Plays and comedies for little folks

Introduction

In this book of little plays for little people, we have grouped some of the old favorites with new material. The dramatizations of familiar stories are from those that never become too old to be interesting, either to the children or the public.

The lines and sentiments have been made sufficiently simple to be mastered by children of from six to nine years of age. Little folks are usually good imitators. They love to “dress up” and have a natural instinct for “acting out,” which makes it easy to successfully carry out little plays. There is no form of entertainment more pleasing to the general public than where children play the parts of grown-ups.

The stage effects called for by these little plays are all sim¬ ple, while the costumes are such as can be easily provided. But proper attention must be given to costumes, as very often they have as much part in “making” a play as the sentiment or acting.

With children, as with adults, care must be exercised in giving parts to those who are suited to them, for all have not the same gifts of personation and imitation. A piece can be more easily “killed” by an unwise selection of the charac¬ ters than in any other way.

Thorough drilling will be required, that everything may go off like clock-work and the children feel perfectly at ease in their parts; otherwise some one may become “rattled” and perhaps cause general disaster. The characters should prac¬ tice several times with their costumes, that they may become

INTRODUCTION accustomed to them and not forget their lines because it seems so “funny” to be dressed up.

A good prompter should always be at hand to keep the lines moving, as this not only prevents a break-down but gives the children confidence, and the same prompter should drill with the children as takes the place in the final rendition.

PLAYS AND COMEDIES FOR LITTLE FOLKS

Part I Dramatizations Of Familiar Stories

FOR THREE GIRLS AND THREE BOYS

Mother

Grandmother

Wolf

Hunter

Woodman

Red Riding Hood: Ordinary dress, long red cape and attached hood.

Mother: Old style long dress, white apron, hair done up.

Grandmother: Does not appear on scene.

Wolf: A wolf’s head,* suit of gray or brown cloth, cut loose, with sleeves tapering off at hands so as to look like mittens, hiding the hands completely; the legs are cut with feet to them. Stuff suit wherever needed.

Hunter: Leggins over trousers; hat or cap; big shoes; gun over shoulder.

Woodman: Dresses as above, except that he wears straw or felt hat, and carries an axe (made of wood or pasteboard, covered with silver paper).

Scene I—Red Riding Hood’s Home

Plain room, with only a chair and small table, the basket for Red Riding Hood resting on the latter.

Discovered, Mother, sitting by the table and looking up from her sewing as Red Riding Hood enters.

* May be secured from publishers of this book, price, 50 cents, postpaid.

Mother. Little Eed Eiding Hood, should you like to visit grandmother this morning?

Eed Eiding Hood. Yes, mother dear, I shall be glad to go. Mother. I knew you would. Here are some cakes and butter in the basket. Your grandmother is ill. You may go to see her and take them with you.

Eed Eiding Hood. And may I wear my new cloak, mother ? And my red hood—the one that grandmother gave me?

Mother. [Helping Eed Eiding Hood on with her cloak and hood.] Yes, here they are, my dear. And here’s the basket. [ Puts basket on her arm.] Now, do not stop to play on the way and do not talk to anybody. Give my love to grandma and say I hope she is feeling better.

Eed Eiding Hood. I will remember. Goodby, dear mother. Mother. [ Kissing her.] Goodby, little Eed Eiding Hood. Be sure to come back before dark. [ Exit Eed Eiding Hood.]

Scene II—In the Woods

A wood. A painted curtain, or a few green plants and flowers placed about the stage will answer.

Discovered, Eed Eiding Hood, at one side of stage.

Eed Eiding Hood. What pretty flowers are growing here! I will pick some to take to grandmother. [Sets basket down and picks flowers.]

[The Wolf comes on stage from opposite side and walks toward Eed Eiding Hood. She is busily engaged pick¬ ing flowers and does not see him until he has walked around her. As she looks up and finds him there, she gives a startled cry.]

Wolf. Do not be afraid, little Red Riding Hood. I was just waiting to see you. How are you to-day, and where are you going?

[Red Riding Hood appears so surprised that she cannot an¬ swer. She stands looking at Wolf.]

Wolf. [Again.] Where are you going this fine day, I say?

Red Riding Hood. I am going to my grandmother’s. She is ill, and I am taking her these cakes and butter.

Wolf. Your grandmother must be very proud of such a lovely little granddaughter. And where does your grandma live, Red Riding Hood?

