seem a simple quest, yet it hath set the whole Court by the ears, and put
the kingdom in jeopard ... and the Queen! [_He sits near the window and
polishes his shield._]
[_GUINEVERE enters in sad meditation._]
GUINEVERE.
What is it all women do most desire? Fair Heaven, here am I a woman,
with all I love in hazard for the answer, yet I know it not! [_She sees
SIR GAWAYNE in the shadow, and starts, exclaiming, then recognises him,
reassured._] Sir Gawayne!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Rising._] Madam! Doth aught ail you or the King?
GUINEVERE.
Finding my Lord restless and almost out of his mind, I gave him a potion
of simples by which he fell on sleep! But I ... I cannot rest for sorrow,
when, or ever the morrow is overpassed, we may all be chased from our
lands and made to yield to a great mighty and outrageous giant!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Polishing vigourously._] It shall go hard with the knavish churl or
ever he carries out his foul intent, I warrant you, Madam!
GUINEVERE.
Ah, dear nephew, if it were a matter of prowess, then should we be making
great joy and feasting! But how can fair chivalry prevail against the
wicked crafts of sorcery?
[_Again the knock at the door is heard. BOTH start and exclaim. THE
SHADOW appears again at the window._]
THE VOICE.
Who dwell herein, I pray you of your charity unshut the door!
GUINEVERE.
A woman! Seeking shelter!
SIR KAY.
[_Waking, and realising the state of affairs._] Madam, I pray you,
withhold, for well am I sure it is no woman!
THE VOICE.
For the love of Heaven I pray you give me entertainment here!
GUINEVERE.
A very gentlewoman! A well-languaged lady!
SIR KAY.
An enchanter and multiplier of subtile words!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Looking at the reflection in his shield._] Oh, but young and passing
fair!
SIR KAY.
[_In desperation._] A serpent! The divil in woman’s semblance!
GUINEVERE.
Now in truth, Sir Kay, you are the shamefulest knight of your tongue that
now is living in the world, and an ye do not yourself unshut the door to
this poor wight then will I myself!
SIR KAY.
On your own head be it, then!... [_Strides to the door and throws it
wide._] Who stands without, enter, by ordinance of the Queen! And under
protest from the Seneschal! [_ALL watch with interest, SIR KAY crossing
himself, as the STRANGER enters, showing herself to be a woman, bent and
hobbling, close-muffled in scarlet cloak and hood. SIR GAWAYNE starts,
realising that appearances have deceived him. SIR KAY mutters, mimicking
the other._] O passing young and peerless fair! [_ALL hang back, slightly
fearful, scrutinising the STRANGER._]
GUINEVERE.
[_To SIR KAY._] This is no beggar asking alms! I charge you, Sir Kay,
speak fair to her, and ask her who she may be, whence come, and on what
errand?
SIR KAY.
Pray, fair damosel, of what kin come ye, and by what name may we know ye,
and wherefore do you honour our poor Court with your gracious presence?
THE STRANGER.
Sir Kay, ye shall hold me excused, for not to you will I discover my
blood, my name, and wherefore I am come!
GUINEVERE.
Gawayne, do you greet her and question her in seemly sort!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Lady, I pray you tell us, who may ye be, and whence, and on what cause
hither come?
THE STRANGER.
Full fain will I answer you, Sir Gawayne! I come of a strange country,
and I am hight Déliverance La Belle Pilgrim, and I bring you a great
reward because you knew me to be young and passing fair!
SIR KAY.
[_Laughs, scoffing._] Déliverance La Belle Pilgrim! Now on my head....
GUINEVERE.
Peace, Sir Kay! A truce to your mockage and scornings!... ’Tis but a poor
daffish witless wight! [_She advances hospitably._] Whoever ye be, ye are
right heartily welcome! Give place, Gawayne, the hearth hereby! And you,
gentle Knight Seneschal, let bring refreshing of good meats and drinks!
SIR KAY.
Now on my head, let beggars find sustenance in the kitching, nor seek to
fare with great pride and bobbance among their betters!... Or let Sir
Gawayne serve his lovely damosel!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Beware what thou sayest in disworship of me, or....
SIR KAY.
What, are ye not upon covenant sworn never to refuse courtesy to lady or
gentlewoman?
