Soft chimes are heard. The curtains are drawn, disclosing the same scene as before.Deborahsits before her inn, deep in thought.
Soft chimes are heard. The curtains are drawn, disclosing the same scene as before.Deborahsits before her inn, deep in thought.
Deborah(reading a scroll).
This is the ancient prophecy. Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.
For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.
EnterGasparfrom behind the inn. He comes down center.
Gaspar.I pray thee, tell me, Lady Bethlehemite,If any wonders you have seen this night?Deborah(rises).I've seen a wondrous silver shaft of lightCome from a star, and blinded is my sight.Gaspar.Tell me, for thou art native of this place,What dost thou know about the King of Grace—King of the Jews?Deborah.Aye, in JerusalemHe dwells, and not in Bethlehem.He sits upon his mighty judgment throne,Cruel and stern, his heart a living stone.Gaspar.I mean a new-born King, of love and peace;His is the star—His reign shall never cease.Deborah.All things tonight seem passing strange to me,I have just read an ancient prophecyThat this, our Bethlehem, King David's town,Shall be the birthplace, e'er of great renown,Of one called Councillor of King David's lineWhose coming is foretold in words divine.And now you come with words of mystery!
(Muses.)
Why should thy questions, which are dark to me,Cause me to think of Him?Gaspar.The star! The star!No more it moves about the heavens afar,It standeth still. O, hostess, kneel and pray,For Jesus Christ, the Lord, is born today!
(Hurries out right.)
Deborah.His words are fraught with mystery; I'll withinAnd seek protection in my humble inn.
(Exits right front.)
After a short pause,Melchoir, GasparandBaltasarenter from rear right.
Melchoir.
Baltasar.
Gaspar.
Melchoir.Brothers, our quest is ended; see the starIs standing still over this lowly hut.Baltasar.Methinks it is a stable. Knock and see!Gaspar(knocks on the door of the manger).What ho, within!
Josephenters from the L. rear.
Joseph.Sirs, whom seek ye?Melchoir.We have journeyed from afarLed by the shining of yon splendid star.We are Gaspar, Melchoir and Baltasar.Baltasar.We seek a new-born King,Gold, frankincense to him we bring.And many a kingly offering.
Josephdraws back the curtain and reveals the interior of the manger.Maryis seen bending over the crib. TheShepherdsare kneeling in the background. Very soft music heard in the distance, with faintly chiming bells at intervals.
Josephdraws back the curtain and reveals the interior of the manger.Maryis seen bending over the crib. TheShepherdsare kneeling in the background. Very soft music heard in the distance, with faintly chiming bells at intervals.
Gaspar.Behold, the child is clothed in light!Melchoir.Our journey ends, passed is the night.Baltasar.Now let us make no more delay,But worship Him right worthily.
(They enter the manger and kneel.)
Simeon.Hail, hail, dear childOf a maiden meek and mild.See, he merries!See, he smiles, my sweeting,I give thee greeting!Have a bob of cherries.
(Places a spray of cherries on the crib.)
Timothy.Hail, little One we've sought,See, a bird I've brought,See its feathers gay.Hail, little One adored,Hail, blessed King and Lord,Star of the day!
(Places a bird on the crib.)
Isaac.Hail, little One, so dear,My heart is full of cheer,A little ball I bring,Reach forth thy fingers gay,And take the ball and play,My blessed King.
(Places a ball on the crib.)
Enter all others from the Inn. They kneel outside the manger.
All(sing, with concealed choir).
(Seepage 169)
The Three Kings.Hail, King of Kings!Gaspar.I bring Thee a crown, O King of Kings,And here a scepter full of gems,For Thou shalt rule the hearts of men.
(Places crown and scepter on crib.)
Melchoir.For Thee I bring sweet frankincense!
(He swings a smoking censor.)
Baltasar.And I bring myrrh to offer Thee!
(Places casket on the crib.)
