in bright and glowing colors.
+
+_Ethelbert._ How brave they look! Who are they? Tell us of them, dear
+mother.
+
+_Queen._ These pictures are beautiful and appeal to the eye, but neither
+they nor the velvet and gold of the binding give the joy which is
+greatest.
+
+_Alfred._ What do you mean, dear lady mother?
+
+_Queen._ This is a book I greatly enjoy, for it is full of the tales of
+the mighty King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. You will like
+to hear me read these brave stories when you are tired with your day's
+work, or on rainy days when you can neither hunt nor ride. Then you know
+not how to amuse yourselves and time is heavy on your hands, since you
+can neither read nor play upon the musical instruments that give us so
+much pleasure.
+
+_Ethelred._ The book is so lovely. Let me take it, lady mother!
+
+_Queen._ I would that the children of my royal husband could read the
+book.
+
+_Ethelbald._ Our father does not think much of books and music. He likes
+to hunt and fight, and so do I.
+
+_Ethelred._ And I love to hunt, but I love to hear the stories of great
+kings and warriors, too.
+
+_Alfred._ To which of us wilt thou give the book, lady mother?
+
+_Queen._ I will bestow it on him who shall first learn how to read it.
+
+_Alfred._ Will you really, dear mother?
+
+_Queen._ Yes, upon the faith of a queen, I will. I will not give it to
+one who cannot read it. Books are meant for the learned and not for the
+ignorant. The sons of a king should cease to play with toys.
+
+_Alfred._ May I take the book a little while?
+
+_Queen._ Yes, you may take the precious volume, Alfred, for I know you
+will not injure it, and I hope you will soon learn how to make its
+wisdom your own.
+
+_Alfred._ Thank you, lady mother. I shall study the book and learn to
+read, for I wish to know all about the brave knights of Arthur's court.
+
+
+SCENE II.--_Years later, when Alfred is King_
+
+KING ALFRED, OSCAR THE EARL, ODULPH, THE EARL'S SON
+
+_Alfred._ All the others have gone back to their homes. In no other way
+can ye serve me. Wherefore do ye go about to weep and break my heart?
+
+_Oscar._ We weep, royal Alfred, because thou hast forbidden us to share
+thy fortunes; as if we were the swarm of summer flies, who follow only
+while the sun shineth.
+
+_Alfred._ My valiant Oscar, and you my faithful Odulph, listen to me. I
+do not despair. The time is not ripe now for further war. Our foes the
+Danes have conquered us for a time. I trust that the time will come when
+we shall drive them from our land. But we must do that which seems best
+for the present and seek to be more successful in the future. We must
+not sit down and weep; no, this rather shall you do. Go back to your own
+people and keep me in their memory. When the Dane rules most cruelly,
+then rise up and cry aloud in the ears of the people, "Alfred the king
+yet liveth!" Then gather the soldiers and I shall come to lead them to
+victory.
+
+_Oscar._ Thou shalt be obeyed, my royal lord. I will return to my men
+and do as thou hast said. But let my son Odulph stay with thee, if only
+as thy servant.
+
+_Odulph._ Well will I serve thee, my royal lord. It is not well for the
+king to fare alone.
+
+_Alfred._ I am well content to serve myself, or even to be servant to
+others, until a happier time shall come. If Odulph desires to serve me,
+it shall be by bringing good tidings of your success with my people.
+When the time comes that we may again fight for our country, let him
+bring me the welcome message. Then we will free our country from the
+Danish yoke.
+
+_Oscar._ Farewell, my royal master, since thou wilt have it so.
+
+_Odulph._ And may the time soon come when I shall bring the message to
+thee!
+
+_Alfred._ Farewell, my loyal friends. All will be well.
+
+
+SCENE III.--_In the Peasant's Home_
+
+KING ALFRED, PEASANT CUDRED, WIFE SWITHA
+
+_Alfred._ Save you, good father! May a Saxon stranger, whom the Danish
+robbers have made homeless, share a lodging with thy master's cattle for
+the night?
+
+_Cudred._ Wilt thou swear to me that thou art not a Dane in disguise?
+
+_Alfred._ I say to thee, my friend, I am no Dane, but a true Saxon.
+
+_Cudred._ Then thou shalt share the calf's crib to-night. Perchance thou
+art hungry, too?
+
+_Alfred._ To say truth, father, I have not broken my fast to-day;
+neither have I had aught to drink save from these marshy streams. I
+shall be right thankful for some food, even a crust of coarsest rye
+bread.
+
+_Cudred._ Rye bread, forsooth! Thou talkest of dainties indeed! Thou
+wilt get nothing better than flat oaten cakes here.
+
+_Alfred._ I have always wished to taste an oaten cake.
+
+_Cudred._ Follow me, then, and thou shalt have thy desire. Switha,
+Switha!
+
+_Switha._ Well, I hear thee!
+
+_Cudred._ Switha, I have brought thee home a guest who will be glad to
+partake of our supper.
+
+_Switha._ A guest! And thinkest thou I've naught better to do than broil
+fish and bake cakes for all the vagabonds who roam the land?
+
+_Cudred._ Patience, good Switha. I have not asked thee to cook for a
+vagabond. This is an honest Saxon whom it will be charity to feed and
+shelter for the night.
+
+_Switha._ Let me hold the torch and see this Saxon guest. Thou lookest
+like a guest of fashion, sorry fellow!
+
+_Cudred._ Cease thy scolding talk, woman! I see by this light that our
+guest hath not been used to beg for charity from such as thou. Why be so
+hard of heart and by thy rude taunts make bitter the food he must
+receive from our hands?
+
+_Switha._ I have heard that charity begins at home, and I am sure we are
+poor enough.
+
+_Cudred._ Not poor enough to refuse food to the hungry, such as it is.
+Here is fish, and here an oaten cake which you wish to taste.
+
+_Alfred._ Thanks for your goodness, kind host. Indeed, I am hungry.
+
+_Switha._ You eat like a hungry wolf.
+
+_Alfred._ And now I am hungry no longer. I thank you both for a good
+supper, and I hope you will never be sorry you have given charity to a
+stranger. Now, Cudred, I shall be glad to sleep.
+
+_Cudred._ This way, then, to the bed of straw. Now, tell me truly, art
+thou not some mighty earl in disguise?