SIR GAWAYNE.
Now sith ye have such despite of me I require ye to joust with me!
SIR KAY.
Oh, an ye seek an adventure you will find me soonly ready!
GUINEVERE.
Fie upon you both! Sir Kay, for the love of Heaven and the high order of
knighthood forbear! Gawayne, hold thee still and say nothing!
SIR GAWAYNE.
But, Madam, an I revenge my fellow he will say dishonour of me!
SIR KAY.
I never was proved coward of none earthly knight in all my life!
GUINEVERE.
I beseech of you both, in the peril in which we now stand, to be friends!
SIR KAY.
[_Reluctantly yielding._] I will hold you excused! [_To the other
KNIGHT._]
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Equally reluctant._] All is pardoned on my part!
SIR KAY.
[_With gruff friendliness, laughs._] The lion is of a more gentler nature
than his roaring would beseem!
SIR GAWAYNE.
In my heart I thought not amiss against ye!
THE STRANGER.
[_To the QUEEN._] Madam, I thank you of your great goodness to me! In
recompensation I may do you some service! I need not meat nor drink. My
errand is with the King! I crave speech with the King!
GUINEVERE.
[_Surprised._] With the King?
SIR KAY.
[_Whispers, to the QUEEN._] ’Ware, now! ’Tis the eve of All-Hallowmass!
GUINEVERE.
Speech with the King! Good dame, this would be a simple asking, but my
Lord is now on sleep! Because he was restless and full of heaviness I
gave him a potion, so that he will not awake till dawning! Not within
three hours!
THE STRANGER.
Arthur wakens ... anon he comes this way!
SIR KAY.
Mark well my words, a sorcerous witch!
[_At this moment ARTHUR enters slowly, as if in a trance. ALL exclaim._]
GUINEVERE.
[_Goes to the KING._] Dear love, I left ye soundly sleeping!
ARTHUR.
[_Waking fully, with a start._] Guinevere! I had a marvellous vision, but
it lacks interpretation! I dreamed one came knocking on this door ...
a damosel passing young and of peerless loveliness who called herself
Déliverance La Belle Pilgrim.... [_He breaks off with a start and an
exclamation, seeing the STRANGER, saying_,] By the faith of my body, ’tis
the loathly lady!
THE STRANGER.
God keep ye, Arthur!
ARTHUR.
God keep ye, dame! [_To the OTHERS he explains in an undertone._] ’Tis
a witless wight that I encountered in the forest, saying her prayers
between an oak and an holly tree!
THE STRANGER.
Because of your bounty ye gave me alms and proffered me aid when I
called after ye as I sat between oak and holly tree I am come to do ye a
service, so that ye shall be glad that ye ever showed me goodness!... I
would have speech with ye in privity!
[_The OTHERS seem about to protest against this._]
ARTHUR.
Whatsomever ye would say, may not this be said in open audience?
THE STRANGER.
[_Shakes her head._] So would it lose its helping virtue!
ARTHUR.
[_To the OTHERS._] Then, avoid, a little while! I pray you all, avoid!
[_To the QUEEN._] Fear naught, dear love! An aged woman of an hundred
winters, who knows but she may expound my vision, and discover to me what
all women do most desire!
[_SIR GAWAYNE gives his hand to GUINEVERE and leads her away._]
SIR KAY.
[_Following, grumbling._] The original serpent! The divil himself!
THE STRANGER.
Sir, the signification of your dream is this: the dragon betokeneth the
giant, being right horrible and abominable, whose peer for outrageousness
ye never saw in all your days, and before the dawning will he come
knocking on your doors to claim his forfeit, and unless ye make
conditions with me for the true answer to his rede....
[_At this juncture a terrible roaring is heard without, also resounding
blows on the door. The QUEEN and the TWO KNIGHTS come in running, crying,
“The giant! The giant!”_]
GUINEVERE.
[_At the window._] Oh, an outrageous churl seven times the height of
mortal man, and spitting flames of fire from his monstrous mouth!
SIR KAY.
[_Running about, shouting._] Awake! Awake! Ho, there, and here, awake!
Lazy lusks, ye ought to be ashamed so to sleep when knights have ado in
the field!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Also calling._] Awake, all men of arms! Ho, to the defence!