Gaspar.The greatest gift is yet ungiven,The gift that cometh straight from Heaven.O, Heavenly King,Heart's love we bring.Melchoir.Not gold nor gems from land or seaIs worth the love we offer Thee.Baltasar.And lowly folk who have no gold,Nor gift to offer that is meet,May bring the dearest thing of all—A loving heart and service sweet.
(All join in singing "Joy to the World.")
Curtain falls.
How to make a pleasant,helpfulChristmas for the Sunday School is an annual problem. A tree with gifts, Santa Claus coming down the chimney, a treat of candy and nuts—these and many other schemes have been tried with a greater or less degree of success. But the criticism is often made that the true significance of the celebration of the birth of Christ is lost in the mere idea of bartering Christmas presents. "She didn't give me anything last year, so I'm not going to give her anything this year."
One wise superintendent determined to teach his Sunday School pupils the precious lesson of the beauty of giving. He called his teachers together a few weeks before Christmas and proposed to eliminate entirely the idea of "getting something," and in its stead to try to teach something of the true spirit of Christmas, the blessedness of giving.
The children were told that while at home they would receive all the usual presents, of course they would not get anything whatever from the Sunday School. The story of Jesus and how He gave His life, and how He liked best the gifts that cost us something, love, thought, foresight, charity, money—was told to the children and they were asked to save their pennies, instead of spending them forcandy and nuts, to brighten the Christmas Day for God's poor and unfortunate.
It was put to a vote and every little hand was raised, although it may be confessed that a few went up a little reluctantly.
Teachers and young ladies met a few evenings later and made little stockings out of cheap cambric, with a cord put into the top of each in such a manner that it could be drawn together so the pennies would not be lost out. The stockings were about five inches long, and of various bright colors, and there were enough for every child. These were given out two weeks before Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, near the close of the regular program, a large tree was disclosed, but without a single present on it. The Minister made a short talk on the joys of giving to the poor and the children marched up, singing a Christmas carol, and attached their little stocking-bags to the tree.
Six little boys and girls passed among the congregation with larger stockings, collecting donations for the tree. These stockings had their tops neatly sewed around little circles of wire to keep them open.
The program consisted of Christmas hymns and carols, interspersed with recitations—all breathing the spirit of the White Christmas.
Hang the rear and the sides of the stage with dark blue curtains, spangled with small silver bits of tinfoil, to represent very tiny stars. If the blue curtains are not available, use white sheets.
Cover the floor with white sheets. Have two orthree small evergreen trees at rear, covered with white calcimine and diamond powder. Soak long rags, shaped like icicles, in a strong solution of alum, and then let them crystallize, then attach them to the trees.
scenery
Down right, near the audience, is a doorway, supposed to be the entrance to the inn. This may be simply an opening between two wooden columns, with a step or two leading in. A lantern hangs over the door. A small bench stands by the inn.
Down left, near the audience, is the manger, a building extending out from left about seven feet. It has a back and one side of scenery or dark draperies and a thatched roof, covered with twigs or evergreen branches. There may be a door leading into the manger from the stage, but this is not necessary, as the characters can go out behind the manger. A front curtain, of dark goods, conceals the interiorof the manger from the audience until it is withdrawn by Joseph.
The interior of the manger is covered with hay. Rude boxes and farm implements all around. A large upturned chair with wooden legs may simulate the crib, if it is concealed by enough straw. An electric light bulb is concealed in this straw and shines on the face of Mary, bending over the crib.
If desired, the manger scene may be presented in the choir loft, the manger hidden by curtains until revealed by Joseph. In this case have the evergreen trees at the left of the stage and arrange the manger scene at the rear and elevated above the other scene. This will prove most feasible in churches where the choir loft is immediately behind and above the platform.
Dim all the lights in the audience. Have a powerful searchlight, engine headlight or two powerful auto lights shining on the stage from a concealed elevation at the left. Shade these lights with a blue isinglass shield, thus casting a blue light over the entire stage. Use a strong yellow light on the manger scene, the rest of the stage being in darkness.
If it is possible have bits of white confetti or finely cut paper fall from above during the shepherds' scene in Act II.
