stand behind St. Nicholas and keep up a restless blowing; that is, a fluttering and ballooning of capes and veils by flourishing arms.)

1897:  I’m growing old and feeble,
So much excitement’s wrong;
Folks should have had their Christmas
When I was young and strong. 
Instead of that, they take it
When I really ought to rest. 
My last days should be peaceful
But—­Father Time knows best

And now I must be stirring,
And call for Santa Claus;
I almost dread his coming,
There’s always such a noise. 
The winds shall be my heralds—­
Come, North Wind, where are you? 
Just whisper to old Santa
That here he’ll soon be due.

Now while I am about it,
Perhaps it would be best
To call that windy herald
Whose home is in the west.
(Enter South Wind)
Here comes my daughter, South Wind.

South Wind: 
I’m almost out of breath,
I really fear the North Wind
Intends to be my death.

1897:  I’ll bid him treat you kindly;
He should not be so rough;
He’s getting much too boisterous,
I know that well enough. 
You’re all here now but East Wind
I’ll call for him again.

Messenger (entering): 
The East Wind says his health demands
A little snow or rain.

1897:  Well, well, just tell the storm clouds
To send us rain or snow.
(Snowflakes begin to fall, seen through a window,—­cotton or bits of
paper) Well done!  Now are you ready
Upon your way to go? 
For some one must be bidding
Knight Rupert come this way,
To give the German children
Their presents, Christmas day. 
And then there’s old Babousca—­
In Russia she’ll be found;
Kriss Kringle and St. Nicholas,
They, too, must both be round.

Heralds:  We know where each one liveth,
Full soon they shall appear. 
We go to do your bidding. 
Farewell, farewell, Old Year.
(Exit Heralds.  Enter Fairies)

1897:  Bless me! what little people!
(Speaks to first one.)
Why, who are you, my dear? 
I ne’er before have seen you. 
What are you doing here?

Fairies:  Oh, we are little fairies
From out the ether blue. 
Here is a Christmas posy
We are bringing unto you. 
And the initial letters
Will a starry chaplet make. 
Each trusts you will receive it,
And wear it for her sake.

[Illustration:  CHRISTMAS]

First Fairy (pointing to first leaf in chaplet): 
This is for Cypress.
Second Fairy:  And this for Holly.
Third Fairy:  And this for Rose of Jericho.
Fourth Fairy:  And this for Ivy.
Fifth Fairy:  And this for Speedwell.
Sixth Fairy:  And this for Thyme.
Seventh Fairy:  And this for Mistletoe.
Eighth Fairy:  And this for the quivering Aspen.
Ninth Fairy:  And this for Star of Bethlehem.