+
+_Alfred._ I am Alfred, thy king--I know from thy goodness to me when
+thou thoughtest me a beggar that thou art a good man, therefore I
+confide in thee. I know thou wilt not betray thy king.
+
+_Cudred._ Not all the gold of Denmark should tempt me to commit so base
+a crime, but we must not let Switha know who thou art, my royal master.
+
+_Alfred._ I shall be careful. Soon, I hope, my friends will bring me
+word that my army awaits me, when I shall again try to set my country
+free.
+
+
+SCENE IV.--_In the Peasant's Hut_
+
+KING ALFRED, SWITHA
+
+_King Alfred._ It rains so hard to-day that I cannot hunt, so will mend
+my bow and make some new arrows. May I sit by your fire, good dame
+Switha?
+
+_Switha._ Yes, and as I have made a good batch of cakes you might watch
+them bake.
+
+_Alfred._ Gladly will I watch them. Show me what I must do.
+
+_Switha._ Turn them often before the fire, thus, so that they will not
+burn. Now I will go for more wood for the fire.
+
+_Alfred._ How long, I wonder, must I remain in hiding. It is very hard
+to wait. If only I knew how my people were faring. Will the time never
+come when I can rule over England and unite my people? So many plans
+have I for their happiness and progress. Schools we must have. The Bible
+must be translated for the people to read. Roads must be built and the
+country made safe for all. How long must I sit in Cudred's cottage
+mending arrows when my heart wishes to help my suffering people!
+
+_Switha_ (_running in_). I thought I smelled them burning! Oh, thou
+lazy, useless fellow! Thou art ready enough to eat the cakes, but too
+lazy to keep them from burning. No wonder thou hast no home, idle as
+thou art.
+
+_Alfred._ I pray thee, good dame, forgive me. I was lost in thought of
+happier days and forgot my duty. Really I am sorry.
+
+_Switha._ Ay, ay, that is always the way with thee. That smooth tongue
+of thine is better to thee than silver or gold; for it obtains for thee
+food, lodging, and friends, and softens all the wrath thy faults
+provoke. However, I shall set by all the burnt cakes for thy portion of
+the week's bread, I promise thee; and thou shalt have no other till they
+are all eaten.
+
+_Alfred._ My good mistress, here comes a pilgrim boy to ask thy charity.
+May I bestow one of these cakes on him?
+
+_Switha._ Thou mayest do what thou wilt with thine own, man! but do not
+presume to give away my property to idle fellows like thyself.
+
+_Alfred._ But, mistress, may I not give him that which was to have been
+my portion for dinner?
+
+_Switha._ No, indeed! I have enough to do with feeding one vagrant
+without adding all the lazy pilgrims who pass by.
+
+_Alfred._ See, mistress, my amulet! I will give thee this jewel, Switha,
+if thou wilt permit me to feed this poor pilgrim.
+
+_Switha._ Very well, then. Give him thy portion while I go and hide the
+jewel.
+
+[_Goes out as Odulph enters._]
+
+_Alfred._ Welcome, Odulph! Tell me thy tidings. I hunger for good news.
+
+_Odulph._ My tidings, royal Alfred, are these: Hubba, the Dane, the
+terror of England, is slain, and his banner of the Raven waves in my
+father's hall!
+
+_Alfred._ What? Is thy father's castle in the possession of the Danes?
+
+_Odulph._ Not so, my royal master; but the banner of the Danes, captured
+by your victorious Saxons, hangs in his hall. We were pent up in the
+castle by the Danes till our provisions failed. When the last loaf was
+eaten, and our archers had launched their last arrows, my valiant father
+led the garrison in an attack upon the foe.
+
+_Alfred._ Brave Oscar! And you defeated them!
+
+_Odulph._ Yes, because of the carelessness of the Danes. They believed
+they had us in their power, and they never dreamed we would leave the
+castle walls. Few as we were, we fell upon them and slew their chiefs.
+The soldiers fled, and left our men victorious. Then my father raised
+the cry, "Alfred the king!" All the country is calling, "Alfred the
+king!"
+
+_Alfred._ The time is ripe. I thank you, Odulph. Your father is a noble
+man, and I shall know how to show a king's gratitude to you both. Shall
+we go?
+
+_Odulph._ Lead on, King Alfred, England is ready. Soon you shall head
+your army shouting, "Long live King Alfred!"
+
+
+
+
+ROBIN HOOD AND THE SAD KNIGHT
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--ROBIN HOOD, LITTLE JOHN, MIDGE, WILL SCARLET, THE
+ABBOT, THE KNIGHT, THE PRIOR, THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE, THE LADY
+
+
+SCENE I.--_In the Greenwood._
+
+[_Robin Hood and his men making arrows._]
+
+_Robin Hood._ This feather is too short. Give me another, Little John.
+This is a better one.
+
+_Midge._ Making arrows is not a simple thing, is it, my master?
+
+_Robin Hood._ Indeed, no; if the feathers be too short, the arrows will
+not keep true to their course; and if the feathers be too long, the
+arrows will not fly swiftly.
+
+_Little John._ If all men knew how to make arrows, their skill in
+shooting would seem greater. Look to your arrows, say I, before you
+shoot.
+
+_Will Scarlet._ We should thank the gray goose for the even growth of
+her feathers, which carries our arrows straight to the mark.
+
+_Robin Hood._ First the strong bow that bends to our hand, then the
+straight arrow, tough and trim, and the feathers that wing it to its
+mark. But best of all the steady hand and keen eye that direct our
+winged shaft. But you have worked well this morning, my men, and now we
+may rest awhile. Sing us a song, Will Scarlet, while we lie beneath the
+friendly oak.
+
+_Will Scarlet_ (_sings_).
+
+   The hunt is up! the hunt is up!
+     And it is well-nigh day;
+   And Harry our king has gone hunting
+     To bring his deer to bay.
+
+   The east is bright with morning light,
+     And darkness, it is fled;
+   And the merry horn wakes up the morn
+     To leave his idle bed.
+
+   Awake, all men! I say again
+     Be merry as you may!
+   For Harry our king is gone hunting
+     To bring the deer to bay.
+
+_Little John._ This song is well enough in its way, but for me, I should
+much prefer a good dinner. The morning's work has given me a fine
+appetite and I long for food.