The bases of the trees should be covered with cotton.
Three rough crooks for the shepherds.
Chimes to ring off the stage. A dinner gong or set of chimes will answer.
For the lamb use a white muff, being careful to shield it from the direct gaze of the audience.
A spray of cherries.
A small bird of blue feathers.
A ball.
A crown and scepter made of gilded wood.
A censor made of metallic butter dish suspended by chains.
A fancy jewel case, supposed to contain myrrh.
Bench in front of inn.
Rude box in front of manger.
Mary—A sweet-faced blonde. Long tunic of light blue, falling straight from neck to the ankles. White stockings. Sandals. Hair in two long braids either side of face. White veil draped around head and shoulders, bound about the brow with circlet. Dark red mantle, fastened to left shoulder and draped around body. This mantle may trail on the ground. The tunic may be made of cotton crepon, the mantle of dyed muslin.
Joseph—A virile, bearded man of about fifty. Sandals. Long black cassock, easily obtained from an Episcopal choir. Striped couch cover may serve as mantle. This should be draped about head and body. Long staff.
Simeon—An old man with white hair and beard. Tunic of potato sacking falling in straight folds from neck to ankles. Large gray shawl serves as mantle, draped on head and body. Long crook. Sandals.
Timothy—Man of forty. Costume similar to Isaac's. Striped mantle.
Isaac—Man of twenty. Shorter tunic similar to Simeon's. Fur rug draped over left shoulder. Dark red drapery on head. Sandals. Brown stripes criss-crossed on legs. Crook.
Anna—Long tunic of brown. Take a square white sheet and stripe it with bands of dark blue. This serves as a mantle, draped over head and body. Hair hanging. A woman of thirty-five. Sandals. If desired, a blue veil may be draped around the head and neck and the mantle draped over the body.
Thomas—A boy of seven. Sandals. Brown strips criss-crossed on legs from sandals to hips. Short white tunic cut like a boy's nightgown, but coming only to knees. Dark blue mantle. Small crook.
Ruth—A girl of eleven. Blue tunic hanging in straight folds from neck to three or four inches above ankles. Border of figured goods, to simulate oriental embroidery, around bottom of robe and down the front. This should be about two inches wide. Sandals. White stockings. Hair hanging. White veil draped around head and shoulders. Later she enters with striped mantle.
Deborah—A dignified matron of about forty-five. Sandals. Long kimono of solid color. Sash of yellow. Hair in two long braids on either side of face. Yellow drapery over head and shoulders. Rich striped mantle draped over the costume.
Rachel—Sandals. White tunic trimmed with red figured cloth to simulate oriental embroidery. Red sash. Wreath of red roses on head. Mantle made of a square white sheet with stripes of red sewed on it. Bracelets, armlets and anklets of silver paper.
Priscilla—Sandals. Light green tunic. Dark green mantle. Gold paper armlets, etc.
Melchoir—Tall, dark man with dark mustache. Long black cassock may be borrowed from an Episcopal Church. Over this is a red or yellow kimono. Sandals. Turban on head. This turban may be made from a calico covered crown of an old derby, with red and white striped rim. He wears many rich ornaments. Curtain chains around neck and on arms. This costume may sometimes be borrowed from a lodge of Shriners, Knights Templar, Royal Arch Masons or Odd Fellows.
Gaspar—Similar to Melchoir. He is a young king aged about twenty-two. Wear white drapery on head and over it a golden (paper) crown. May wear sword. Sandals.
Baltasar—Old king with white hair. Long rich robe or kimono over a cassock. Red sash. Red head drapery. Golden crown. Sandals.
Angels—Invisible to the audience.
Prologue—Stately lady in trailing Grecian robe of white. Hair powdered. This character should be played by a lady with distinct dramatic ability.
Note.—If it is desired to simplify these costumes, kimonos, cassocks and cottas from Episcopal choirs, draperies of sheets and couch covers, and sandals made of a sole bound to foot with brown cloth cords, will answer admirably in the dim blue light.
