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Table of Contents

By Corinne Rockwell Swain

CHARACTERS

Dick, a boy of nine or ten.
Betty, his sister, a little younger.
Queen of the Snow Fairies.
Pearl		Maids of Honor to the Queen.
Crystal
Jack Frost.
Santa Claus.
Snow Fairies and Holly Elves.

COSTUMES

Betty and Dick may wear modern outdoor dress, with bright caps and sweaters; or, if preferred, something more old-fashioned and picturesque, such as “Greenaway” or “Cranford” costume.

The Queen and her Fairies are in white, with silver tinsel and crystal ornaments, and carry wands with silver stars. They may wear either trailing draperies, or short “Pierrette” dresses, with silver ruffs, rosettes, and little pointed caps.

Jack Frost; “Pierrot” costume of white or pale blue, with silver cap and ornaments.

The Holly Elves; “Pierrot” or “Yama-Yama” suits of green, with caps, ruffs, buttons and slipper-rosettes of scarlet. They carry branches of holly.

SCENE

The woods in winter. If scenery is not available, a generous supply of white sheets and cotton batting will make an effective setting, with a few small evergreens, and bare boughs. A large Christmas tree should be utilized as part of the scene; place it to right of center, and trim lightly with silver tinsel, “snow,” and glass icicles. Near the tree, a couch or seat should be built up and covered with white, to represent a little mound; upon this the Queen sits, and later, the children recline. The time is about sunset; a red light, if available, will be effective early in the scene, while toward the end it grows darker. A curtain is not absolutely necessary, although of course more “like a play.”

MUSIC

The airs mentioned may all be found in “Folk Songs and Other Songs for Children”; Oliver Ditson Company.

[The Queen and Fairies enter, dancing, to the air of “Come, Lasses and Lads.” The Holly Elves dance in from opposite side, and, with the Fairies, form a circle about the Queen, singing:]

Come fairies and elves, bestirring yourselves,

Take hands in a joyous ring!

With step so light, in our woodland white,

We’ll merrily dance and sing.

No sorrow or care we know;

Through forest and field we go—

Then trip it, trip it, trip it, trip it,

Over the sparkling snow;

Then trip it, trip it, trip it, trip it,

Over the sparkling snow!

[The Queen seats herself upon the mound as a throne, while the rest group themselves about her. Crystal, Pearl, and several others step to left, looking off intently, as though something attracted their notice.]

Queen.

What see you, loyal subjects? Speak, I pray!

Crystal. [Returning and bowing before the Queen.]

Your Majesty, two mortals come this way!

Pearl.

Two children, trudging hither through the snow,

Toward our band, with lagging steps and slow.

Queen.

Two children? Coming here? ’Tis passing strange!

Few mortals through our lonely woodland range.

[Rises.]

Away, my band! We’ll hide, until we see

Who these unwonted visitors may be!

[They all hide, behind tree, in wings, etc. Enter, from left, Betty and Dick, dragging evergreen boughs. They move wearily, and pause near center, to look about them.]

Betty.

O, Dicky dear, when are we going back?

It must be time to take the homeward track!

The snow’s too deep—the holly grows so high;

And I’m so tired—I almost want to cry!

Which is the path?

Dick. [Looking about doubtfully.]

I guess it’s this one—no,

It’s that—they all look puzzling, in the snow!

Betty. [Dismayed.]

Dick, aren’t you sure? I thought you always knew!

Oh, if we’re lost, whatever shall we do?

Dick. [With boyish impatience.]

Now, little goosie, don’t you dare to cry!

Wait here—I’m sure to find it, if I try.

[Walks about, searching.]

It’s somewhere near; I’ll find it in a hurry! [Aside.]

I mustn’t let poor little Betty worry!

[Betty standing facing R., wiping her eyes, but evidently trying to be brave. The Queen peeps at her from behind the Christmas tree, and she gives a startled cry.]

Betty.

Oh, Dicky, come!

Dick. [Running to her.]

What for?

Betty. [Pouting.]

Behind that tree—

I’m sure I saw somebody wave at me!