+
+_Robin Hood._ It is good to eat, but not before we find some rich
+traveler to pay the bill. Ride out, my man, and find us a host. Willing
+or unwilling, bid him come.
+
+_Little John._ With right good will, my master; and may I soon meet with
+him!
+
+_Robin Hood._ Remember well, no farmer shall you bring. He works for
+what he gets and shall live in peace. And the laborer who toils for wife
+and child you must not harm. Only those who oppress the poor and weak,
+those who are selfish and unkind, who play while others weep, these
+shall you bring to me.
+
+_Will Scarlet._ But look, my master, what sorrowing knight rides there?
+His garments are rich and his horse gayly decked, but his countenance is
+sad and he rides slowly, careless of the way.
+
+_Little John._ Hail, gentle knight; my master awaits you and fain would
+have your company at dinner.
+
+_The Knight._ At dinner,--in the wood! Who is your master?
+
+_Little John._ Robin Hood is he: and here he is to bid you welcome.
+
+_Robin Hood._ Welcome, Sir Knight, thrice welcome art thou, for I have
+fasted beyond the dinner hour. Pray you, dismount.
+
+_The Knight._ God save you and all your company!
+
+_Midge._ The dinner is served, my master.
+
+_Robin Hood._ Will you join us, Sir Knight? Here are pheasants and swans
+and meat of the deer.
+
+_The Knight._ Such a good dinner, with so many brave men, I have not
+eaten for many a day. If I come again to this country, I will make thee
+as good a dinner. But Heaven knows when that will be!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Robin Hood._ Thanks for your kind offer. But in the greenwood our
+guests must pay for their food. A yeoman does not pay for a rich knight!
+
+_The Knight._ Sorry am I that you must call me poor. I would that I
+could pay you, but in my saddlebags are no more than ten shillings.
+
+_Robin Hood._ Is that indeed the truth, Sir Knight? Look carefully,
+Little John; if the knight speaks truly, he shall keep the ten
+shillings, but if not--
+
+_Little John._ Indeed, my master, the knight speaks truly, for this is
+all the money I can find.
+
+_Robin Hood._ How comes it, noble knight, that thou art so poor? Come,
+tell me the story. Mayhap I can help thee.
+
+_The Knight._ I am Sir Richard of Lea, and my ancestors have been
+knights for a hundred years. A year ago I had plenty of money to spend
+as I would. But now I have nothing for my wife and my children, who weep
+for my absence from them.
+
+_Robin Hood._ But how did you lose all your money?
+
+_The Knight._ Perhaps you will think I lost it in a foolish way. My son,
+whom I dearly love, is a manly youth. Well can he shoot and joust fairly
+in the field. But once, in a quarrel, he slew a youth, and to save him,
+I pledged all my lands. Unless I redeem them by All Saints Day I shall
+lose them all.
+
+_Robin Hood._ What is the sum you are bound to pay?
+
+_The Knight._ Four hundred pounds. The day is near and I have nothing.
+
+_Robin Hood._ But what canst thou do if thou losest thy land? What wilt
+thou do?
+
+_The Knight._ I will sail far away over the seas. I cannot remain in
+England.
+
+_Robin Hood._ It is a small sum. Hast thou no friends to help thee in
+thy need?
+
+_The Knight._ Many friends had I when I had money and lands. Now when I
+need their help they turn away and know me not.
+
+_Robin Hood._ By my faith, gentle knight, thou shalt not want for a
+friend. Little John, go to the chest and count out four hundred pounds.
+
+_Will Scarlet._ Shall he not have cloth for a coat, gentle master? He is
+thinly clad.
+
+_Robin Hood._ Well said, Will Scarlet; go, get three measures of every
+kind, that he may be warmly and gayly clad.
+
+_Little John._ Here is the money, Robin Hood, and good measure.
+
+_Robin Hood._ And what will you give, Little John, who are so generous
+with my money?
+
+_Little John._ A pair of golden spurs, that he may ride fast to his
+castle and redeem his lands.
+
+_The Knight._ Many thanks, Little John, and to you, my good friend. Tell
+me, Robin Hood, when shall I come to return the money you so kindly lend
+me?
+
+_Robin Hood._ This day twelvemonth; and a happy year may it be! We will
+meet under this trysting tree. Till then, be merry!
+
+_The Knight._ I shall be with you a year from to-day. Farewell.
+
+
+SCENE II.--_In the Abbot's Hall_
+
+THE ABBOT, THE PRIOR
+
+_The Abbot._ This day a year ago Sir Richard Lea borrowed four hundred
+pounds from me. He promised to pay in a year or lose his land. If he
+does not return to-day, the land will be mine.
+
+_The Prior._ The day is now far spent. Perhaps he will come yet.
+
+_The Abbot._ I am sure I hope he will not. I trust he has left England.
+
+_The Prior._ The land is worth much more than four hundred pounds. It
+were a pity if he did not redeem it.
+
+_The Abbot._ Thou art ever crossing me! Speak no more about it! Where
+is the Lord Justice?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Lord Justice_ (_enters_). Here I am. I have just come from London to do
+justice on that Knight. Where is he?
+
+_The Abbot._ The Knight has failed to come with the money and this is
+the day when the land falls to me.
+
+_Lord Justice._ I dare swear he will not come and thou shalt have his
+lands. I now declare that the knight, Sir Richard Lea, has failed to
+keep his promise and his lands are--
+
+_The Knight_ (_entering and kneeling before the Abbot_). Rejoice with
+me, Sir Abbot. I am come to keep my day.
+
+_The Abbot._ What dost thou say? Hast brought the money?
+
+_The Knight_ (_to try the Abbot_). Not a penny, but--
+
+_The Abbot._ What dost thou here without the money?
+
+_The Knight._ To ask your kindness and patience, Sir Abbot, for a longer
+time.
+
+_Lord Justice._ The day has come. Thou losest thy land, Sir Knight,
+since thou canst not pay.
+
+_The Knight._ Good Lord Justice, help me against my foes! I will surely
+pay, but must have more time.
+
+_Lord Justice._ I am sorry for thee, Sir Richard, but the law is plain.
+Either pay your debt or lose your land.
+
+_The Knight._ Sir Abbot, I pray thee, have pity.
+
+_The Abbot._ Get the land when thou canst, thou gettest no pity from me.
+
+_The Knight._ By my faith, then, if I get not my land again, thou shalt
+pay dearly for it.
