Jack:  Dear me, mother!  I can’t stir without those young ones following me! (Sound of voices and knocking.)

Children (outside): Jack!  Jack!

Jack (calling): All right.  Come in.  I’m here, and Mother Goose and Father Christmas, too.  Surprise us all by being good, won’t you?

(Enter, two by two, Little Bo-Peep with a bundle of lamb’s wool suspended from a shepherdess crook; Little Jack Horner, carrying carefully a deep pan covered with paper pie crust; Little Miss Muffett, carrying a bowl and spoon; Peter Pumpkin Eater, with a pumpkin under his arm; Curly Locks, with a piece of needlework; Little Boy Blue, with a Christmas horn; Contrary Mary, with a string of bells for bracelets, and carrying shells; Little Tommy Tucker, with a sheet of music; Jack and Jill, carrying a pail; Simple Simon, finger in mouth, looking as idiotic as possible; Polly Flinders, in a torn dress, sprinkled with ashes.  The children march and countermarch to music around Mother Goose and Father Christmas, bowing as they pass them.  When Mother Goose claps her hands the children group themselves on her side of platform, not in a stiff row, but as naturally as possible.  As one after another comes forward for his or her speech, the others appear to be conversing among themselves, making the by-play in keeping with their characters.)

Mother Goose: Tell Father Christmas your names now, my pretty ones, and give him the presents you have brought in his honor.

Little Bo-Peep (coming forward):  I’m little Bo-Peep who lost her sheep.  I bring you some fine lamb’s wool to keep you warm, Father Christmas.

(Father Christmas receives with a gracious air this gift and those that follow, handing them afterward to Jack Goose, who puts them into a large box or basket previously provided for the purpose.)

Jack Horner: I’m little Jack Horner who sat in a corner, eating a Christmas pie.  I’ve brought you one just like it, Father Christmas.  This pie is full of plums, and I haven’t put in my thumb to pull out one! (Goes back to place after handing pie.)

Miss Muffet:  I’m little Miss Muffet, sir.  I sat on a tuffet, eating some curds and whey; but there came a big spider, and I was frightened away.  Do you like curds and whey, Father Christmas?  I hope so, for here are some in a bowl. (Hands gift, and returns to place.)

Peter Pumpkin Eater:  Here come I, Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater.  But I’ve saved a nice pumpkin for you, Father Christmas, and here it is. (Returns to place.)

Curly Locks:  Just little Curly Locks who sits on a cushion and sews a fine seam, and feeds upon strawberries, sugar, and cream!  Here’s some of my sewing, Father Christmas. (Presents needlework, and returns to place.)

Little Boy Blue (blowing several blasts on his horn as he comes forward):  Here’s Little Boy Blue!  I blow my horn when sheep’s in the meadow and cow’s in the corn.  I’ve brought you my very best horn for a present, Father Christmas.  It’s a good one, I can tell you! (Blows again, and hands to Father Christmas, who smilingly tries the horn before handing on to Jack.)