(For seven little girls--six with dolls. The seventh to be the
judge.)
_First girl enters, with doll in her arms._
We're going to have a dolly show,
This very afternoon--
The little girls will bring their dolls,
(I think they'll be here soon),
And then we'll have such lots of fun,
We'll place them in a row,
And the one the judge declares the best
Will take the prize, you know.
My dolly is all ready,
I've dressed her as a bride;
Don't she look sweet; She'll take the prize,
Of that I'm satisfied.
_Places her doll on a bench or chair, and takes a seat._
_Second Girl_
Oh, such a time as I have had,
I thought I would be late;
I took so very, very long
To dress my little Kate,
But here she is, my infant doll,
So white, and clean, and pure,
Oh, yes, my precious darling,
You'll take the prize, I'm sure.
_Places doll next to doll No. 1 and takes a seat._
_Third Girl--Carrying a handsome French Doll._
My dolly came from Sunny France,
Her name is Antoinette,
She's two years old on Christmas day,
And she's my dearest pet.
Her feet and hands are very small,
Her hair is soft and light,
Her eyes the deepest, darkest blue,
And very large and bright.
This handsome dress from Paris came,
Also this stylish hat,
Why, she of course will take the prize,
I'm positive of that.
_Places her doll by doll No. 2, and takes a seat._
_Fourth Girl_
I hope they've saved a little space
For Jack, my sailor lad,
The bravest, best, and nicest son
A mother ever had.
He wears a suit of navy blue--
I've brought him to the show
Because he looks so very nice,
He'll take the prize, I know.
_Places it by doll No. 3, and sits down._
_Fifth Girl--a very small girl holding by the arm a large rag baby
with a long dress._
My mamma's writing letters,
And told me--"run away,"
And so I brought my dolly
To the baby show, to-day.
She isn't very pretty,
But she's very nice, I think,
Her eyes, and nose, and little mouth,
My mamma made with ink.
I love my Dolly, 'cause she's good--
She never never cries,
So don't you think she'll be the one
To carry off the prize?
_Places her doll by doll No. 4, and takes a seat._
_Sixth Girl_
They mustn't crowd my baby out,
Although she's black as night.
I think she'll stand as good a chance
As babies that are white.
She's very neat, and nice, and clean,
Her lips are cherry red,
She wears a gay bandanna
Tied round her curly head.
She's a very handsome lady,
And if the judge be wise,
I do not have the slightest doubt
That she will take the prize.
_Places her doll by doll No. 5, and sits down._
_First Girl--to the girls_
Do not open your mouths,
Nor shut your eyes!
For here comes the judge
To award the prize.
_Seventh Girl--Enters carrying a wand. She views each doll in turn
with critical eyes, then pointing to the first doll, says--_
Number one is very pretty,
But I think she's rather tall.
_Points to No. 2_
And this cunning little baby,
Is a little bit too small.
_No. 3_
Number three--a fine French lady,
Too Frenchy is, I fear.
_Points to No. 4_
And Master Jack, I like your looks,
But I think you dress too queer.
_No. 5_
And this old-fashioned baby doll,
I guess lived in the ark;
_No. 6_
No, no, Miss Dinah, no prize for you,
Your skin is much too dark.
_Then turning to the little girls, she continues:_
And now, dear anxious mothers,
I find I can't decide
Which doll shall have the premium,
But I'll be satisfied
If you'll call another meeting
To-morrow afternoon,
I need more time to settle this--
To-day is much too soon.
So, mothers, now I give these babies
Back to your loving care;
And I thank you much for bringing them
To our famous Baby Fair.
_Hands each doll to it's owner._
_Exit all._
[Illustration: Doll and Cat--Please, Puss, don't Hurt Me.]
[Page 53--Dolly Land]
[Illustration: Dog Hitched to Doll Carriage.]