+
+_The Abbot._ Get thee gone, false knight! Darest thou threaten me?
+
+_The Knight._ False knight I am not, for I have fought well for my king.
+
+_Lord Justice._ Sir Abbot, the day is not yet gone. What wilt thou give
+the knight to hold his peace?
+
+_The Abbot._ A hundred pounds.
+
+_Lord Justice._ Make it two hundred.
+
+_The Knight._ No, nor nine hundred. Ye shall not have my land! Here, Sir
+Abbot, are the four hundred pounds. Had you been less covetous, I would
+have given interest. Now, get you gone, all of you; and learn to deal
+more justly and kindly with those in need. [_They go out._]
+
+_Lady Lea_ (_entering_). Oh, my dear husband! how glad I am to hear your
+voice again.
+
+_The Knight._ Happy am I to see you and to be at home again. I must tell
+you how kind Robin Hood has been to me.
+
+_Lady Lea._ Robin Hood your friend? Is he not the outlaw of the forest?
+
+_The Knight._ Yes; but he is kind to all who are unhappy or oppressed.
+He saved me from leaving England and gave me money to redeem my land.
+
+_Lady Lea._ How I long to thank him for his goodness to you.
+
+_The Knight._ In a year we will go to him and repay the four hundred
+pounds.
+
+_Lady Lea._ I shall be glad to see him and his merry men, and try to
+thank them all.
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM TELL
+
+A STORY OF SWITZERLAND. A.D. 1307
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--WILLIAM TELL; LEWIS, HIS SON; ALBERT, HIS SON;
+ANNETTE, HIS WIFE; LALOTTE, HIS NIECE, GESSLER, SOLDIERS
+
+
+SCENE I.--_At Tell's Home_
+
+_Albert._ Lewis, doesn't the quail smell good?
+
+_Lewis._ Yes, I wish I could have some of it!
+
+_Lalotte._ Hush! the quail is for your father.
+
+_Albert._ I know that, Lalotte; but I am hungry, and I like quail.
+
+_Lalotte._ Your father will be cold and hungry, for he has been on a
+long journey.
+
+_Albert._ But perhaps he will not come. Mother, mother! may we have the
+quail if father is late? It is done now, and it will not be good if it
+is cooked any more.
+
+_Lalotte._ Hush, you greedy boy! If I were your mother, I would send
+you to bed for thinking of such a thing.
+
+_Albert._ You are not the mistress. You are not the mistress, and I
+shall not go to bed because you say so!
+
+_William Tell_ (_at door_). But you shall go to bed, young man, if your
+Cousin Lalotte tells you to do so. Take them to bed, Lalotte.
+
+_Albert._ Oh, father! We were only joking.
+
+_Lewis._ Please, father, don't send us to bed.
+
+_William Tell._ I must, my boy, because it is late, and I have news for
+your mother. Good night, my sons.
+
+_Boys._ Good night, dear father.
+
+[_They go out with Lalotte._]
+
+_William Tell._ Thy father's news is not for young ears.
+
+_Annette._ There is a sadness in thy voice, and trouble in thy face!
+Tell me what has happened to thee! Wilt thou not trust me?
+
+_William Tell._ Yes, my Annette! Thou hast ever been a good wife and
+faithful friend. Why should I conceal my deeds from thee?
+
+_Annette._ What hast thou done, my husband?
+
+_William Tell._ Perhaps thou wilt blame me.
+
+_Annette._ Nay, for thou art a good man, and whatever thou doest is
+right in my eyes.
+
+_William Tell._ Thou knowest how our foreign rulers oppress the good
+people of Switzerland?
+
+_Annette._ I do, but why should we poor peasants worry over the affairs
+of the nobles?
+
+_William Tell._ But they are our troubles, too. So to-night I have met
+with three and thirty men, brave and loyal hearts, who have sworn to
+resist our oppressors and free our land from tyranny.
+
+_Annette._ But how can three-and-thirty men think to conquer the armies
+of foreign tyrants?
+
+_William Tell._ Sometimes great events are brought about by small means.
+All the people in their hearts hate the false ruler of our poor country,
+and many of these will willingly die for her sake.
+
+_Annette._ Thou art brave, my husband, but what can so few do?
+
+_William Tell._ Think of it! The father of one of our band has just been
+put to a cruel death. No man knows where the tyrant will strike next.
+Perhaps Gessler will pick me out for the next victim.
+
+_Annette._ Thee! What charge could he bring against thee?
+
+_William Tell._ He could say that I am the friend of my country, which
+in the tyrant Gessler's mind is a crime.
+
+_Annette._ But Gessler will never hear of us, humble peasants. He is too
+far above us to care what we think.
+
+_William Tell._ Not so, my dear wife. Gessler will not permit us to
+hold our thoughts in secret. He has a plan to discover our inmost
+thoughts.
+
+_Annette._ What plan can he make to read our minds?
+
+_William Tell._ A clever plan to tell a freeman from a slave. In
+Altdorf, our capital city, he has set up a pole. Upon the top of this
+pole he has put the cap of the Austrian king and has ordered every man
+to take off his hat as he passes by, to show that he yields to the
+Austrian rule. Is not this a brave plan? He who obeys the tyrant is a
+slave. Wouldst thou have thy husband doff his cap to his country's
+tyrant?
+
+_Annette._ Never! I should despise thee, couldst thou do it!
+
+_William Tell._ That is my own brave wife! Thou speakest as a free
+woman, the mother of free children, should speak. And our children shall
+be free! When I go to Altdorf I shall refuse to obey the order of
+Gessler and all Switzerland shall know that William Tell will not bow to
+a foreign tyrant.
+
+_Annette._ But why go to Altdorf, my husband? Thou knowest the power of
+Gessler and his cruelty!
+
+_William Tell._ Wouldst have me a coward? No, dear wife. When my
+business calls me to Altdorf I shall go and in all ways act as a free
+man, loyal to my country and afraid of no one.
+
+_Annette._ Thou art a brave man, my husband, and I honor thee.
+
+
+SCENE II.--_Altdorf: The Market place_
+
+WILLIAM TELL, ALBERT, SOLDIERS, GESSLER
+
+_William Tell._ Come, my son, I have sold the chamois skins, and now I
+must buy the things your mother wished me to get for her.
