SKINNER AND LAWRENCE Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 TNNATI https://archive.org/details/littledramasforp01skin DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DURHAM, N, C. LITTLE DRAMAS FOR PRIMARY GRADES AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY KEW YORK CINCINNATI CHICAGO Copyright, 1913, by ADA M. SKINNER AND LILLIAN N. LAWEENCE. COPYEIGHT, 1913, IN GkEAT BRITAIN. LITTLE DRAMAS FOR PRIMARY GRADES. W. P. I PREFATORY NOTE The use of dramatic readers has passed be- yond the experunental stage. Theh^ vahie in aronsing interest, in stirring the imagination, in quickening literary appreciation and power of interpretation, has been so clearly demonstrated as to make them permanent textbooks in the elementary schools, and more particularly in the primary grades. The present dithculty consists, therefore, not in micertainty of the value of dra- matic literatme, but in the inadequacy of the supply. The need of suitable literary material in good dramatic form for the primary grades is still very great. This little book has been com- piled as one step toward meeting this need at least in one particular school, but it is hoped that it may prove of service in many other schools. It is intended for use at the end of the first, and at the beg^innino; of the second, vear. e:\bia g. sebrixg. 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS For permission to use copyright material in this volume, acknowledgments and thanks are proffered to authors and publishers, as follows : To Laura E. Richards, for the adaptation from her story, " The New Year " ; to Dodd, Mead & Co. for " Mabel and the Green Lizard," adapted from "The Adventures of Mabel," by H. T. Peck; to G. P. Putnam's Sons, of New York and London, for the selection by Judge Parry from " The Golden Staircase " ; to Longmans, Green, & Co. for " The Odd Man and the Dog True " ; and to John Lane Company for Return of Spring," by Dion Clayton Calthrop. 4 CONTENTS PAGE Bunny Rabbit 7 The Odd Man and the Dog True 14 The Owl and Grasshopper Green 19 Somewhere Town .... Kate Greenmoay 21 The Timid Hare 22 Mabel and the Green Lizard .... Adapted 26 The Maiden and the Bird . . Lydia Maria Child 32 The Little Fish ...... African Fable 35 Belling the Cat 37 The Fox and the Crow 40 Hans and Gretchen 41 Lady Moon Lord Houghton 50 Precocious Piggy Thomas Hood 52 Strange Lands .... Laurence Alma-Tadeyna 56 How to get a Breakfast 58 The Little Christmas Tree Adapted from an Old Story 60 Christmas Eve in an Attic 65 The New Year . . Adapted from Laura E. Richards 73 A Friendship Declined 77 The Selfish Man 79 The Magpie's Nest 83 Adventures of the First Spring 86 The Bird's Nest Lydia Maria Child 93 The Boastful Bamboo Tree . . Japanese Fable 100 5 3126 6 CONTENTS PAGE Return of Spring 105 Who holds up the Sky? Adapted 110 Why the Jellyfish has No Shell . . Oriental Fable 119 I WOULD like You for a Comrade . ' . Judge Parry 132 Southwest Wind's Visit to Gluck .... Adapted from John Ruskin 134 The Child and the Sparrow . . Thomas Westivood 143 The Rabbit's Message .... German Tale 145 Laughing Sanja .... Japanese Folk Story 150 The Tiger and the Brahman 159 The Lion and the Story-teller 169 Over the Hill Georye MacDonald 174 The Fox's Plan . Tom and the Lobster Adapted 114 117 BUNNY RABBIT AND THE LION Characters — Lion, Rabbit, Mother Deer, Elephant, Camel, Jackal, other animals Scene I — The Forest Mother Deer. BraVG Lion, givG lllG back my little deer. Lion. I will not. The deer is mine. Mother Deer. 0 Lion^ it is tlie onlj One I have. I beg of you, give it back to me. 8 BUNNY RABBIT AND THE LION Lion. A lion does not give back what lie has taken. Be off, or I will eat you. Scene II — Another Part' of the Forest Mother Deer. Can jou not help me, animals ? The lion has taken my little deei% the only one I had. Elephant. I am sorry for you. But the lion is the king of the forest. He takes what he will and keeps what he likes. I cannot help you. Mother Deer. [Goes on.] Can yOU UOt help me, Camel ? You are always kind and gentle. Camel. The Hou did wrong to take your deer. He did a great wrong, but I cannot help you. BUNNY RABBIT AND THE LION 9 Mother Deer. [Goes on] Slirelv^ little jackal, yoii will help me. jaekai. Sli ! Sli ! I'll! afraid of the lion, myself. A\ e've never been very good friends. I wish 1 could help you. Let me see. I have it ! Go to Bunny Rabbit. He's a little creature, but he's wise and brave. Mother Deer. YoU SaV he's wise ? Jackal. He is. Mother Deer. And brave ? jachai. He is. Mother Deer. Then I wiU gO at OUCe. Scene 111 — In Front of Bunny Rahbifs Burrow Binuuj Rabbit. Grood morniug, Mother Deer. What is the matter ? 10 BUNNY RABBIT AND THE LION Mother Deer. Bvmnj Rabbit, that wicked lion stole mj little deer and will not give it to me. I asked the forest animals to help me, but none was brave enough to do so. Bunny Rabbit. Not even the elephant, or the camel, or the jackal ? Mother Deer. Not OUC. I askcd them all. They all said they were sorry. But I believe they are all afraid of the lion. Bunny Rabbit. Why did you comc to me ? Tm such a little creature. Mother Deer. The lackal told UlC VOU are wise and brave, and he said that you would help me. Bunny Rabbit. Tell them all to meet BUNNY RABBIT AND THE LION 11 in front of my bnrrow. We will talk it over and see what can be done. [Mother Deer goes aivay, and Bunny Rabbit digs a long passage under the ground and then conies out behind a bush.] Scene IV — In Front of the Burrow [Bunny Rabbit and all the animals. Lion watching in the distance. Only Elephant and Camel see him.] Bunny Rabbit. Elopliailt, do JOU tllinlv the lion shonld keep the little deer ? Elephant. The lion is king of the for- est, and he shoiildliee^ the little deer. Bunny Rabbit. Camoh what do yon say ? Camel. Dear me. What can I say ? It is all wrono;. Bnt Fm snre he should keep what he stole. Bunny Rabbit. How yon tremble, little jackal ! What do jon saj ? 12 BUNNY RABBIT AND THE LION Jackal. [Seeing the Hon.] Oh ! Do I trem- ble? No, yes, no, yes, yes. I think he should keep the deer. Bunny Rabbit. [In a loud voice.] The lion should not keep the deer ! The lion is a wicked thief ! [Lion springs at him. Bunny Rabbit darts down into the burrow.] BUXXY RABBIT AXD THE LIOX 13 Lion. [Looking into the hurroic] GoilG cloWll there, has he ? AVell, I'll fix him. Ill stay ri^ht here until he comes out. Ill stay, and stay, and stay, until I starye him out. Scene \ — Another Pari of the Forest Bunny Rahhit, Ruu, Mother Uoor, and get your little one. Mother Deer. AVoul that wicked liou come as'ain ? Bunny Rahhit. No, UO ! Hc's going' tO stay in front of my burrow until I come out. Ha ! ha ! Hell starye to death himself if he waits for that ! Ha! ha! [Mother Deer runs to the little deer, and both escape into the forest,] THE ODD MAN AND THE DOG TRUE Characters — Odd Man, True, Big Black Dog Odd Man. [To the dog.] WllO are JOU, and why do you come into my cave ? 14 THE ODD ^lAX AXD THE DOG TRUE 15 True. I am a poor clog, sir, wlio lias lost Ins wav. Will you be so kind as to tell me how I may o^et out ? Odd Man. Xo. I will UOt. But I will tell you what you may clo if you like. You may stay here in my caye and work for me. True. I will do that if you will not let me out. But what work do you wish me to do ? Odd Man. AVell, Well, you see I haye here a o--reat bao^ full of a-old. I haye to sit on it all the time. True. AVhy must you sit on it ? Odd Man. I wiU tell you. Xear my caye liyes an ogre. This ogre wants to kill me so that he can o^et my o-old. 16 THE ODD MAN AND THE DOG TRUE True. Dear me ! Odd Man. If I go to sleep or move away he will try to get at me. I am just worn out for want of rest. True. Dear me ! How can I help you 1 Odd Man. Well, if you would stay by me and watch for the ogre, I might take a short nap. True. I will do that ! And you, sir, go to sleep. [Odd Man goes to sleep. Big Black Dog enters.] Big Black Dog. Good day, little dog. How do you do ? True. I am very well, I thank you ; but who are you ? Big Black Dog. My uamc is Nip, and I THE ODD :\IAX AND THE DOG TRUE 17 have come to sliow you the way out of this cave. Let us run now ! True. No ; I saicl I would take care of this cave for the Odd Man^ and I will do it. ■ Big Black Dog. But the Odd Man is asleep. He will not see you. Come, now, come along with me ! True. No, I wiU UOt gO. Big Black Dog. Thcu givO Uie a boUC, will you ? True. I cannot, for they are not mine ; the Odd Man may o^ive you one, by and by. [Big Black Dog goes to get a hone.] True. Bow- WOW- WOW ! Odd Man. [Opening his eyes.] ^\T.iat WaS that ? You woke me out of my nap. LITTLE DRAMAS 2 18 THE ODD MAN AND THE DOG TRUE True. Oh, sir, it was a big black dog. It came into the cave and was steal- ing a bone. Odd Man. Oh ! That was the o^re in the dress of a black dog. Here, you may have a bone. You were a good dog to bark and wake me up. What more can I do to show you how glad I am ? True. Oh, sir, may I go out of the cave now ? I want to see a nice, nice cat that is waiting outside. Odd Man. Very well, good dog. The ogre will not come back again, and I can take a good nap. Here is a door in the side of the cave. I will open it, and you can go. — Good-by. THE OWL AND GRASS- HOPPER GREEN Scene — In the Meadow Grasshopper Green. Creaky creak, creak, c-r-e-a-k ! Owl. Won't YOU keep quiet I I can't sleep with your creak, creak/' Grasshopper Green. No, I will not keep quiet. Creak, creak, creak ! Owl. Then go away from here. Go into the grass field over there, if you must sing. Grasshopper Green. I shall do nothino' of the sort. I have as much rio4it to sing as you have to sleep. Creak, creak ! Besides, you have never 19 20 THE OWL AND GRASSHOPPER GREEN done anything for me. Creaky creak, creak, c-r-e-a-k ! Owl. [To himself.] Sucli a saucj grass- hopper green ! Grasshopper Green. Creak, c-r-e-a-k! Owl. [Later.] Well, Grasslioppcr Green, you have a wonderful voice ! Grasshopper Green. I have indeed. Creak, creak, creak, c-r-e-a-k ! Owl. Now that I am awake, I love to hear you sing. Grasshopper Green. C-E-E-A-K ! Owl. Let me give you some of the sweet honey I have here in my tree. Honey is good for the voice. [The grasshopper goes to the owl.] Owl. S^^AP ! SOMEAVHERE TOWN First Child. Which is the wav to Some- where Town ? Second Child. Oh, lip ill the moming early. Over the tiles and the chim- ney pots, That is the way quite clearly. First Child. Aiid which is the door to Somewhere Town I Second Child. Oh, lip ill the iiioriiiiig early. The round red sun is the door to o;o throiioli ; That is the way quite clearly. — Kate Greexaway. 