WHICH SHALL BE KING?

WHICH SHALL BE KING?

(A Christmas Play in One Act)

By Anna van Marter Jones

SCENE

Any stage or platform large enough to hold all the actors for final chorus and dance—with wings screened from view where players may sit when not on the stage. No curtain required, the only “stage setting” being a large chair at back of stage and twelve (or six) small chairs placed about the stage leaving center free.

Any stage or platform large enough to hold all the actors for final chorus and dance—with wings screened from view where players may sit when not on the stage. No curtain required, the only “stage setting” being a large chair at back of stage and twelve (or six) small chairs placed about the stage leaving center free.

CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY

Father Time, a tall boy in gown, with white hair and beard; carries a scythe and an hour-glass.

Herald, boy in page’s suit.

Jury, twelve or six boys and girls in school clothes, having dolls, teddy-bears, books or toys—as if meeting for play.

Master January, boy—suit of white—leggings, trousers, sweater, and stocking cap—trimmed with white cotton; carries a large, white-covered book on whichResolutionsis printed in bold relief.

Little New Year, tiny child, also in white, carrying sleigh-bells; one who can sing.

Miss February, girl—blue cap, white blouse, red skirt, the last trimmed with silver hearts and birds; carries a small flag and a large valentine.

Bluster March, boy—wearing overcoat, mittens, “pull-down” cap and tippet; carries a huge kite, a large top, and a bag of marbles.

Four Winds,[1]four smaller lads, who can sing; costumes: gray gowns with large kimono-like sleeves covering hands; and pointed hoods of same material.

Baby April, small girl—dress, lavender; a “red ridinghood” cape of pale green; carries some tiny white flowers.

The Princess May, tall girl—in pink gown, with wreath of green vines and pink flowers; carries wild flowers.

May’s Attendants,[2]six or twelve smaller boys and girls—in white costumes, who dance about her or do a simple Maypole dance.

Summer-hearted June, girl, in white with wreath of roses; carries large bunch of roses.

Jolly July, boy, in Uncle Sam suit; carries bunch of sky-rockets and toy pistol.

Miss Leisure August, girl, in outing costume—large hat, etc.; carries tennis racquet, fishing rods, and golf sticks.

School-day September, boy, in school suit, laden with huge strap full of school books.

Golden October, girl, in light brown dress trimmed with autumn leaves; carries basket of red apples.

Little Leaves,[3]six tiny girls in red and yellow dresses.

Harvest November, boy, in cook’s cap and apron; carrying, on a tray, a turkey.

Assistant Cooks, four boys similarly dressed, each bearing on his tray a portion of the Thanksgiving dinner described in his lines.

Dear December, a large boy, dressed as Santa Claus and carrying a small Christmas tree.

Musicthroughout the play may be produced by a pianist, an orchestra, or a chorus of children. Any suitable selections may be substituted for those here suggested. The play moves on well with only piano interludes.

THE PLAY

[Enter, left wing, six or a dozen school children, talking, laughing, hurrying in. They discoverFather Timestanding at right front of stage, leaning on his scythe, and looking much disturbed.]

[Enter, left wing, six or a dozen school children, talking, laughing, hurrying in. They discoverFather Timestanding at right front of stage, leaning on his scythe, and looking much disturbed.]

Children.[Cheerily.]  Good evening, Father Time.Father Time.[Very sadly.]  Good evening, little folks.Boy.[Aside.]  The old man looks terribly blueto-night, doesn’t he?Girl.Sh! Don’t let him hear you say that—Poorold Father Time!Father Time.You may well say “Poor old FatherTime.”Children.[Together.]  Why, have you had badluck, Father Time?First Girl.Are you ill?Second Girl.Can’t we help you?Father Time.[Shakes his head several times mostsorrowfully, then steps forward as if suddenly struckwith a fine idea.]  Perhaps you can help me,—yes, Ido believe you children are the very ones who can.Children.[Eagerly.]  Oh, tell us how![They gather near him.]Father Time.Well, my dears, a sad state of affairsexists in my family. I’m ashamed to tell you—butmy twelve children have been quarreling.Children.Children quarreling! How shocking!Father Time.True, true, my friends. And theworst of it is that they declare they will never leaveoff wrangling until one of them has proven his rightto be king. But if one of the twelve can make goodhis claim to sovereignty, the rest are ready to crownhim and will become his loyal subjects—so they say.Boy.Well, Father Time, why don’t you decidewhich is your best child, and appoint him king, andso settle the whole matter?Father Time.Oh, a father cannot select his bestchild. All the children in a family must be equal intheir parents’ eyes, you understand. But [tappinghis forehead]  I think I see how this unfortunate disputecan be ended. I’ll go talk to those months ofmine—I’ll ask them to submit to a trial by jury—andif they will do that—Children.[With great glee.]  We may be thejury? Oh, goody!Father Time.Perhaps—maybe—But wait youhere—I’ll bring you their decision.  [Goes out right wing.]