Dick. [Scornfully.]

A puff of wind, that blew the snow about,

Or maybe just a rabbit, jumping out!

Betty.

I thought perhaps—it made me feel so queer—

’Twas some good fairy, come to help us here!

Dick. [With superior wisdom.]

That’s silly! Don’t you know, you can’t depend

On fairies, ’cause they’re only just “pretend”?

Betty. [With conviction.]

I b’lieve they’re real! [Wearily.]

Oh, Dicky, can’t we sit

Upon this mound, and rest ourselves a bit? [Sits down.]

Dick. [He sits beside her, and she leans

her head against him.]

Only a moment; for we’ll need the light

To find our path; you see, it’s almost night.

Betty. [Drowsily.]

I wish that fairy’d come—the path to show—

Dick. [Sleepy, but positive.]

Fairies are only—make-believe—you know—

[They nod and finally doze, sinking into a reclining position upon the mound. The Fairies and Elves steal out cautiously, to soft music, and survey the children with curiosity. Then, coming closer, they surround the sleepers and sing; air, “Der Rothe Sarafan.”]

Softly, softly, snow sprites!

Steal softly, till we see

Who these wandering strangers are

That rest beneath our tree.

Gently, comrades, gently—

Now closer let us creep!

Silently they lie there—

[Repeat last four lines.]

Sunset light is gleaming,

Night is drawing near;

Still they linger, dreaming,

In this forest drear!

Sunset light is gleaming,

Night is drawing near!

Stranger sight was never seen;

Two drowsy heads laid low,

Under bows of evergreen,

To slumber in the snow!

Softly, softly, snow sprites—

Steal softly till we see

Whose these mortal strangers are

That rest beneath our tree!

Queen. [Bending over them anxiously.]

They’re fast asleep! Now, this will never do!

If what our wisest fairies say be true:

When mortals sleep too soundly in the snow,

The dreamland elves will never let them go.

Crystal. [Touches Betty’s cheek,

then draws her hand away hastily.]

So soft and warm a thing I never felt!

I thought my finger-tips would surely melt!

Queen.

Too light our touch to make them ope their eyes;

But here’s Jack Frost! He’ll give us counsel wise.

Jack Frost. [Entering briskly, and bowing to Queen.]

Good evening, Sister Snow! Well, what’s the news?

Queen.

Dear Jack, I need advice—now don’t refuse!

Little account of mortal ways I keep;

But is this just the way they ought to sleep?

[Points to children.]

Jack.

Indeed it’s not! I’ll rouse the sleepy-heads,

And send them scurrying home to seek their beds!

Queen.

But you’ll not hurt them, Jacky dear?

Jack.Not I!

To wake them with my gentlest nips I’ll try.

[Sings, as he circles around the children,

touching them lightly: Air, “Skye Boat Song.”]

Children awake, I merrily sing!

Slumber away must fly;

Chill is my touch, and sharp is my sting—

Jolly Jack Frost am I!

Nips for your nose—tweaks for your toes,

Shivers you can’t mistake!

Rude I must seem, spoiling your dream;

Better by far to wake!

All.

Children awake, we merrily sing!

Slumber away must fly;

Fingers and toes he’ll warningly sting—

Jolly Jack Frost is nigh!

Jack.

Here while you sleep, vigil I’ll keep.

Lift up your drowsy heads!

Fading the day, hasten away

Home to your cozy beds!

All.

Children awake, we merrily sing!

Slumber away must fly;

Fingers and toes he’ll warningly sting—

Jolly Jack Frost is nigh!

[The children begin to stir;

Betty rubs her nose uneasily.]

Betty.

Ow! Dick, don’t pinch my nose!

Dick.I didn’t, true!

But some one nipped my ear—now was it you?

[In awed whisper, as he looks about and sees Fairies.]

Oh, Betty, look! I say—who can they be?

Betty.

They’re surely fairies, Dicky! Only see

That prettiest one—she must be queen, I guess!

[Timidly, to Queen.]

Are you a fairy queen?