21 THE TIMID HARE Characters Timid Hare Camel Sheep Deer Brother Hare Elephant Lion Timid Hare. Oh dear ! Oil dear ! If the sky were to fall, what would happen to me ? Oh, what would happen to me ! What is that noise ? 22 THE TBIID RXE.E 23 Oil dear I Oli clear ! Oli. I am sure the skv is falliiio;' ! It is ! It is 1 It IS I [Timid Hare runs.] Brother Hare. Whx RYQ YOll riinilino; away, little liare ? Timid Hare. Oil, I liave 110 tillie tO talk. Tlie skv is falliiio;* ! Brother Hare. [Frightened.] Oil dear ! Oil dear I The sky is falliiio;* ! Deer. AVliv, wliat is the matter, little hare ? Timid Hare. Oil, I liave 110 time to talk. The skv is falliiig. Deer. [Frightened.] AVliat sliall I do ? Sheep. AVliere are you o^oiii^, little hare ? AVhv do you run so fast 1 Timid Hare. Oil. tlio skv is falliuo' ! 24 THE TIMID HARE Sheep. [Frightened.] Dear me, dear me ! Camel. Stop a minute, little liare ! What's tlie matter ? Timid Hare. Oil, I have 110 time to talk. The sky is falling. Camel. [Frightened.] No, HO, it Can't bo. Elephant. Whj do JOU TUIl SO fast, little hare ? What has happened ? Timid Hare. I havo no time to talk. The sky is falling. Elephant. Can that be true ? Lion. What is this you say ? Timid Hare. I liaVO UO time to talk. The sky is falling. Lion. How do you know this ? Timid Hare. I SaW it. Lion. Where did you see it ? THE TBIID HARE 25 Timid Hare. TliGrG, bv that tree. Lion. Oil, what nonsense ! There are no sio;ns that the sky is falling. Come with me and 111 show you. Timid Hare. Xo, no, I must hurrj alono\ I am afraid to o;o back. Lion. Yes/ YOU shall come with me to that tree. I will take you there myself. {Lion and hare go to the tree.] Lion. There, do you see ? The sky is not fallino-'. A little acorn fell upvu a leaf. It made the noise that frightened you. Let us go back now, and tell the other animals. MABEL AND THE GREEN LIZARD Characters — Grandma, Mabel, Lizard, Wolf Scene I — MaheVs Home Mabel. Graiidiiia, may I go to the woods to pick some berries for sup23er ? Grandma. YoS^ bllt bo Sm^O to COmO home before dark. There are ani- mals in the woods, MabeL They prowl around after dark. Mabel. Oh, Tm not afraid. Til come home before night. Scene II — In the Woods Mabel. Dear me ! How dark it is getting. I must hurry home. [Hears 26 MABEL AND THE GREEN LIZARD 27 a little squeaking sound] What's that ? [Sees a little green lizard with a stone on its tail.] Oh, YOU poor little lizard ! Let nie lift that stone from VOlir tail. [Takes stone off .] Lizard. Thaiilv YOU. Yoli are a Yery kind child. Mabel. Oh ! I didn't know that lizards could talk ! Lizard. Somo lizards can't. But I am the king; of all the lizards. I am o;oino; to do somethino; for you because you lifted the stone from niY tail. Mabel. I was YcrY glad to do it. Lizard. I am o'oino' to do somethino^ for YOU that I wouldn't do for any other little girl. It's this : I'm 28 MABEL AND THE GREEN LIZARD going to teach you the animal call. Then you will understand everything the animals say to you, and they will know what you say to them. Mabel. What fun ! Lizard. Just listen. [Gives a low whistle.] Now you do it after me. [Mabel tries.] Try again, Mabel. [She tries again and again.] Grood, that's it ! Now if you wish any animal to be your friencb just whistle that way to him. That's the call of all the animals. Good- by. [Lizard goes away.] Mabel. Well, that's the funniest thing I ever heard of. But, dear me, how dark it is getting;. I must run home. [Starts homeward. Hears howl.] MABEL AXD THE GREEX LIZARD 29 Wolf. [Howls.] 0-000-W. Mabel. What's that ? Oh ! it's a wolf. I' m so frio4itened ! A\^iat shall I do? rU give the call. [Whistles.] Wolf. [Answers.] 0-000-W ! 0-000-W ! [Wolf comes to Mabel.] Mabel. AVolf, I Wailt YOU tO bo lllY friend. Wolf. To be sure, I will be. Mabel. V\e lost lUY waY. Ploaso show me the way home. I Hyo at grandma's. Wolf. 1 know where you live. T\e seen you playing there many times. Put your hand on my neck, and 111 show YOU the way. [Mabel does so.] 30 MABEL AND THE GREEN LIZARD Scene III — Edge of the Wood Wolf. There is your home ; and your grandma is waiting for you. Mabel. Thank you very much. I knew you were a good wolf. You woukUi't hurt a little girl, would you ? Wolf. I wouldn^t hurt you. Mabel. Good uight, Wolf. Wolf. Good night. MABEL AXD THE GREEX LIZARD 31 ScEXE IV — Mabel's Home Grandma. Mabel ! Mabel ! Mabel ! Mahei. Yes, Grandma. Grandma. AVliere liave YOU been so lono^ ? Mabel I've been in the woods. Oli, Grandma. I left mv basket of straw- berries there. Grandma. Nover mind, ^^e can ffo to-morrow and o^et them. I was so frightened ! Your uncle told me onlv yesterday he saw a wolf in the woods. Just think if vou had met him to-day ! He would have eaten you up. every bit of you. Mabel. Oh. Grandma ! I'm sure all wolves don't eat little girls. THE MAIDE^^ AND THE BIRD Maiden. Little bird, little bird, come to me, I have a green cage ready for thee, Beautj-bright flowers 111 bring anew And fresh ripe cherries all wet with dew. 32 THE IMAIDEX AND THE BIRD 33 Bird. Thanks, little maiden, for all tliY care, But I love dearly tlie clear cool air And my snuo; little nest in tlie old oak tree. Maiden, Little bird, little bird, stay witli me! Bird. I^ay, little damsel, — away 111 % To o^reener fields and warmer sky ; When spring returns with pattering rain, Youll hear my merry song a^ain. o LITTLE DRAMAS 3 34 THE MAIDEN AND THE BIRD Maiden. Little bird, little bird, wlioll guide thee, Over the hills and over the sea? Foolish one, come in the house to stay. For Fm very sure youll lose your way. Bird. Ah, no, little maiden, God guides me. Over the hills and over the sea. I will be free as the rushing air. And sing of sunshine every- where. — Lydia Maria Child. THE LITTLE FLSH Fisherman. Alia ! I liaVG VOll at last, little fisli. Little Fish. 0 Mr. Fisherman, please put me back into tlie water. 35 36 THE LITTLE FISH Fisherman. Pvit JOU back ? No, I will not ! Little Fish. I beg you, put me back. I am so little. Fisherman. It lias taken me a long time to catcb you. Put you back, indeed ! I tbink not. Little Fish. But I am SO little. Put me back and wait until I have grown to be a large fish. Then I will make you a very good meal. Fisherman. [Thoughtfully.] TrUC, my little fish, true. But where shall I find you when you have grown larger ? — African Fable. BELLING THE CAT Characters — Old Mouse, Three Young Mice Old Mouse. Oil clear, clear, clear ! That old cat ate Squeak Nibble to- day. AVhat can we do? Second Mouse. AVell, we must do sometliing ! Shell eat us all, one by one ! Third Mouse. How cau WO koop her from catchino; all the rest of us? Fourth Mouse. YeS, hoW CaU WO ? If we could only know when she is coming. Her paws are so soft that we cannot hear her. Second Mouse. I liayo it ! One of us will watch her all the time. When 37 38 BELLING THE CAT tlie cat is coming lie must squeak as loud as lie can. Old Mouse. Watch licr, indeed ! She^d soon catcli that little mouse. Fourth Mouse. No^ that wiU iiever do. Third Mouse. Lot's staj iu OUT llolcS. Then shell starve to death. All the Mice. Ha-ha-lia ! A fine plan. Old Mouse. A fine plan, indeed! Do you think the cat eats nothing but mice ? And how should we get anything to eat if we stayed in our holes? Fourth Mouse. My friends, listen to me. Let us haiip; a bell round her neck. That will tell us when she is coming'. Then we can run and hide. BELLING THE CAT 39 Second Mouse. Goocl, O^OOcl ! Third Mouse. TllG VGrY tllillO^ ! Fourth Mouse. Notliiiio; coiilcl be better. Old Mouse. [Thoughtfully.] But wllO wiU liang the bell on tlie cat's neck ? [Silence.] Second Mouse. I will not. Third Mouse. Not tkis little mouse. Old Mouse. But somc onc must clo it. WllO will? All. Sure enough^ who ? THE FOX AND THE CROW Characters — Fox and Crow Crow. Ah ! Some one lias left a bit of cheese for me. I'll fly up into that tree and eat it. Fox, [To himself.] That cheoso is for me^ as sure as I am a fox. [Goes to the tree.] Good clay^ Mistress Crow. How well you are looking. What bright eyes you have. I am sure your voice must be sweet. Just let me hear you sing one song. [Crow lifts her head.] Crow. Caw — caw — caw. Fox. [Snaps up cheese.] That bit of cheese was all I wanted. 40 HANS AND GRETCHEN Characters — Hans, Gretchen, Red Fox Scene I — In the Woods Red Fox. Help me out! Help me out, little Hans. I am cauo4it in this trap. Help me out, and it shall be well with you. Hans. To bo sure. ril let you out. There ! 41 42 HANS AND GRETCHEN Red Fox. You are very kind. If you have a wish, tell me what it is and it shall be granted. Hans. Oh, as to that, I wish my pail here were full of berries. My sister and I are very hungry. Red Fox. Your wish is granted. Look into your pail ! [Hans runs home.] Scene II — At Home Hans. See, Gretchen dear, what fine berries I have brought. Gretchen. Oh, what big ones ! Where did you get them in so short a time ? Hans. It was the fox, Grretchen. He was caught in a trap. I let him out. He said I mio:ht have HANS AND GRETCHEN 43 whatever I wished for, and I wished for berries. Aren't you glad ? Gretchen. Foolish boY ! WhY di(hl't you ask foi' something better ? If he coukl fill Your pail with berries just for the asking, he could do far o;reater thino-s. Ha?is. But don't YOU like the ber- ries, Gretchen ? Gretchen. Wlicu WO Cat them there will be nothino; left. Go back and tell the fox that you wish to haYe the cupboard alwaYS full of food. Hans. Be satisfied, dear sister. We are quite happy as we are. Gretchen. No, I will not be satisfied. You must do as I tell you. 44 HANS AND GRETCHEN Scene III — In the Woods Red Fox. How now, little Hans ? Is it not well with you ? Hans. Alas ! Mj sister is not satisfied. She asked me to come to you again. Red Fox. What does she wish ? Hans. She wishes that our cup- board may be always full. Red Fox. Go homo, little Hans. It shall be as she wishes. Scene IV — At Home (the Next Day) Hans. Why are you unhappy again, Gretchen ? Come, let us play. Gretchen. Why sliould I bc happy ? We have no toys, only sticks and HANS AND GRETCHEN 45 stones for j)laytliings. Go to the fox and tell him I wish for some beautiful toys to play with. Hans. Be satisfied, little Gretchen. We are quite happy as we are. Gretchen. No, I will not be satisfied. Scene V — In the Woods Red Fox. How uow, little Haus ? Is it not well with you ? Hans. Alas ! My sister is not sat- isfied. She asked me to come to you again. Red Fox. What does she wish ? Hans. She wishes she had some beautiful toys to play Avith. Red Fox. Go homo, little Hans. It shall be as she wishes. 