Chapter V: Part 5

[_Hastily._] And mine! To the same ladies!

THE OTHER KNIGHTS.

Cowards! Cowards!

SIR GRIFLET.

[_Runs forward and casts himself at ARTHUR’S feet._] Sir, I never yet applied me to be married, but an it please ye, I will win worship in this wise!

[_All the LADIES murmur admiringly, “Gallant child!”_]

ARTHUR.

Rise, Sir Griflet! This adventure is for your elders ... your betters could not be!... Sir Kay....

SIR KAY.

[_Hurriedly._] This is matter for Sir Gawayne! [_This is greeted with a slight general exclamation; the KNIGHT continues._] For the slaying of a lady by misadventure and smiting off her head is he not sworn upon the Four Evangelists never to refuse courtesy to lady ne gentlewoman so long as he shall live?

[_All the KNIGHTS heartily assent to this._]

SIR GAWAYNE.

Now by faith of my body....

ALL THE KNIGHTS.

[_Hurriedly._] Aye! Sir Gawayne is the fellow for this adventure!

GUINEVERE.

[_Imploring, hands out to him._] Dear nephew ... for the love of the high order of knighthood, assent to this, I beseech ye!

SIR GAWAYNE.

[_After a pause._] I assent me!

[_A sigh of relief goes up from all sides._]

ARTHUR.

Truly, nephew, ye have a mighty heart! [_He presents the STRANGER to the KNIGHT._] Take her, and God be your speed!

GUINEVERE.

[_To the assembled people._] Avoid! Avoid! Together will they be more at their hearts’ ease! [_All go. The QUEEN continues, addressing the STRANGER._] Lady, we will make ready in the goodliest wise that may be devised for the betrothal feast! [_She and the KING also go._]

[_Left together GAWAYNE and DÉLIVERANCE gaze on one another, then, involuntarily, the young man turns away and covers his face with his hands. He then resumes his interrupted task of polishing his shield. The LADY goes to him with a brisker step than we have yet seen her employ, and touches him on the shoulder. With a start and an ejaculation he looks up at her hopefully._]

SIR GAWAYNE.

Gramercy! The face in the shield!... Ah! [_He sighs heavily._] ’Twas but a trick of fantasy! Woven of moonlight and dawn! [_He goes on polishing._]

DÉLIVERANCE.

Pluck up heart. All may yet be well!

SIR GAWAYNE.

All _is_ well, madam. [_He rises._] An ye have no commands for me I will go make me ready in seemly sort for our betrothal!

DÉLIVERANCE.

Rather abide, and suffer me to do thankings unto thee, for much have ye done for me! An ye wist how ye have holpen a dolorous lady!

SIR GAWAYNE.

I but stand upon my knighthood, madam! [_He is about to go, when there enters, confronting him, a young and gallant KNIGHT, in full armour. GAWAYNE stops short, staring at him._] Now, by my head ... the face I saw in my shield! [_He passes a hand over his puzzled brow._] Of whence be ye, and how called?

THE KNIGHT [DÉLIVERÉ].

I am extract of noble blood. I am hight Déliveré! I am brother to this lady!

SIR GAWAYNE.

Brother to...! [_He looks from one to the other, incredulous._]

DÉLIVERÉ.

[_Corroborating his own assertion._] To Déliverance La Belle Pilgrim!

SIR GAWAYNE.

Now by my head you speak a great wonder!

DÉLIVERÉ.

By the crafts of sorcery I was turned into the outrageous giant, keeping the evil customs whereby Arthur and his Court were put in jeopard! My sister alone knew the true answer to my rede, but none could learn it or ever a worshipful knight should promise to take and wed her unto his wife! In this ye stand a proved knight of matchless chivalry! But an ye would save yourself unshamed from this marriage, come and joust with me!

SIR GAWAYNE.

[_With a cry of joy._] Now Heaven be praised, right glad and blithe am I, for liefer an hundred times would I die with fighting worship than live with wedded woe! Come, Sir Knight, to the assay, and spare me not, for I warn thee I will not spare thee! Come and prove who will be first to say Ho! [_DÉLIVERANCE, who has hobbled back to the hearth, cowers in her chair, moaning. “Now am I the wofullest lady of the world!”_] Now wherefore this dolorous moaning?

DÉLIVERANCE.

I require thee, good knight, as thou art a gentleman, not to gainsay your avows to me!

SIR GAWAYNE.

[_Pauses irresolute._] Now was ever knight in such plight, between fire and water as it might be!

DÉLIVERÉ.

Coward! Coward!

SIR GAWAYNE.

[_Starting to go to him._] Now by the faith of my body never will I yield me nor say the loth word!

DÉLIVERANCE.

Traitor! Traitor!

SIR GAWAYNE.

[_Stopping short._] Now by the Four Evangelists.... [_He takes a sudden decision, and goes toward his bride._] Lady, love is free in himself, and never will be bound, but I shall be your servant and knight in right and wrong, and I shall never fail you to do as much as a knight may do, and I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life your knight!

DÉLIVERÉ.

Coward!

SIR GAWAYNE.

Not so, Sir Déliveré, for, God wot, I have chosen the more perilous part!