[_Great confusion prevails. People come running from all sides, meanwhile
the loud knocking and shouting is heard at intervals._]
THE STRANGER.
In vain! Arms profit ye naught! He has ye at a vantage!
THE GIANT.
[_Outside._] How now, King Arthur! What is it that all women do most
desire?
ARTHUR.
O help me, Heaven! What is it that all women do most desire?
STRANGER.
That well can I tell to ye!
ARTHUR.
[_Turning to her._] How now, dame? Beware what thou sayest, for thou
speakest a great word!
THE STRANGER.
Sir, if God give me grace that I may speed you well, delivering you from
this peril, in recompensation will ye give me a reward that I will ask of
ye?
ARTHUR.
Certainly, so that it be not unreasonably asked, and may be honourably
granted....
THE STRANGER.
That is well said!
ARTHUR.
Speak, then. Name your petition!
THE STRANGER.
I will ask my gift when I see my time!
ARTHUR.
Now, by my faith, but this is emprising an adventure in the dark!
THE GIANT.
[_Without._] Arthur, for the second time of asking, what is it that all
women do most desire?
[_This produces great general consternation._]
THE STRANGER.
Arthur, for the second time of asking will ye entreat with me?
GUINEVERE.
Oh, my dear Lord, for the love of Heaven, whatsomever boon the dame
seeketh, that grant to her, for there is none other remedy in the peril
we are in!
[_THE GIANT knocks louder than ever._]
SIR GRIFLET.
[_Runs forward with sword and shield._] How, now, varlet! [_To his former
fellow-PAGE._] Attend me! Ho, now! On to the assay! [_The doughty child
is restrained by a fat GENTLEWOMAN._]
THE STRANGER.
Fools, fools! Your pains and preparations are vain, for the deed shall
never be achieved but by me!
GUINEVERE.
[_Again beseeching the KING who still demurs._] Dear love, bethink you of
all that is in jeopard: your kingdom, your life, and me, your queen!
ARTHUR.
[_Considering the STRANGER._] Now, my heart giveth me to thee greatly
that thou art come on a good errand, and greatly my conceit faileth me
but thou shalt prove our true deliverance! Therefore....
THE STRANGER.
Ye will grant my boon? Upon covenant.... Sworn upon a book?
ARTHUR.
By the faith of my body and the Holy Rood!
THE STRANGER.
Then.... [_Going to ARTHUR she whispers in his ear._]
THE GIANT.
[_Without._] Arthur, for the third time of asking....
ARTHUR.
[_Breaking into immoderate mirth, on hearing the STRANGER’S whispered
communication._] Oh, ho, ho! Let blow! Let blow! [_While speaking he
hastens to the window, the while horns are blown and great excitement
prevails._] Hark, ye, varlet! Learn now from Arthur the true answer
to your rede: What is it that all women do most desire? [_There is an
expectant hush, as the KING pauses before announcing._] Their own sweet
will, that they may do in all things as they list!
[_Immoderate laughter seizes the assemblage, and all repeat._]
ALL.
[_Stamping about and slapping knees, etc._] Oh, aye! All women do most
desire their own sweet will, that they may do in all things as they list!
THE GIANT.
[_Without, unable to believe his ears._] Eh? Eh? What word do I hear?
ALL.
[_Shouting in concert and carefully syllabling._] All women most desire
their own sweet will that they may do in all things as they list!
[_At this THE GIANT utters a mighty roar of wrath and frustration, and
falls to the ground with a tremendous thud; lies there groaning, and
obviously writhing, a short space, then with one final yell gives up
the ghost, ALL, meantime, mocking and with ejaculations recording the
phases of his passing: “Aha, now! How like you that!... Mark how he
flames and smokes with wrath!... Oh, what a fall! Almost he brings down
the castle!... Hear him groan!... Ah, fellow; that wraths you finely!...
Now he dies! He dies! He gives up the ghost!” They all dance about,
exulting._]
GUINEVERE.
[_Falling on ARTHUR’S neck._] Saved! Now am I more gladder than I ever
was! Oh, my dear love! Mercifully saved!
ARTHUR.
[_Embracing her._] Aye, saved indeed, give laudings and praisings unto
God, and His messenger, La Belle Pilgrim Déliverance!