Children.[Cheerily.]  Good evening, Father Time.Father Time.[Very sadly.]  Good evening, little folks.Boy.[Aside.]  The old man looks terribly blueto-night, doesn’t he?Girl.Sh! Don’t let him hear you say that—Poorold Father Time!Father Time.You may well say “Poor old FatherTime.”Children.[Together.]  Why, have you had badluck, Father Time?First Girl.Are you ill?Second Girl.Can’t we help you?Father Time.[Shakes his head several times mostsorrowfully, then steps forward as if suddenly struckwith a fine idea.]  Perhaps you can help me,—yes, Ido believe you children are the very ones who can.Children.[Eagerly.]  Oh, tell us how![They gather near him.]Father Time.Well, my dears, a sad state of affairsexists in my family. I’m ashamed to tell you—butmy twelve children have been quarreling.Children.Children quarreling! How shocking!Father Time.True, true, my friends. And theworst of it is that they declare they will never leaveoff wrangling until one of them has proven his rightto be king. But if one of the twelve can make goodhis claim to sovereignty, the rest are ready to crownhim and will become his loyal subjects—so they say.Boy.Well, Father Time, why don’t you decidewhich is your best child, and appoint him king, andso settle the whole matter?Father Time.Oh, a father cannot select his bestchild. All the children in a family must be equal intheir parents’ eyes, you understand. But [tappinghis forehead]  I think I see how this unfortunate disputecan be ended. I’ll go talk to those months ofmine—I’ll ask them to submit to a trial by jury—andif they will do that—Children.[With great glee.]  We may be thejury? Oh, goody!Father Time.Perhaps—maybe—But wait youhere—I’ll bring you their decision.  [Goes out right wing.]

Children.[Cheerily.]  Good evening, Father Time.

Children.[Cheerily.]  Good evening, Father Time.

Father Time.[Very sadly.]  Good evening, little folks.

Father Time.[Very sadly.]  Good evening, little folks.

Boy.[Aside.]  The old man looks terribly blueto-night, doesn’t he?

Boy.[Aside.]  The old man looks terribly blue

to-night, doesn’t he?

Girl.Sh! Don’t let him hear you say that—Poorold Father Time!

Girl.Sh! Don’t let him hear you say that—Poor

old Father Time!

Father Time.You may well say “Poor old FatherTime.”

Father Time.You may well say “Poor old Father

Time.”

Children.[Together.]  Why, have you had badluck, Father Time?

Children.[Together.]  Why, have you had bad

luck, Father Time?

First Girl.Are you ill?

First Girl.Are you ill?

Second Girl.Can’t we help you?

Second Girl.Can’t we help you?

Father Time.[Shakes his head several times mostsorrowfully, then steps forward as if suddenly struckwith a fine idea.]  Perhaps you can help me,—yes, Ido believe you children are the very ones who can.

Father Time.[Shakes his head several times most

sorrowfully, then steps forward as if suddenly struck

with a fine idea.]  Perhaps you can help me,—yes, I

do believe you children are the very ones who can.

Children.[Eagerly.]  Oh, tell us how![They gather near him.]

Children.[Eagerly.]  Oh, tell us how!

[They gather near him.]

Father Time.Well, my dears, a sad state of affairsexists in my family. I’m ashamed to tell you—butmy twelve children have been quarreling.

Father Time.Well, my dears, a sad state of affairs

exists in my family. I’m ashamed to tell you—but

my twelve children have been quarreling.

Children.Children quarreling! How shocking!

Children.Children quarreling! How shocking!

Father Time.True, true, my friends. And theworst of it is that they declare they will never leaveoff wrangling until one of them has proven his rightto be king. But if one of the twelve can make goodhis claim to sovereignty, the rest are ready to crownhim and will become his loyal subjects—so they say.

Father Time.True, true, my friends. And the

worst of it is that they declare they will never leave

off wrangling until one of them has proven his right

to be king. But if one of the twelve can make good

his claim to sovereignty, the rest are ready to crown

him and will become his loyal subjects—so they say.

Boy.Well, Father Time, why don’t you decidewhich is your best child, and appoint him king, andso settle the whole matter?

Boy.Well, Father Time, why don’t you decide

which is your best child, and appoint him king, and

so settle the whole matter?

Father Time.Oh, a father cannot select his bestchild. All the children in a family must be equal intheir parents’ eyes, you understand. But [tappinghis forehead]  I think I see how this unfortunate disputecan be ended. I’ll go talk to those months ofmine—I’ll ask them to submit to a trial by jury—andif they will do that—

Father Time.Oh, a father cannot select his best

child. All the children in a family must be equal in

their parents’ eyes, you understand. But [tapping

his forehead]  I think I see how this unfortunate dispute

can be ended. I’ll go talk to those months of

mine—I’ll ask them to submit to a trial by jury—and

if they will do that—

Children.[With great glee.]  We may be thejury? Oh, goody!

