Chapter II: Part 2

[_All the characters who took part, and the entire school, if desired, may now line up at the back and sing._]

Tune: “Twinkle Little Star.”

1.

Late at night on Hallowe’en,
Many funny sights are seen;
Better mind your A, B, C’s,
As the Witches often tease.

2.

If they get their kettles out,
They will boil you without doubt;
Walk the chalk and be polite,
If you do not want a fright.

3.

What’s the use to go to bed,
Witches often times have said;
’Tis a habit, but we call
Good-night, good-night, to one and all.

A Hallowe’en Carnival and Wax-work Show

CHARACTERS

FOLLY—An older boy.
OWL—A small boy.
CAT—A small boy.
WITCH—An older girl.
STILT-WALKERS—Any number boys and girls.
MAD MARCH HARE—A small boy.
JACK-O’-LANTERN—A small boy.
POPPY LADIES—Four girls.
CHINAMAN—A boy.
ESKIMO—A boy.
JAPANESE—A girl.
HOLLAND—A girl.
INDIAN—A boy.
NEGRO—A boy.

Silhouettes of bats, black cats and owls are hung by threads from the ceiling. The characters are grouped about the stage. They wear fancy costumes and masks, and pose as statues. Boys on stilts, standing at right and left, help give a comical appearance; and children dressed in costumes of all nations, carrying national flags may be in the groups. Folly wears the most comical costume of all, he is attired as a court jester, half the costume black, half yellow, wears a cap and bells, carries a noisy rattle.

SCENE I

[_The first song is sung back of the scenes. Have stage darkened, only Jack-o’-Lanterns as foot-lights._]

Tune: “The Campbells Are Coming.”

On Hallowe’en Night, Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho,
The Witches and Brownies, Ho, Ho. Ho, Ho;
The Owls and the Cats. Ho. Ho. Ho, Ho,
On Hallowe’en Night, Ho, Ho, Ho, Ho.

[_Lights come on._]

FOLLY:

I am Folly, always jolly,
Though I’m seldom seen;
I am Folly, always jolly,
Late on Hallowe’en.
And if I am not mistaken,
All these statutes waken, waken!
Ha, ha, ha, hear Folly’s laughter,
Fun and frolic follow after.

[_Folly touches the characters one at a time, with wand or rattle, they rise stiffly, come to life and recite._]

OWL:

I am the Owl, who—who—who?
On Hallowe’en I follow you.

CAT:

I am the Witch’s Cat, oft’ seen
Late at night on Hallowe’en.

WITCH:

Oh Folly, you’re a cunning fellow,
In your costume black and yellow;
Why not give a wax-work show,
To entertain before we go?

FOLLY:

I’ll wake the funny old stilt-walkers,
Perhaps they’ll serve as the end talkers.

STILT-WALKERS:

We’re rather tall, wherever seen,
But we’ll enjoy this Hallowe’en.

MAD MARCH HARE:

I’m the Mad March Hare, I do declare,
Not popular now, anywhere;
And if you give a wax-work show,
I’m very sure I want to go.

JACK-O’-LANTERN:

Jack-o’-Lantern, jolly rover,
Happy is, in glad October.

WITCH:

Ha, ha. Folly, I’ll cast a spell.
Incantations I know well;
My Poppy Ladies, I will call,
They’ll wrap in slumber one and all.

FOLLY:

My silver whistle, I will blow,
The Poppy Ladies come, ho, ho.

[_Enter Poppy Ladies in crepe paper costumes, go through any pretty little dance and sing._]

Tune: “Coming Through the Rye.”

Poppy Ladies in October
Sing a lullaby;
And sweet dreams you will discover,
Sandman hovers nigh.
Dreamland fairies in October
Form a magic ring,
Hallowe’en brings many a rover,
Poppy Ladies sing.

[_They go out, the Witch casts a spell indicating certain characters, who will take part in the wax-work show in the next scene._]

WITCH:

Ho, ho, come broomstick, cast a spell,
On Hallowe’en, when all is well;
All turn to wax, while sleeping, sleeping,
Close your eyes, let’s have no peeping.
You shall whistle, and you shall sing,
You shall recite of fall or spring;
You’ll be a wild rider in the show,
You’ll dance a solo before we go.
The boys and girls from many a nation,
Will appear in their own creation;
And only Folly can break the spell,
Ha, ha, ho, ho, we wish you well.