Red Riding Hood. In the yellow cottage on the other side of the wood.

Wolf. I am going to your grandmother’s, too. You go the short way, and I will go the long way, and we will see who gets there first.

[They pass off stage on opposite sides, Red Riding Hood stooping to pick a flower here and there as she slowly walks off.]

Scene III—At Her Grandmother’s

Plain room—half of stage—the same as in Scene I, with couch with pillows and white coverlet added. The other half of stage (the two may be separated by a curtain) represents the outside of the Grandmother’s cottage, where the Wolf can come onto stage and knock. (The inside of the room is not exposed to view until after Red Riding Hood enters, as indicated elsewhere.)

Wolf. [Enters.] I have had nothing to eat for two days and I am very hungry. I guess I got here first. [Looks around and laughs. Knocks on the door.]

Grandmother. [Calls from within.] Who is it?

Wolf. [In a soft voice.] It is your little Red Riding Hood.

Grandmother. [Calls.] Pull the string and the latch will fly up. [Wolf enters room back of curtain. The Grand¬ mother gives several screams, then all is still. Wolf puts on a white■ ruffled nightcap and spectacles and gets into bed on the couch.]

Enter Red Riding Hood at end of stage and knocks.

Wolf. Who is there?

Red Riding Hood. Little Red Riding Hood.

Wolf. Pull the string and the latch will fly up.

Red Riding Hood. How gruff dear grandmother’s voice is! I suppose it is because she is ill. [Enters the room and as she does so the curtain is drawn, revealing the Wolf in bed.] Good morning, dear grandmother. I hope you are better. I have brought you a pat of butter and a fresh loaf.

Wolf. Set your basket on the table. Take off your hood and sit beside the bed.

[Red Riding Hood does as she is bid. She sits looking at tho Wolf as though afraid, seeming to understand that something is the matter with her Grandmother, although she recognizes the cap and spectacles.]

Red Riding Hood. [After the pause.] Wiry, grand¬ mother, what big ears you have!

Wolf. The better to hear what you say, my dear.

Red Riding Hood. And, grandmother, what big eyes you have!

Wolf. The better to see you, my dear.

Red Riding Hood. But, what long arms you have, grand¬ mother.

Wolf. The better to hug you, my dear.

Red Riding Hood. But, grandmother, what big teeth you have!

Wolf. The better to eat you up!

[Wolf sits up in led and grabs for Red Riding Hood. She gives a loud scream and at that instant the Woodman and Hunter rush in. Red Riding Hood drops upon the floor in a faint.]

Woodman. [Picks up Red Riding Hood and holds her in his arms.] Little Red Riding Hood is not hurt, she is only frightened. Do not let the wolf get away.

Hunter. I will take him out and cut his head off. [He has a tussle with the wolf and drags him out of led.] Come on, sir, you are going to be killed before you can play any more of your terrible pranks. [He drags the Wolf from the room.]

Woodman. [Lays Red Riding Hood on the led.] There, there, little Red Riding Hood, you will be all right in a few minutes. I guess we got here just in time to save your life.

Re-enter Hunter.

Red Riding Hood. [Sits up.] Oh, is he killed—the wolf ?

Woodman. Yes, Red Riding Hood. He will never do any more mischief. Now we will take you home lest your mother be frightened. [They pass from stage, one on either side of Red Riding Hood.]

THE THREE BEARS

FOR FOUR BOYS AND THREE GIRLS

Papa Bear, a large boy

Mama Bear, smaller than Father Bear

Baby Bear, a small boy

Goldie Locks, a small girl

Goldie's Mother, a larger girl

Goldie's Father, a large boy

Goldie's Brother, a middle-sized boy

The Three Bears wear bear masks if possible. If these cannot be obtained, then make masks of stiff paper with long, pointed noses and cover with brown canton flannel. Over the back of head wear a hood of brown canton flannel and wear gloves made of the same material. Baby Bear also wears long stockings, made of the same material, and no shoes. Father Bear wears wide trousers of bright colored calico, a dark shirt, and a sack coat of bright calico. He must be padded to make him look large and fat; wears large shoes, a big necktie and a stiff hat, tied to keep it in place, and which he keeps on all the time.

Mother Bear wears a large bright-colored wrapper, floor length, a big apron, and a full ruffled cap of bright color. Baby Bear wears short, tight little trousers, a ruffled waist of some bright color and a little cap. Mother Bear must also be padded to make her look very fat, but Baby Bear is to be made to look as tiny as possible.