Children.[With great glee.]  We may be the

jury? Oh, goody!

Father Time.Perhaps—maybe—But wait youhere—I’ll bring you their decision.  [Goes out right wing.]

Father Time.Perhaps—maybe—But wait you

here—I’ll bring you their decision.  [Goes out right wing.]

[TheChildrenform ring and play drop the handkerchief, but rush atFather Timepell-mell when he returns.]

[TheChildrenform ring and play drop the handkerchief, but rush atFather Timepell-mell when he returns.]

Children.May we decide? Are we the judges,Father Time?Father Time.Softly, softly—judges must begrave and sober, you know. [Childrenstand verystraight and look most solemn.]  Yes, the twelvemonths agree to present their claims to you. Theysay you will be fair, for they have heard that childrenalways speak the truth.Children.Quite right—we always do speak the truth.Father Time.Now take you each a chair [Childrenobey] and sit you here. [Childrenseat themselvesin two rows at left front of stage facing towardcenter partially.]  Be very careful how you look andhow you listen. Think hard before you give yourjudgment—for what you decide will make one childof mine a sovereign.[Father Timeseats himself at back of stage.]Father Time.[Calls.]  Ho, Herald.Herald.[Entering from left wing.]   Yes, yourreverence—I come, your reverence.Father Time.Go, bid my children be ready in theanteroom, and when they are assembled bring hithereach in turn.Herald.Yes, your reverence; I go, your reverence.[Goes out at right wing.]

Children.May we decide? Are we the judges,Father Time?Father Time.Softly, softly—judges must begrave and sober, you know. [Childrenstand verystraight and look most solemn.]  Yes, the twelvemonths agree to present their claims to you. Theysay you will be fair, for they have heard that childrenalways speak the truth.Children.Quite right—we always do speak the truth.Father Time.Now take you each a chair [Childrenobey] and sit you here. [Childrenseat themselvesin two rows at left front of stage facing towardcenter partially.]  Be very careful how you look andhow you listen. Think hard before you give yourjudgment—for what you decide will make one childof mine a sovereign.[Father Timeseats himself at back of stage.]Father Time.[Calls.]  Ho, Herald.Herald.[Entering from left wing.]   Yes, yourreverence—I come, your reverence.Father Time.Go, bid my children be ready in theanteroom, and when they are assembled bring hithereach in turn.Herald.Yes, your reverence; I go, your reverence.[Goes out at right wing.]

Children.May we decide? Are we the judges,Father Time?

Children.May we decide? Are we the judges,

Father Time?

Father Time.Softly, softly—judges must begrave and sober, you know. [Childrenstand verystraight and look most solemn.]  Yes, the twelvemonths agree to present their claims to you. Theysay you will be fair, for they have heard that childrenalways speak the truth.

Father Time.Softly, softly—judges must be

grave and sober, you know. [Childrenstand very

straight and look most solemn.]  Yes, the twelve

months agree to present their claims to you. They

say you will be fair, for they have heard that children

always speak the truth.

Children.Quite right—we always do speak the truth.

Children.Quite right—we always do speak the truth.

Father Time.Now take you each a chair [Childrenobey] and sit you here. [Childrenseat themselvesin two rows at left front of stage facing towardcenter partially.]  Be very careful how you look andhow you listen. Think hard before you give yourjudgment—for what you decide will make one childof mine a sovereign.

Father Time.Now take you each a chair [Children

obey] and sit you here. [Childrenseat themselves

in two rows at left front of stage facing toward

center partially.]  Be very careful how you look and

how you listen. Think hard before you give your

judgment—for what you decide will make one child

of mine a sovereign.

[Father Timeseats himself at back of stage.]

[Father Timeseats himself at back of stage.]

Father Time.[Calls.]  Ho, Herald.

Father Time.[Calls.]  Ho, Herald.

Herald.[Entering from left wing.]   Yes, yourreverence—I come, your reverence.

Herald.[Entering from left wing.]   Yes, your

reverence—I come, your reverence.

Father Time.Go, bid my children be ready in theanteroom, and when they are assembled bring hithereach in turn.

Father Time.Go, bid my children be ready in the

anteroom, and when they are assembled bring hither

each in turn.

Herald.Yes, your reverence; I go, your reverence.[Goes out at right wing.]

Herald.Yes, your reverence; I go, your reverence.

[Goes out at right wing.]

[Music and sleigh-bells heard. Short instrumental selection or sleighing song.][EnterHeraldwithMaster Januaryand theLittle New Year.]

[Music and sleigh-bells heard. Short instrumental selection or sleighing song.]

[EnterHeraldwithMaster Januaryand theLittle New Year.]