Queen. [Graciously.] Dear children, yes;

These are my subjects [Fairies curtsey];

These the holly sprites;

And this Jack Frost—in teasing he delights!

[Jack and Elves bow.]

Betty. [With a little shiver.]

Mr. Jack Frost, we’ve often heard of you!

Dick.

You’re sharp—but still, we fellows like you, too,

When ice you give us, good and thick, for skating!

Jack. [Laughing and bowing.]

I’m glad of that!

Queen. But tell us, dears—we’re waiting—

Why have you strayed amid these lonely scenes?

Dick. [Shyly.]

Your Majesty, we came for Christmas greens,

But this is all we found [holds up branch].

Betty. [Plaintively.]

And holly—why,

We couldn’t reach a bit, it grew so high!

Queen.

Come, holly elves, and let them take their fill

Of your bright berries!

Elves. [Crowding about and offering branches.]

Yes, indeed we will!

Betty and Dick. [Taking some.]

Oh, thank you! Thank you!

Dick. But we mustn’t stay—

That is if we can only find our way;

I thought I knew; but snow makes such a change

In paths and trees, that everything looks strange!

Betty. [Sadly.]

And mother warned us not to stay too late!

It must be supper time—how can I wait?

Dick.

Me too! I’m starved!

Queen. Poor dears!

[To Pearl and Crystal.]

Quick, bring the best

Your skill commands, to please each hungry guest!

Pearl.

Some starry flakes, with diamond sauce?

Crystal.I’ll make

A puffy snowball pudding—

Pearl. Frosted cake;

Two rainbow sundaes—

Queen. Perfect! Hurry, please!

[Exeunt Crystal and Pearl.]

You’ve never dined on dainties such as these!

Dick. [To Betty.]

How good it sounds! Just think—real fairy food!

Betty. [With sisterly authority.]

Now mind your table manners—don’t be rude!

[Pearl and Crystal return with dishes heaped with snow dainties, which they offer to the children. They taste eagerly, then look at each other in keen disappointment.]

Betty. [Ready to cry.]

Why all the things are made of snow—and ice!

I thought a fairy feast would be so nice!

Dick. [Summoning his politeness.]

Your Majesty, we thank you; but we find

Your food is such a very different kind

That I’m afraid we can’t—

Queen. [Perplexed.] Now, that’s a pity!

Jack. [Offering icicles.]

Fresh icicles? Just see, how crisp and pretty!

A Holly Elf. [Holding out branch.]

Some berries red? The birdies think they’re fine!

[The children shake their heads.]

Queen. [Sadly.]

Our hungry guests find naught on which to dine!

Dick, Betty, and Chorus. [Singing mournfully.]

Oh, dear, what can the matter be?

Oh, dear, what can the matter be?

Oh, dear, what can the matter be?

Can’t we find something to eat?

We hadn’t a doubt that such delicate dishes

Would prove most attractive, and truly delicious!

Alas, {we } discovered how vain were {our } wishes,

{they}{their}

Although {we } expected a treat!

{they}

Oh, dear, what can the matter be? etc.

Betty.

It’s getting darker—what will Mother say?

She’ll worry so! Home seems so far away!

Dick. [Frankly discouraged.]

I don’t know where to go, nor what to do! [Distant sleigh-bells.]

Hark! Hear the sleigh-bells! Now, I wonder who—

[Springs up hopefully.]

Queen, Fairies and Elves. [Joyfully.]

It’s Santa! Santa Claus!

Betty. [Excitedly, to Dick.]

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,

and finally consults a pocket memorandum book.]

You’re Dick and Betty Martin? [They nod shyly.]

Yes, that’s right:

They’re miles away from home—a pretty plight!

Good youngsters, too; I’ve got ’em on my list;

And just to think, my call they might have missed!

Suppose I let you have your presents now—

[To children.]

Queen. [Interrupting.]

But, Santa dear, that doesn’t fix it! How

Can they get home to-night?

Jack.For, don’t you see,

It’s late, and they’re as weary as can be?

Crystal.

Their mother’s getting anxious too, they say—

Queen. [With decision.]