Goldie Locks wears a short, bright-colored dress, hair hanging and tied with bright ribbons. Her mother has hair done up, and wears long dress and an apron. The father and brother wear leggins, belted jackets, felt hats, and each carries a gun. The father should be a taller boy than the brother.

THE THREE BEARS

Hang a curtain on wire across the stage a few feet back from front, leaving space in front of curtain for an out-of-doors scene, and space behind the curtain for the Bears’ home. Use a screen, or ha"g a small curtain to divide the space back of curtain into two rooms. The larger room has a small table with three bowls upon it, and three chairs, two large straight ones, and a little rocking chair at the other end of room from the table. The smaller room has three beds made of quilts down upon the floor.

Scene I—Out-of-Doors at Goldie Locks’ Home Discovered , Goldie Locks, sitting on ground , playing with a

doll.

Goldie Locks. [ Talks to her dolly.] Now, Annabel, let’s play go down town and buy some candy.

Enter Goldie Locks’ Mother.

Mother. Little Goldie Locks, can you go and bring the cows home from the woods ? Your father and the boys are so busy felling trees in the forest that I am sure they will be glad to have you bring the cows home for them.

Goldie Locks. [Rising.] Yes, mother dear, I will bring them home.

Mother. But do not stray away from the path or wander far into the woods, because you might get lost or meet with some wild animals.

Goldie Locks. All right, mother.

Mother. And come back as soon as you can, so I shall not worry about you> my dear.

Goldie Locks. I will, mother. You take my dolly into the house for me. [Gives doll to her Mother.] Good-by. [Waves her hand and throws a kiss to her Mother as she goes off stage.]

Mother. Good-by, Goldie Locks. [ Waves her hand. Goldie Locks goes off at one side of stage and her Mother goes off at the other.]

Scene II—At the Bears’ Home

The curtain is drawn, revealing the three Bears standing about the table.

Papa Bear. Ugh! woof, woof, wow. This porridge is so hot that it burnt my mouth! Shame on you, Mama Bear, to give me porridge that cooks my throat!

Baby Bear. Oh, I burned my mouth clear down to my tummie!

Mama Bear. I am very sorry. We will have to let it cool.

Papa Bear. We will go out for a little walk in the woods while the porridge cools.

Baby Bear. [ Dances around.] I want to go for a walk.

Mama Bear. All right, that will be nice. Let us go at once.

Baby Bear. Take hold of my hands. [Papa Bear takes one of his hands , Mama Bear the other, and they pass from Mage.]

Scene III—The Same Enter Goldie Locks

Goldie Locks. I wonder who lives here. I am lost and perhaps they can tell me the way home. [ Looks around, finds porridge.] Oh, how good this porridge smells! I am very hungry. I’ll just taste a little bit. [She tastes of Papa Bear's porridge and makes a face. ] Oh, this is too strong!

THE THREE BEARS

[Tastes of Mama Bear's porridge .] This is better, but it is a bit too salty. [Tastes of Baby Bear's porridge.'] Oh, this is just right! [Eats it all up.] Now I am not hungry. [Looks around and goes over to the chairs.] These chairs look comfortable. IT1 just rest a few minutes. [Sits down in Papa Bear's chair for a moment, then gets up.] Oh, this one is too big, and stiff, and hard. [Sits in Mama Bear's chair and then gets up again.] This one is better, but it is too straight. [Sits in Baby Bear's chair.] Oh, this one is just as soft and easy as it can be. [She rocks back and forth for a few moments, then slides out of chair, down onto the floor, tipping chair over as she does so.] Oh, it broke! That is too bad. [Looks around.] I wonder where that door goes to. [She passes back of screen and goes into the smaller room.] My, how nice these beds look! I am very tired. I guess I must have walked Tout a hundred miles, trying to find the cows. Fll lie dowm just a few minutes. [Lies down on Papa Bear's bed.] Oh, this bed is just as hard as it can be ! [Lies on Mama Bear's bed.] This one is better, but it is hard, too. [Lies on Baby Bear's bed.] Oh, this is just as soft and cozy as a feather bed! [Shuts eyes and goes to sleep.]

Enter the Three Bears into larger room

Mama Bear. Now we must eat our porridge or it will soon be too cold.

Baby Bear. Oh, Pm hungry! [Feels of his stomach.]

Papa Bear. [Tastes of his porridge.] Somebody has been tasting my porridge.