GUINEVERE.
Aye, soothly! And now let us put aside all sorrowful thoughts and speak
of rejoicing!... Sir Kay, good Knight Seneschal, let make a great feast!
Let there be harping and minstrelsy!... Let ceremony be overpassed, and
all make good cheer!
ALL.
[_Excited._] Aye; a feast! A feast!
[_Harpings and song are heard in the banqueting-hall, and in joyous
confusion the LORDS and LADIES repair thither._]
ARTHUR.
[_Offering his hand to the STRANGER._] Lady!
THE STRANGER.
First, Sir King, as I have done well by ye and holpen ye out of the peril
in which ye stood, I require of ye my reward!
ARTHUR.
Require or desire of me anything, dame! I wot not what your will is, but
howbeit I promised ye largely, whatsomever ye demand ye shall have it
without any fail!
THE STRANGER.
Then do I ask a noble knight, and full of prowess to take and wed me unto
his wife!
ARTHUR AND GUINEVERE.
[_Start, amazed._] Good dame! What words are these?
ARTHUR.
Ye ask a Knight for husband! Now, on my head—!
GUINEVERE.
A damosel of an hundred years of age, would ye not do better to let make
yourself a nun, and wear white clothes and black, and end your days in
alms’ deeds and prayers and fastings in an abbey?
THE STRANGER.
I require upon covenant that ye grant my will!
ARTHUR.
Aye, dame; what the King hath promised on his avows shall not be
gainsayed!... Ho, Sir Knights: Sir Kay, Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis,
Sir Gawayne and Sir Meliogrance, and all the worshipful company! [_The
KNIGHTS come hastening from the banqueting-hall, the LADIES also._] Which
of ye will emprise an adventure of passing peril? [_The KNIGHTS press
forward eagerly, saying: “I, Sir King!... Sir, I am your fellow!...
Oh, my liege, choose me!... Nay, then; me!” The KING, however, finds
it hard to break the news._] It is required of us upon covenant, in
recompensation for our deliverance that one of ye.... Oh, how can I say
the word! ... that one of ye shall take and wed this dame unto his wife!
[_A horrified exclamation goes up from the KNIGHTS on this, while the
LADIES seem inclined to laugh._]
SIR BORS.
Is not this questing in the dark? Will not the lady show us her visage?
ARTHUR.
Unwimple your visage, dame!
[_Turning her face to the window, the STRANGER raises her hood for a few
seconds. ALL crowd forward to gaze on her, then turn away, the men with
suppressed horror and the women with ill-suppressed mirth. Exclamations
rise from all sides: “Oh, what an unlovely lady!... By my soul, a loathly
lady!”_]
SIR MELIOGRANCE.
[_His voice quaking with fear._] Is there no way but this? Leaver
would I shed the best blood of my body than ... than.... [_Breaks off,
stammering, not wishing to be rude._]
ARTHUR.
There is none other way!
SIR BORS.
I am hors de combat! Already is my troth plighted to ... to ... to
several ladies!
SIR BLEOBERIS.
[_Hastily._] And mine! To the same ladies!
THE OTHER KNIGHTS.
Cowards! Cowards!
SIR GRIFLET.
[_Runs forward and casts himself at ARTHUR’S feet._] Sir, I never yet
applied me to be married, but an it please ye, I will win worship in this
wise!
[_All the LADIES murmur admiringly, “Gallant child!”_]
ARTHUR.
Rise, Sir Griflet! This adventure is for your elders ... your betters
could not be!... Sir Kay....
SIR KAY.
[_Hurriedly._] This is matter for Sir Gawayne! [_This is greeted with a
slight general exclamation; the KNIGHT continues._] For the slaying of a
lady by misadventure and smiting off her head is he not sworn upon the
Four Evangelists never to refuse courtesy to lady ne gentlewoman so long
as he shall live?
[_All the KNIGHTS heartily assent to this._]
SIR GAWAYNE.
Now by faith of my body....
ALL THE KNIGHTS.
[_Hurriedly._] Aye! Sir Gawayne is the fellow for this adventure!
GUINEVERE.
[_Imploring, hands out to him._] Dear nephew ... for the love of the high
order of knighthood, assent to this, I beseech ye!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_After a pause._] I assent me!