46 HANS AND GRETCHEN Scene VI — At Home (Another Day) Hans. Why are you not happy, little Gretchen ? Come, let us play. Gretchen. Why should I be happy ? I am tired of these old toys. I want a beautiful palace to live in. HANS AND GRETCHEN 47 Go to the fox and tell liim so. Hans. Be satisfied, little sister. AVe are quite happy as we are. G ret chert. No, I will not be satisfied. You must do as I tell you. Scene yil — In the Woods Red Fox. How HOW, little Haus ? Is it not well with you ? Hans. Alas ! Mv sister is not sat- isfied. She asked me to come to you again. Red Fox. What does she wish now ? Hans. She wishes to live in a beautiful palace. Red Fox. Go home, little Hans. It shall be as she wishes. 48 HANS AND GRETCHEN Scene VIII — At Home Hans. Why are yovi unhappy again, little sister? Gretchen. Wliy slioulcl I be liappy ? I am tired of this palace. There is only one thing that would make me happy. Go to the Red Fox. Tell him I must have the 0:reat silver ball that hangs over us in the sky. Hans. Be satisfied, dear sister. We are quite happy as we are. Gretchen. No, uo. I will uot bo Sat- isfied. You must do as I tell you. Scene IX — In the Woods Red Fox. How now, brother Hans? Is it not well with you ? HANS AND GRETCHEN 49 Hans. Alas ! Mj sister is not sat- isfied witli the palace. Red Fox. What does she wish ? Hans. She wishes the great silvery moon for her plaything. Fox. [Very slowly.] The o reat silvery moon ! The or-reat silvery moon ! The o;reat silverv moon ! Go, little Hans. It shall not be as she wishes. You will find the cupboard empty, the toys gone, and your home again a little cottage. LITTLE DRAMAS 4 LADY MOON Time — Evening Place — Garden Characters — Lady Moon, Child Child. Lady Moon, Lady Moon, Where are you roving? Lady Moon, Ovor tllO SOa. ChUd. Lady Moon, Lady Moon, Whom are you loving? Lady Moon. All that loVO UIO. Child. Are you not tired with roll- ing and never Resting to sleep? 50 - LADY MOON 51 AYliY look so pale and so sacl^ as Forever wishing to sleep ? Lady Moon. Aslv 1110 liot tllis, little cllild, if you love me. You are too bold. I must obey my dear Fa- ther aboye me And do as I'm told. Child. Lady Moon, Lady Moon, Where are you roying I Lady Moon. Oyer the sea. Child. Lady Moon, Lady Moon, Whom are you loyino; ? Lady Moon. All that loYe 1110. — LoKD Houghton. PRECOCIOUS PIGGY Child. Where are jou going to, you little pig? First Pig. Tm leaving mother, Tve grown so big. Child. So big, young pig ! So young, so big ! What ! leaving your mother, you foolish young pig ? 52 Child, PRECOCIOUS PIGGY 53 Where are you going to, you little pig ? Second Pig. I'vo got a iiew spado, and CJiild. I'm o'oino' to dio;. Child. To dig, little pig ! A little pig dig ! Well, I never saw a pig with a spade that could dig. Where are you going to, you little pig ? Third Pig. Why, I am goiiio; to have a nice ride in a 21^. 54 PRECOCIOUS PIGGY Child. In a gig, little pig ! Wliat, a pig in a gig ! Well, I never saw a pig ride in a Vi^r. OAiTiZ. Where are you going to, you little pig ? Fourth Pig. Tiii goiug to the barbor's, to buy me a wig. Child. A wig, little pig ! A pig in a wig ! Why, who ever before saw a pig in a wig 1 Child. Where are you going to, you little pig ? PRECOCIOUS PIGGY 55 AVliY. I'm o;'oing- to the ball, to dance a fine jig ! A jig, little pig I A pig dance a jig ! Well. I never before saw a pig dance a jig ! AMiere are von o-oino^ to. yon little pig ? I'm going to the fair, to rnn a fine rig. A rig, little pig ! A pig rini a rig ! AVell. I never before saw a pio; rnn a rig*. — Thomas Hood. STRANGE LANDS ChUd. Mr. Jay. Child. Where do you come from, Mr. Jay? From the land of play, from the land of play. And where can that be, Mr. Jay? 56 STRANGE LAXDS 57 Mr. Jay. Far awRY — far awav. ChikL AVliere do vou come from, Mrs. Dove? Mrs. Dove. From tlio laiicl of love, " from tlie land of love. Child. And llow do you get there, Mrs. Dove ? Mrs. Dove. Loolv al)ove - loolv above. Child. AVliere do you come from, - Babv Miss ? Baby Miss. From tlic land of bliss, from tlie land of bliss. Child. And what is the way there, Baby Miss 1 Baby Miss. Mothcr's Iviss — mothcr's kiss. — Laurence Alma-Tadema. HOW TO GET A BREAKFAST First Chick. It is so hard to scratch; rill as hungry as can be^ I wish a little worm Would come close up to me. Second Chick. It is SO hard to scratch ; Tm as hungry as can be, I wish a bowl of meal Were standing here by me. Third Chick. It is so hard to scratch ; Tm as hungry as can be, I wish a nice green leaf Would drop right down to me. 58 HOW TO GET A BREAKFAST 59 Mother Hen. See licre, YOU lazY clucks, : Here's the green garden patcli, If you're liungry as can be, ' ^ You should come here and _ scratch ! THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE Characters Big Fir Tree Little Fir Tree Littlest Fir Tree A Little Bird Little Bird. [Going to Big Tree.] Oh, please, Big Fir Tree, may I rest here in your branches ? I have hurt my wing, and I cannot fly. Big Fir Tree. No, I cauuot have any little birds in my branches. I must grow straight and tall, for I mean to be a Christmas tree some day. Little Bird. [Goes to Little Tree.] Oh, plcaSO, dear tree, may I not find shelter from the cold in your branches ? My wing is broken, and I cannot fly. I 60 THE LITTLE CHPJST^L\S TREE 61 have come a Ions Avav over tlie ice and snow. Little Fir Tree. Xo, I cannot oivc shel- ter to anv l3ircls in inv brandies. Little Bird. But I'm verv tired, and I shall do Your l)ranches no harm. Little Fir Tree. It CannOt bc. I mUSt hold niY head up high and mv branches out straicr-ht. for' I mean to be a Christmas tree. Little Bird. Tui afraid I shall fr^eeze out here in the snow. [Little Bird goes 07i.] Little Bird. [Softly.] Pleasc, Littlcst Fir Tree, mav I rest in vour branches ? I am so cold and hunoTV. I do not think I can o^o anv farther. Littlest Fir Tree. YcS., YCS, Little Bird. 62 THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE Creep up close to my trunk. I will cover you as best I can with my little branches. Come close. Tm glad to have you here. Little Bird. Thank you, kind tree. Big Fir Tree. I hear slcigh bcUs. The bells come nearer and nearer. Some one is coming this way. Some one is coming through the woods. Little Fir Tree. Who is it, Big Fir Tree ? I cannot see so far as you can. Tell me what you see. Big Fir Tree. I SCO a slcigh and rein- deer. Some one all wrapped in fur is in the sleigh. Little Fir Tree. 0\i, I fccl that SOmC THE LITTLE CHRIST^IA? TREE 63 one is eoniino;" for me. Now I am o'oino' to be a Christmas tree. The bells sound nearer and nearer. I see the sleigh. Santa Clans. [Alights from his sleigh and looks at Big Tree.] A Hno tree — tall and straight ! But it is too tall for my Christmas tree. I must look farther. [Goes on to next tree.] Ah ! Here's another : but there's a little one I see just at the foot of the hill. I believe it is the most beautiful tree in all the wood. [Goes to Littlest Tree.] Little tree, you hold Your head up straight, and vour branches spread out in all directions. I must have you for niY Christmas tree. [Seeing Little Bird.] AVho is this 64 THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE that lias found shelter in your branches ? A little bird. I will take it, too, and it shall be some little child's Christmas present. — Adapted. CHRISTMAS EVE IX AN ATTIC Characters First Mouse Second Mouse French Doll Tin Soldier Lion Elephant . Tiger Jack-in-the-hox Woolly Dog Mrs. Santa Claus First Mouse. Cliristmas is liere again. The air is full of tlie smell of sood tilings to eat ! Second Mouse. It's a Q-RX tilllO foT US. I know tlierell be plenty of crumbs around now. First Mouse. I wisli Cliristuias came everv nia-ht. But look at tkose old toYS in the corner. I wonder why thev look so sad. French Doll Loolv Sacl, do WO ? No wonder. It's Christmas Eve and we LITTLE DRAMAS 5 65 Christmas Eve in an Attic 66 CHRISTMAS EA^ IN AN ATTIC 67 don't like to be liere in tlie dark and cokl. It isn't fair ! Ti?i Soldier. We onco kuno' on a Ckristmas tree. First Mouse. It innst kave been a lono' time a^o. Tin Soldier. It was, indeed ! Bnt tke ckikk^en do not care to pkiv witk ns now tkat we are so okk French Doll Okl, sir ? How Can Yon say tkat ? Jnst look at me ! If my kair were combed and I kad a new dress on, I'd still be a very nice doll ! Okk indeed ! Second Mouse. Ycs, I'm qnitc snrc yon wonld be very pretty. Tin Soldier. And I'd bc as good as 68 CHRISTMAS EVE IN AN ATTIC any other tin soldier, if I had a new leg, a little paint, and a fresh gun. First Mouse. Oh, I bolieve that, sir. Lion. [Proudly.] Only my mano's gone. [To Elephant] But I SOO yOU haVO lost your trunk ! Elephant Yos, somo ouo broko it off. Now if I had a new trunk, I'd be all right. But look at the tiger ! He has cracked his paint, and his stripes are all gone. It would be hard to make him look new again. Tiger. Do jou mcau mc ? Oh, a few stripes of new paint, and Td be as fine a tiger as you ever saw. Listen ! Woolly Dog is trying to speak. CHRISTMAS E^^ IX AN ATTIC 69 Woolly Dog. [In a whisper.] Mj YoicG is almost gone. Some one pimclied me too hard once and broke the sprmg. If I had a new spring, I'd bark louder than ever. We'd never even hear your squeak then, little mice. Jack-in-the-box. I ncvcr could o'ct back after mv lid came off. A hino;e and a few screws, and I'd be as good as new. It's a shame to leave me like this. Mice. Hush ! Some one is comino^ up the stairs. [Mrs. Santa Claus enters.] French Doll. Who are YOU? Mrs. Santa Claus. I am Mrs. Santa 70 • CHRISTMAS EVE IN AN ATTIC Clans. Every Christmas Eve I find all the old toys I can. I change them into new ones. Then I send them to the little children who have no other Christmas toys. I knew rd find some old toys in this attic ! Come here, all of you. Let me see what each one needs. Please, only one at a time ! [Toys come about Mrs. Santa Glaus.] Now, French Doll, Til begin with you. There ! Tve washed yovu^ face and combed your hair. You're as good as new. First Mouse. She clocs look fine ! Mrs. Santa Clans. NoW, Tin Soldicr, what can I do for you? Tin Soldier. Givo me a new red coat. CHRISTMAS EVE IN AN ATTIC 71 and mend my leg. Oli, yes, and I'd like a new gun, too. Mrs. Santa Clans. Hei'O YOU are, Sir. Now, Jack, down in vour box while I mend tlie lid. There, now jou can bob up as well as ever. U.071. If YOU please, I want a new mane. A little boY pulled mine oflF. I hayen't had one for a long time. Woolly Dog. Plcasc douH forgct me. I can't bark till I get a new spring. Mrs. Santa Claus. CoillC, Elcphailt and Tio-er. Ill do you next. There, Tyc seen you all. You are now as good as toys can be. French Doll ArC WO to staY ill tllis . old attic ? 