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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.

Father Time. Now take you each a chair [Children

obey] and sit you here. [Children seat 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 Time seats himself at back of stage.]

Father Time. [Calls.]Ho, Herald.

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

reverence—I come, your reverence.

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.]

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

[Enter Herald with Master January and the Little New Year.]