[_A sigh of relief goes up from all sides._]
ARTHUR.
Truly, nephew, ye have a mighty heart! [_He presents the STRANGER to the
KNIGHT._] Take her, and God be your speed!
GUINEVERE.
[_To the assembled people._] Avoid! Avoid! Together will they be more
at their hearts’ ease! [_All go. The QUEEN continues, addressing the
STRANGER._] Lady, we will make ready in the goodliest wise that may be
devised for the betrothal feast! [_She and the KING also go._]
[_Left together GAWAYNE and DÉLIVERANCE gaze on one another, then,
involuntarily, the young man turns away and covers his face with his
hands. He then resumes his interrupted task of polishing his shield. The
LADY goes to him with a brisker step than we have yet seen her employ,
and touches him on the shoulder. With a start and an ejaculation he looks
up at her hopefully._]
SIR GAWAYNE.
Gramercy! The face in the shield!... Ah! [_He sighs heavily._] ’Twas but
a trick of fantasy! Woven of moonlight and dawn! [_He goes on polishing._]
DÉLIVERANCE.
Pluck up heart. All may yet be well!
SIR GAWAYNE.
All _is_ well, madam. [_He rises._] An ye have no commands for me I will
go make me ready in seemly sort for our betrothal!
DÉLIVERANCE.
Rather abide, and suffer me to do thankings unto thee, for much have ye
done for me! An ye wist how ye have holpen a dolorous lady!
SIR GAWAYNE.
I but stand upon my knighthood, madam! [_He is about to go, when there
enters, confronting him, a young and gallant KNIGHT, in full armour.
GAWAYNE stops short, staring at him._] Now, by my head ... the face I saw
in my shield! [_He passes a hand over his puzzled brow._] Of whence be
ye, and how called?
THE KNIGHT [DÉLIVERÉ].
I am extract of noble blood. I am hight Déliveré! I am brother to this
lady!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Brother to...! [_He looks from one to the other, incredulous._]
DÉLIVERÉ.
[_Corroborating his own assertion._] To Déliverance La Belle Pilgrim!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Now by my head you speak a great wonder!
DÉLIVERÉ.
By the crafts of sorcery I was turned into the outrageous giant, keeping
the evil customs whereby Arthur and his Court were put in jeopard! My
sister alone knew the true answer to my rede, but none could learn it
or ever a worshipful knight should promise to take and wed her unto his
wife! In this ye stand a proved knight of matchless chivalry! But an ye
would save yourself unshamed from this marriage, come and joust with me!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_With a cry of joy._] Now Heaven be praised, right glad and blithe am
I, for liefer an hundred times would I die with fighting worship than
live with wedded woe! Come, Sir Knight, to the assay, and spare me not,
for I warn thee I will not spare thee! Come and prove who will be first
to say Ho! [_DÉLIVERANCE, who has hobbled back to the hearth, cowers in
her chair, moaning. “Now am I the wofullest lady of the world!”_] Now
wherefore this dolorous moaning?
DÉLIVERANCE.
I require thee, good knight, as thou art a gentleman, not to gainsay your
avows to me!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Pauses irresolute._] Now was ever knight in such plight, between fire
and water as it might be!
DÉLIVERÉ.
Coward! Coward!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Starting to go to him._] Now by the faith of my body never will I yield
me nor say the loth word!
DÉLIVERANCE.
Traitor! Traitor!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Stopping short._] Now by the Four Evangelists.... [_He takes a sudden
decision, and goes toward his bride._] Lady, love is free in himself, and
never will be bound, but I shall be your servant and knight in right and
wrong, and I shall never fail you to do as much as a knight may do, and
I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life your
knight!
DÉLIVERÉ.
Coward!
[Illustration: “Look, Sir Knight! Behold the visage of your bride!”]
SIR GAWAYNE.
Not so, Sir Déliveré, for, God wot, I have chosen the more perilous part!
DÉLIVERANCE.
Now this gladdeth well my heart, for so have ye delivered me from the
bondage of enchantment! Look, Sir Knight! Behold the visage of your
bride! [_Standing erect, and throwing back her hood she discloses the
countenance of a young woman of great beauty._]
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_With a cry of great joy._] Lady! The damosel I saw in my shield ... all
passing young and peerless fair!... Sir Knights and Ladies! [_He goes
toward the banqueting-hall, calling_:] Come, and witness a great marvel!