+
+_Albert._ And, father, please buy some toys for little Lewis.
+
+_William Tell._ You are a good boy, Albert, to remember your little
+brother. We will go to the shop across the square and look there for
+toys.
+
+_Soldier._ Halt, man! Salute yonder cap!
+
+_William Tell._ Why should I salute a cap of cloth?
+
+_Soldier._ It is the cap of our emperor. If you do not honor the cap,
+you are a traitor.
+
+_William Tell._ I am no traitor, and yet I will not bow down to an empty
+cap. I am a true Swiss and love my country.
+
+_Gessler._ Ha, ha! Then we have a traitor here who will not yield to our
+emperor! Arrest him, my men; and we will teach him his manners. Who is
+this man?
+
+_Soldier._ His name is William Tell, my lord.
+
+_Gessler._ Insolent traitor! Bind him well.
+
+_Albert._ Oh, father, I am afraid. Do not let the soldiers take me.
+
+_William Tell._ Be calm, my son. No harm will come to thee.
+
+_Gessler._ Indeed, and is this your son? Has he come to mock the cap of
+our royal master, too? Seize the boy and bind him to yonder tree.
+
+_William Tell._ What will you do with the boy? Does a captain war with a
+child?
+
+_Gessler._ We shall see. I hear you are a famous shot, William Tell, and
+handle well the bow and arrow. We shall soon know your skill. Have you a
+good arrow in your quiver? Perhaps you can shoot an apple from the head
+of your child.
+
+_Soldier._ Where shall I bind the boy, my captain?
+
+_Gessler._ To yonder tree. If his father shoots the apple from his
+child's head, he shall go free. If he fails he must die. Are you ready?
+
+_William Tell._ Rather would I die than risk killing my eldest son. Let
+him go, and take my life.
+
+_Gessler._ That I shall not do. You must both die unless you save your
+lives as I have said. Will you try the shot or are you afraid?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_William Tell._ Bind the boy's eyes, I beg. He might move if he saw the
+arrow coming, and my skill would be in vain.
+
+_Gessler._ I am willing, for well I know you cannot cleave the apple at
+that distance.
+
+_William Tell._ Tyrant! I cannot fail now, when my son's life depends
+upon me. Stand perfectly still, my brave boy, and father will not hurt
+you. Now I pray for strength--my trusty arrow must not fail me! There!
+[_He shoots._]
+
+_Soldier._ See, my captain! The apple is split! That was a fine shot!
+
+_Gessler._ Yes, it was a good shot, and I did not believe anyone could
+make it. I suppose I must set you free. But why have you that other
+arrow in your hand?
+
+_William Tell._ To shoot you with it had I killed my darling boy.
+
+_Gessler._ Seize him, my men!
+
+_William Tell._ Never! Come, Albert! This arrow for him who stops me!
+
+_Soldiers._ He has escaped!
+
+
+
+
+TIME AND THE SEASONS
+
+
+_Father Time._ I must call my children together and give them orders for
+the New Year. Open the door, my servants, and let the Seasons appear.
+
+_Spring_ (_entering_). Here I am, Father Time. What are your commands
+for your youngest daughter?
+
+_Father Time._ Welcome, my dainty Spring! It is your duty to call the
+gentle rains to fall upon the thirsting ground. Yours is the pleasant
+task to paint the blades of young grass a delicate green. You call the
+birds back from the south and rouse all nature from her winter sleep.
+The winds blow freshly over the earth; the clouds move here and there,
+bringing the rain; and the bulbs, hidden under the soil, slowly push
+their leaves into the sunlight. What flowers will you bring to deck
+the earth?
+
+[Illustration: TIME AND THE SEASONS]
+
+_Spring._ O Father Time! Look here upon my pretty flowers! Here is the
+snowdrop, so white and brave. It pushes its head up through the snow,
+which is no whiter than its own petals. And here I have a bunch of
+crocuses, blue, yellow, white, and of many colors. Aren't they pretty
+amid the grass? Then the gorgeous tulips, holding their heads so high,
+making the earth brilliant with their gay, bright colors. I think the
+golden daffodils and sweet narcissus are my favorite flowers, though I
+am very fond of what the children call spring beauty.
+
+_Father Time._ I see, my daughter, that you love all your flower
+children, and that is right. All are beautiful, each in its own way. And
+now tell me what joys do you bring to the little children of the earth?
+
+_Spring._ All the children love me. They hunt for the first flowers,
+they welcome the first birds returning from the south, and they prepare
+the garden for the seeds of flowers and vegetables. The boys play
+marbles everywhere, and run and laugh, filling their lungs with my
+life-giving air. The organ grinder plays for the children and they dance
+on the sidewalks, singing and calling out in delight. The trees put
+forth their tender leaves. The sun fills the air with golden warmth, and
+the world seems full of promise.
+
+_Father Time._ Well done, my daughter. And now, my daughter Summer, tell
+me your plans for the year.
+
+_Summer._ Dear father, I delay my coming until Spring has prepared the
+way. The air must be soft and warm to please me, and the earth must be
+prepared by the rains and the warm rays of the sun. The colors of my
+flowers are deeper and richer than those of sister Spring. I bring the
+lilies, the peonies, and the poppies. Best of all, the glowing roses
+open at my call, and fill the air with perfume.
+
+_Father Time._ And the children, my fair daughter, what do you bring to
+them?
+
+_Summer._ The dear children! I think they all like my sunny days and the
+long time for play. For July and August in many countries are given to
+the school children for their play time. Then they go to the seashore
+and play in the water and the sand; or to the country, where the green
+grass, the farmyard animals, and all the country games delight them.
+
+_Father Time._ Children are so fond of play and the long summer days
+out-of-doors that I wonder what they think of you, my older daughter,
+Autumn?
+
+_Autumn._ Children do like to play and I am glad they get so well and
+strong with the vacation my sister, Summer, gives them. Yet all children
+like to learn, too. We must not forget that. What joy it is to read the
+beautiful stories that great men and women have written for them. What
+delight they have in learning to write, to sing, to draw, and to make
+pretty objects of paper, clay, and wood.
+
+_Father Time._ Yes, that is true, but have you no pleasures out-of-doors
+for them?