Nightgowns, dressing gowns, fur rugs, fur muffs opened, fur stoles, opera capes, spangled tunics, window cords and chains, etc., will make valuable substitutes for the oriental garments.
characters
Enlarge
Time of Playing—About One Hour and Fifteen Minutes.
For notes on costuming, scenery and properties, see "Remarks on the Production of the Play" at the end of the play.
It is the night before Christmas and the scene is on a big ocean-going vessel many miles out at sea. Down in the lower part of the ship, in the steerage, is a group of poor little immigrant children who are leaving the trials and troubles of the old world behind them and are looking forward to the golden promises held out by our own "land of the free and the home of the brave." But the hearts of the little immigrants are sad. It is the night before Christmas, and how could Santa Claus ever hope to reach them away out in the middle of the ocean? Even the sleigh and the magical reindeers could never be expected to make such a trip.
Anita, a little Italian girl, alone has faith in the coming of the good Saint. She is wandering around the ship when all of a sudden, much to her surprise, she hears a mysterious noise in a great big barrel, and who should jump out but little Jack Frost himself. Jack assures her that Santa Claus really is coming to visit the ship, and more than that, he is going to make an especial trip in an air ship! And this is little Anita's secret. The children all fall asleep, but Anita keeps watch for the mysterious aeroplane that will bring joy to every little heart in the steerage, and, sure enough, just a little before midnight Anita and Jack Frost look through a telescope and see the lights of the approaching air ship.
Soon Santa Claus himself is on board, and such a time as he and Anita and jolly Jack Frost have in arranging a wonderful Christmas surprise for the children. As an especial favor the good Saint decides to awaken the children himself very early on Christmas morning. The clock strikes twelve and itis Christmas Day. The bells of merry Christmas are heard chiming in the distance, and Santa Claus and jolly Jack Frost hold a Christmas morning revel with the little immigrant children away down in the steerage of the big vessel.
Scene:The steerage of a large ocean-going vessel. Entrances R. and L. Boxes and barrels down L. Box down R. Large barrel up L.C., withJolly Jack Frostconcealed therein.Huldais seated on a small stool down R., taking care ofKlinkerandSchwillie Willie Winkum,who are standing near her.Meenyis seated down L. on a box; she is knitting a woolen stocking.Sergius, Paddy Mike, Tomasso, YakobandAh Gooare playing leapfrog at C. of stage.Hans, Mieze, NeeldaandSano Sanstand at rear.Biddy Maryis seated nearHulda;she is peeling potatoes. All sing.
Scene:The steerage of a large ocean-going vessel. Entrances R. and L. Boxes and barrels down L. Box down R. Large barrel up L.C., withJolly Jack Frostconcealed therein.Huldais seated on a small stool down R., taking care ofKlinkerandSchwillie Willie Winkum,who are standing near her.Meenyis seated down L. on a box; she is knitting a woolen stocking.Sergius, Paddy Mike, Tomasso, YakobandAh Gooare playing leapfrog at C. of stage.Hans, Mieze, NeeldaandSano Sanstand at rear.Biddy Maryis seated nearHulda;she is peeling potatoes. All sing.
Listen
Opening Song
Opening Song
(On the words "clap, clap, clap together," the children hold left hand horizontally in front of their chests, palm upward, raising the right hand and bringing it down on the left with a sharp clap.Sing the first verse seated around stage. On the first four lines of the second verse nod heads and smile at audience. On the line "We're happy little immigrants," each one points to chest, nods head and smiles broadly.For the third verse all rise and stand in couples in small groups all around stage. On the first two lines of the third verse each one faces his partner slightly, nods at him and shakes index finger of right hand at partner. On "dear, old U.S.A." all make a deep bow to audience. After third verse is completed, all form a circle and skip around in time to the music, repeating the third verse. On "clap, clap,clap together," they stand still and clap hands as before. When the song is ended all resume former positions, as at the rise of the curtain, but the boys do not play leapfrog.)