SCENE II

The characters now are wax-like figures, very still, sitting in a row. As Folly touches one with a wand he rises and goes through the stunt suggested by the Witches spell in the last scene. One dances, one sings a nonsense song, one may give a dumb-bell or Indian-club drill, one skates, one comes forward on a Kiddy-cart to represent the wild rider. Bring in all talent possible to make this part of the program funny. A Clown Dance would be appropriate. The children of various nations recite.

CHINAMAN:

I am Ching-Lo, Chinaman,
Also known as funny man.

ESKIMO:

I am Eskimo, and if you please,
I enter doors on hands and knees.

JAPANESE:

Across the sea to fair Japan,
I carry parasol and fan.

HOLLAND:

Clump, clump, go my wooden shoes,
As I travel to carry news.

INDIAN:

Indian in Indian summer weather,
Carries war-paint, carries feathers.

NEGRO:

Plunkety-plunk goes the old banjo,
Down in the cotton field you know.

[_All taking attitude of playing banjo, say_]:

Plunkety-plunk is a merry tune,
Plunkety-plunk, ’neath the harvest moon;
Plunkety-plunk with songs between,
We’ll entertain on Hallowe’en.

[_Girls enter with mirrors, turn heads to look in mirror held over shoulder and Folly peeps in each, so he is seen._]

ALL:

Minor, mirror, what do you see?
On Hallowe’en reveal to me.

FIRST:

Mirror, mirror, that I hold,
Many a fortune by you is told.
Folly, Folly, Folly.

SECOND:

Mirror, mirror, what do you mean,
The hour strikes, ’tis Hallowe’en.
Folly, Folly, Folly.

THIRD:

Mirror, mirror, tell me true,
If I meet my love, what shall I do?
Folly, Folly, Folly.

FOURTH:

Mirror, mirror, in my hand,
Your charm I can not understand.
Folly, Folly, Folly.

FOLLY:

Merry lads and lassies too,
Folly makes much fun for you;
Can wax-work figures sing I wonder?
Will they whisper? will they blunder?
Can they keep a tune? I’ll see,
I’ll wind them with my little key.

[_He winds them up one at a time, they rise, to his apparent surprise, dance around, come forward, line up and sing._]

Tune: “Yankee Doodle.”

WAX-WORK SONG

1.

We’re Wax-Work Figures in the show,
We’re very fond of singing;
We’re talented as you must know,
You’ll hear our voices ringing.

CHORUS.

Ha, ha, ha, we’re wound up well,
You will soon discover;
Why we’re singing, we can’t tell,
In the late October

[_Hum the chorus._]

2.

We’re Wax-Work Figures it is true,
Let’s keep on humming, humming;
We’ll do our very best for you,
As Hallowe’en is coming.

[_Whistle chorus. Repeat words of chorus and go off right and left as stiff figures would._]

The Play of Pomona

NOTE—The ancients believed that Pomona, the goddess of fruits, attracted many lovers. She was finally won by Vertumnus, the god of the changing year. To win her, he had to take on many forms. Offerings were made to those gods in Rome at festival time.

CHARACTERS

OCTOBER—A tall girl.
WITCH—A tall girl or boy.
TRUMPETER—A small boy.
APPLES—Four girls.
PEARS—Four girls.
BANANAS—Four girls.
GRAPES—Four girls.
CHILD—A small boy.
POMONA—A young lady.
SUITORS—Any number of boys.
VERTUMNUS—A young man.

COSTUME SUGGESTIONS

While no special costumes are necessary, they will add to the program. The fruits especially should be made to represent what they speak of, and the Horn of Plenty may be made of pasteboard, decorated with colored fruits and flowers, or a large waste basket filled with fruits would do for this purpose. October will be pretty crowned with autumn leaves. There will be no difficulty in getting a long, black cape for the Witch, and a pointed black hat. She carries a cane and raps on the floor when ready to recite. Consult any ancient history for costumes for Pomona and her suitors.