You’ll simply have to take them in your sleigh!

[The children clutch one another in wonder and suspense, while the others nod their heads at Santa, with determination.]

Santa. [Starts with surprise, then strokes his

beard thoughtfully.]

I wish I might! But if the truth be told,

My sleigh is just as full as it will hold,

Of gifts for all the folk for miles around:

To duty false I’ve never yet been found.

And yet—[looking at children]

to leave them in this lonely wood—

I’d love to take them—

Betty. [Shyly taking his hand and looking up

at him adoringly.]

If you only could!

Santa. [Stroking her hair.]

You little pet!

Dick. [Taking the other hand.]

Or, if you didn’t mind,

We might be able just to hitch behind!

Santa. [Patting his shoulder.]

A plucky chap! [Considering.] I wonder if I can—

Jack. [Who has been talking aside with the Queen.]

Just listen, Santa! We’ve the finest plan!

You’ve gifts for many in the village near?

Santa. An overflowing bag; and so, I fear—

Queen.

Here’s our solution: Leave the bag with me,

And, elves and fairies all, we’ll gladly see

That every gift’s bestowed, this very night.

We’ll be your aids, and work with all our might.

Jack.

Each home we’ll find, nor miss a single one!

All. [Taking hands and dancing about Santa.]

Indeed we will! We promise! Oh, what fun!

Queen.

What say you, Santa?

Santa.Many thanks, my dears!

I’ll take the youngsters home, and end their fears.

[Warningly, to Dick and Betty.]

But promise none shall know how this befell,

Except your mother! Don’t you ever tell

Another soul!

Dick and Betty. We won’t! Oh, what a lark!

Santa.

We must be starting soon; it’s growing dark:

I’ve lingered now for many a precious minute!

Come, Jack, let’s get the bag. [Chuckling.]

“There’s millions in it!”

[They drag in a large bag, from Left.]

Well, here it is; each gift’s addressed with care,

And here’s my list; you’ll find none missing there.

[Hands roll of paper to Queen.]

Queen.

We’ll do our very best!

Santa.You’ll find it fun;

I’m always sorry when the task is done!

[Santa Claus sings, all joining in chorus:

Air, “Funiculi, Funicula.”]

Santa.

Some love to see the children bright and jolly,

And so do I!

Chorus.

And so do I!

Santa.

When homes are gay with Christmas greens and holly,

Content is nigh.

Chorus.

Content is nigh!

Santa.

I love the sound of sweet and happy voices,

In carols gay.

Chorus.

In carols gay.

Santa.

Away with care, while every one rejoices

On Christmas Day!

Chorus.

On Christmas Day!

[Marching or dancing around Santa Claus,

clapping hands in time.]

Santa! Santa! Hail to Santa Claus!

Santa! Santa! Hail to Santa Claus!

Here’s glad applause

For Santa Claus!

Our hearts he draws

To him because—

Just because he’s Santa Claus, our dear old Santa Claus!

Santa.

Some say each child should have a Christmas stocking,

And so do I!

Chorus.

And so do I!

Santa.

While others seem to find the notion shocking,

And frown and sigh.

Chorus.

And frown and sigh.

Santa.

But I—I love to hear my sleigh-bells ringing

Good will to all!

Chorus.

Good will to all!

Santa.

To spend my time in joy and laughter bringing

To great and small!

Chorus.

To great and small!

[Clapping hands as before.]

Santa! Santa! Hail to Santa Claus!

[Etc.]

Santa. [Briskly.]

Come, children—in my sleigh we’ll take our flight!

[Bowing to all.]

Now, merry Christmas—and to all good night!

All.

Good night!

[Santa and the children go off L. and the sleigh-bells jingle away into the distance.]

Queen. Quick! Let’s to work, my subjects dear!

And share the joy of spreading Christmas cheer!

[The gifts are taken from the bag by the Queen and Jack Frost, and distributed among the audience by Fairies and Elves. If this ending is not desired, the “Hail to Santa Claus” chorus may be repeated after Santa’s exit, to the accompaniment of his bells, and the play closed in this manner.]