Herald.[ToJury.]  Honorable judges, this isMaster January.[Januarybows toJuryand recites.]I’m the first month, as you see,And there is a charm to me,For all that’s old or bad I hide away;And I bring this book so whiteWhere each one of you may writeResolutions to be good from day to day.And this little fellow here,My delightful chum, New Year,Just think of all the treasures he will bring.I am sure you’ll vote for me,For I know you will agreeThat you choose me—when you hear him sing.

Herald.[ToJury.]  Honorable judges, this isMaster January.[Januarybows toJuryand recites.]I’m the first month, as you see,And there is a charm to me,For all that’s old or bad I hide away;And I bring this book so whiteWhere each one of you may writeResolutions to be good from day to day.And this little fellow here,My delightful chum, New Year,Just think of all the treasures he will bring.I am sure you’ll vote for me,For I know you will agreeThat you choose me—when you hear him sing.

Herald.[ToJury.]  Honorable judges, this isMaster January.

Herald.[ToJury.]  Honorable judges, this is

Master January.

[Januarybows toJuryand recites.]I’m the first month, as you see,And there is a charm to me,For all that’s old or bad I hide away;And I bring this book so whiteWhere each one of you may writeResolutions to be good from day to day.And this little fellow here,My delightful chum, New Year,Just think of all the treasures he will bring.I am sure you’ll vote for me,For I know you will agreeThat you choose me—when you hear him sing.

[Januarybows toJuryand recites.]

I’m the first month, as you see,

And there is a charm to me,

For all that’s old or bad I hide away;

And I bring this book so white

Where each one of you may write

Resolutions to be good from day to day.

And this little fellow here,

My delightful chum, New Year,

Just think of all the treasures he will bring.

I am sure you’ll vote for me,

For I know you will agree

That you choose me—when you hear him sing.

[Little New Yearsings, “I am the little New Year.”Jenks’ Kindergarten Songs.]

[Little New Yearsings, “I am the little New Year.”Jenks’ Kindergarten Songs.]

Jury.A very good pair and a nice little song—But we cannot say you—you may pass right along.

Jury.A very good pair and a nice little song—But we cannot say you—you may pass right along.

Jury.A very good pair and a nice little song—But we cannot say you—you may pass right along.

Jury.A very good pair and a nice little song—

But we cannot say you—you may pass right along.

[ExitJanuaryandNew Yearto left.][Music—A Patriotic Air played or sung.][EnterHeraldandMiss February.]

[ExitJanuaryandNew Yearto left.]

[Music—A Patriotic Air played or sung.]

[EnterHeraldandMiss February.]

Herald.Allow me to present Miss February.Miss February.[Recites.]Think well of the heroes you honor and bless.I bring you their birthdays and so rather guessThat from pride in your country you’ll surely choose me.For Lincoln and Washington both did you see.But if to appreciate them you’re too smallThen surely St. Valentine’s day wins you all.Jury.We love you and we honor youBut for a queen you will not do.

Herald.Allow me to present Miss February.Miss February.[Recites.]Think well of the heroes you honor and bless.I bring you their birthdays and so rather guessThat from pride in your country you’ll surely choose me.For Lincoln and Washington both did you see.But if to appreciate them you’re too smallThen surely St. Valentine’s day wins you all.Jury.We love you and we honor youBut for a queen you will not do.

Herald.Allow me to present Miss February.

Herald.Allow me to present Miss February.

Miss February.[Recites.]Think well of the heroes you honor and bless.I bring you their birthdays and so rather guessThat from pride in your country you’ll surely choose me.For Lincoln and Washington both did you see.But if to appreciate them you’re too smallThen surely St. Valentine’s day wins you all.

Miss February.[Recites.]

Think well of the heroes you honor and bless.

I bring you their birthdays and so rather guess

That from pride in your country you’ll surely choose me.

For Lincoln and Washington both did you see.

But if to appreciate them you’re too small

Then surely St. Valentine’s day wins you all.

Jury.We love you and we honor youBut for a queen you will not do.

Jury.We love you and we honor you

But for a queen you will not do.

[ExitFebruary.][EnterHeraldandBluster March,followed by theFour Winds,who wave their arms like fans as they approach.]

[ExitFebruary.]

[EnterHeraldandBluster March,followed by theFour Winds,who wave their arms like fans as they approach.]

Herald.This is Bluster March.Bluster March.[Recites.]Ho, ho, ho! Can’t we blow,These little winds and I!We clear the earth for flowers’ birthAnd frolic in the sky.I bring the marbles, tops, and kitesIn which the small boy so delights.And better still, I always bringThe promise of approaching spring.[Windssing “The Winds.”Modern Music Series, First Book.]Jury.You are a jolly fellow true,But not for kings such lads as you.

Herald.This is Bluster March.Bluster March.[Recites.]Ho, ho, ho! Can’t we blow,These little winds and I!We clear the earth for flowers’ birthAnd frolic in the sky.I bring the marbles, tops, and kitesIn which the small boy so delights.And better still, I always bringThe promise of approaching spring.[Windssing “The Winds.”Modern Music Series, First Book.]Jury.You are a jolly fellow true,But not for kings such lads as you.

