Читать книгу St. Nicholas Book of Plays & Operettas онлайн

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Oh, do you hear?

Perhaps we’ll see him, if he passes near!

Jack.

Of course you will! To-morrow’s Christmas Day;

On Christmas Eve he always comes this way,

For through this quiet wood he likes to ride,

To reach the villages on either side.

Queen.

Pray run and call him, Jack! He’ll surely know

These little folk, and tell them where to go.

[Jack and Elves run off, Left. Shouts and a loud “Whoa!” are heard outside, and then Santa, enters, with a triumphant escort, and comes to front.]

Santa. [Bowing to Queen, while the children peep out

from behind her, in great excitement.]

Greetings, Your Majesty! I understand

You called me; so I’ve come at your command!

[Sees children.]

Two mortal children! Who are these, fair Queen?

Astray, on Christmas Eve? What can it mean?

Queen. [Coaxingly.]

That’s just the reason why we sent for you;

So please advise us what we ought to do!

You see, these little ones have strayed so far,

They’ve lost their way, and don’t know where they are.

Santa. [Looks at them intently, walks around them,