DÉLIVERANCE.

Now this gladdeth well my heart, for so have ye delivered me from the bondage of enchantment! Look, Sir Knight! Behold the visage of your bride! [_Standing erect, and throwing back her hood she discloses the countenance of a young woman of great beauty._]

SIR GAWAYNE.

[_With a cry of great joy._] Lady! The damosel I saw in my shield ... all passing young and peerless fair!... Sir Knights and Ladies! [_He goes toward the banqueting-hall, calling_:] Come, and witness a great marvel! [_ALL come in, in great excitement, and from the other direction come the KING and QUEEN, with their attendants, bringing a rich robe and sparkling jewels for the bride. Excitedly SIR GAWAYNE invites their attention to DÉLIVERANCE._] Behold my bride ... the damosel I saw anon, all passing young and peerless fair! [_But, even as he had turned from her, DÉLIVERANCE drew her hood over her head, wrapped her mantle, huddling, about her bent shoulders, and relapsed into the form of an aged crone. ALL look amazed._]

SIR KAY.

[_Takes her by the arm and turns her toward the light, then bursts into great laughter._] By my head, he’s clean out of his wits!... Passing fair? The loathly lady! [_ALL echo this, and troop off, mocking SIR GAWAYNE._]

GUINEVERE.

[_Who with the KING remains._] The unlovely lady, the loathly lady passing fair? Poor, poor gentleman! He is under the spell of a dolorous enchantment!

ARTHUR.

Pray Heaven he may never get well of it!

SIR GAWAYNE.

[_Sternly, to his bride._] What means this: now young and fair, now old and wizened? This is no stability!

DÉLIVERANCE.

Alas, dear love! The spell is still on me, whereby I may be young and fair to you alone, and old and bent in company; or young and fair in company, and old and bent to you alone! It is for you to choose!

SIR GAWAYNE.

Oh, what a burden is thrust upon me! Alone with you to enjoy your delectable beauty, and in company to endure the tauntings and mockage of men ... or in company to have the envy of all for my lovely bride, and alone with you to discover a loathly crone of an hundred years of age! [_He groans, throwing himself into a chair and covering his face._]

DÉLIVERÉ.

[_Sharply._] Choose ye now, or look well to yourself!

SIR GAWAYNE.

Leave that, Sir Déliveré!... [_He goes to DÉLIVERANCE._] I give it to thee, for my wedding-gift, the thing that all women do most desire ... your own will in this affair, to do as you may list!

DÉLIVERANCE.

[_Casting aside her mantle and throwing up her arms with a great cry of joy._] Oh, laudings and praisings to Heaven, for now is my cup of happiness brim-filled and running over!... Sir Gawayne, ye have passed the third and last test of chivalry, and so have delivered me forever from the crafts of sorcery!

SIR GAWAYNE.

[_Overjoyed, almost in a whisper._] What! Is it true? Ye are all fair for all times, in company and for me alone?

DÉLIVERÉ.

It is true! She is a full fair maid, good and gentle, and right well taught, so may each love other entirely!

[_ARTHUR and GUINEVERE, who were standing at a distance, have joined the group, attracted by DÉLIVERANCE’S cry, and now offer their felicitations. GUINEVERE kisses the bride, and places a jewel in her lovely hair and a chain about her fair neck._]

ARTHUR.

[_To the two SERVANTS, who stand at the entrance to the banqueting-hall._] Let blow! Let blow! [_At a bugle blast from these ALL enter hurriedly. The KING addresses them._] Now is greater worship than ever before won to our goodly fellowship, sithence our dear nephew Sir Gawayne hath passed the third and final test of chivalry!

[_ALL exclaim rejoicing._]

SIR KAY.

But ... where is the loathly lady?

ALL.

Aye, where is the unlovely lady ... the loathly lady?

ARTHUR.

Yon stands she, freed forever from the evil spell of sorcery! And by the faith of my body I do think she is the fairest lady of the world but if it were Queen Guinevere!

A CHRISTMAS PARTY

_Christmas_

CHARACTERS

_THREE LOBS, Lob here, Lob there, Lob everywhere._
_Three PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN: ETHEL who is called BABS, JANET
called BEESWAX, and RICHARD called DICK._
_Some CHILDREN of HISTORY and FABLE, including CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS, PETER SCHLEMIHL, SLEEPING BEAUTY and NAPOLEON._
SANTA CLAUS.
THE FATHER AND MOTHER.

A CHRISTMAS PARTY

Before the curtains part the voice of the Mother is heard singing her babes to sleep with A CHRISTMAS EVENSONG.

At Bethlehem beneath the hill
Where herded sheep lay slumber-still,
All wrapped in snowy fleece,
Within a humble khan, where lay
A band of farers on their way,
Was born the Prince of Peace,
Prince of Peace!

Then from the wakened skies there came
A wonder-song, a starry flame,
By star and song to tell
That prince’s hall or wayside khan
Shall Heaven be, when child of man
Is child of God as well!
God as well!

The angels sing to-day, as then,
God’s peace on earth, goodwill to men
His pledge divine who keep,
And by the tower on the hill
Lo! Christ the Shepherd watches still,
So, lambkins, go to sleep!
Go to sleep!