72 CHRISTMAS EVE IN AN ATTIC Tin Soldier. Can't WG be put on a Christmas tree again 1 Mrs. Santa claus. No. Listen to me. You are all to go out into the world to-night. Each one of you must make one little child happy. Go the way you wish, but be sure to find the child that needs you most. I must hurry to another old attic over the way. Good night, toys. [Toys go away.] First Mouse. Will cach toy try to make some child glad on Christmas morning ? Second Mouse. I hopC SO. HoW happy they all looked as they went out ! THE NEW YEAR New Year. Here I aiii ! Old Year. 0\\, tliere jou are, are you ? Come in and let us have a look at you, and shut tlie door, please, after you. New Year. Frosty uiglit ! Fine and clear. Fve liad a pleasant journey. Old Year. Humpll ! I dou't OXpOCt to find mine pleasant. A long cold drive, I call it. But to be sure, I thought it pleasant when I was your age, youngster ! Is the sleigh waiting ? New Year. Yos, but thcro is uo hurry. Wait a bit and tell me how matters are in these parts. Old Year. [Shaking his head.] So, SO ! They 73 74 THE NEW YEAR might be better and yet tbey might be worse, too. Thej were worse before I came, much worse. I have done a great deal. Now I expect you, my boy, to do just as I did. Be a good year all the way through. New Year. I shall do my bcst, you may be sure. And now tell me a little what there is to do. Old Year. In the first place, you have the weather to attend to. You see the seasons have a way of running into each other and getting mixed, if you don't keep a sharp lookout on them. The months, too, are a troublesome set. Then you must be careful how you turn on wet and THE NEW YEAR 75 dry weather. And one thing I want you to do very carefully — watch the leaves that are turned. New Year. I thouoht Autumn at- tended to that sort of thino; ! Old Year. Oh, I dou't mean leaves of trees. You know that at the beo;m- ning of a year half the people in the world say, I am going to turn over a new leaf ! They mean that they are going to be better than they have ever been before. But leaves do not stay turned over. I know a great many little boys who said they were going to turn over new leaves. They were not going to tear their clothes, nor lose their jack- 76 THE NEW YEAR knives, nor bring mud into the house on their boots. And the little girls were going to keep their rooms tidy and their buttons sewed on. But I haven't seen much change in most of them. New Year. Ill attend to that. Any- thing else ? Old Year. Abovo all, take care of the children. Give them all the good weather you can. And now the horses are ready to go. My time is nearly up, so I start on my long drive. You will find everything in pretty good shape. Well, well, my boy, good-by, good luck to you. — Adapted. A FRIENDSHIP DECLINED Characters — Mary and a Kitten {Mary wears a gray fur bonnet) Mary. Piissj, aren't you cold? Pussy. Me-ow ! Mary, Pussj, areii't you cold? Don't look so sad. Come here to me, At liome, Tve kittens two — And I sliould like — indeed I should To make a friend of you. 77 78 A FRIENDSHIP DECLINED Pussy. Me-ow ! Mary. To make a friend of you. Pussy. I tliank you, Miss, for your kind words, And know they're gently said ; But truth to speak;, I do not like That thing upon your head. For much it looks to me as though Your very furry hat, So soft and fine, might once have been A very furry cat. Me-ow ! A very furry cat. THE SELFISH MAN Characters — Man, Camel, Wise Man, Tiger Camel. Praj^ sii% wliere are joii goino; ? Man. I am ffoino; to tlie Wise Man to seek mj fortune. Camel Sook mine, too. I have had these sacks of gokl on mv back for a lono; time. I cannot lie down. Seek mine, too. Man. I wiU. Tiger. Praj, sir, where are you going ? Man. I am o;oinff to the Wise Man to seek my fortune. Tiger. Sock mine, too. For a long time I have had this thorn in my 79 80 THE SELFISH MAN foot, I cannot rest. Seek mine, too. Man. I Will. [Man comes to Wise Man] Wise Man. I praj jou, sii% wlij are jou here? Man. I seek my fortune. I am a very poor man. Wise Man. Then, I foar you have been living only for yourself. Think of making others rich and you will become rich. Man. In the jungle I met a camel. He carried two sacks of o;old on his back. They were so heavy that he could not lie down. He asked me to seek his fortune, too. Wise Man. Take the sacks off his back. Then he will be free, and THE SELFISH MAN 81 you will have tlie gold. Why did you not do it before 1 Man. I was tliiiikiiig only of my- self. After that I met a tiger. For many days he has had a thorn in his foot. He cannot rest. He asked me to seek his fortune^ too. Wise Man. Take the thorn out of his foot, and both of you will gain by it. Why did you not think of this before? Man. I was thinking only of my- self. [Man goes homeward. He meets the tiger.] Tiger. Havo you fouud my fortune ? Man. The Wise Man told me to take the thorn out of your foot. [Pulls thorn out and starts to go on.] Tiger. Thauk you. Horo, take my LITTLE DRAMAS 6 82 THE SELFISH MAN treasure. I did not tliink of sfiviiiP: o o it to yOVl before. [Man goes on.] Camel. Havo jou fouiid Hij fortune ? Man. The Wise Man told me to take the sacks off your back. [Man takes off sacks.] Camel. Tliauk jou. But stop ! These sacks are full of o;old. Take them^ and both of us will be happy. Why did we not think of this before ? Man. We were thinking only of ourselves. THE MAGPIE'S NEST Characters ' Magpie Thrush Blackbird Wise Owl Starling Sparrow Turtledove Thrush. Oil, Mrs. Magpie, I wish YOU would teach us how you build your nest. Every one says your nest is made better than any other. Magpie. Is that true ? Indeed ! Come nearer then, and I will show VOU how I do it., [Birds draw 7iear.] YoU see I take some mud and make a round cake with it. 83 84 THE MAGPIE'S NEST Thrush. Oil, tliat^s liow it^s clone ! I can make OllG now. [Flies away.] Magpie. Oil ! tllG tllTUsll Went tOO soon. It is not yet done. Now I lay some twigs in the mnd this way and that way, this way and that way. Blackbird. I SeO ! I SeO ! [Flies away.] Magpie. What ! Has the blackbird gone, too ? Next another layer of mud — twigs and mud, twigs and mud. Wise Owl. Oh, that's very easy ! [FUes off.] Magpie. Does the wise owl think that's all? Now more twigs round the outside. Up and down ; in and out ; round and round. THE ^lAGPIE'S XEST 85 S-parroir. TllG YerV tllillO\ [Flies off.] Magpie. Oil I biit tlie iiest is not lined yet. I make it soft and warm inside with featliers. Starling. That SuitS mO. [Flies off.] Magpie. Has tlio starling gone, too? It will take just one minute more. Turtledove. Take two. Tousev. take tWO-0-0. Magpie. One is onougli. Turtledove. Take two, Tousov. take two-0-0. Maqpie. One is enough. I tell you. Oh 1 are thev all g'one but vou. sillv turtledove ? And I have just fin- ished mv nest. Xone of them will make a nest like mine. ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST SPRING Characters Mr. Sparrow Mrs. Sparrow Crocus Mary Pussy Willow Fern Violet Children Mr. Sv arrow. There ! rm o4ad enousrli to see tlie last of that snow. Chirp, chirp ! Did you notice;, my dear Mrs. Sparrow, how quickly it melted at the last ? Mrs. Sparrmv. YoS, it SOCmcd iu a great hurry to go. It did the same 86 ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST SPRING 87 thing last year when tlie warm clajs came. Mr. Sparrow, YgS, YGS^ it alwaVS cloGS — and don't yon know why ? How conld the little worms and o^reen things come np ont of the gronnd if the snow stayed all snmmer long? And then what should we do for g'ood thinos to eat ? Mrs. Sparrow. Oil, JCS, of COUrSO ! Mr. Sparrow. I sce a womi now. You stay rio;ht here and 111 get him for you. [He flies down and carries away the worm.] Violet. That's good. Worms are such dreadful creatures ; ahvays wriggling about one's feet. I ayou- der what they are good for. Dear 88 ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST SPRING me^ there's Miss Crocus. Good morn- ing ! Did you liave a good sleep ? Crocus. Yes, indeed. But I can't unroll my petals far enougli, I just want to stretch and stretch. Violet But it's good to bc back in the sunshine again. o [Two children enter the woods.] First Child. Oh, just see what I've found, a violet — a real one — and it's a white one, too. Won't Mary be glad. Second Child. Oh, oh. Can't you find another ? First Child. No, there is just this one. I am going to take it up by the roots. Then it won't wither. ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST SPRING 89 [Child digs up violet and puts it in her basket with the other flowers.] Pussy Willow. [In basket.] Dear me ! What does tliis mean ? Why, Violet, yoiiVe got some dirt in my eye and on my nice new fur. Fern. [In basket.] It SOrVOS yOU right for being so proud. You think your- self better and prettier than others. Something always happens to any one who does that. Pussy Willow. I wasn^t speaking to you. Violet. Oh, please don't quarrel. I am sure I am sorry if I have hurt any one. It was not my fault. I didn't want to come here a bit. How^ I wish I could get out. 90 ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST SPRING Fern. Humpli ! Little good it will do to get out. I think these are the very people that Mr. Oak Tree v^as telling me about. They come every year looking for ferns and flowers. He says some of my an- cestors for many generations have gone the same way. They always choose the finest^ at any rate. [At Home.] First Child. Oh, Mary, I found the sweetest little violet for you — a white one. I dug it up with all its roots, so it will not wither. Mary. How lovcly ! You are very kind to bring me such beautiful flowers. ADATXTURES OF THE FIRST SPRIXG 91 Second Child. It's the first OllG tliat came up. Mary. HoW I'd love tO lllUlt for tlie violets 1 But it's hard for anv one who is hime to go to the woods. I don't suppose I shall ever go there mvself. 92 ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST SPRING First Child. Yes^ jou shalL Some day we'll all go together. Mary. Poor little flowor ! I won- der if it was sorry to leave its place in the woods to stay with me in this room. Please give it some water to drink. Then it will go on living. Violet How thankful I am that I came. Just a few days later and I might have withered there in the meadow. I would have been of no use to any one. Now I can make this little girl happy. I am so glad I grew. The best of all is to make some one happy. — Adapted. THE BIRD'S NEST Characters — Yelloiv-hreast, Bobolink, Cuckoo, Crow, Cow, Dog, Sheep, Hen, Little Boy Yellow-breast. To-wllit, to-wllit, tO-wliee ! AYill YOU listen to me? Who stole four eo;o;s I laid And tlie nice nest I made? 93 94 THE BIRD'S NEST Cow. Not I. Moo-00 ! Moo-00 ! Such a thing Td never do ! I gave jou a wisp of hay But didn't take your nest away. Not I! Moo-00 ! Moo-00 ! Such a thins: Td never do. Yellow-breast To-whit^ to-whit, tO-wheO ! Will you listen to me? Who stole four es:ss I laid And the made ? nice nest I Bobolink. Bob-o-link ! Bob-o-link ! Now what do you think? Who stole a nest away From the plum tree to-day? THE BIRD'S XEST 95 Dog. Not I! Bow-wow! Bow- wow ! I wouldn't be so mean, I TOW ! I o-'RYe liairs tlie nest to make, But the nest I did not take! Not I ! Bow-wow ! Bow- wow ! I woukln't be so mean, I VOAV. 0y Yeliow-hreast. To-wkit. to-wkit, to-wkee ! A\ ill YOU listen to me? AVko stole four eggs I laid And tke nice nest I made? THE BIRD'S NEST Bob-o-link! Bob-o-link! Now what do you think? Who stole a nest away From the plum tree, to-day ? Coo-coo! Coo-coo! Coo-coo! Let me speak a word, too! Who stole that pretty nest From little Yellow-breast ? Not I! Oh; no! Oh, no! I wouldn't treat a poor bird so. I gave wool the nest to line ; But the nest was none of mine ! Oh, no ! Oh, no ! I wouldn't treat a poor bird so. THE BIRD'S NEST 97 Yellow-breast. To-wllit, to-wllit, to-wliee ! Will you listen to me? Who stole four eo;o^s I laid And the nice nest I made? Bobolink. Cuckoo, Crow. Bob-o-link ! Bob-o-link! Now what do you think ? Who stole a nest away From the plum tree, to-day? c 00-COO C 00-COO !C 00-COO Let me speak a word, too. Who stole that pretty nest From little Yellow-breast I Caw, caw ! Hear the crow ! I should like to know What thief took away A bird's nest, to-day? LITTLE DRAMAS 7 98 THE BIRD'S NEST Hen. Cluck! Cluck! Hear me then ! Don't ask me aorain! Why^ I haven't a chick Would do such a trick! We all gave her a feather And she wove them to- gether, rd scorn to intrude On her and her brood. Cluck, cluck ! hear me then, Don't ask me again. Bobolink, Cuckoo, Crow. Chir r-a- whir r ! C h i r r-a- whirr! All the birds make a stir, THE BIRD'S NEST? 99 Let us find out his name And all cry " For shame ! Little Boy. I stole that prottj nest From poor little Yellow- breast. And I feel so full of shame I do not like to tell my name ! — Adapted from Lydi A Maria Child. THE BOASTFUL BAMBOO TREE Characters Boastful Bamboo Little Tree Boy Girl Woodcutter Scene I — In the Forest Boastful Bamboo. Little baiiiboo tree, you bow and bend to every wind tliat blows. A bamboo tree should never show fear. Look at me ! I stand straight and strong and bow to no one. Little Tree. I kuow you are strong. You are much stronger than I am. I am only fit to trim the houses for the New Year's feast. But you will be used in making some great house or maybe in making a palace. 100 THE BOASTFUL BA^IBOO TREE 101 Boastful Bamboo. Olllv that I I shall be chosen for the mast of a big ship. Every one Avill look at me and say, See what a beautifiil mast that ship lias I As for you. timid little tree, you will never be brave enough even to deck the New Year's feast. Little Tree. AVllO IvUOWS ? If I groW straight and strong. I may be chosen to do some good in the world I ScEXE II — In the Forest (Jafer^ Boy. [Looking at the Boastful Bamboo.] What a big. strong. Ijamboo tree ! Girl. But this dear little one beside it is prettier than any of the others. Boy. Yes : let us Ijind her with our o-arland of flowers. 102 THE BOASTFUL BAMBOO TREE Girl. Well call lier tlie Lady Silver Mist. Woodcutter. [Looking at the big bamboo tree.] Here is a tall, straight tree. It will do for a mast. I will cut it first. Boastful Bamboo. [To Little Tree.] Good-by, — I am sorry for you. I shall see the world now and do o;reat things. Good-by, Little Tree ! Little Tree. Good-by ! Good fortuue go with you ! [Big tree fails.] THE BOA>STFUL BAMBOO TREE 103 Boy. I'm glad lie didn't take our little tree. Girl. [To Woodcutter.] Please doil't Cllt down our little tree. In all the forest we love it best. Woodcutter. All, I soo tlio little tree lias friends. Girl. Yes, Ave call lier tlie Lady Silver Mist, and slie is our play- mate. Woodcutter. But I'vO boeu SOUt tO CUt down all the trees in the forest. You must dig it up and carry it away, if you wish to keep it. Boy. ril dig it up. AVell take it home and plant it in our garden by the sea. [Children carry of the tree.] 104 THE BOASTFUL BAMBOO TREE Scene III — In the Garden {after storm) Little Tree. All niglit the wavGs of the sea tossed the white foam and dashed the ships about. All around me lie pieces of wood washed up by the sea. What is this at my feet ? A piece of a great bamboo tree ! Can it be my friend of the forest ? Boastful Bamboo. AlaS ! I am yOUT poor friend. Little Tree. I wisll I COuld help yOU. Boastful Bamboo. No ouo cau help me. I wish that I had lived in a garden as you have. Then I might have been useful for many years. Fare- well, Little Tree. RETURN OF SPRING Time — Morning — Breakfast Place — A Garden on Mt. Olyrnpus Characters — Spring, Columbine, Pantaloon, Cloivn Columbine. Springs Spring ! Oli^, you nauffhty boy. Why are you here ? Spring. They didn't want me, and neither do you. Columbine. Oil, YOU poor dear boy. Come alono; at once to the fire and haye some breakfast. Spring. I didn't come in before, because I thought you woukhi't want me. [All sit down to breakfast.] Clown. Sausao;es 1 Tm tired of sausao-es : such ages since we had anything else. Pantaloon. Ho! ho! lie! [Waves his wand.] 105 106 RETURN OF SPRING Well have rabbit pie^ then. [Dish of sausages turns to rabbit pie.] Clown. Do you know how they get the rabbits into the pie? Spring. [Shakes his head.] No. Clown. Would you like to know ? Spring. Please, sir. Clown. Well, first of all, you make a nice rich brown crust, and you put it over a large dish. Then you cut a round hole from the pie crust. Fill the dish with lettuce and put it out on the lawn. Spring. Ou the lawu ? Clown. Yes. Then the rabbits come. They pop down the hole in the crust to eat the lettuce. When the pie is RETURN OF SPRING 107 full of rabbits, you ruu from behind a tree, cover the hole in the crust, and then with the dish in your arms, you dash into the kitchen, 108 RETURN OF SPRING — pie in the oven, oven hot, fire bright — and, here we are! Columbine. Don't jou believe him. Pantaloon. [To Spring.] Whj did JOU come back ? Spring. The farmers said I made the buds come out too soon. I only stroked the trees and the little sticky buds peeped out to kiss my hand. The gardeners were angry because, where I stepped, the flowers came out too soon, they said, and then — Columbine. Ncvcr mind, dear. We are all glad to see you. Pantaloon. And thcu ? Spring. Then East Wind came and RETURN OF SPRING 109 Snow and Jack Frost, and they nipped my flowers, and hurt my trees, and made my lambs sliiyer behind the hedges. The goblins who sins in the fire hobs sano^ and sang till the people turned their backs on me and crouched up to the fire ao-'ain and becv'an to tell ghost stories. Colli mhine. But you must go back now, and fiaht Jack Frost and scare AVinter away. You haye had your breakfast, dear, and now like all the world, you must do your work. Yes, dear, you must keep on work- ing till summer wakes up. Spring. GrOod-by. WHO HOLDS UP THE SKY? Time — Spring Place — ^ Wood Characters — Daisy, Rose, Fir Tree, Elm, Bird, Mountain Daisy. Oh clear, Miss Rose, do tell me please. Is it you holds up the sky ? Rose. Dear Daisy, no, no, indeed, I cannot reach so high. 110 WHO HOLDS UP THE SKY? Ill And very far above me Is the blue and lovely sky. But if vou wish to know. To find out I will trv. Perhaps that tall fir tree Is holding up the sky. \To the fir tree] You lift vour head so hio4i, Do you hold up the sky ? Fir Tree. [Shaking his head] Oh no, indeed, sweet Rose It surelv is not I ! It may be this lofty elm, Who stands to me so ni^h. Elm. No, no, it is not I. But a mountain very tall 112 WHO HOLDS UP THE SKY? In the distance I can spy, And on his shoulders rests, I think, the wondrous sky. [Calling to the mountain.] You lift your head so high, Do you hold up the sky ? Mountain. And who is it who would For these secrets pry ? I've stood here many an age, But I never touched the sky. Rose. Sweet Daisy, dearest friend, I fear before we die We never shall find out Who is holding up the sky. [A bird alights on the fir tree.] WHO HOLDS UP THE SKY? 113 Daisy and Rose. [Together.] 0 Bird, YOU Ay up so liigli, AVill YOU not please tell us AVlio is holding up the sky ? Bird. 