(On the words "clap, clap, clap together," the children hold left hand horizontally in front of their chests, palm upward, raising the right hand and bringing it down on the left with a sharp clap.
Sing the first verse seated around stage. On the first four lines of the second verse nod heads and smile at audience. On the line "We're happy little immigrants," each one points to chest, nods head and smiles broadly.
For the third verse all rise and stand in couples in small groups all around stage. On the first two lines of the third verse each one faces his partner slightly, nods at him and shakes index finger of right hand at partner. On "dear, old U.S.A." all make a deep bow to audience. After third verse is completed, all form a circle and skip around in time to the music, repeating the third verse. On "clap, clap,clap together," they stand still and clap hands as before. When the song is ended all resume former positions, as at the rise of the curtain, but the boys do not play leapfrog.)
Tomasso(seated on floor at C.). Tomorrow comes the great, grand festival of Christmas, is it not, Paddy Mike?
Paddy Mike(seated near him, nods his head). Sure and it is. This is the holy Christmas Eve.
Meeny(seated down L., knitting stocking). The night of the day behind Christmas is always Christmas Eve, ain't it? (Nods head.) Sure it is.
Schwillie.Und tomorrow we gets lots of Christmas presents always, me und Klinker; don't we, Klinker?
Klinker.Sure we do. Leedle horses and pictures und candy und other things also; don't we, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
Hulda.That was when we were at home in Holland. It's different, maybe, out here in this great big boat. Ven we get by the city of New York next week then maybe we'll get some presents already.
Klinker.But good Saint Nicholas always comes the night before Christmas; don't he, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
Schwillie.Sure. Won't he come tonight, Hulda?
Hulda.How could he get way out here on the ocean already? Do you think he is a fish? We ain't living at home in Holland no more. We're way out on the Atlantic Ocean in a great big ship.
Meeny.Ja, und I wish I was back at home already. So much have I been seasick, mit der shipgoing oop und down, oop und down! Ach, it's awful. (Sergius, Tomasso, Yakob, Paddy MikeandAh Gooplay jack-stones.)
Klinker.But Saint Nicholas ought to come tonight, Hulda. I been a awfully good boy, isn't I, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
Schwillie.Sure you is. Und I've been a awfully good boy, too. Isn't I, Klinker?
Klinker.Sure. We've been awfully good boys.
Hulda.Maybe even if Saint Nicholas don't come tonight, you can see the great, big whale tomorrow. If he's a good whale he'll surely let the leedle Dutch twins see him on Christmas Day.
Meeny.Oh, I vant to see der whale. I've looked und I've looked und I've looked, but I ain't even so much as seen his leedle tail yet already. Und it makes me seasick to look so much, too.
Biddy Mary.Are ye sure it was a whale ye saw that day, Sergius boy?
Sergius.Of course I'm sure. It was awful big. The biggest fish I ever saw. Even in Russia we do not have such big fish as whales. Paddy Mike saw it, too.
Paddy Mike.Sure and I did. And me two eyes nearly fell out of me head with lookin' at it, it was that wonderful. He shot a big stream of water right up out of his head, he did, and then he dived down in the ocean again, and we didn't see him any more at all, at all. (MiezeandSano Santurn backs to audience and look over the railing into the water.)
Hulda(to the twins). There! Now if you get to see the great big whale, that's almost as good as having old Saint Nicholas come, ain't it?
Schwillie.Whales can't bring you no Christmas presents, can they, Klinker?
Klinker.Und whales you can see any time. I'd rather have Saint Nicholas, wouldn't I, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
Sergius.Who is this Saint Nicholas they are looking for, Hulda?
Hulda(astonished). Why, don't you know who he is yet? He's the best old man that ever was. Und he comes the night before Christmas und visits all the little children in Holland.
Meeny(proudly). Und in Germany, too. (Sergiusgoes toHulda.)
Klinker.Und if they're good they get candy und oranges und toys und things, don't they, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
Schwillie.Und if they're bad, they get a good big birch stick. But I ain't been bad. I've been awfully good, isn't I, Klinker?