Mama Bear. [Tastes of her porridge.] Somebody has been tasting my porridge.

Baby Bear. [Cries.] Oh, somebody has been tasting my porridge, and has eaten it all up!

Mama Bear. Never mind, you shall have some more. Don’t cry. [She gets more porridge and puts it in his dish.]

Papa Bear. This is good.

Mama Bear. Mine is good, too.

Baby Bear. Mine is, too. [They all eat, standing at the table, and smacking lips audibly .]

Papa Bear. Now let us sit down and rest.

Mama Bear. I am tired.

Baby Bear. I am tired, too. [They go over to where the chairs are.]

Papa Bear. [Sits in his chair.] Somebody has been sit¬ ting in my chair.

Mama Bear. [Sits in her chair.] Somebody has been sit¬ ting in my chair.

Baby Bear. [Cries loudly.] Oh, boo-hoo-hoo, somebody has been sitting in my chair, and has broken it, too. Boo-hoo-hoo !

Papa Bear. [Rises.] Never mind, I’ll fix it for yo.u. [He picks up chair, gives it a few whacks, pretending to fix it, then sets it down.] Now it is mended. [They all sit and rest. Baby Bear rocking himself back and forth rapidly.]

Mama Bear. [After a pause, yawning.] I think it is time to go to bed. I feel sleepy.

Papa Bear. Yes, I feel sleepy, too.

Baby Bear. And so do I. [They pass back of the screen into the other room.]

Papa Bear. Somebody has been lying in my bed and has mussed it all up.

Mama Bear. Somebody has been lying on my bed, too, and has mussed it up.

Baby Bear. [Clapping hands.] Somebody has been lying in my bed, too, and here she is.

THE THREE BEARS

Mama Bear. [ Looks at Goldie Locks.] Isn’t she sweet? She looks like a little angel, with hair of gold.

Papa Bear. [ Smacks his lips.] She will make good por¬ ridge.

Baby Bear. Oh, I want her to play with.

Goldie Locks. [Sits up quickly.] Oh, oh, oh, don’t kill me! [She jumps up and runs quickly off the stage.]

Papa Bear. I wanted her for porridge.

Baby Bear. Boo-hoo-hoo-hoo! I wanted her to play with.

Enter Father and Brother in other room

Father. [Calls.] Hello! Hello! Is there any one at home ? [Bears run out into other room.] What! Bears! [Points his gun at them.]

Papa Bear. Don’t shoot! We won’t hurt you. [Baby Bear hides behind his mother.]

Father. Have you seen anything of my little girl, Goldie Locks ? She went after the cows and must have lost her way in the woods.

Brother. [Raises his gun.] If you ate her up I am going to kill all of you.

Papa Bear. We didn’t eat her. She went to sleep on our bed.

Father. [Raises his gun.] Are you sure you did no harm to her?

Mama Bear. No, no, we didn’t hurt her. She left about two minutes ago. You will find her running down the road.

Baby Bear. She steeped on my little bed.

Father. All right, we’ll go and find her. Thank you.

[Father and Brother hurry out.]

FOR FOUR GIRLS AND TWO BOYS

Beauty

Almira

Elvira the Merchant’s daughters

Merchant The Fairy The Beast

The two sisters wear hair done up in stylish manner and have fancy dresses of light color, floor length. In the first scene Beauty w^ears a plain white dress, floor length; in Scene II she wears a colored work dress; in the last scenes she w^ears a very fancy dress of pretty color. Beauty must be a very pretty child who will dress to look quite charming. The merchant wears busi¬ ness suit in first scene. In the other scenes he wears a cape and a turned-up felt hat. The Beast has a suit made of dark canton flannel that covers body, hands, and feet, with a hood over back of head, and wears a beast’s false face. In the last scene, as the prince, he dresses in short trousers of light color, long stockings, slippers, a ruffled shirt-front and a fancy coat of some bright-colored sateen or cambric.

Scene I—The Merchant’s Failure—On the Lawn

Stage may be arranged to represent out-of-doors or it may merely be bare.

Discovered , Beauty and her Sisters

Almira. I wish father would come. I need some money.

Elvira. Do not get all he has. I must have some for a new dress.

Beauty. Father is coming now. [She goes forward to meet him.]

Enter the Merchant

Almira. What is the matter, father ? Why do you look so downcast ?

Elvira. I hope you haven’t bad news. I hate troubles.