The curtains have parted slowly, noiselessly, disclosing a room in such deep shadow that only by peering can one discern three small white beds far up against the wall of a real everyday nursery, a companionable fire purring on the hearth, and a real everyday Mother, the kind every happy child knows, sitting singing. When her song is ended she rises, bends over the pillows, nods as if satisfied that, though three soft, warm little bodies lie snugly tucked in between sheets and blankets, the Children themselves have gone off on their nightly journey, to Sleep, smoothes a coverlet in the quite unnecessary way that Mothers have, draws a screen about the beds to keep out the draught that grown-ups always think is trying to get at children, but that in reality could not be coaxed to stay in a house with all outdoors to play in, then, going to the hearth, she seizes the poker, and in a fashion rather violent for so gentle a being, she beats the reddest of the logs until it sneezes sparks, as if to caution it against breaking out in greedy flames that make everything within reach catch fire like measles. Finally, since there is not the least, wee excuse for further lingering, she kisses her hand to the forms of the Children who by this time are very far away, and steals noiselessly from the room.

The fire goes out with a disgruntled pop, as if remarking that it has no desire to remain where it is not trusted to behave itself, and the room becomes so dark you think it is all over, and that it is not much of a play after all, when, hark! You hear the jingle of sleigh-bells, and the laughter of a merry party passing by. Now the warm glow returns slowly to the hearth and the logs start talking. “Crack, crack! Splutter, splutter,” cries one, turning its torch in the direction of the book-shelves. “What’s all this learned nonsense? Works on botany, and what’s that long word? Yes, ornithology! Why don’t they say birds and beasts and flowers and forests and things? And why go to books to learn when one has eyes and ears ... five senses, all told, and a sixth, if people did but know it!”

“Stupid as a log,” cries another. “That’s what I overheard a teacher call a boy whose poor little body was kept in a school-room while its soul had its arms about my neck, learning True History, and the Real Meaning of Things, in the forest! For my part, at the risk of seeming vain I consider a log the brightest thing I know!”

“Right, O,” concurred a third. “Really human beings are the dullest creatures! probably because someone invented words for them to talk with! Now if you’re seeking a professor of language let me recommend the head of the squirrel family that used to be my top-front lodgers. He could chatter more fluently about a hazel-nut without articulating a single word than any human that has addled his brains getting an University diploma!”

“True,” replied the first speaker. “And the longer humans live in the world the duller they become from read—read—reading, and talk—talk—talking words, words, words, words, words! Now take babies. Babies are the wise ones. Babies who cheep like birds when pleased and squeal the way little pigs do when they are hungry can always be depended on to make their meaning understood! Nobody has to consult a dictionary or employ an interpreter to hold a conversation with a baby in any language! Old people, too, when they lose their teeth and forget words, they grow wise again! What a pleasure it is to burn brightly for old people as they sit beside the hearth, warming their hearts, and telling them over and over again the forgotten tales they heard from us before their wits were cluttered up with words like rank growths of underbrush in the forest!”

All paused a moment to reflect on this fine sentiment, when a log at the back of the pile that had hitherto held itself aloof, rolled up in a ragged cloak of charred bark, now turned over with a snort, falling on the others heavily. “The forest, indeed! Landlubbers all! I have been to sea! I have been shipwrecked! I have stood on my head and turned somersaults in mid-ocean!” And he stuck out his tongue, sending forth darts of the most wonderful green and blue. Thoroughly roused now, the logs all talk at the same time, bragging of their adventures and of the family trees from which they have sprung, and there’s no knowing how it would end if it were not that some people passing sing a snatch of an old Christmas Carol, a great favourite with the hearth-logs, so that they cease wrangling to listen to it.

Carol, carol, Christian!
Carol, carol joyfully!
Carol for the coming of Christ’s nativity!

Go ye to the forest
Where the myrtles grow,
Where the pine and laurel bend beneath the snow!

Gather them for Jesus,
Wreathe them for his shrine,
Make his temple glorious with the box and vine!

Now there is dead silence in the nursery which soon is filled with a strange light made up of hearth-glow, moon-beam and the blueness that only comes from fairyland. For the first time you notice that the Children have hung their stockings from the mantelpiece. Then you see, asleep on the hearthrug, three small brown beings, each cuddling a broom, by which token you know them to be the Good Little People who make their home with happy Children, called Lobs for short, though if ever you address one by his full title you’ll say Lob-Lie-By-The-Fire.

FIRST LOB.

[_Waking, stirs._] Pray is it time?

SECOND LOB.

[_Waking, turns._] Eh? Time? ’Tis always time.
Is ever there a time when ’tis not time?

FIRST LOB.

I mean, is it the hour for chanticleer
To crow the sun up, Lob to vanish?

SECOND LOB.
Nay!
So warm the hearth, so bright the embers glow,
The night must still be young! Sleep out your sleep,
And let me do the same! [_Drowsily._]

FIRST LOB.

Brother, no work
Is there for us to-night as usual
In redding up the place?

SECOND LOB.

’Tis Christmas Eve!
A holiday! Our task comes later. Scraps
And string and littered paper, leaves that dry
And crackling fall from holly boughs, burnt-out
The candles on the Tree, soon will our hands
With these be full!