Klinker.Sure. Und me also.
Hulda(toSergius). On Christmas Eve in Holland all the children march around the streets, following one who carries a big silver star. And the people who meet us give us money and gifts to help the poor. Oh, Christmas time is just grand in Holland!
Klinker.Und we set out our leedle wooden shoes und old Saint Nicholas fills 'em with candy.
Schwillie.Und we put a leedle bit of hay in our shoes for his good old horsie, Sleipner. Dot makes him happy.
Meeny.In Germany we call him Santa Claus, und he comes riding in a sleigh drawn through the sky mit reindeers. Und we have Christmas trees alllighted mit candles und things, und full of toys und paper stars und angels und apples. But Santa Claus could never get out here in der middle of der ocean. If he did maybe he'd get seasick already, und all der reindeers would get drownded in der water.
Sergius(standing R.C.). In Russia there is an old woman named Babouska who visits all the children on the night before Christmas. She carries a big basket full of good things.
Tomasso(seated on floor at C.). In sunny Italy the children all go to midnight church on Christmas Eve, and when we make ourselves awake on Christmas morning, our shoes are all full of candy and chestnuts and figs and oranges. But of course on a big ship like-a this we'll not get-a nothing at all.
Klinker(crying). But I want some presents already.
Schwillie(crying). Und me also. I want some presents, too.
Klinker.Und Saint Nicholas can't come. Oh, oh! He can't get out on the big ocean.
Schwillie.Maybe he could float out on a piece of ice yet. Could he, Hulda?
Hulda.No. I don't think he's much of a floater.
Meeny.If he did it would make him awful seasick.
Klinker.I wish we was landed in New York yet, so I do.
Schwillie.Where is Anita? She'll know.
Hulda.Yes, Anita will know whether he is coming or not. She knows almost everything.
Paddy Mike(standing at rear L.). Here comes Anita now, and sure she's having a grand time, so she is.
All(rising and going to rear, looking off L.). Here she comes. Hurrah for Anita. (Music: The same as for the Opening Song.)
Tomasso(calling). Anita, Anita, come here quick. We want you.
Anita(outside L.). I'm coming. Wait a minute. I'm coming.
Music swells louder.Anitadances in from L., all sing as she dances around, waving her tambourine.
Music swells louder.Anitadances in from L., all sing as she dances around, waving her tambourine.
All(singing to tune of the "Opening Song").
Anita(comes forward to C. surrounded by the others). Oh, I've just had the grandest time. It was so superb, magnificent, sublime! (Extends arms in ecstasy.) I have-a been at the leetla window watching the great, grand, magnificent ocean. It was all so blue and so green and so purple—and the sinking sun is all shining on the great-a, beeg waves, like-a sparkling diamonds. (Use elaborate gestures at all times.) And me, the poor, leetla Italian girl, gets to see all this great-a, grand-a ocean. It is superb, magnificent, sublime! Ah, I am so happy, I could sing and dance and kees everybody on the great-a, grand-a earth!
Meeny(at L.). Vot makes you so happy, Anita? Maybe I'd be happy yet also, if I didn't get seasick once in a while.
Anita.What makes me so happy, Meeny? It's the sun and the waves, and the sunlight shining like diamonds on the great-a, grand-a ocean. Are you not also happy, Biddy Mary?
Biddy Mary(standing byAnita). I am not. Sure, I niver do be having time to be seeing diamonds on the great big waves. I have to be hard at work, so I do, peeling the praties for our Christmas breakfast.
Anita.I watched the great-a red sun as he began to sink, sink, sink way down in the ocean. And the beeg-a waves got more beeg and more beeg and on top of them I saw long white lace fringe. The green silk waves were all-a trimmed with white lace fringe. And sometimes I think I see the leetla mermaid fairies dancing in the foam. Leetla green and white mermaids with the long long-a hair.
Tomasso(at R.). You make-a me seek, Anita. There is-a no such things as fairies.