SCENE I

[_In the woods._]

OCTOBER:

I am October, my fruits are mellow,
My autumn leaves are red and yellow?
I am October, my voice you hear
On Hallowe’en, the fall of the year.

WITCH:

Same old jokes on Hallowe’en,
Same old pumpkins too are seen;
October, with your skies so blue,
Can’t you think up something _new_?

OCTOBER:

By my side old Witch please stay,
And we’ll enact a little play;
Pomona, goddess of fruits, I’ll call,
And she will entertain us all.
Vertumnus, too, I’ll conjure here,
The god he is, of the turning year!

WITCH:

Ha, ha, the story I remember,
He comes long before November;
Though many shapes he takes to woo her,
Nothing ever seems to do her
Until he dons a gossip’s shoes,
For truly, she is fond of news!

OCTOBER:

Her attendants we’ll call without delay,
For Pomona now is on her way.

[_A Trumpeter appears and blows his horn, each time before a fruit or group of fruits enter._]

APPLES:

Apples rosy, Apples red,
See us nodding overhead;
Apples rosy, round and sweet,
Everywhere are good to eat.

[_Dance around in couples, and line up at back of stage._]

PEARS:

We are Pears, so very shy,
Scarcely nodding to passersby;
As we heard Pomona call,
We’ll do her honor one and all.

[_Dance in a circle, and line up beside Apples._]

BANANAS:

We’re Bananas, spick and spandy,
And you always find us handy;
Ripe Bananas are so sweet,
You will find us quite a treat.

[_Bow to partners, circle round each other, and line up at back._]

GRAPES:

Purple Grapes, in early fall,
We have heard Pomona’s call;
And we come in late October,
For the summer hours are over.

[_Join hands, skip forward and back, line up at back. Child enters with Horn of Plenty, they circle, around her, singing._]

Tune: “Coming Through the Rye.”

To the woodland we are going
Late on Hallowe’en,
We’ve no other way of knowing
What strange sights are seen;
But we bring the Horn of Plenty
At this time of year,
And a festival we’re keeping,
For Pomona’s here.

[_Pomona enters, and is seated at right; the fruits in turn go to her and bow, and the child offers her the Horn of Plenty. Many suitors now come bowing to her in turn; they offer her fall fruits and flowers and gifts, carrying them in baskets or on trays; the Knave of Hearts even comes offering her his tarts, and Simple Simon offers her a pie. Last of all comes Vertumnus, he is larger and more powerful than the rest; he simply offers her an enormous red pasteboard heart._]

VERTUMNUS:

Vertumnus, the god of the turning year,
I come, Pomona, behold me here;
Offerings are made to me in Rome,
Will you share my fortunes? Pomona, come.

[_Pomona waves him away with the rest of the company, and the curtain falls._]

SCENE II

[_Witch’s quarters in woods. The Witch and Vertumnus, seated at a table, are talking over their cups of tea._]

WITCH:

I’m the Witch of Hallowe’en,
Many curious sights I’ve seen.
I’m also a gipsy as you see,
I’ll tell your fortune With leaves of tea.
You must wear disguise, you understand,
If you would win Pomona’s hand.
Go as a Ploughman, talk of spring,
Roses to her cheeks you’ll bring.
As a Fisherman, talk of summer time,
Charm her with your song and rhyme.
A Reaper has enchanting ways
When he sings of autumn days.
As Old Woman Winter in ice and snow,
You’ll interest her, I’m sure it’s so.
When you have enchanted her, then arise,
You can safely throw off your last disguise.

VERTUMNUS:

Such fortunes in tea leaves we’ve seen,
I’ll cry. “Hurrah for Hallowe’en;
Hurrah! hurrah! for your time and trouble,
May your kettle always boil and bubble.”

WITCH:

Vertumnus, now if you are wise,
You’ll not forget to wear disguise.

VERTUMNUS:

In disguise I’ll journey, you understand,
To seek again Pomona’s hand.

SCENE III

[_Pomona’s home in the woods. Pomona seated by spinning wheel. A knock is heard, enter Vertumnus as ploughman._]

VERTUMNUS: Fair Pomona, I can not help but sing today; I come to tell you of all the beauties of spring. If you will come with me to the fields you will see new life returning everywhere. In every little blade of grass upspringing, in every mellow bird note, there is nature’s call. See, I have brought you the first violets.