[_He turns over and hums drowsily._]

Lob here, Lob there,
Lob everywhere!
Lob, sweep the hearth and mend the toys,
Lob, do the tasks of girls and boys,
Who would not be a Lob like me,
A merry Lob-lie-by-the-fire like me!

[_Again there is silence. The mysterious
light which we now see proceeds from the
night-light in the corner grows brighter.
One of the children, DICK, probably, says
something in his sleep._]

THIRD LOB.

[_Starting up._] What’s that?

SECOND LOB.

What’s what?

THIRD LOB.

Surely
Someone said something!

SECOND LOB.

Someone I could name
Said something! If someone would learn to say
A trifle less, do more, ’twere better far
For someone!

DICK.

Bells! His flying reindeer cleave
The crystal air, shaking the golden stars
Out of their sockets, scattering their dust
All-sparkling on the snow! Oh, listen!

THIRD LOB.

Hark!
The children wake! And we still here!

SECOND LOB.

Why not?
A nosey dog, the household cat with brains
In every whisker-tip, on friendly terms
With these ’twere best to be, I grant you. But
A dull-sensed human child between whose feet
We sweep unheeded shall we fear?

THIRD LOB.

Only
On Christmas Eve when fairy-tales come true!

SECOND LOB.

O wise the word! Come, brother; wake!

[_He pokes the FIRST LOB with his broom._]

FIRST LOB.

Let be!
I’m weary!

[_THE CHILDREN now are heard, yawning and
stretching. He starts up._]

Eh? What’s this? That rowdy horde
Of heavy-footed Children, coming back
Like runaways deserting school, before
Dawn and the birds, from Sleep! O trespassers
Upon our ancient province of the night!

[_THE CHILDREN come pattering toward the
hearth dragging on their dressing-gowns
over their night-gowns._]

DICK.

I’m sure I heard him!

BABS.

Nonsense, Dick. For, see!
Unfilled our stockings from the mantel hang,
Dangling as when we left them for him!

DICK.

Oh!
You do not think he can have passed us by?
O Santa Claus, come back!

BEESWAX.

[_Catching sight of the THREE LOBS, who
stand, brooms shouldered, guarding the
hearth._]

Oh, look! Dick, Babs! Just look!
Three wee brown men with brooms!

[_She approaches THE LOBS._]

I know you! Yes,
I’ve read about you in a picture-book!
You’re Lobs!

FIRST LOB.

[_Saluting._] Lob here!

SECOND LOB.

[_Saluting._] Lob there!

THIRD LOB.

[_Saluting._] Lob everywhere!

DICK AND BABS.

[_Excited._] What! Real Lobs? Alive?

THE LOBS.

[_Laugh derisively._] O silly ones! Whoever heard of Lobs
Unreal, not alive? [_They dance about, singing._]
Lob here, Lob there, Lob everywhere,
Lob sweep the hearth, Lob mend the toys,
Lob do the tasks of girls and boys!
Who would not be a Lob like me!
A merry Lob-lie-by-the-fire like me!

BABS.

I’m charmed to meet you. Make yourselves at home!

THE LOBS.

We are at home. We live here! But, pray you
Feel quite at home!

THE CHILDREN.

In our own home of course
At home we feel! We live here!

THE LOBS.

Just by day!
By night when you go off to sleep the place
Is ours!

FIRST LOB.

But, Christmas Eve, a holiday,
As guests we welcome you. Our hearth-fire share!

SECOND AND THIRD LOBS.

Pray do so! [_With a gesture inviting THE CHILDREN to sit._]

THE CHILDREN.

Thank you, Lobs! How kind they are. [_All sit._]

BABS.

I’m Ethel, Babs for short, since I myself
Was short to start with, when a baby!

FIRST LOB.

Oh,
I know you, Babs. (Still short sometimes in marks
At school, I fear! However you mean well!)

BEESWAX.

Named Janet, Beeswax am I called, because
So tidy am I!

SECOND LOB.

[_With a burst of laughter._] Tidy? Ha, ha, ha!
Behold who overnight fulfills the tasks
Undone that Beeswax leaves! However well
You mean, and so I grumble not!

DICK.

[_To the THIRD LOB._] And you
My lessons for me learn, no doubt you’ll say?

THIRD LOB.

No, Richard, no! My best I do, but you
Are lazy! Well you mean, however, so
We’ll let it pass!

DICK.

[_Listens._] What’s Billy barking for? [_He explains to THE LOBS._]
Billy’s our dog!

THE LOBS.

[_Correcting him._] By day! But after dark
Our dog is Billy!

DICK.

Well, your dog or ours,
Billy is barking! Yet in friendly wise,
As greeting someone! Listen! [_He starts up._] There are steps
Upon the stairs, above, and roundabout!

BEESWAX.

I also hear them! Little footfalls light
As snowflakes!

BABS.

Pat-pat-pattering this way
They come!

[_ALL have risen from the hearthrug where
they have been sitting, to listen._]

THE LOBS.

[_Explaining._] ’Tis but the children of the house
At play!

THE CHILDREN.

[_Puzzled._] But we the children of the house
Are surely!