Herald.This is Bluster March.

Herald.This is Bluster March.

Bluster March.[Recites.]Ho, ho, ho! Can’t we blow,These little winds and I!We clear the earth for flowers’ birthAnd frolic in the sky.I bring the marbles, tops, and kitesIn which the small boy so delights.And better still, I always bringThe promise of approaching spring.

Bluster March.[Recites.]

Ho, ho, ho! Can’t we blow,

These little winds and I!

We clear the earth for flowers’ birth

And frolic in the sky.

I bring the marbles, tops, and kites

In which the small boy so delights.

And better still, I always bring

The promise of approaching spring.

[Windssing “The Winds.”Modern Music Series, First Book.]

[Windssing “The Winds.”

Modern Music Series, First Book.]

Jury.You are a jolly fellow true,But not for kings such lads as you.

Jury.You are a jolly fellow true,

But not for kings such lads as you.

[ExitMarchand theWinds.][EnterHeraldcoaxing littleAprilto follow. She hangs back and seems so shy thatHeraldhas to push her gently toward theJury.]

[ExitMarchand theWinds.]

[EnterHeraldcoaxing littleAprilto follow. She hangs back and seems so shy thatHeraldhas to push her gently toward theJury.]

Herald.This is Baby April.Baby April.  [Wipes her eyes, and says:]I’m ’most too small to go aboutWithout some grown-up guides.I can’t help crying—I must pout—But I can smile besides.And when my little form is seenThe dreary world awakes all green.Jury.O, April, you’re too timid quiteTo rule the year—trot out of sight.

Herald.This is Baby April.Baby April.  [Wipes her eyes, and says:]I’m ’most too small to go aboutWithout some grown-up guides.I can’t help crying—I must pout—But I can smile besides.And when my little form is seenThe dreary world awakes all green.Jury.O, April, you’re too timid quiteTo rule the year—trot out of sight.

Herald.This is Baby April.

Herald.This is Baby April.

Baby April.  [Wipes her eyes, and says:]I’m ’most too small to go aboutWithout some grown-up guides.I can’t help crying—I must pout—But I can smile besides.And when my little form is seenThe dreary world awakes all green.

Baby April.  [Wipes her eyes, and says:]

I’m ’most too small to go about

Without some grown-up guides.

I can’t help crying—I must pout—

But I can smile besides.

And when my little form is seen

The dreary world awakes all green.

Jury.O, April, you’re too timid quiteTo rule the year—trot out of sight.

Jury.O, April, you’re too timid quite

To rule the year—trot out of sight.

[ExitApril.][Music.May song sung or May dance played.][EnterHerald,Princess MayandDancers.]

[ExitApril.]

[Music.May song sung or May dance played.]

[EnterHerald,Princess MayandDancers.]

Herald.Honorable judges, allow me to presentthe Princess May and her train.

Herald.Honorable judges, allow me to presentthe Princess May and her train.

Herald.Honorable judges, allow me to presentthe Princess May and her train.

Herald.Honorable judges, allow me to present

the Princess May and her train.

[All bow. The dancers place the crown onMay’shead and form for the dance which immediately follows. At its closeMayrecites.]

[All bow. The dancers place the crown onMay’shead and form for the dance which immediately follows. At its closeMayrecites.]

Hear the birds a-singing,See the leaping rill,How they greet my comingOver vale and hill.In my hands are blossoms,On my face a smile,And my days of sunshineSadness will beguile.Jury.You surely are a lovely lass—But not a queen—so you must pass.

Hear the birds a-singing,See the leaping rill,How they greet my comingOver vale and hill.In my hands are blossoms,On my face a smile,And my days of sunshineSadness will beguile.Jury.You surely are a lovely lass—But not a queen—so you must pass.

Hear the birds a-singing,See the leaping rill,How they greet my comingOver vale and hill.In my hands are blossoms,On my face a smile,And my days of sunshineSadness will beguile.

Hear the birds a-singing,

See the leaping rill,

How they greet my coming

Over vale and hill.

In my hands are blossoms,

On my face a smile,

And my days of sunshine

Sadness will beguile.

Jury.You surely are a lovely lass—But not a queen—so you must pass.

Jury.You surely are a lovely lass—

But not a queen—so you must pass.

[ExitMayand train.][Music.][EnterHeraldandJune.]

[ExitMayand train.]

[Music.]

[EnterHeraldandJune.]

Herald.Honorable judges, Miss Summer-hearted June.June.[Recites.]Oh, take me for your queen,For surely ne’er was seenA fairer, sweeter, dearer month than I.I bring the balmy weatherWhen roses crowd together,And blueness makes the beauty of the sky.But when my moon so tenderSheds over all its splendorIt seems that heaven itself is drawing nigh.Jury.You’re dear and fair and sweetBut not for queenship meet.