POMONA: Very beautiful is your breath of spring, and the message the violets bring me, but I would far rather stay here by my spinning wheel, for even now nights and mornings are chilly. I care not for your wild, sweet, spring music.

[_Vertumnus goes out. While Pomona spins, he returns as a fisherman._]

VERTUMNUS:

I am a Fisherman, since you ask it,
I made a catch that will fill your basket.
How we all love summer, summer,
She’s a fashionable new-comer.
Now, sweet summer, with her roses,
Happiness for all proposes.

POMONA: I care not for your wonderful catch of fish, or for your summer roses. I have had bouquets before. Go back to your stream, young fisherman, perhaps the fish will listen to your clumsy verses.

[_He goes out, returns as reaper, with a scythe or cycle._]

VERTUMNUS: What wonderful seasons we have, Pomona, this is the harvest time. What a wealth of flowers, fruits and nuts meet our gaze, and the cheerful bonfires are lighted everywhere. Soon Hallowe’en will be here. I almost imagined I saw a Witch as I entered. [_The Witch peeps over the screen, waving hand to audience._] I dream I hear October’s laughter as she shakes the trees, from which the leaves leap and dance to the last ball of the season. [_October peeps over screen and laughs._] Will you come with me, Pomona?

[_Pomona does some real acting while this last recitation is given, she appears almost to yield, but replies._]

POMONA: As I am the goddess of fruits, you almost persuade me. I hear the far-off hunter’s horn, I feel the spell of Hallowe’en, but no—I am not easily won.

[_Vertumnus now goes out and re-enters as old woman winter, he wears a long cape with hood._]

VERTUMNUS: Have you heard the news? You must surely know. They say, and they say, and they say. Oh, yes, I look like old winter with my frosty fingers, but see, I bring Christmas and sleighing and good times and _gossip_. Ha, ha! Oh, yes, I pay quite a fortune for shoes, for I travel so far to carry the news.

WITCH [_over the screen_]:

Gossip now is going to win her,
Keep at it whatever you do;
Gossip, like a hardened sinner,
Stands you in good stead ’tis true.
Gossip about whatever you choose,
Drop a word here and there to carry the news;
Never mind who listens over the screen,
I’m the merry old Witch of Hallowe’en.

[_Pomona rises from stool and yields to Vertumnus. Vertumnus drops his disguise and takes Pomona by the hand. They march forward and bow. The Witch enters at right, October at left._]

WITCH:

The goddess of fruits to merry October
Calls, “Good-bye, the summer is over.”

OCTOBER:

Vertumnus, the god of the turning year,
Hath won her now, it doth appear.

POMONA:

What our kind friends say is true,
So we call, “Good-bye,” to you.

VERTUMNUS:

Come, let the fall fruits and flowers,
Return for a few more happy hours.

[_All who have taken part re-enter, heralded by trumpeter, line up, sing._]

Tune: “Battle Hymn.”

1.

Oh autumn time is coming,
You can hear her trumpets call;
While the fruits and nuts are falling,
There is plenty for us all.
We go o’er hill and valley
Making bonfires in the fall,
In happy harvest time.

CHORUS.

Sing three cheers for glad October,
Sing three cheers for summer’s over;
Jack Frost comes, a merry rover,
In happy harvest time.

2.

Oh autumn time we love you
With your fields of ripened wheat;
And so bountiful the harvest
All the glories we repeat.
And at the hour of sunset
You can hear our marching feet,
In happy harvest time.

CHORUS.

CURTAIN OR MARCH OFF

Hallowe’en Puppet Play

[_The Puppets are shown over a screen, and a Showman comes out in front to recite the prologue._]

CHARACTERS

SHOWMAN
WITCH
CAT
JACK-O’-LANTERN
BROWNIE
KNOWLEDGE
PUNCH AND JUDY

TIME: Hallowe’en.

PLACE: High on the hill.

SHOWMAN:

Little Puppets now are seen,
Late at night on Hallowe’en,
Sometimes thrown upon a screen.

Sometimes from wires suspended high,
You’ll see the Puppets passing by,
Perhaps you’ll hear a wooden sigh.