'Tis He who made the daisy And He who made the rose; ^Tis He who made the fir tree, Tlie elm, and all that m^ovs^^, ^Tis He who made the mountain And made the bird to fly — The o^^ood and HeaYenlY Father, AVho holdeth up the sky. — Adapted. LITTLE DRAMAS 8 THE FOX'S PLAN Characters — Tiger, Hunter, Fox Tiger. [To fox in a net] So JOU are here. Cauo;lit ! Fox. Only to help you, Tiger. Tiger. To liolp 1110 ? HoW is that ? Fox. Why, the other clay you said you could not get enough men to eat. So I got into this net. When the men come to take me you may get the men. Tiger. A fine plan ! Can I believe you? 114 THE FOX'S PL AX 115 For. Believe me. Hide in the bushes close by. Ill show you the men when thev come. Tiger. CclU I belicve YOU ? Fox. Believe me. Tiger. Here comes one now. Quick ! Behind the bushes ! [Tiger hides.] Hunter. [To fox.] So licre YOU are. Caught ! Fox. Onlv to help von, Hunter. Hunter. To help UlC ? HoW is that ? Fox. AVhv, the other dav von said YOU could not get the tiger who has been killing and eating vour cattle. So I got into this net to-dav that you mav have him. 116 THE FOX'S PLAN Hunter. A fine plan. Can I believe you ? But how will I get him ? Fox. Believe me. Hunter. [Quietly.] He came here to eat me up, but he saw you coming. He is now behind the bushes. Let me out of this net, and I will take you right to him. Hunter. Can I bclieve you ? Fox. Believe me, Hunter. Only let me out, and you'll see. [Hunter ids fox out] Come ! [Calling out loud.] Now, Sir Tiger, here is the hunter ; and, Mr. Hunter, there is your tiger. I have kept my word to both ; you must settle the matter between yourselves. [Fox runs off.] Hunter. Alas ! Alas ! TOM AND THE LOBSTER Place — Among the rocks Characters — Tom, Lobster Tom. [To lobster caught in a lobster pot.] What, have you been naughty, and have they put you m the lockup ? Lobster. I CaU^t ffOt OUt. Tom. Why did you get m ? Lobster. I canio hi for that ugly piece of fish. Tom. Where did you get in ? Lobster. Throuo4i that round hole at the top. Tom. Then why don't you get out through it ? Lobster. Because I can't. I have jumped upwards, downwards, back- 117 118 TOM AND THE LOBSTER wards, and sideways, at least four thousand times, and I can't ^et out. I always get up underneatli then and can't find the hole. Tom. Stop a bit. Turn your tail up to me, and TU pull you through hindforemost, and then you won't stick in the spikes. [Tom piUls lobster.] Hello, here is a pretty business. Now take your great claws and break the point off those spikes, and then we shall both get out easily. Lobster. Dear me, I never thought of that ! • WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS NO SHELL Characters — Fishes, Turtle, three Monkeys, Jelly- ^ fish. Queen Osa Scene 1- -Under the Sea First Fish. What is tliG matter, little fish? Little Fish. Have YOU iiot heard ? Our sea queen is very ill. First Fish. Osa, our queeu, very ill, did you say ? Little Fish. Yes, yes, we have done everything ; but she grows worse. Second Fish. We fear she must die. 119 120 WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS NO SHELL First Fish. This cannot be. Come, tell me what you have done. Little Fish. Oh, WO fed her seaweed and laid her upon a bank of sponges. Every little fish helped. But she is no better. First Fish. Our queou Osa ! This is sad indeed. Is there no wise creature in the sea who can help us ? Third Fish. There must be. Let us think hard. Little Fish. I know. Let^s ask the turtle. He's wise. He goes out of the sea upon the land. Surely he must learn many things there. Per- haps he is just the one to tell us what to do to save our queen. WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS XO SHELL 121 Second Fish. Go at OllCG Rlicl brillP' o him back with you. [Little Fish goes out.] First Fish. He won't be gone loiio;. No one swims faster than our little fish. Third Fish. Here he comes back already, and the turtle is with him. All the Fish. GrOod, gOod. [ Turtle and Little Fish enter.] First Fish. 0 Turtle. haYe you heard that our sea queen is about to die ? Turtle. I know that she is YerY ill. Second Fish. Can YOU uot help us to saYe her ? You are wise, Tiu^tle. It's because you don't stay down in the sea, but go upon the land, that 122 WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS NO SHELL yoLi learn about so many thingSo What will cure our queen 1 Turtle. [Slowly.] Yes, I clo leam a great many things on tlie land. Let me think — I am thinking — yes — I believe — yes — I know^ Tm sure I know just what will save her life. I have it — a monkey^ s heart — the very thing ! I heard about it one day as I was resting upon the shore. A monkey's heart can cure anything ! All the Fish. Woudcrful ! LMe Fish. Will you go and get one ? 0 Turtle, you know we would go if we could leave our homes as you can. You will go, won't you ? Turtle. I will gO at OUCC. WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS XO SHELL 123 Scene II — On the Seashore Turtle. Dear me - — not a monkey to be seen anvwliere ! Well, Tve waited and waited. It's very liot liere on the sand. I'm sleepy. Ill jnst take a nap. [Sleeps. Monkeys {three) come.] First Monkey. [Seeing turtle.] AVhat's tllis ? Second Monkey. I don't IvllOW. I llOyer 124 WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS NO SHELL saw anything like that before. Now, I see, it^s a big stone. First Monkey. So it is. Third Monkey. I don^t belie VO it. Second Monkey. Well, JOU just put your paw on it and see. There, it^s as hard as it can be. Third Monkey. I know. It^s a great shell. [Touches the turtle.] A big hard one, hard all over. [Turtle wakes and catches monkey.] Oh, oh, oh ! Let me go. Turtle. No, I wiU not let you go. Be quiet and do what I tell you, and I will not hurt you. Your brothers have run away. You must come down under the sea with me. [They go out together.] WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS NO SHELL 125 Scene III — Under the Sea Monkey. Wlij clo tliGj keep iiie here ? No one to talk to^ no one to plaj with, no trees to climb. Only one friend, the jellyfish with his hard shell. rd like him better if he hadn't one. It makes me think of that bad turtle that brouo;ht me down here on his hard back. Here comes the old jellyfish now. Jellyfish. Hello, Monkey, you look sad. Monkey. So would vou if you wanted trees instead of seaweed, and land instead of water, and warm sunshine, and other little monkeys to play with. 126 WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS NO SHELL Jellyfish. Poor Monkey ! I am sorry for you. But of course you must stay here until they come to get you. Monkey. Until who comcs to get me ? Jellyfish. The fish^ of course. Don't you know ? Monkey. Indeed, I don't, Jellyfish. What do you mean ? Jellyfish. They want your heart for the queen. In a few days they'll come and kill you and give her your heart to eat. Monkey. Oil, dear me ! Give my heart to the queen to eat ? Why, Jellyfish, do you know what you are talking about ? What wrong have I done that I should be killed ? WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS NO SHELL 127 Jellyfish. Oil, You've cloilG 110 WrOllg. But our clear queen is verv ill, and Your lieart is the oiiIy tliino;' that will cure her. We cannot o^et Your heart unless we kill you ; so try and be brave about it. [Jellyfish swims ofi'.] Mon'key. [To himself] I sliall liot Oive niY heart to the queen. I must get awaY from here somello^Y. But how I I do not know the wav. OiiIy the turtle could take me back, and he won't. What can I do ? Here conies the turtle now. Turtle. You look sad, MoiikeY. What is the matter ? Monkey. Dear me, Turtle, I was 128 WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS NO SHELL just tliinking of some tiling I have left at home that I need very much. Turtle. Indeed ! What is it, dear Monkey ? Monkey. It's my heart, Turtle. Just before I left home I hung it out on a bush to dry. If the rain comes, it will be spoiled. Turtle. What is tliis you tell me ? Monkey. It's about my heart. Some one must carry me back to the land so that I can get it. Turtle. Well, well, is there no other way ? Then I must take you back to get your heart. That is the best plan, and we must start at once. Come. [They go out together.] TTHY THE JELLYFISH HAS XO SHELL 129 Scene IV — Home of the Sea Queen [Turtle comes in looking very sad] Queen Osa. Mv cloar Turtle, wliere have vou been so long, and oli, what lias happened to you 1 Turtle. Dear Queen. I am very sad, and verv cold, and verv ill. Mv LITTLE DRAMAS 9 130 WHY THE JELLYFISH HAS NO SHELL poor body is without its covering, for see, I have lost my sliell. Queen Osa. Poor Turtle ! Come tell me all about it. Turtle. The monkey told me he had left his heart at home and he asked me to take him back so he could get it. I believed him. You know I wanted the heart for you. Queen Osa. You are vcry kind, Turtle. Turtle. I took him on my back. When we got to the land he sprang off my back and up the nearest tree. He told his brothers what had happened to him. Then they all rushed at me. They tore off my shell and threw my body back into the sea without it. WBY THE .JELLYFISH HAS XO SHELL L31 Quee-n Om. PoOL TllLtle I Xcver mind. I'll oive you another sliell, for you did your best. Some one must have Ijeen tellino- the monkey tales. Jell"\"fish. you were his friend. Do you know anything about this Jellyfish. I told the monkey that we were going to kill him so that we could get his heart for you. I told him to trv and be brave aljout it. Queen Osa. You are to blanio, then, Jelhiish, for all this trouble. To punish you for meddling. I will take awav vour shell. And vou must go without it forever. — Oriental Fable. I WOULD LIKE YOU FOR A COMRADE Little Girl I woulcl like you for a com- rade, for I love jou, that I do, I never met a little calf as amiable as you ; I wonld teach you how to dance and sing and how to talk and laugh, If I were not a little girl and you were not a calf. Little Calf. I would like you for a com- rade ; you should share my barley meal 132 I WOULD LIKE YOU FOR A COMRADE 133 And butt me with your little liorns just hard enough to feel ; We would lie beneath the chestnut trees and watch the leaves uncurl, If I Avere not a clumsy calf and you a little ffirl. — Judge Parry. SOUTHWEST WIND'S VISIT TO GLUCK Characters Gluck Hans Schwartz Little Old Gentleman Giuck. What a pity my brothers never ask anybody to dinner. Tm sure when they've got such a nice piece of mutton as this it would do their hearts good to have somebody to eat it with them. [Knock sounds at the door.] It must be the wind. Nobody else would dare to knock double knocks at our door. [Gluck goes to the window.] Little Old Gentleman. Hello ! That's not the way to answer the door. I am wet. Let me in. 134 SOUTHWEST WIND'S Y181T TO GLUCK 135 Giuck. I beg your pardon, sir. I am very sorry, but I really can't. Little Old Gentleman. Can't wliat ? Giuck. I can't let you in. I can't, indeed. My brother will beat me, sir, if I tliouo^it of such a thino\ What do you want, sir ? Little Old Gentleman. Want 1 I Waut firC and shelter. There's your great fire there blazing, cracking, and dancing on the walls with nobody to feel it. I only want to warm myself. Giuck. He does look very wet. I'll just let him in for a little while. [Opens the door.