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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.