THE LOBS.

[_Explaining._] Daytime calls you so! But night
The gate sets wide for Children of the Past,
All children that have ever been, to roam
At pleasure, enter where they will!

BEESWAX.

[_Clasping her hands in ecstasy._] In here
Their little feet have sometimes wandered? Oh,
I wish ... Oh, how I wish that I might see,
Might speak with, play with them!

FIRST LOB.

Call them by name!
If lovingly, I’ll answer for ’t, they’ll come!

BABS.

I’ll choose!

DICK.

No. I will!

BEESWAX.

I spoke first! Oh, hush! [_She listens._]
Fleeing, their footsteps turn the other way!
Oh, Children, stay!

SECOND LOB.

Never where wrangling jars
They enter. Only where love reigns!

BABS.

Then I
Give up to Beeswax.

BEESWAX.

I to Dick!

DICK.

And I
To both!... Well, just to start the game.... Here goes
For playmates: boys!

BABS AND BEESWAX.

[_Clapping hands with delight._] That’s it; just playmates: girls!

[_CHILDREN OF THE PAST, of many
nationalities, peep forth from
under beds, chairs, tables; from
behind curtains, screens and doors,
crying, “Here we are! Come, catch us,
if you can!”_]

BABS, BEESWAX, AND DICK.

[_Running toward them._] O Children, come and play with us!

[_But the CHILDREN OF THE PAST disappear
whenever THE PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN draw
close to them. The latter exclaim,
disappointed_:]

Oh, they’ve gone!

THIRD LOB.

Wait! Yonder comes one!

[_He points toward the screen from behind
which emerges a fair little lad, about
DICK’S age, in a blue smock and
barefooted._]

THE PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN.

[_Delighted._] Oh, a little boy!

THE VISITOR.

[_Introducing himself._] Son to the weaver by the Olive Gate
In Genoa, Colombo. Named am I
For Saint Cristoforo!

THE PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN.

[_Excited._] ’Tis Christopher Columbus! Oh-oh-h-h!

BABS.

[_Hospitably._] Pray rest yourself! Do take this easy chair!
How weary must you be for centuries
Standing upon a monument!

BEESWAX.

[_Assisting COLUMBUS to climb into the
chair that BABS draws up._]

Somehow I always think of you as middle-aged!

COLUMBUS.

[_Bursting into laughter._] Me middle-aged! Me on a monument!

[_Then becoming suddenly grave._]

But keep your eye on me! I’ll get there yet!

DICK.

Why don’t you speak Italian?

COLUMBUS.

[_Staring with surprise._] So I do!

FIRST LOB.

[_Explains._] At fairy-parties everybody speaks
One language!

COLUMBUS.

[_Jumping up and down in the chair._] What a jolly chair! Hurrah.
A caravel riding the waves it seems!
Come close! [_He beckons._] I’ll whisper you my secret! When
Grown up am I no carding wool for me!
I mean to be a sailor!

[_THE CHILDREN clap hands delighted, and
cry, “Bravo, Christopher!”_]

Round the world,
The round, round world around I’ll sail! From Court
To Court I’ll begging go till Queens and Kings
Help make my dreams come true!

[_A BOY and GIRL in the Court dress of
Spain enter, hand in hand, as if having
heard themselves summoned._]

THE PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN.

[_Sing._] These royal children hand in hand
From olden time and far-off land
Are Isabel and Ferdinand—
’Tis plain as plain can be!

ISABEL AND FERDINAND.

[_Sing._] We’re Isabel and Ferdinand!
’Tis plain as plain can be!

COLUMBUS.

[_Sings._] O Ferdinand and Isabel,
Your jewels pray you pawn or sell
To fit me out a caravel
That I may go to sea!

THE PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN.

[_Sing._] Aye; fit him out a caravel
That he may go to sea!

COLUMBUS.

[_Making a telescope of his hands, sings._]
This world of ours is growing old.
And by the sunset’s gateway gold
A brand-new world can I behold
As plain as plain can be!

ALL.

[_Making telescopes of their hands, sing._]
A brand-new world can he behold
As plain as plain can be!

ISABEL AND FERDINAND.

[_Sing._] Brave lad, your prayer is not in vain.
When king are we and queen of Spain
We’ll send you speeding o’er the main
To find that new world’s key!

THE OTHERS.

[_Sing, dancing._]
They’ll send him speeding o’er the main
To find that new world’s key!

[_FERDINAND, ISABELLA and COLUMBUS retire
to a corner to discuss their plans. DICK
joins them. THE LOBS busy themselves
shaking up the cushions of the easy chair
and setting the room in order._]

BABS.

[_To BEESWAX._] Girls, fairy-story playmates let us call:
Red Riding Hood and Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty ...
all the rest!

BEESWAX.

[_Echoing the wish._] Yes, yes! O fairy-story playmates, come to life!

[_Again CHILDREN peer forth from shadowy
hiding-places, calling, “Here we are!
Come, catch us if you can!” The two
little girls try to catch these fairy
visitors, who, however, always elude
them._]

BABS.

[_Grieved._] They mocking flee us though we love them so!

BEESWAX.

[_Grieved._] O Children! One ... if only one would stay!