Anita.But I love tothinkthere is. It is a great, grand-a pleasure just to think there is. Is it not, Meeny?
Meeny(stolidly). Oh, sure.
Anita.And that is why we should all be so verra, verra happy. We can think such-a lovely things. The poor leetla children at-a home, pouf! They cannot think such things, because they have never seen such a great, beeg-a ship, or such a great, beeg-a ocean—
Sergius.Or a whale.
Paddy Mike.Or a sailor man.
Hulda.Or a nice little steerage bed built just like a shelf in the wall.
Tomasso.Or the great beeg-a engine that makes the ship go.
Meeny.Or the tons and tons of coal vay down deep by the cellar.
Sergius(mocking her). Way down deep by the cellar! Whoever heard of a cellar on board of a ship? You mean—down in the hatch.
Meeny.Hatch? Vot is dot hatch? Dis ain't a chicken, it's a boat. (All laugh.)
Klinker(takesSchwillieby the hand and goes toAnita). Anita, we want to ask you a question.
Anita.Well, and what is the question of the leetla Dutch twins?
Schwillie.Tonight is the night before Christmas.
Klinker.Und we want to know if the good Saint Nicholas is coming tonight.
Anita.I don't know. You see it would be a great beeg-a, long-a trip way out here on the ocean.
Klinker(half crying). But I want him to come. I've been a awful good boy, isn't I, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
Schwillie.Sure, you is. Und me also, ain't I, Klinker?
Anita.If you have both been verra, verra good I think that maybe the good Saint will come. (Looks around.) Have you all been verra, verra good?
Others.Yes, all of us.
Hans.We're always very, very good at Christmas time.
Ah Goo.Me velly,vellygood.
Anita(points off R.). See, way up there on theupper deck, are the rich, grand-a ladies and gentlemen coming out from the great, beeg-a dining-room. If you go and stand under the hole maybe they'll throw you some oranges or candy. They're awful nice peoples on the upper deck.
Meeny.Let's all go right away quick. Maybe we'll get some oranges und candy.
Klinker.Oh, how I do love oranges und candy, don't I, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
Schwillie.Sure, und me also, don't I, Klinker?
Sergius.Let us all go together. (All come forward and sing to tune of the Opening Song.)
(All the children exceptAnitago out at R., repeating the chorus of their song.)
Anita.Surely the good-a Saint Nicholas will come tonight, because there are so many, many verra good children on board this-a ship. (Counting on fingers.) There's Hulda from Holland and her two leetla brothers, the Dutch twins, Klinker and Schwillie Willie Winkum. They must have a great-a beeg-a Christmas present. And there's Sergius from Russia, and Meeny and Paddy Mike and Biddy Mary, and Neelda from Spain, and Yakob and Hans and Ah Goo and Mieze and leetla Sano San from afar away Japan. They must all have the great-a,grand-a presents. Maybe I could write old Santa Claus a leetla letter and tell how good the poor children way down in the steerage have been. And there's my cousin Tomasso from Italy. Oh, Santa Claus must bring him a new violin. Then he can make-a the beautiful music on the golden streets of New York. If there is anybody at all in the whole beeg world who should have a nice-a, beeg-a Christmas, it is the verra poor leetla children whose mammas and papas haven't got very much money. But sometimes the good Santa Claus forgets all about the verra poor leetla children—and that's the mostest saddest thing of all, for they are the verra ones he should remember. When I get to be a great-a, beeg, grand-a, reech lady in the golden streets of New York, ah! then I will buy presents and presents and presents, and I will-a give them to all the verra poor leetla children in the world. I wonder why it is that the verra good Santa Claus sometimes forgets the poor leetla children on-a Christmas Day. He never forgets the reech leetla children, only those who are verra, verra poor. And that is a sad misfortune. If I had-a nice-a Christmas present, with many candies and figs and oranges, I could never rest until I had given something nice to all the poor leetla children in the city—for that is what makes the mostest happy Christmas of all.