+
+_Autumn._ Some people say my days are the most pleasant of the year. The
+gardens have many beautiful flowers, and the fruits are ripening in the
+orchards and vineyards. The apples hang red on the boughs, and children
+like to pick them and eat them, too! I have the harvest moon, the time
+when the farmers bring home the crops ripened by August suns, and the
+earth seems to gather the results of the year's work, the riches of
+field, orchard, and meadow. The squirrels gather their hoard of nuts and
+hide them away for their winter's food. Gay voices of nutting parties
+are heard in the woods, and all the air is filled with songs of praise
+and thanksgiving for the bounty of the year.
+
+_Father Time._ Your work is surely one of worth and I rejoice with you,
+my daughter, in your happiness. You are a true friend of men, showing
+them that honest effort and its work will always bring proper reward.
+Now, my merry laughing child, what have you to tell us?
+
+_Winter._ Some people think I am your oldest daughter, Father Time, but
+they forget that two of my months are always in the New Year. Although
+my hair and garments are white, the cold is only outside; my heart is
+warm. Have I not jolly St. Nicholas who never grows old? I cover the
+earth with my warmest blanket of softest snow, softer and whiter than
+ermine, and all the tender flowers sleep cozily and warm until sweet
+Spring awakes them. The children get out their sleds and skates, and the
+merry sleigh bells ring. What fun it is to build the snow man, and even
+if the hands get cold, the eyes shine brighter than in warm days and the
+cheeks are rosy as the reddest flower. "Hurrah for Winter!" shout the
+boys. The merriest holidays I have when all hearts are gay and filled
+with loving care for others. I would not change, dear Father Time, with
+any of my sisters. I say good-by to the passing year and welcome the new
+year. If the old year has had troubles and sorrows, all the people turn
+with hope to the new, and call to one another the wish, "A Happy New
+Year to all!"
+
+_Father Time._ I am glad you are contented with the work you have to do.
+And now, my daughters, I must send you out upon your travels all over
+the world. May your coming bring peace; joy, and prosperity to all
+mankind!
+
+
+
+
+THE GINGERBREAD MAN
+
+PERSONS IN THE PLAY--THE LITTLE OLD WOMAN, THE GINGERBREAD MAN, THE BOY,
+THE FOX, CHILDREN, MEN, THE FARMER
+
+
+SCENE.--_Home of Little Old Woman_
+
+_Little Old Woman._ Now all my housework is done I think I will make
+some gingerbread. There is nothing quite so good for lunch as warm
+gingerbread and a glass of milk, or a cup of hot tea. I can make pretty
+good gingerbread, too, all of my friends say. Here is the flour and
+butter and molasses and milk. Now it is all ready to put into the pan.
+But I made too much this time. What shall I do with it? Nothing must be
+wasted in a good cook's kitchen. Oh, I know! I'll make a cunning
+gingerbread man for the little boy who lives next door.
+
+Where is my knife? Now roll the dough very thin, cut out the round
+little head, then the neck, now the two arms, now the little fat body,
+and last the legs with high heels on the shoes. Well, this certainly is
+a fine little gingerbread man. I think I'll make a little hat with a
+wide brim. Now I'll put two currants for his eyes, two for his nose,
+three for his cute little mouth, and six for the buttons on his coat.
+
+Then I'll sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over him and put him in the oven
+to bake.
+
+Let me look at the clock. It is half past eleven. At twelve the
+gingerbread man will be baked, ready for the little boy when he comes
+home from school.
+
+Well, I've washed the dishes, and set the table for my lunch, and it is
+now just twelve o'clock. I'll open the oven door and see if my
+gingerbread man is ready.
+
+Oh! what was that! Why, it is the gingerbread man!
+
+_Gingerbread Man._ Yes, it is the gingerbread man, and now I'll go and
+see the world.
+
+_Little Old Woman._ Go! you mustn't go! You belong to me.
+
+_Gingerbread Man._
+
+   Ah, ha! ah, ha! catch me, if you can!
+   You can't catch me, I'm a gingerbread man!
+
+_Little Old Woman._ There he goes, out of the door, just as if he were
+really a little boy, and not made of something good to eat! Come back;
+come back!
+
+_Gingerbread Man._
+
+   Ah, ha! ah, ha! catch me, if you can!
+   You can't catch me, I'm a gingerbread man!
+
+_Little Old Woman._ I know I can't run as fast as he can. There he goes
+out of the gate. There are some men who are working in the street. I'll
+ask them to catch him. Help! help me catch the gingerbread man!
+
+_Men._ Yes, ma'am. Where is he? Oh, there he is, the little rascal!
+We'll catch him.
+
+_Gingerbread Man._
+
+   Ah, ha! ah, ha! catch me, if you can!
+   You can't catch me, I'm a gingerbread man!
+
+_Men._ Well, there he goes and he does run fast! Come, let us run after
+him!
+
+_Little Old Woman._ Oh, I know the men can't run as fast as he can, and
+they will never catch my gingerbread man! Here are the children coming
+from school. I'll call them. Children, children!
+
+_Children._ Yes, little old woman, here we are. What did you call us
+for?
+
+_Little Old Woman._ Oh, my dear children, see the gingerbread man I made
+for the little boy next door! There he goes running as fast as he can,
+and I can't catch him!
+
+_Boy._ And the men are running after him, and they can't catch him
+either. Just watch me, little woman, I'll catch him for you.
+
+_Gingerbread Man._
+
+   Ah, ha! ah, ha! catch me, if you can!
+   You can't catch me, I'm a gingerbread man.
+
+_Girl._ I have my roller skates on. Perhaps I can catch him!
+
+_Little Old Woman._ I'm sure you can, my child.
+
+_Girl._ I'll try. Look out, Mr. Gingerbread Man!
+
+_Gingerbread Man._
+
+   Ah, ha! ah, ha! catch me, if you can!
+   You can't catch me, I'm a gingerbread man!
+
+_Little Old Woman._ There he goes, and none of them can catch him. Now
+he is near some farmers. I'll call on them to help me. Farmer, farmer,
+will you please help me catch the gingerbread man? There he goes over
+your wheat field.
+
+_Farmer._ Yes, indeed, we'll help you. Here, you gingerbread man, keep
+out of my wheat field! Come, men; run after him and catch him.
+
+_Men._ We'll catch him before he gets to the fence.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Gingerbread Man._
+
+   Ah, ha! ah, ah! catch me, if you can!
+   You can't catch me, I'm a gingerbread man!