Herald.Honorable judges, Miss Summer-hearted June.June.[Recites.]Oh, take me for your queen,For surely ne’er was seenA fairer, sweeter, dearer month than I.I bring the balmy weatherWhen roses crowd together,And blueness makes the beauty of the sky.But when my moon so tenderSheds over all its splendorIt seems that heaven itself is drawing nigh.Jury.You’re dear and fair and sweetBut not for queenship meet.

Herald.Honorable judges, Miss Summer-hearted June.

Herald.Honorable judges, Miss Summer-hearted June.

June.[Recites.]Oh, take me for your queen,For surely ne’er was seenA fairer, sweeter, dearer month than I.I bring the balmy weatherWhen roses crowd together,And blueness makes the beauty of the sky.But when my moon so tenderSheds over all its splendorIt seems that heaven itself is drawing nigh.

June.[Recites.]

Oh, take me for your queen,

For surely ne’er was seen

A fairer, sweeter, dearer month than I.

I bring the balmy weather

When roses crowd together,

And blueness makes the beauty of the sky.

But when my moon so tender

Sheds over all its splendor

It seems that heaven itself is drawing nigh.

Jury.You’re dear and fair and sweetBut not for queenship meet.

Jury.You’re dear and fair and sweet

But not for queenship meet.

[ExitJune.][Music. “Yankee Doodle.” Drumming and noise of fire-crackers.][Julyrushes on to stage unannounced, shoots his cap pistol and says toJury:]

[ExitJune.]

[Music. “Yankee Doodle.” Drumming and noise of fire-crackers.]

[Julyrushes on to stage unannounced, shoots his cap pistol and says toJury:]

You know me, boys—and girls, you do,The month of the year I am sure for you—With crackers and cannon and squibs and rockets,And pistols and caps in small boys’ pockets—With fireworks and music and jolly noise,I’m the favorite month with girls and boys.Now am I not, Eh?Jury.[With hands over their ears.]We love you once in a long yearBut more than that would tire, we fear.

You know me, boys—and girls, you do,The month of the year I am sure for you—With crackers and cannon and squibs and rockets,And pistols and caps in small boys’ pockets—With fireworks and music and jolly noise,I’m the favorite month with girls and boys.Now am I not, Eh?Jury.[With hands over their ears.]We love you once in a long yearBut more than that would tire, we fear.

You know me, boys—and girls, you do,The month of the year I am sure for you—With crackers and cannon and squibs and rockets,And pistols and caps in small boys’ pockets—With fireworks and music and jolly noise,I’m the favorite month with girls and boys.Now am I not, Eh?

You know me, boys—and girls, you do,

The month of the year I am sure for you—

With crackers and cannon and squibs and rockets,

And pistols and caps in small boys’ pockets—

With fireworks and music and jolly noise,

I’m the favorite month with girls and boys.

Now am I not, Eh?

Jury.[With hands over their ears.]We love you once in a long yearBut more than that would tire, we fear.

Jury.[With hands over their ears.]

We love you once in a long year

But more than that would tire, we fear.

[ExitJuly.][Music—Waltz or Boat Song.][EnterHeraldandAugust.]

[ExitJuly.]

[Music—Waltz or Boat Song.]

[EnterHeraldandAugust.]

Herald.Honorable judges, permit me tointroduce to you Miss Leisure August.August.[Recites.]Picnics by the lakeside,Fishing in the bay,Hammocks on the porches,Idleness all day.Golfing on the meadows,Bathing in the sea,Surely for a monarchYou’d be glad of me.Jury.[With great disapproval.]Ninety in the shade—Never you, fair maid!

Herald.Honorable judges, permit me tointroduce to you Miss Leisure August.August.[Recites.]Picnics by the lakeside,Fishing in the bay,Hammocks on the porches,Idleness all day.Golfing on the meadows,Bathing in the sea,Surely for a monarchYou’d be glad of me.Jury.[With great disapproval.]Ninety in the shade—Never you, fair maid!

Herald.Honorable judges, permit me tointroduce to you Miss Leisure August.

Herald.Honorable judges, permit me to

introduce to you Miss Leisure August.

August.[Recites.]Picnics by the lakeside,Fishing in the bay,Hammocks on the porches,Idleness all day.Golfing on the meadows,Bathing in the sea,Surely for a monarchYou’d be glad of me.

August.[Recites.]

Picnics by the lakeside,

Fishing in the bay,

Hammocks on the porches,

Idleness all day.

Golfing on the meadows,

Bathing in the sea,

Surely for a monarch

You’d be glad of me.

Jury.[With great disapproval.]Ninety in the shade—Never you, fair maid!

Jury.[With great disapproval.]

Ninety in the shade—

Never you, fair maid!

[ExitAugust.][Music. “School Days.”][EnterHeraldandSeptember.]

