Chapter II: Part 2

_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.

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!

_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

_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.

_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.

_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.

_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!

_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.

_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.

_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._]

_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._]

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!

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!

_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?

_Lord Justice_ (_enters_). Here I am. I have just come from London to do justice on that Knight. Where is he?