+
+_Little Old Woman._ Oh, dear! Oh, dear! there he goes into the wood, and
+no one can run fast enough to catch him.
+
+_Farmer._ I'm sorry, madam, but we must go back to our work on the farm.
+
+_Boy._ Hark! listen! don't you hear the little gingerbread man calling?
+
+_Gingerbread Man._
+
+   Ah, ha! ah, ha! catch me, if you can!
+   You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!
+
+_Little Old Woman._ Yes, he is calling to us from the wood. I thank you,
+children, and now we will go home.
+
+_Gingerbread Man_ (_in the wood_). Ah, ha! and they didn't catch me! and
+now I am free to play in the wood. What a pleasant place!
+
+_Mr. Fox._ Well, what sort of a funny little man is this?
+
+_Gingerbread Man._
+
+   Ah, ha! ah, ha! catch me, if you can!
+   You can't catch me, I'm a gingerbread man!
+
+_Mr. Fox._ Can't I? Well, I _have_ caught you; and now let me see if you
+are good to eat. First, I'll try one of your arms. That tastes good!
+
+_Gingerbread Man._ I'm going!
+
+_Mr. Fox._ And now the other arm!
+
+_Gingerbread Man._ I'm going!
+
+_Mr. Fox._ Now for the leg.
+
+_Gingerbread Man._ I'm going!
+
+_Mr. Fox._ Really, Mr. Gingerbread Man, I think you are very good eating
+for a hungry fox. Now I'll taste the other leg.
+
+_Gingerbread Man._ I'm going!
+
+_Mr. Fox._ Now for your round little body.
+
+_Gingerbread Man._ I'm going!
+
+_Mr. Fox._ There is not very much left. Just your head for the last
+mouthful.
+
+_Gingerbread Man._ I'm gone!
+
+_Mr. Fox._ Yes, you're gone; and a very nice meal, Mr. Gingerbread Man.
+
+
+
+
+THE GOOD FAIRY
+
+
+SCENE I.--_In the Wood_
+
+_The Good Fairy._ At last I am in this wood where I must save the Lady
+Alice from danger. How dark it seems here after the bright light of my
+skyey home. Surely I shall be glad to return to the courts of fairyland.
+Yet it is pleasant to be of service to the young and innocent, to those
+who are good and true. Some there are on earth who do not love the
+truth, who do not do the things that are honest and kind, and they must
+be punished. Kind and gentle deeds must be rewarded with our help.
+
+Here in this dark grove dwells Comus, an evil spirit, who loves not the
+good. Here he finds the unlucky traveler and takes him to his court.
+There he offers him food and a pleasant drink. But in the glass is a
+potion which drives memory from the mind and makes one forget home and
+friends. Then the unhappy traveler loses his human head and must have
+the head of some animal or bird. Comus enjoys seeing his victims act
+like wild and foolish animals or the forest.
+
+In this dangerous wood the Lady Alice and her brothers are wandering,
+and my duty it is to protect them from the evil Comus. Hark! I think I
+hear the noisy band. Here will I hide and listen.
+
+[_Comus and his crew enter; men and women with animal heads._]
+
+_Comus._ Now the sun has gone from the western heavens and the star of
+night shines over us. This is the hour we love the best. All the
+serious, wise old people who love the day and its work are weary now and
+have gone to bed. We who love fun and a merry dance, we wake when the
+sky is flecked with golden stars. Now the moon calls the fairies from
+brook and fountain to play their merry games and sing. These are the
+joys of night in our dark and secret grove. Come, make a merry ring and
+dance. No care have we nor fear. We will dance and sing until the first
+ray of light is seen in the east.
+
+[_They dance until Comus speaks._]
+
+_Comus._ Break off! break off! I hear a footstep not our own approaching
+this place. Run to your places lest you frighten the traveler whoever it
+may be.
+
+[_They disappear._]
+
+I believe some maiden approaches. I will weave my spells and appear to
+her in the dress of a shepherd and she will not be afraid. Here she
+comes. I will step aside and learn how she happens to be alone in my
+grove.
+
+[_Comus hides._]
+
+_Lady Alice_ (_entering_). I thought I heard the sound of noisy
+merrymaking,--with music as if many were dancing. Here was the sound,
+but here I see no one. Alas! I should be sorry to meet rude youths, but
+where can I go, what can I do, left alone in this dark and gloomy wood?
+O my brothers, where are you? When they saw me wearied, unable to go
+farther, they left to find me nourishment and shelter, promising soon to
+return. Truly they must be lost in this vast forest. O dark night, why
+have you stolen the way from them and left me alone and helpless?
+Helpless? No, not helpless, for the good mind has helpers ever present
+in pure-eyed Faith and white-handed Hope. I will pray to God, who will
+send me a guardian to guide me to my home. What is that light I see? My
+brothers seek me and I will sing to them. Perhaps they are not far away
+and will hear my voice.
+
+   Sweet Echo, sweetest nymph, that liv'st unseen
+     Within thy airy shell,
+   Canst thou not tell me of a gentle pair
+     That likest thy Narcissus are?
+   O if thou have
+     Hid them in some flowery cave,
+   Tell me but where,
+   Sweet Queen of Parley, Daughter of the Sphere!
+
+_Comus_ (_to himself_). What sweet song is this? Can any mortal sing
+with such charm and beauty? Such sacred and home-felt delight I never
+heard till now. I'll speak to her, and she shall be my queen.
+
+_Comus_ (_dressed as a shepherd_). Hail, fair goddess! for you must be
+more than mortal, to sing such sweet and wondrous strain.
+
+_Lady Alice._ Nay, gentle shepherd. I sang not as loving my own voice,
+and praise is lost that falls on unattending ears. Stern necessity
+compelled my song.
+
+_Comus._ How comes it, Lady, that you are thus alone?
+
+_Lady Alice._ My brothers left me upon a grassy turf. Darkness came
+upon the grove, and I fear they are lost.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Comus._ Were they men full grown or still young?
+
+_Lady Alice._ Young and fair my brothers are.
+
+_Comus._ Two such I saw, so lovely in their youthful grace I thought I
+looked upon some fairy scene. If these are the lads you seek, we can
+easily find them.
+
+_Lady Alice._ Gentle villager, quickly tell me the shortest way to them!
+
+_Comus._ Due west it lies.