[ExitAugust.]

[Music. “School Days.”]

[EnterHeraldandSeptember.]

Herald.The Jury knows School-day September.September.[Recites.]You know me well for I’m the dayWhen school begins and stops your play;When packing up your books, you goWhere you must study—Jury.[Interrupting.] Oh, oh, oh!We never could have you for king—Why, that would be a dreadful thing!

Herald.The Jury knows School-day September.September.[Recites.]You know me well for I’m the dayWhen school begins and stops your play;When packing up your books, you goWhere you must study—Jury.[Interrupting.] Oh, oh, oh!We never could have you for king—Why, that would be a dreadful thing!

Herald.The Jury knows School-day September.

Herald.The Jury knows School-day September.

September.[Recites.]You know me well for I’m the dayWhen school begins and stops your play;When packing up your books, you goWhere you must study—

September.[Recites.]

You know me well for I’m the day

When school begins and stops your play;

When packing up your books, you go

Where you must study—

Jury.[Interrupting.] Oh, oh, oh!We never could have you for king—Why, that would be a dreadful thing!

Jury.[Interrupting.] Oh, oh, oh!

We never could have you for king—

Why, that would be a dreadful thing!

[ExitSeptember.][Music. “October’s Bright Blue Weather.” Modern Music Reader, Book II.][EnterHeraldandOctober.]

[ExitSeptember.]

[Music. “October’s Bright Blue Weather.” Modern Music Reader, Book II.]

[EnterHeraldandOctober.]

Herald.Honorable judges, Golden October.October.[Recites.]I’m the month of wonderful color—to meBelongs the beauty of changing tree.Nuts drop for my friends on the countryside,And over the landscape far and wideI spread the loveliest purple hazeTo soften the sun on my warmest days.While over the meadows, growing brown,The beautiful leaves come fluttering down.

Herald.Honorable judges, Golden October.October.[Recites.]I’m the month of wonderful color—to meBelongs the beauty of changing tree.Nuts drop for my friends on the countryside,And over the landscape far and wideI spread the loveliest purple hazeTo soften the sun on my warmest days.While over the meadows, growing brown,The beautiful leaves come fluttering down.

Herald.Honorable judges, Golden October.

Herald.Honorable judges, Golden October.

October.[Recites.]I’m the month of wonderful color—to meBelongs the beauty of changing tree.Nuts drop for my friends on the countryside,And over the landscape far and wideI spread the loveliest purple hazeTo soften the sun on my warmest days.While over the meadows, growing brown,The beautiful leaves come fluttering down.

October.[Recites.]

I’m the month of wonderful color—to me

Belongs the beauty of changing tree.

Nuts drop for my friends on the countryside,

And over the landscape far and wide

I spread the loveliest purple haze

To soften the sun on my warmest days.

While over the meadows, growing brown,

The beautiful leaves come fluttering down.

[Enter littleLeaves,dancing to front of stage where they sing “Come Little Leaves.” Kindergarten Song.]

[Enter littleLeaves,dancing to front of stage where they sing “Come Little Leaves.” Kindergarten Song.]

Jury.We can’t choose you, October gay,For long enough you never stay.

Jury.We can’t choose you, October gay,For long enough you never stay.

Jury.We can’t choose you, October gay,For long enough you never stay.

Jury.We can’t choose you, October gay,

For long enough you never stay.

[Music. Song—“Come, ye thankful people.” Any Hymnal.][EnterHerald,followed by chief cookNovemberand his assistants.]

[Music. Song—“Come, ye thankful people.” Any Hymnal.]

[EnterHerald,followed by chief cookNovemberand his assistants.]

Herald.Harvest November.November.Come along, my helpers true,Show the jury what we do.Here’s a dinner for you all—Turkey here for large and small.First Assistant.Celery and squash for you—Second Assistant.Cranberries and jelly, too.Third Assistant.Pumpkin pies and mince, as well.Fourth Assistant.Raisins rich and nuts to shell.November.While a song of thanks we sing—[They sing—Repeating the first stanza of“Come, ye thankful people.”]Will you choose me for your king?Jury.We love you well but not the best,So you must go and join the rest.

Herald.Harvest November.November.Come along, my helpers true,Show the jury what we do.Here’s a dinner for you all—Turkey here for large and small.First Assistant.Celery and squash for you—Second Assistant.Cranberries and jelly, too.Third Assistant.Pumpkin pies and mince, as well.Fourth Assistant.Raisins rich and nuts to shell.November.While a song of thanks we sing—[They sing—Repeating the first stanza of“Come, ye thankful people.”]Will you choose me for your king?Jury.We love you well but not the best,So you must go and join the rest.

Herald.Harvest November.

Herald.Harvest November.

November.Come along, my helpers true,Show the jury what we do.Here’s a dinner for you all—Turkey here for large and small.

November.Come along, my helpers true,

Show the jury what we do.