Merchant. Oh, my children, I have just received word that my fortune has been swept away. We are ruined. [Covers face with hands and groans .]

Almira. How dreadful! You might have been more careful.

Elvira. I should say so! What will we do for fine clothes now?

Beauty. [Puts hand on Father's shoulder .] Do not grieve, dear father. We shall manage somehow.

Merchant. We must move into a small cottage in the country, where I can work.

Almira. I will not move into the stupid country!

Elvira. I will not work and wear poor clothes !

Beauty. I will work for you, father dear. I am sure we can get along.

Almira. What a poor-spirited girl you are, Beauty, to be content to take up such a dreadful life.

Elvira. You might at least consider my feelings.

Beauty. Dear sisters, all the crying in the world will not bring our fortune back. We may as well make the best of things and help father.

Merchant. [Sadly.] Alas, alas ! that I have brought such trouble upon my family. [Weeps. Beauty comforts hint. The Two Sisters look very angry.]

Scene II—A Year Later Stage is meagerly furnished as a living-room

Discovered, the Merchant and the Two Sisters

Merchant. I wonder where Beauty is. I want her to read to me.

Enter Beauty with a letter

Beauty. My work is all done. I arose early and made the fires, cleaned up the house, got breakfast, did the baking, and mended my sisters’ clothes.

Merchant. My poor child, you work too hard. I wish your sisters would help you.

Almira. Indeed, I’ll not work! It is bad enough to live in this place without working.

Elvira. Those who are suited to such labor can do it, but not I.

Beauty. Father, I have brought you a letter.

Merchant. [Takes letter from her hand and reads it.] Oh, daughters, one of my ships I supposed was lost is found. We may have some money after all. I must go to the city at once to see about it. [Rises. Beauty brings his cape and hat, which he puts on.]

Almira. Oh, now we can move back to town!

Elvira. And have lots of fine clothes.

Merchant. I hope so, my daughters.

Almira. Father, bring me some new silk dresses and a string of fine pearls.

Elvira. And bring me some diamonds, a satin gown and a velvet coat.

Merchant. And what shall I bring you, Beauty?

Beauty. Why, since you ask me, dear father, I should like you to bring me a rose, for no roses grow here.

Merchant. Now I must start on my journey. [The girls stand around him.']

Scene III—At the Beast’s Home

The back of stage is arranged as a fine room, with a small table, on which are dishes and food. There are books, an easy chair, etc. At one corner, near front, are fastened some rose twigs with artificial roses on them.

Discovered, the Merchant

Merchant. Alas! my bad luck! Some men went to law about my ship and I am as poor now as when I left home. I was lost in the forest and nearly died of cold and hunger before I found my way here. I have seen no one since I came last night, but as supper was on the table, after I had warmed me I ate a good meal. Then I found a bed and had a fine rest. Now I must go home. [Goes by circuitous way down to rose bush.] Oh, I must pick one of these roses to take to Beauty ! [ Picks a rose. A great roar is heard off stage.]

Enter thre Beast

Beast. Ungrateful man! Is this the way you reward me? I saved your life by .letting you eat and sleep in my house, and now you steal the roses that I love more than any¬ thing else. You shall pay for this with your life.

Merchant. [Kneels.] Forgive me, my lord. I did not think that you would care if I picked a few roses. I wanted to take them to my daughter, who asked me to bring her a rose.

Beast. I am not a lord. I am a beast. Do not flatter me. But I will forgive you if one of your daughters will come here and die in your stead. Should she refuse, you must return in three months.

Merchant. [Sorrow fullly.] Thank you, kind Beast. I will return. [Exit, very sadly.]

Scene IV—The Merchant’s Return

If possible, leave back of stage arranged as for Beast’s home. Have a curtain in front of it, and in front of the curtain have a plain table and some chairs.

Discovered , Beauty and her Sisters

Almira. I wish father would come with my fine dresses.

Elvira. I can scarcely wait till we go back to the city and can attend the balls again.

Enter Merchant

Beauty. Oh, dear father, how glad I am to see you. [Puts arms around him.]

Almira. Did you buy all my fine things ?

Elvira. Can we move to town right away ?

Merchant. [Weeps.] Oh, my poor children, my poor children!

Almira. I don’t believe he brought us a thing!

Elvira. Oh, how terrible !

Beauty. What is the trouble, dear father? Tell us about it.