+
+_Lady Alice._ To find it out, good shepherd, would be too difficult in
+this darkness to a stranger.
+
+_Comus._ I know every step, fair lady, for I live close by and daily
+tread the path in caring for my sheep. Gladly will I conduct you and
+find your brothers if they are still in this grove. Till daybreak you
+can rest in a cottage near by, where you will be safe until you wish to
+travel on.
+
+_Lady Alice._ Kind shepherd, I take your word, and gladly go to the
+shelter you mention. Kindness is often found in lowly homes. Lead on,
+and I will follow.
+
+_Comus._ This way, fair lady!
+
+
+SCENE II.--_Another Place in the Forest_
+
+_Elder Brother._ How our steps are stayed by the darkness of the night
+and of the forest. Would that the moon and stars would pierce the
+clouds! If only we could see some faint glimmer of a candle in some
+lowly hut that would guide us on our way.
+
+_Second Brother._ Or hear the folded flocks, or sound of village flute
+or song, or if the cock would crow the watches of the night! Where can
+our dear sister be now? Does she wander in the deep grove, or against
+the rugged bark of some broad elm lean her head in fear? Perhaps even
+while we speak she is the prey of some savage beast!
+
+_Elder Brother._ Cease, brother, to dream of evils that may not be. No
+good can come from false alarms. I do not believe my good sister has
+lost herself in fear. Her faith will keep her calm.
+
+_Second Brother._ I do not fear the darkness and the fact that she is
+alone. But I do fear some harm may come to her from rude wanderers in
+the wood.
+
+_Elder Brother._ Yet I believe she is so good and true that evil has no
+power to harm her. All powers of good surround her and drive evil away.
+But list! Some faint call sounds on my ear.
+
+_Second Brother._ Yes, I hear it now. What should it be?
+
+_Elder Brother._ Either some one lost in this wood, like ourselves, or
+else some roving woodman, or perhaps some robber calling to his fellows!
+
+_Second Brother._ God save my sister!
+
+_Elder Brother._ Who comes here? Speak! Advance no further!
+
+_Spirit_ (_as a shepherd_). What voice is that? Speak once again.
+
+_Second Brother._ O brother! 'tis my father's shepherd, sure.
+
+_Elder Brother._ Are you Thyrsis? How could you find this dark,
+secluded spot? Why did you come?
+
+_Spirit._ To find out you. But where is your lovely sister? Why is she
+not with you?
+
+_Elder Brother._ Without our fault we lost her as we came.
+
+_Spirit._ Alas, then my fears are true!
+
+_Elder Brother._ What fears, good Thyrsis?
+
+_Spirit._ I have long known that this wood was held in the power of an
+evil spirit, and this evening as I sat me down upon a bank I heard most
+lovely strains as if an angel sang. Listening, I knew it was your
+sister's voice. I hastened to her and heard her tell Comus of you whom
+she had lost. To you I came that we may save her from the evil spirit of
+the wood.
+
+_Elder Brother._ Let us hasten to attack him with our swords.
+
+_Spirit._ Alas! Your bravery I praise, but it is vain. The evil charm
+of Comus can be broken only by a wondrous plant. See, I have it here.
+With this will we overcome his fairy spells.
+
+_Elder Brother._ Thyrsis, lead on! And some good angel bear a shield
+before us!
+
+
+SCENE III.--_The Palace of Comus_
+
+_Comus._ Drink, Lady, of the wine. You are faint and weary, and this
+will refresh you. Do not refuse!
+
+_Lady Alice._ Never will I drink the potion in that glass. You may
+control the body, but my free mind you can never bind.
+
+_Comus._ Why are you angry, Lady? Here is a place filled with all
+delight.
+
+_Lady Alice._ Is this the cottage you told me of, the place of safety
+where I could rest. None but good men can offer good things. I will
+never drink what you offer. What monsters are these? I pray Heaven guard
+me!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_Comus._ Dear Lady, stay with me and be my queen. Here may you reign
+over all my kingdom. See what royal robes are mine, what jewels, what
+costly tables and shining gold and silver. No sorrow shall you know,
+but only joy and pleasure.
+
+_Lady Alice._ Cease your words. You cannot move the mind guided by
+honesty and truth. You cannot frighten me, for well I know goodness is
+stronger than evil, truth is more powerful than falsehood. The pure
+heart cannot be harmed.
+
+_Comus._ Cease, cease! all this is foolishness. Be wise and taste. All
+trouble will be forgotten. Come, I insist!
+
+[_The brothers rush in and drive Comus and his crew away. But Lady Alice
+is entranced and cannot move._]
+
+_Spirit._ Have you let him escape? You should have seized his wand.
+Without that he has no power, but now we must have help to release your
+sister from his wicked power. The goddess of our river Severn, the
+lovely Sabrina, has power over all the enchantments of Comus. Her will I
+call.
+
+   Sabrina fair,
+   Listen, where thou art sitting,
+   Goddess of the silver lake,
+   Listen and save.
+
+Come from your home in the coral caves of the sea and help this lovely
+maiden in distress.
+
+_Sabrina_ (_entering_).
+
+   From off the waters fleet,
+   Thus I set my printless feet
+   O'er the cowslip's velvet head
+   That bends not as I tread;
+   Gentle swain, at thy request
+   I am here!
+
+_Spirit._ Dear goddess, we implore your powerful aid to undo the charm
+wrought by the enchanter on this maiden.
+
+_Sabrina._ 'Tis my greatest joy to help the pure and good. Gentle Lady,
+look on me. Thrice upon thy finger tips, thrice upon thy lips, I
+sprinkle drops from my pure fountain. Then I touch this marble seat and
+break the spell. All is well. Farewell.
+
+_Spirit._ Fair Sabrina, for this aid I pray that all the pretty rills
+will never cease to flow into your broad river. May your banks ever be
+fair with groves and meadows sweet, while all men shall praise you for
+your gentle deeds. Farewell. Now, Lady, let us hasten from this grove.
+Your parents await their dear children, and we must hasten ere they
+become alarmed over your delay. Thanks to your pure heart and the aid of
+the fair Sabrina, you have come safely through the enchanter's wood.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's note
+
+
+The following change has been made to the text:
+
+Page 25: "Dolly" changed to "Dollie".
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dramatic Reader for Lower Grades, by
+Florence Holbrook
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