Here’s a dinner for you all—

Turkey here for large and small.

First Assistant.Celery and squash for you—

First Assistant.Celery and squash for you—

Second Assistant.Cranberries and jelly, too.

Second Assistant.Cranberries and jelly, too.

Third Assistant.Pumpkin pies and mince, as well.

Third Assistant.Pumpkin pies and mince, as well.

Fourth Assistant.Raisins rich and nuts to shell.

Fourth Assistant.Raisins rich and nuts to shell.

November.While a song of thanks we sing—

November.While a song of thanks we sing—

[They sing—Repeating the first stanza of“Come, ye thankful people.”]

[They sing—Repeating the first stanza of

“Come, ye thankful people.”]

Will you choose me for your king?

Will you choose me for your king?

Jury.We love you well but not the best,So you must go and join the rest.

Jury.We love you well but not the best,

So you must go and join the rest.

[ExitNovemberand the cooks.][Bells are heard and a Christmas carol outside.][TheJuryexhibit great excitement and show by pantomime that they know what is coming now.][EnterHeraldfollowed byDear December.][TheJuryrise in haste and clapping hands rush to meetDecember,shouting:]

[ExitNovemberand the cooks.]

[Bells are heard and a Christmas carol outside.]

[TheJuryexhibit great excitement and show by pantomime that they know what is coming now.]

[EnterHeraldfollowed byDear December.]

[TheJuryrise in haste and clapping hands rush to meetDecember,shouting:]

Here is the king![They surround him joyfully.]First Girl.You bring us Christmas day!Boy.With wonderful Christmas stories!Girl.And the bells—Girl.And the stockings—Boy.And Christmas trees—and Santa Claus—Boy.And love to us all with peace and good will.All.Oh, dear December, your praise we sing,We know all choose you for their king.[They sing an appropriate Christmas song.]Father Time.[Coming forward.] Have youchosen the king?Children.Yes, yes, Father Time, December is theking.Father Time.And you have chosen well, for thisis the month of love, and love is always king. Herald!Herald.Yes, your reverence, I am here,your reverence.Father Time.Go bid my other children come andgreet their rightful king.[Heraldgoes out.]

Here is the king![They surround him joyfully.]First Girl.You bring us Christmas day!Boy.With wonderful Christmas stories!Girl.And the bells—Girl.And the stockings—Boy.And Christmas trees—and Santa Claus—Boy.And love to us all with peace and good will.All.Oh, dear December, your praise we sing,We know all choose you for their king.[They sing an appropriate Christmas song.]Father Time.[Coming forward.] Have youchosen the king?Children.Yes, yes, Father Time, December is theking.Father Time.And you have chosen well, for thisis the month of love, and love is always king. Herald!Herald.Yes, your reverence, I am here,your reverence.Father Time.Go bid my other children come andgreet their rightful king.[Heraldgoes out.]

Here is the king!

Here is the king!

[They surround him joyfully.]

[They surround him joyfully.]

First Girl.You bring us Christmas day!

First Girl.You bring us Christmas day!

Boy.With wonderful Christmas stories!

Boy.With wonderful Christmas stories!

Girl.And the bells—

Girl.And the bells—

Girl.And the stockings—

Girl.And the stockings—

Boy.And Christmas trees—and Santa Claus—

Boy.And Christmas trees—and Santa Claus—

Boy.And love to us all with peace and good will.

Boy.And love to us all with peace and good will.

All.Oh, dear December, your praise we sing,We know all choose you for their king.

All.Oh, dear December, your praise we sing,

We know all choose you for their king.

[They sing an appropriate Christmas song.]

[They sing an appropriate Christmas song.]

Father Time.[Coming forward.] Have youchosen the king?

Father Time.[Coming forward.] Have you

chosen the king?

Children.Yes, yes, Father Time, December is theking.

Children.Yes, yes, Father Time, December is the

king.

Father Time.And you have chosen well, for thisis the month of love, and love is always king. Herald!

Father Time.And you have chosen well, for this

is the month of love, and love is always king. Herald!

Herald.Yes, your reverence, I am here,your reverence.

Herald.Yes, your reverence, I am here,

your reverence.

Father Time.Go bid my other children come andgreet their rightful king.

Father Time.Go bid my other children come and

greet their rightful king.

[Heraldgoes out.]

[Heraldgoes out.]

[The others return and passing beforeDecembersalute him with low bows and curtsies, forming two circles about him. When all have come they dance aboutDecember,singing—“Hail, Old Father Christmas.” Modern Music Series, First Book.][At the final phrase of the chorus all wave a good-by to the audience.]

[The others return and passing beforeDecembersalute him with low bows and curtsies, forming two circles about him. When all have come they dance aboutDecember,singing—“Hail, Old Father Christmas.” Modern Music Series, First Book.]

[At the final phrase of the chorus all wave a good-by to the audience.]

Back to IndexNext