Merchant. Alas! I spent the night in the palace of a Beast, and because I plucked a rose to bring to Beauty he is going to put me to death in three months. [Weeps.}

Beauty. Oh, no, no ! Is there no way of escape ?

Merchant. Not unless I send one of my daughters to die for me.

Almira. Die for you ? Oh, not I!

ELvira. Indeed, nor will I! If Beauty had not asked for the rose, our poor father would not have to die.

Beauty. Do not weep, father. I will die for you. I am not afraid. I will go to the Beast and you shall be saved.

Merchant. No, no! I cannot let you. I’ll die when the time comes.

Beauty. He may as well kill me as have me die of grief for you. I will go, so say no more.

Scene V—Beauty Meets the Beast Scene, at the Beast’s home, as before

Enter Merchant and Beauty

Merchant. Here we are, Beauty. [A roar is heard.'] The Beast is coming.

Enter the Beast

Beast. So you have come back to die?

Merchant. Yes, I am ready.

Beauty. He is not to die. I am going to die in his place.

Beast. Did you come of your own free will?

Beauty. Yes, Beast.

Beast. Then I am obliged to you for your kindness. [Turning to the Father.] As for you, go home to-morrow and never let me see you here again.

Merchant. Oh, I cannot leave my Beauty here!

Beauty. Yes, father dear, you must do as Beast says. Come. [She leads him from stage , weeping. Beast follows them off.]

Beauty re-enters

Beauty. [Looks about.] This is a beautiful place. Perhaps the Beast will not kill me right away. [Picks up a book.] Oh, what a pretty book! I wonder what is written here. [ Reads aloud]

Here’s no cause for sighs or fears;

Command as freely as you may,

For you command and I obey.”

I think the Beast means to be kind to me. I shall try to be happy.

Enter the Beast

Beast. Do you mind if I visit with you while you eat, Beauty ?

Beauty. [ Rather uneasily and in a trembling voice.] No-o, —not if you wish to do so. [She sits at table and eats.] Beast sits in easy chair.]

Beast. [After a pause.] Do you think me very ugly, Beauty ?

Beauty. [Speaking slowly and with hesitation.] Yes, but I think you are very good.

Beast. I am very stupid, too. I am but a beast.

Beauty. No, you are not stupid, for stupid people never know they are stupid.

Beast. Thank you, Beauty.

Beauty. You are so good that I almost forget you are ugly-looking.

Beast. Beauty, will you marry me?

Beauty. [Sadly.] No, Beast, I cannot.

Beast. [Sadly.] Good-night, Beauty. [Exit.]

Scene VI—Three Months Later Boom as in previous scene

Discovered , Beauty

Beauty. I have been here three months, and the weeks have been quite happy ones. The Beast is very kind to me.

Enter the Beast

Beast. Have you spent a pleasant day, Beauty ?

Beauty. Very pleasant, thank you, Beast.

Beast. Will you marry me, Beauty?

Beauty. No, Beast. You have asked me that every day since I came. It makes me sad to refuse you, but I cannot marry you. Please do not ask me again. I will always be your friend.

Beast. [Sadly.] Oh, if I were not so ugly-looking! But, promise me you will never leave me.

Beauty. Alas, if I could but see my father first! I fear he is dying of sorrow for me. Let me visit him, I pray you.

Beast. If I let you go home for a week’s visit will you come back again, Beauty?

Beauty. I promise you that I will come back in a week.

Beast. Very well, you may go. But if you do not come back your poor Beast will die of grief.

Scene VII—Beauty’s Return Beast’s home, as before

Discovered, Beauty

Beauty. I have just returned from my visit. I stayed more than a week, because my sisters begged me to remain with them. I wonder where Beast is. I hope he does not care be¬ cause I broke my promise to him. [Calls.] Beast! Beast! I wonder where he can be. [ Comes down to front of stage by a circuitous route. At one corner of front have a couple of chairs covered with green cloth and branches of trees fastened to them, in imitation of a clump of bushes. Behind this bush the Beast lies concealed, wearing his costume as the Prince.] Oh, there is Beast upon the ground. He looks as if he were dying. [Hurries over to the bush, standing beside it.] Why, Beast, what is the matter ? Are you sick ?

Beast. You did not keep your promise, Beauty. I was so sad to think that I had lost you that I could not eat. Now that you have come, I can die in peace.

Beauty. No, dear Beast, you shall not die. I have come back.

Beast. But you do not love me. I wish to die.