[_A little girl whom we will call THE
ROSE-GIRL enters, clad in homely
clothes of green, with a large
flower-like sunbonnet._]

THE ROSE-GIRL.

Well; here I am!

BABS.

Now who may this be, pray?

THE ROSE-GIRL.

Anon I heard you summon me by name,
And though tucked safely in my wintry bed
I dressed myself as quickly as I could
And clambered to your window as I do
In June! What, don’t you know me?

BEESWAX.

[_Struggling with some remembrance._] Wait! Your clothes
Of leaf-like green ... and sunbonneted like
A petal’d flower ... and sweet-scented.... Oh,
Of course I know you!

BABS.

So do I! Welcome,
O rose of summer!

BEESWAX.

Welcome, summer rose!

[_THE ROSE-GIRL laughs for pleasure and
returns the kisses with which the two
little girls greet her._]

BABS.

But all the same, and though I love you well
You’re not a princess from a fairy-book!

THE ROSE-GIRL.

Oh, but I am! The earth’s great wonder-book
The story tells of Sleeping-Beauty! [_She sings._]

THE SONG OF THE SLEEPING BEAUTY ROSE.

We flowers never die!
All tucked abed we lie
Through our long winter trance,
Till comes a sunbeam bright,
A golden-armoured knight,
With golden lance!

Our icy bonds he breaks;
Our comrade-birds he wakes,
And lights our darkened room,
As with a kiss he cries,
“O flowers, ope your eyes!
Come forth and bloom!”

[_While the little girls are applauding
the SLEEPING BEAUTY FLOWER’S song a long,
lank boy comes in, lamenting: “My shadow!
I can’t find my shadow! O help me find my
shadow!” All turn to him in surprise,
saying, “Now who may this be, crying for
his shadow, pray?”_]

THE SHADOWLESS BOY.

[_Explaining._] I’m Peter, son to that Schlemihl who sold
His shadow to the Evil One! Since when
His name who answer to fare shadowless!

BABS.

Poor boy! Draw near the hearth and warm yourself!

PETER SCHLEMIHL.

[_Shrinking back._] I dare not, lest its glow should show my lack
Of full equipment! Nightly thus I roam,
Seeking if someone has not cast away
A worn-out shadow that could be patched up
To fit me!

BEESWAX.

O poor Peter! See! Here’s mine!

[_She stands so that the hearth-glow throws
her shadow on the wall._]

Do take it for a Christmas present!

PETER SCHLEMIHL.

[_Looks at the shadow, then shakes his head._] Kind
The thought, but think how funny I should look,
A long, lank boy, when walking heel to heel
With the dark pattern of small, plump maid!

DICK.

Now what a fuss to make about a thing
That is not anything: a shadow!

PETER SCHLEMIHL.

Oh,
You think so, do you? Try it then and see!

[_He recites or sings._]

THE LAMENT OF THE SHADOWLESS BOY.

When from a cloud the sun
Peeps forth I frightened run
The city through,
While throwing stones with jeering noise
A shadowed troop of girls and boys
Pursue!

In class the master stern
Says, “Peter, can’t you learn
To keep the rule,
And bring your shadow clean and neat,
All dressed in black from head to feet,
To school?”

And so, through all my days
I shun life’s sunny ways.
Though cold it be
’Tis always pleasant in the shade
For one without a shadow made,
Like me!

[_While all are applauding this song and
condoling with the singer another boy
enters, short, stocky, with masterful
air._]

THE NEWCOMER.

Talking of shadows, watch mine grow! Erelong
Over the map of Europe will it spread
And spread itself!

FERDINAND.

[_Hand in hand with ISABEL._] We trust you will keep off
Our joint dominion, Castile, Aragon!

THE NEWCOMER.

Paf! Pouf! Your petty realm is but a patch
On my ambition! Still, I will not come
Till you yourselves are shadows and no more!

DICK.

[_Consulting the LOBS._] Who is he: Alexander, Prince Eugene,
Or Julius Cæsar?

THE LOBS.

[_Tearing their hair._] Dick, Dick, Dick! O Dick,
Is it for this we try to clear your brain
Of cobwebs!

THE NEWCOMER.

[_To DICK._] Not so far afield, my lad!
I’m all the generals that ever were
Rolled into one ... or shall be, when I’m grown!

BABS.

[_Recognising NAPOLEON._] Napoleon! Or Mr. Bonaparte, perhaps
I ought to say! I’m charmed to meet you!

NAPOLEON.

So
You ought to be! Now, all keep silence while
A piece I speak! I made it up myself,
Or, rather, ’tis a dream I had! Shorter
Than I could wish myself, help me to stand
Upon the table!

[_Assisted by the others he clambers up
on the table and recites._]

MY DREAM.

I dreamed I was a kite
With, O, the loveliest long tail!
You should have seen me catch the breeze,
And, taking flight,
Sail upward. Sail
High over houses, trees;
Over the church steeple,
While, O, such crowds of people
Tossed caps, and shouted, “Hip, hurrah!
Bravo! Well done!”
While I said, “Bah!
sun!”
the
reach
I
until
and up,
up,
Just watch me mount up,
Soon I had gone so far,
The world looked like a tiny ball!
Yet all was darkness. In the sky
No moon, no star,
No sun at all!
The breeze began to die.
I felt myself falling
Down, down. I called, but, calling,
No answer heard. I seemed a lump
Of ice and lead
When I came Bump!
And wakened up, all snug and warm,
in
my
own
soft,
white
bed!