[_ALL come in, in great excitement, and from the other direction come the
KING and QUEEN, with their attendants, bringing a rich robe and sparkling
jewels for the bride. Excitedly SIR GAWAYNE invites their attention
to DÉLIVERANCE._] Behold my bride ... the damosel I saw anon, all
passing young and peerless fair! [_But, even as he had turned from her,
DÉLIVERANCE drew her hood over her head, wrapped her mantle, huddling,
about her bent shoulders, and relapsed into the form of an aged crone.
ALL look amazed._]
SIR KAY.
[_Takes her by the arm and turns her toward the light, then bursts into
great laughter._] By my head, he’s clean out of his wits!... Passing
fair? The loathly lady! [_ALL echo this, and troop off, mocking SIR
GAWAYNE._]
GUINEVERE.
[_Who with the KING remains._] The unlovely lady, the loathly lady
passing fair? Poor, poor gentleman! He is under the spell of a dolorous
enchantment!
ARTHUR.
Pray Heaven he may never get well of it!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Sternly, to his bride._] What means this: now young and fair, now old
and wizened? This is no stability!
DÉLIVERANCE.
Alas, dear love! The spell is still on me, whereby I may be young and
fair to you alone, and old and bent in company; or young and fair in
company, and old and bent to you alone! It is for you to choose!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Oh, what a burden is thrust upon me! Alone with you to enjoy your
delectable beauty, and in company to endure the tauntings and mockage of
men ... or in company to have the envy of all for my lovely bride, and
alone with you to discover a loathly crone of an hundred years of age!
[_He groans, throwing himself into a chair and covering his face._]
DÉLIVERÉ.
[_Sharply._] Choose ye now, or look well to yourself!
SIR GAWAYNE.
Leave that, Sir Déliveré!... [_He goes to DÉLIVERANCE._] I give it to
thee, for my wedding-gift, the thing that all women do most desire ...
your own will in this affair, to do as you may list!
DÉLIVERANCE.
[_Casting aside her mantle and throwing up her arms with a great cry
of joy._] Oh, laudings and praisings to Heaven, for now is my cup of
happiness brim-filled and running over!... Sir Gawayne, ye have passed
the third and last test of chivalry, and so have delivered me forever
from the crafts of sorcery!
SIR GAWAYNE.
[_Overjoyed, almost in a whisper._] What! Is it true? Ye are all fair for
all times, in company and for me alone?
DÉLIVERÉ.
It is true! She is a full fair maid, good and gentle, and right well
taught, so may each love other entirely!
[_ARTHUR and GUINEVERE, who were standing at a distance, have joined the
group, attracted by DÉLIVERANCE’S cry, and now offer their felicitations.
GUINEVERE kisses the bride, and places a jewel in her lovely hair and a
chain about her fair neck._]
ARTHUR.
[_To the two SERVANTS, who stand at the entrance to the
banqueting-hall._] Let blow! Let blow! [_At a bugle blast from these ALL
enter hurriedly. The KING addresses them._] Now is greater worship than
ever before won to our goodly fellowship, sithence our dear nephew Sir
Gawayne hath passed the third and final test of chivalry!
[_ALL exclaim rejoicing._]
SIR KAY.
But ... where is the loathly lady?
ALL.
Aye, where is the unlovely lady ... the loathly lady?
ARTHUR.
Yon stands she, freed forever from the evil spell of sorcery! And by the
faith of my body I do think she is the fairest lady of the world but if
it were Queen Guinevere!
A CHRISTMAS PARTY
_Christmas_
CHARACTERS
_THREE LOBS, Lob here, Lob there, Lob everywhere._
_Three PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN: ETHEL who is called BABS, JANET
called BEESWAX, and RICHARD called DICK._
_Some CHILDREN of HISTORY and FABLE, including CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS, PETER SCHLEMIHL, SLEEPING BEAUTY and NAPOLEON._
SANTA CLAUS.
THE FATHER AND MOTHER.
A CHRISTMAS PARTY
Before the curtains part the voice of the Mother is heard singing her
babes to sleep with A CHRISTMAS EVENSONG.