The Witch and Jack-o’-Lantern, too,
A wooden speech will make for you,
They’ll dance as any Puppets do.

The Cat and Brownie, too, are here,
’Tis Hallowe’en, the hour draws near,
And even Knowledge doth appear.

Now, if you like such plays as these,
Just come inside and take your ease,
For Puppets always try to please.

WITCH:

Ha, ha, ha, on Hallowe’en,
Ghosts and goblins, too, are seen.

CAT:

I’m the Hallowe’en Cat, I stalk about,
I’ll scare some people, without doubt.

WITCH:

What’s the meaning of Hallowe’en,
Oh, Kit-Cat, with the eyes of green?

CAT:

Meow, meow, I do not know,
Hallowe’en Witch, let me go!

[_Exit the Cat._]

JACK-O’-LANTERN:

I’m Jack-o’-Lantern, bright ’tis said,
Though I am only a pumpkin head.

WITCH:

Oh, Jack-o’-Lantern, with eyes so bright,
What does Hallowe’en mean tonight?

JACK-O’-LANTERN:

Oh, oh, oh, please let me go!
Really Witch, I do not know.

[_Exit the Jack-o’-Lantern._]

BROWNIE:

I’m a Brownie, o’er the green,
I dance and sing on Hallowe’en.

WITCH:

You’re the cutest Brownie I have seen,
What is the meaning of Hallowe’en?

BROWNIE:

I turn a somersault and go,
For really, witch, I do not know.

[_Exit Brownie._]

WITCH [_stirs a kettle_]:

Bubble, bubble, always bubble,
Kettle brings us toil and trouble;
None have I met, none have I seen,
Who knows the meaning of Hallowe’en.

[_Exit Witch._]

PUNCH:

I am Punch, odd things I’ve seen,
Ha, ha, ho, ho, ’tis Hallowe’en.

JUDY:

Let’s hide right here, below the screen,
And ask the Witch what she may mean.

[_They hide._]

WITCH:

Bubble, bubble, work and toil,
In the kettle let me boil
The Cat, Jack-o’-Lantern, and Brownie, too,
Unless the answer they bring is true,
I weave my spell where none have seen,
Who knows the meaning of Hallowe’en?

CAT:

I am the Cat of mystery,
Hallowe’en belongs to _history_.

JACK-O’-LANTERN:

The _Druids_ built fires all the year,
In honor of the sun-god, I hear.

BROWNIE:

On the 31st of October each year,
To the altars they gather near;
’Twas then they put the fires out,
And kindled fresh ones, without doubt.

CAT:

Here are the _Druids_, I see them come,
And they are carrying embers home.

JACK-O’-LANTERN:

So goblins now skip o’er the green,
Every year on Hallowe’en.

[_Witch goes out screaming as Knowledge enters._]

KNOWLEDGE:

I am Knowledge. I always frighten ghosts and goblins away, but I like you, Cat, and Jack-o’-Lantern, and Brownie. You are all jolly, and fairies, too, have their places to brighten up this old world. Let us dance on the green this October night.

CAT:

Ha, ha, ha, the summer’s over,
Hallowe’en comes in gay October.

JACK-O’-LANTERN:

Ha, ha, ha, the secret’s out,
What Hallowe’en is all about.

BROWNIE:

Trip it lightly o’er the green,
On this night of Hallowe’en.

KNOWLEDGE:

Hallowe’en comes with pleasant weather,
We’ll have fun and frolic all together.

[_Exit all, while Punch and Judy return._]

PUNCH:

How do little Puppets know
That Hallowe’en is here?

JUDY:

The Witches come, the Witches go,
When Knowledge doth appear.

PUNCH:

Hist! Be still! On Hallowe’en
The Puppets are about!

JUDY:

Jolly Jack-o’-Lantern, too, is seen,
He’ll scare you, without doubt.

PUNCH AND JUDY:

Punch and Judy are so merry
Any time of year,
They’re often seen on Hallowe’en.
Just call, and they’ll appear.

[Directions for making Puppets and their manipulation will be found in “Puppet Plays for Special Days,” price. 40 cents. Order from the publishers of this book.]