} Little Old Gentleman. That's a ffOod boY. 136 SOUTHWEST WIND'S VISIT TO GLUCK Never mind your brothers. Til talk to tliem. Giuck. Pray, sir, don't do any such SOUTHWEST WIXD'S VISIT TO GLUCK 137 tliino;. I can't let voii stay till tliey come. LMe Old Gentleman. Dear mC. I'll! VCrV sorrv to hear tliat. How lono; may I stay ? «, Giuck. Oiilv till tlie iiiiitton's done, sir, and it's VerV brown. [Little Old Gentle- man seats liimself before the fire.] Yondl soon drv there, sir. Mayn't I take your cloak ? Little Old Gentleman. No. tliailk yOU. Giucic. Your cap, sir ? Little Old Gentleman. I aUl all rio;llt, thank you. Giuci^. But. sir ! I'm yery sorry, but really, sir, you're putting the fire out. Little Old Gentleman. It'll take loUO^er tO 138 SOUTHWEST WIND'S VISIT TO GLUCK do the mutton then. That mutton looks very nice. Can't you give me a little bit ? Giuck. Impossible, sir. Little Old Gentleman. I'm VOry huUgry. Pve had nothing to eat yesterday nor to-day. They surely couldn't miss a bit from the knuckle. Giuck. They promised me one slice to-day, sir. I can give you that. Little Old Gentleman. That's a gOod boy. Giuck. [To himself.] I dou't care if I do get beaten for it. [Loud rap at the door. Schwartz and Hans enter.] Schwartz. What did you keep us waiting in the rain for ? Hans. Ay, what for, indeed ! SOUTHWEST WIND'S VISIT TO GLUCK 139 Schwartz. BIgSS lliy SOul^ wlio's that ? Giuck. I don't know, indeed, brother. Schwartz. How did he o;et in ? Giuck. Mj dear brother, he was so very wet. Schwartz. W\io are yon, sir ? Hans. What's vonr bnsiness ? Little Old Gentleman. I am a pOOr okl man, sir, and I saw yonr fire throngh the window and beo:o;ed shelter for a little while. Schwartz. Have the izoodness to walk out again, then. Little Old Gentleman. It's a Cold daV tO tnrn an old man ont, sir. Look at my gray hairs. 140 SOUTHWEST WIND'S VISIT TO GLUCK Hans. Ay, there are enough of them to keep you warm. Walk ! Little Old Gentleman. I'm vory, Very hun- gry, sir. Couldn't you spare me a bit of bread before I go ? Schwartz. Bread, indeed ! Do you suppose weVe nothing to do with our bread but to give it to such fellows as you ? Hans. Out with yOU. Little Old Gentleman. A little bit ? Schwartz. Be off! Little Old Gentleman. Pray, gentlemen. Hans. Off! Little Old Gentleman. Gentlemen, I wish you a very good morning. At twelve o'clock to-night Til call again. But SOUTHWEST WIND'S VISIT TO GLUCK 141 you will not be surprised if that visit is the last I ever make you. Schwartz. If I ever catch you here again — [To Giuck.] A very pretty business, incleecb Mr. Gluck. Dish the mutton, sir. If ever I catch you at such a trick again — bless me, why the mutton's been cut. Gliick. You promised me one slice, brother, you know. Schwartz. Oh, you were cuttino^ it hot, I suppose, and going to catch all the gi'avy. It will be long before I promise you such a thing again. Leave the room, sir, and have the kindness to wait in the coal cellar till I call you. 142 SOUTHWEST WIND'S VISIT TO GLUCK Midnight Schwartz. [Starting up.] What's that ? Little Old Gentleman. Olllj Southwest Wind. Hans. The room is full of water, and the roof is oflp. Little Old Gentleman. Sorrj^ gentlemen. I am afraid your beds are dampish. Perhaps you had better go to your brother's room. Tve left the ceiling on there. You'll find my card on the kitchen table. Remember, this is the last visit from Southwest Wind. THE CHILD AND THE SPARROW Child. Sparrow in the clierrv tree, AVon't YOU drop one clown for me 1 Sparroic. Pi 'esentlv, presently. Child. Sparrow, sparrow, Greecly-pate ! 143 144 THE CHILD AND THE SPARROW There's a fine one ! Drop it straight ! Sparrow. Little bojs slioulcl loam to wait ! Child. Sparrow, without more ado, Come, be kind and drop me two. Sparrow. They're not ripe enough for you. Child. Saucy sparrow, cease your fun ! What, you're off — and give me none ! Sparrow. All are gone, all are gone. — Thomas Westwood. THE RABBIT'S MESSAGE CiLiEACTERS — Three Children. Spring, Rabbit and creatures of the woods Part I — The Children First Child. Oh,, llow bare the Avoods look. Not a flower or bud anywhere! Second Child. Sprillg is hlto. Third Child. Ow-0-0. Lot's riiii hoiiie. Second Child. Spring has forgotten us. I shan't come liere acyain. LITTLE DRAMAS — 10 1-45 146 THE RABBIT'S MESSAGE Part II — Lady Spring Spring. At last ! Be off, Jack Frost and Nortli Wind. You have kept me waiting too long. ' Now to work. I must waken the flowe rS. [Waves her wand.] Flowers. [Awaken.] Welcome, Lady Spring. We have looked for you long. Spring. Break into buds, trees. Trees. [Awaken.] Welcome, Lady Spring. We have looked for you long. Spring. Waken, animals. Animals. [Awaken.] Welcome, Lady Spring. We have waited for you long. Spring. But where are the children? Perhaps they do not know we are here. I must find some way to send them a message. Robin, will you take it ? THE RABBIT'S MESSAGE 147 Rohin. I am too busy building a nest for my little ones. Send the fox. Spring. Fox, will jou take it? Fox. I dare not go. Tlie people will think I have come to steal their chickens. Send Black Bear. Spring. Blaclv Bear, will you take the message to the children ? Black Bear. Dou't SCud UlC. I aUl SO bio; I would frio4iten them. All children loye the rabbit. Send him. Spring. Rabbit, will you go? Rahhit Yes, yes. I'll go. But, dear me ! The dogs ! They might catch me. Spring. Go whou they are asleep. Rahhit Good. I will o;o to-nio;ht. But what message shall I take ? 148 THE RABBIT'S MESSAGE Spring, ril weave a basket of twigs and leaves and green grass, and line it with soft moss. Eacli one of us will put a message into it. Part III — The Journey Spring. Here is tlie basket. Rabbit. Robin. Here is an egg. Thrush. Here is another. Squirrel. Horo aro souio acoms that have just sprouted. Spring. My prettiest flowers go to the children. There! Stop at every house where there is a child. Rabbit I shall not forget. Tm off. [To himself.] I'll just make a nest of grass for each child, and leave it on THE RABBIT'S ^lESSAGE 149 tlie doorstep. An eo-a and a spring flower in each — and tlie children will know ! Part TV — The Message First ciiiid. What a pretty nest ! I found it on niv doorstep — flowers and twigs and an egg. Second Child. I found one. too — with evervthins in it from the woods. Third Child. Oh I Spring must be here. First Child. See. here are the tracks of the rabbit's feet ! He came to tell us. Second Child. Then spring is here. Let's run to the woods — now! Children. [Running.] Spring is llOre ! Bunny has brought us the message. LAUGHING SANJA Characters Sanja First Jizu Second Jizu Third Jizu Ogre Note: Jizu is a roadside image or statue. Scene I — Along the Road Sanja. Deai% deai% there goes one of my finest dumplings rolling down the hill. That will never do. I cannot lose that one. I must run and catch 150 LAUGHING SANJA 151 it. [Runs after it. As she goes she meets Lord Jizu.] Good morning, my Lord Jizu ! Have you seen a rice dumpling fall this way? Lord Jizu. Good mornin o; ! Yes, I saw a dumpling. It went past here. It Avent down the hill skipping as if it had legs. Sanja. Oh, thank you. Then I must skip after it. Lord Jizu. No, no. Do not go on. An ogre lives down there. He may do you harm. Sanja. But I must have my dump- ling. [Laughi?ig.] Teo-hee-hee ! Tee-hee- hee ! [Goes on.] [To Second Lord Jizu.] My gOod Lord 152 LAUGHING SANJA JizU;, have you seen a dumpling pass tliis way ? Second Lord Jizu. As if it liacl wino;s ! It flew past me. Sanja. Tlieu I must liuFFy to catch it. Second Lord Jizu. YoU mUSt liot thillk of that. There is a wicked ogre below. He does not like old women. He will be cruel to you, and he might eat you up. Sanja. But I must have my dump- ling. Hell not eat an old woman like me. [Laughing.] Tee-hee-hec ! Tee- hee-hee ! [Goes on.] [To herself.] If I ovor catch that dumpling, Til eat every bit of it LAUGHING SANJA 153 myself. Tee-iiee-liee ! [ To Third Lord Jizu.] My aood Lord Jizu, liave you seen my dumpling pass this way ? Third Lord Jizu. YeS, it paSSod but a moment ago. Do not think of searching for it. The ogre who liyes beyond is cruel, and he'll surely eat you. Sanja. Ho'll uot eat au old woman like me. Tee-hee-hee ! [They hear a terrible noise. Ogre comes.] Third Lord Jizu. HorO COmOS the GOTO. Get behind me. Be quick ! Ogre. [Deep voice.] Good moming, Lord Jizu ! I smell meat. Third Lord Jizu. Good momino;, Og're. Is it not dumpling that you smell ? 