_A crowd is staring stolidly at the gorgeously gilded and
painted entrance, with an affectation of superior wisdom to
that of the weaker-minded, who sneak apologetically up the
steps from time to time. A tall-hatted orchestra have just
finished a tune, and hung their brazen instruments up like
joints on the hooks above them._
A WOMAN CARRYING AN INFANT (_to her_ HUSBAND). Will 'ee goo in, Joe?
JOE (_who is secretly burning to see the show_). Naw. Sin it arl afoor
arfen enough. Th' outside's th' best on it, I reckon.
HIS WIFE (_disappointed_). Saw 'tis, and naw charge for lookin' at 'en
neither.
THE PROPRIETOR. Ladies and Gentlemen, Re-mem-bar! This is positively the
last opportunity of witnessing Denman's Celebrated Menagerie--the
largest in the known world! The Lecturer is now describing the animals,
after which Mlle. Cravache and Zambango, the famous African Lion-tamers,
will go through their daring feats with forest-bred lions, tigers,
bears, and hyenas, for the last time in this town. Remembar--the last
performance this evening!
JOE (_to his_ WIFE). If ye'd _like_ to hev a look at 'em, I wun't say
nay to et.
HIS WIFE. I dunno as I care partickler 'bout which way 'tis.
JOE (_annoyed_). Bide where 'ee be then.
HIS WIFE. Theer's th' child, Joe, to be sure.
JOE. Well we bain't a gooin' in, and so th' child wun't come to no 'arm,
and theer's a hend on it!
HIS WIFE. Nay, she'd lay in my arms as quiet as quiet. I wur on'y
thinkin', Joe, as it 'ud be somethin' to tell her when she wur a big
gell, as her daddy took her to see th' wild beasties afoor iver she
could tark--that's arl I wur meanin', Joe. And they'll let 'er goo in
free, too.
JOE. Ay, that'll be fine tellin's fur 'er, sure 'nough. Come arn,
Missus, we'll tek th' babby in--happen she'll niver git th' chance
again.
[_They mount the steps eagerly._