[_While his hearers are crowding about
NAPOLEON, applauding him, and assisting
him to climb down from the table, CHILDREN
of many periods and nationalities come
from their hiding-places._]

ONE GROUP.

[_In Puritan garb._] Prithee, may we enter? Maids are we
And lads from Plymouth Colony! And this
Our Indian playmate!

[_They introduce an INDIAN CHILD. While
they are being welcomed a fine brave
lad in riding-clothes enters._]

THE YOUTH IN RIDING-CLOTHES.

Riding garb
But ill equips me for society.
Yet my respects I’d fain in passing pay!

[_A smartly dressed LITTLE GIRL IN COLONIAL
COSTUME runs in._]

THE COLONIAL LITTLE GIRL.

I’m Patsy Dandridge. Please may I come in?

[_PATSY is followed by a very plainly
dressed little COUNTRY BOY._]

THE COUNTRY BOY.

Plain folk from Illinois ... Tom Lincoln’s boy ...
I’m Abe!

THE PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN.

Abe Lincoln, Patsy, and Virginia George,
Be sure you were expected!

NAPOLEON.

[_To GEORGE._] Can you fight?

GEORGE.

I would not brag, and yet anon I fought ...
Aye, licked him, too! a lad named Bustle, twice
My own weight!

NAPOLEON.

[_Reflectively._] Hm! [_He turns to ABE._] Can _you_ fight?

ABE.

Try me!

NAPOLEON.

[_Laughs._] Not to-night!

[_Crowds of CHILDREN now appear from the
shadows._]

THESE NEW CHILDREN.

O let us in! O Children, let us in!
So many are we, matter not our names!
We are just children, born to carry on
That endless fairy-tale called history!
Time was when we, like you, on Christmas Eve
Hung up our stockings for good Santa Claus
To fill! O let us once again relive
That happy hour!

THE PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN.

O welcome, welcome all!

BEESWAX.

Where’s Santa Claus! Why tarries the good saint?

FIRST LOB.

At midnight is he due! Hark! Even now
The old clock on the landing clears its throat
To strike!

[_ALL listen. A clock in the house strikes
twelve. Then there is heard a fanfare of
elfin horns mingled with the cheery sound
of approaching sleigh-bells._]

ALL.

[_Delighted._] He comes! He comes, good Santa Claus!

[_A rushing breeze sweeps through the
nursery, as if the window were suddenly
opened, and then closed. The heavy window
curtains part, and SANTA CLAUS appears._]

SANTA CLAUS.

Well, children! Here I am! And here it seems are you!

[_ALL make a rush for the good SAINT,
welcoming him, and preferring their
several petitions: “O welcome, Santa
Claus!... Here’s my stocking! Yonder’s
mine! Mine are on my legs! Did you bring
me a horse? A motor-car I asked for!
Please give me a sword, cocked hat and
uniform, also an army to command!... I
want a doll! Oh, yes; a doll its eyes
that opens, please! A silver thimble.
Bow and arrow and a pair of dancing
shoes!” etc., etc._]

SANTA CLAUS.

One at a time! One at a time, I say!...
To each and all one only gift I bring:
The world!

ALL.

[_Puzzled._] The world ... a Christmas present?

SANTA CLAUS.

[_Nods kindly._] Aye!
I’ll show you! Lobs, bring hither pipes and bowl!

[_From behind the curtains the LOBS bring
a huge crystal bowl filled with soap-suds
and a tray of pipes._]

THE CHILDREN.

[_Delighted._] Oh, soap-bubbles! Hip, hip, hurrah! Hurrah!

BEESWAX.

It was the world you promised us!

SANTA CLAUS.

[_Taking a huge pipe and blowing bubbles._] And see!
The world, a perfect sphere, all rainbow-bright,
Is yours to make, with every breath you draw!

[_The CHILDREN have taken pipes and now
blow bubbles._]

CHILDREN.

O Santa, see my world ... my round, round world,
My rainbow world!

COLUMBUS.

My teacher says the world
Is flat, but I know better! From the cliffs
Feluccas watch I, masted caravels,
Rise from the distance, climbing up a curve!
You’ll not forget your promise, will you? [_To FERDINAND and ISABEL._]

FERDINAND AND ISABEL.

Trust
Our honour, Christopher!

GEORGE FROM VIRGINIA.

A seaman’s life,
I trust, my portion, also!... But, how now? [_Blowing bubbles._]
Red, buff and blue ... the colours mingle, clash!
The smoke of battle! What! a soldier I! [_Horrified._]
Why, I can’t spur a horse or whip a dog!
How then my fellow-creatures could I kill?
Oh, sir, my lot pray change?

SANTA CLAUS.

[_Kindly._] So may I not!
Wear as becomes a gallant gentleman
Your sword!

PATSY.

[_To GEORGE._] I’ll belt it on for you!

THE ROSE-GIRL.