154 LAUGHING SANJA I saw one pass along this road a little while ago. Ogre. No, incleecl. It is not dump- linp;. What I smell is meat. Third Lord Jizu. I do not SmoU it. Are jou sure it is not rice dumpling 1 It seems to me that I smell a little of it about JOU. Ogre. That is not strange. I saw the dumpling rolling my way. I caught it and ate it. It was good. I wish I had the one who made it. What I smell now is meat, meat, meat ; juicy^ young, tender. [Sanja bursts out laughing.] Sanja. Tce-hee-hec ! Tee-hee-hee ! Ogre. [Seeing Sanja.] Who are yOU ? LAUGHIXG SAXJA 155 Sanja. I aiii the one wlio made the dumpling. Tee-hee-hee ! AVhv did YOU eat it ? Ogre. Because it was good. Sanja. You couldu't oat mo for that reason. Tee-hee-hee ! Ogre. Xo. I shall uot oat vou. You shall come home with me and be niY cook. As long as you cook your dumplings for me I will not liarm YOU. [Sanja goes icith the ogre.] Scene II — Ogre's Kitchen Ogre. You aro a good cook : but YOU use more rice than you need. You should put but one grain into the pot. Sanja. Ouo grain ? Tee-hee-hee. 156 LAUGHING SANJA How could any one live on one o;rain of rice ? Ogre. I wiU sllOW JOU. Put OnO grain of rice into the pot. Then take this paddle in your hand. If you want rice for ten persons, stir ten times, in this way. [Stirs paddle about in the water.] See the grain of rice burst into ten pieces. If you want rice for one hundred persons, stir one hundred times. The grain of rice will burst into one hundred pieces. Sanja. Tce-hee-hoe ! Tee-hee-hee ! Ogre. This is a magic paddle. Sanja. Tec-hee-hee ! Tee-hee-hee ! Ogre. [To himself .] HoW straUgO that she laughs at everything. LAUGHING SAXJA 157 ScEXE III — The River Bank San ja. I won't stav here another dav. Tlie oo-re is off liuntino\ Tee- liee-liee. Hell never know liow I o^ot ont of the castle and over the river. Tee-hee-liee. Tee-liee-hee. [Hears call] Who calls ? The Ogre. Oh, he sees me ! I am afraid to o;o back. Ogre. [From other side of the river.] What are von doino^ there, von Lano-hina Dnmpling ? Go back to my kitchen, I say. Go back ! Sanja. Tec-hee-hee ! Ogre. How strano'o that she lano-hs at evervthino'. She shall not lang-h at me. [Starts to go across river.] 158 LAUGHING SANJA Sanja. What shall I do to get away. The magic paddle ! The magic pad- dle ! I have it tucked in my belt, ril stir the water in the river with it. There ! Tee-hee-hee ! Tee-hee-hee ! See the water flows and flows, hio;her and hio;her. The o^re must swim for his life. Tee-hee-hee ! Tee-hee-hee ! THE TIGER AND THE BRAHMAN Characters Tiger Jackal , Brahman Tree Road Buffalo Tiger. Let 1116 OUt of tllG CagG, Brahman ! Brahman. No, I will liot. If I let you out of the cage^ jou will eat me. Tiger. 0 Brahman, indeed I will not. I could not be so unkind as that. Only let me out to get a drink of water. Then I will come back. [Brahman opens the cage.] 159 160 THE TIGER AND THE BRAHMAN Tiger. [Jumping out.] NoW, I wiU eat JOU first and then 111 drink the water. Brahman. Alas ! How foolish I was to let you out. Only do not kill me hastily. Let me ask the first three thino;s I meet to tell me whether it is just and fair that you should put THE TIGER AXD THE BR.lH^LlX 161 me to deatli. If all of tliem sav it is just and fair for you to kill me I shall be willing to die. Tiger. It sliall bo as vou say. You may ask tlie opinion of three. [Brahman goes off] Brahnan. 0 Troo, lioar niT story and tell me who is ri^-ht. The tiger bea-a-ed me to let him out of his cage, to drink a little water. He promised not to hurt me if I did so. But now that I have let him out he wishes to kill and eat me. Is this right I Tree. I give sliado to all who pass by. but when they are rested they cut my branches and break oif my leaves. AVhy do you complain ? LITTLE DEAMiS 11 162 THE TIGER AND THE BRAHMAN Brahman. AlaS ! AlaS ! [Goes on.] 0 Buffalo, hear my story and tell me who is right. The tio;er beo:o;ed me to let him out of his cage to drink a little water. But now that I have let him out he wishes to kill and eat me. Is this right, 0 Buffalo ? Bufaio. Look at me ! See how hard I work. When I was young I had the best of food. But now that I am old I am kept here in the field. I have only the coarsest food to eat. Why do you complain? Brahman. AlaS ! AlaS ! [Goes to Road.] 0 Road, hear my story and tell me who is right. The tiger begged me to let him out of his cage to drink a THE TIGER AND THE BRAHMAN 163 little water. But now that I have let him out he wishes to kill and eat me. Is this right, 0 Road ? Road. Poor Brahman! How can you hope for anything else 1 Think of me. Here I am useful to every one. Yet all, rich and poor, great and small, trample on me as they go past. Why do you complain ? Brahman. Alas ! Ahis ! Alas ! There is no help for me. [Turns homeward.] Jackal. What's the matter, Mr. Brahman ? You look very sad. Brahman. I am sad. As I was walk- ino; alono; the road I came to the tiger in his cao^e. He beo^o;ed me to let him out to drink a little water. He 164 THE TIGER AND THE BRAHMAN said he would not harm me if I did so. Jackal Did you let him out ? Brahman. I did. As SOOU aS ho WaS out he tried to eat me. I asked him to wait till I could get the opinion of the first three things I came to whether it was ri^ht for him to kill me. I asked the tree, the buffalo, and the road. Alas ! Jackal. What did they say ? Brahman. They all Said it was right. Jackal. Who Said it was right ? Brahman. Why, the troo, and the road, and the buffalo. Jackal. Oh, it's vory confusing. Let me see ! Perhaps matters are not THE TIGER AND THE BRAHMAN 165 SO bad as you tliink. But it's very confusino;. You say the tiger said the tree and the road and the buffalo were rig4it ? Brahman. No, uo^ HO, The road and the tree and the buffalo said the tio^er should kill and eat me ! Jackal It all goes iu one ear and out the other. It's very confusing. Take me to the place where it hap- pened. Then I shall be able to understand. [Brahman and Jackal go to Tiger.] Tiger. You liave bceu away a long time. I Avant my dinner. Brahman. Just Wait Until I make the jackal understand how it all 166 THE TIGER AND THE BRAHMAN happened. He is so slow in his wits ! I must explain things to him. Jackal. Show me where you stood. Brahman. HorO, bj the CagO. Jackal. Right there ? Brahman. Right hoTO. Jackal. Where was the tiger then ? Tiger. 1 was in tlio cago ! Jackal. Yes, JOS. Let me see, how did it all begin ? Brahman. Tio'or was in tlio cago and I came walking by — Jackal. Yes, yos, I see. You were in the cage and the tiger came walk- ed o ing by — Tiger. [Angrily.] Not at all ! I WaS in the cage. THE TIGER AXD THE BRAHMAN 167 Jackal. Yes^ my lord. Deai% dear, it's very confusing. It has all got mixed up in my mind. Let me see, tlie tiger Avas in tlie Brahman and the cage came walkino; by ! No, no, that was not it, either ! Well, don't wait for me. I shall never under- stand. Tiger. Ycs, jou sliall Understand. Look here, I am the tio^er. Jackal. Yes, my lord. Tiger. Aud that is tlic Brahman. Jackal. Yes, uij lord. Tiger. And that is the cage. Jackal. Yes, mj lord. Tiger. And J W'ds 111 the cagc. Do you understand ? 168 THE TIGER AND THE BRAHMAN Jackal. Yes, iiij lord. But please, my lord, how did you get in ? Tiger. How did I get in ? Why, the usual way, of course ! Jackal. Oh dear me ! My head is bemnnino; to whirl again. Please don't get angry, my lord, but what is the usual way ? Tiger. This Way. Now do you understand ? [Tiger jumps into cage.] Jackal. Yes, I understand now. And I think we had better leave you just where you are. [Locks cage door. \ THE LIOX AND THE STORY- TELLER Characters — Lion, Fox. Elephant, Tiger, and Other Animals Elephant. DOcir lllG WG lllUSt filicl one. Tiaer. Olie wliat ? . Elephant. A storv-tellcr for tlie lion. He wants one wlio will tell him stories one after another without stopping. It's a task indeed. Camel. Yos, vos, and he will put us to death if we fail to lind some one who can do so. Tiger. Ho's kiucr-. and thoT sav the king; kills when he will. I do not know what vre shall do. 169 170 THE LION AND THE STORY-TELLER Fox. Let me think. I have it — Tell the king you have found the story-teller that he wished for. At Court Lion. So, Mr Fox, you are to tell me stories without ceasing:. Fox. Yes, 0 King Lion. Lion. Very well — begin. Fox. There was once a fisherman who went to sea. He had a large net. He spread it out far and wide. One day a great many fish got into the net. Just as the fisherman was about to draw it up, the cords broke, and a small hole was made in the side of the net. Now, this hole was just large enough for one fish 172 THE LION AND THE STORY-TELLER to slip through at a time. So, one fish got out [Fox stops.] Lion. Yes ? Fox. Then two fishes got out. [Fox stops.] Lion. AVhat then ? Fox. Then three escaped. [Fox stops.] Lion. [Impatiently.] YoS, jeS ! but the story ? I tell you, go on with the story. What then ? Fox. Then four fishes got out. Lion. Come, come, sir, you are not telling me anything new. Fox. 0 King ! Each lot of fishes was different from the rest. — Then the hole o;rew a little larger and — Lion. But, wherein is the wonder ? THE LION AND THE STORY-TELLER 173 Fox. Why, your majesty, what can be more wonderful than for fish to escape in lots, each lot greater than the other by one ? Lion. [Impatiently.] HoW loUO^ will it take all those fishes to o;et out ? Fox. 0 King Lion, it was a large net — there were thousands and thou- sands of fishes in it. — Then the hole oTCw a little laro^er and — Lion. Stop, stop ! I can not stand this. Leave my court at once — anything to stop those fishes. [Fox goes out.] Fox. [To animals.] Fcar UOt, I haVC saved you all. The tyrant won't try that plan again. OVER THE HILL Traveler, what lies over tlie liiU? Traveler, tell to me. I am only a child from the window sill, Over I can not see. Child, there's a valley over there, Pretty and wooded and shy. And a little brook that says, " Take care, 174 O^TR THE HILL 175 Or I'll drown you bv and bv.*' Child. And wliat comes next ? Traveler. A little tOWn And a towering- hill again : More bills and valleys up and down And a river now and tben. Child. And what comes next ? Traveler. A louclv UlOOr AVitbout a beaten way : And gray clouds sailing slow before A wind tbat will not stav. Child, And tben ] 176 OVER THE HILL Traveler. Dark rocks aiid yel- low sand, And a moaning sea beside. Child. And then 'I Traveler. More soa, moro sea, more land, And rivers deep and wide. Child. And then ? Traveler. Oh, rock and moun- tain and vale. Rivers and fields and men, And over and over repeat the tale. And round to your home again. — George MacDonald. Date Due i Form 335 — 25M— 7-35— B-M.Co. D00829555Y J^^3jri95 S620L ^amaa :fop 371.895 S5:33L 3126A