[_Blowing bubbles._] A storm
Passes across my bubble!

SANTA CLAUS.

What of that?
Your rainbow, Rose, will overcome the storm!

PETER SCHLEMIHL.

[_Mournfully, blowing bubbles._]

All bright ... all rainbow-bright my bubbles! Not
The ghostly semblance of a shadow there!
Oh, Santa Claus, is there no place to buy
A shadow misfit, second-hand? Or just
The raw material from which are spun
New shadows like umbrellas, parasols,
For well-dressed children?

SANTA CLAUS.

Face the sun
All fearlessly, good Peter! You will find
A proper escort shadow in its place ...
Behind you! Mind you keep it there!

BABS.

[_Blowing bubbles._] How bright
My world! All full of happy smiles!

BEESWAX.

[_Blowing bubbles._] And mine ...
Just like a song at morning!

DICK.

[_Blowing bubbles._] As for mine,
It is just the finest ... [_breaks off, sleepily_] ... finest....

SANTA CLAUS.

[_Rising as if to end the game._]

Come, press your glowing bubbles not too far,
Lest they should break before their time! And now
I leave you for another year, to build
A rounded world and keep it rainbow bright!

SEVERAL CHILDREN.

[_Cry out._] O Santa Claus, our bubbles break unread!
Like butterflies we chase them, but in vain!
O tell us what the future holds for us!

SANTA CLAUS.

I’ll tell you fifty years ... a hundred ... hence!

[_He goes toward the curtains, then turns
to say a parting word._]

The world’s my Christmas present to each child,
Each child’s my Christmas present to the world!
Farewell!

[_He disappears, the CHILDREN crying after
him, “Farewell, O Santa Claus! Next
Christmas Eve, good Santa Claus, come
next Christmas Eve, good Santa Claus!”
Then there is another rush of breeze
through the nursery, followed by the
fanfare of elfin horns, and the jingle
of departing sleigh-bells._]

THE LOBS.

[_Who have been clearing away the pipes and
bowl, now take up their brooms and address
the VISITING CHILDREN._]

Come, come. ’Tis nearly time for cock to crow!
So vanish! Not a word! be off with you!

[_They sweep the VISITING CHILDREN back
into the shadows whence they came._]

THE VISITING CHILDREN.

Good-bye, O Children of the present-day!

THE PRESENT-DAY CHILDREN.

Good-bye! O Children! Come again and soon!

[_They become more and more sleepy, and
finally fall down in heavy slumber._]

THE LOBS.

[_Looking down on them._] Well, on the floor! Untidy, lumpy things!

SOME VISITING CHILDREN.

[_Peering forth._] Good-bye! Until next Christmas Eve!

THE LOBS.

[_Chasing these with brooms._] Clear out!
Get back to history where you belong!

DICK.

[_In his sleep._] I thought I heard voices ... visitors ...
children ... Santa Claus.

THE LOBS.

[_Severely._] Nothing of the sort! Here, back with you to bed!

[_They take the CHILDREN in hand, dragging
them across the floor, and then are heard
behind the screen, breathing heavily as
they heave them into bed. Just as they
have done this the door is opened, and
the FATHER and MOTHER enter stealthily,
their arms full of Christmas packages._]

THE FATHER.

Hush! Don’t wake them!

THE MOTHER.

Do not wake them! Hush!
Tread lightly!

THE FATHER.

Careful, lest you wake them!

BOTH.

HUSH!

THE LOBS.

[_Come from behind the screen._] Hush! Do not wake them!

THE MOTHER.

[_Turns._] What was that? I thought
Someone said Hush! [_THE LOBS conceal themselves._]

THE FATHER.

’Twas you yourself said Hush!

THE MOTHER.

Oh, hush! You’ll wake them!

THE FATHER.

[_Tiptoes toward the beds._] Sound asleep as when
I kissed them all good-night!

THE MOTHER.

[_Tiptoes toward beds._] All sound asleep
As when I sang them off to sleep! And, see!
Their precious little stockings all a-row!

THE FATHER.

[_Proudly._] And not so little either! Children grow
Like weeds! God bless them!

THE MOTHER.

Aye, God bless them!

BOTH.

Hush!

[_They put some gifts into the stockings,
and lay the others in three piles on the
hearthrug. THE LOBS stealing forth, assist
them, though without being discovered.
This done, the FATHER and MOTHER give a
parting glance toward the beds._]

THE MOTHER.

The pretty dears!

THE FATHER.

Of course our geese are swans!

BOTH.

SH!

[_An arm about her THE FATHER leads the
MOTHER softly from the room._]

THE LOBS.

[_Laughing, imitate them._] SH! [_Then, sweeping up the room, they
sing softly_:]
Lob here, Lob there, Lob everywhere!
Lob sweep the hearth, Lob mend the toys,
Lob do the tasks of girls and boys!
Who would not be a lob like me,
A merry Lob-lie-by-the-fire like me!

[_A streak of daylight makes its way
between the window-curtains, and a
distant cock-crow is heard, whereupon
the LOBS hastily shoulder brooms, salute
us as we sit in the audience, and vanish
as the play is ended and the curtains
close upon the scene._]

THE END