Part 1
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Transcriber's note
Minor punctuation errors have been changed without notice. A printer error has been changed and is listed at the end.
DRAMATIC READER
FOR LOWER GRADES
BY
FLORENCE HOLBROOK
NEW YORK CINCINNATI CHICAGO AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY
COPYRIGHT, 1911,
BY FLORENCE HOLBROOK.
ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL, LONDON.
HOLBROOK'S DRAMATIC READER.
TO THE CHILDREN
These little plays--well-known stories done into dialogue--were written for children who like to imagine themselves living with their favorite characters in forest, in palace, or in fairyland.
It is hoped that you will enjoy these old friends in their new dress almost as well as you loved them in the old. When you read the words of bird or tree or prince or child, try to speak with the voice and manner which you think that character would use. Thus you will make the reading a joy to yourselves and a great satisfaction to your hearers.
To try to put oneself in the place of another is very good training for the imagination. It also teaches us to be more kind to others and to all living creatures. We learn that most persons are striving to do better and to be better, and we grow in understanding and sympathy.
May these little plays help you to the enjoyment of the great dramas which you will read when you are older.
FLORENCE HOLBROOK
CONTENTS
PAGE
LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD 7
GOLDILOCKS, OR THE THREE BEARS 16
THE BIRD WITH THE BROKEN WING 26
CORNELIA AND HER JEWELS 34
CINDERELLA 39
THE PIED PIPER 56
MOTHER GOOSE'S PARTY 65
LITTLE TWO-EYES 83
THE DAYS OF THE WEEK 100
HAeNSEL AND GRETEL 107
KING ALFRED 125
ROBIN HOOD AND THE SAD KNIGHT 139
WILLIAM TELL 152
TIME AND THE SEASONS 162
THE GINGERBREAD MAN 170
THE GOOD FAIRY 178
A DRAMATIC READER
LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD
PERSONS IN THE PLAY--LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD, MOTHER, BIRD, WOLF, MILLER, GRANDMOTHER
SCENE I.--_At Red Riding-Hood's Home_
_Mother._ Would you like to go to grandmother's to-day, my child? The sun is bright and the air is warm and pleasant.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Yes, mother, you know I always like to visit dear grandmamma.
_Mother._ Then you may go. You may carry your little basket, and I'll put some honey and a jar of butter in it for grandma.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Oh, that will be a nice present for her! And may I take her some flowers?
_Mother._ Yes, dear child. Gather some of those you like best.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Here they are, mother--roses and pansies! Aren't they pretty?
_Mother._ Very pretty and sweet. Now put on your little red cloak and take the basket. Be very careful as you pass through the wood, and go directly to grandma's house.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Yes, dear mother. Nothing will harm me. All the birds and animals love me and I love them.
_Mother._ Good-by, little daughter. Give me a kiss and take my love to dear grandmother.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Good-by, mamma: good-by!
SCENE II.--_In the Wood_
_Little Red Riding-Hood (singing)._
Good morning, merry sunshine, How did you come so soon? You chase the little stars away And shine away the moon. I saw you go to sleep last night Before I ceased my playing. How did you get 'way over there, And where have you been staying?
How pretty it is here in the wood! Oh, what a lovely bed of moss! You must come with me, pretty green moss, to grandma's house. Good morning, pretty bird: will you sing to me this morning?
_Bird._ Yes, little Red Riding-Hood. I will sing to you because you love all the birds and can understand my song. Soon I'll show you my little birds who are just big enough to fly.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Thank you, dear bird, I shall be glad to see the cunning little things. But now I must hurry to grandmother's with the butter and the honey. Good-by!
_Bird._ Good-by, little friend! Chirp, chirp; chirp, chirp!
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Now the little bird has flown away. I must put this moss in my basket and then hurry along--
_Wolf._ Ugh, ugh!
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Oh! how you frightened me, Mister Wolf! Where did you come from?
_Wolf._ From my pretty cave, far, far in the dark wood, little girl. What is your name?
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Why, don't you know me? I'm little Red Riding-Hood.
_Wolf._ I'm a stranger in this place, little girl; but I shall know you the next time I see you--ugh, ugh! What have you in your pretty basket, little Red Riding-Hood? It smells like honey.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ It _is_ honey, Mr. Wolf. I am taking it to my dear grandmother.
_Wolf._ Are you all alone in the wood, my child? Isn't your mother with you? Aren't you afraid?
[Illustration]
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Afraid? no, indeed! Why should I be afraid? All the animals are my friends.
_Wolf._ Oh, yes, of course they are all your friends! But is it far to your grandmother's house?
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ No, Mr. Wolf, only about half a mile. You go down this path to the mill and then turn to the right, and the first house you come to is my grandmother's. It's a little red house.
_Wolf._ Oh, that is very easy to find! But I know a shorter way through the wood. Let us run a race and see who will get there first.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ All right, Mr. Wolf. Good-by!
_Wolf._ Ugh, ugh; good-by!
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ How fast he runs! I know he will win the race. How surprised dear grandma will be when Mr. Wolf knocks at the door! Now I see the mill. I will sing the pretty mill song we learned in school the other day.
[_Begins to sing, then stops suddenly._]
Oh, there is the miller. Good morning, Mr. Miller! Have you seen Mr. Wolf go by?
_Miller._ No, little Red Riding-Hood. Have you seen a wolf in the wood?
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Yes, Mr. Miller, and he said he would race with me to my grandmother's house.
_Miller._ My dear child, I will call the men who are chopping trees in the forest and they will catch Mr. Wolf. He is no friend of ours, and you must not talk with him, for he is cruel and will do you harm.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Will he? Then I will never say another word to him. But I must hurry on to dear grandmother's.
SCENE III.--_Grandmother's House_
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Here I am at the door; I will knock. May I come in, dear grandmother?
_Wolf_ (_in the house_). Open the latch and walk in.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Here I am, dear grandmother! I am so glad the bad wolf did not get here first. Are you so sick you must stay in bed? See the nice butter and honey that mother sent you. And see the pretty flowers I've brought you.
_Wolf._ Thank you, my child.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ How rough your voice is, grandmother!
_Wolf._ That's because I've such a bad cold.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ But how bright your eyes are, grandmother!
_Wolf._ The better to see you, my child.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ How long your arms are, grandmother!
_Wolf._ The better to hold you, my child.
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ And how big your teeth are, grandmother!
_Wolf._ The better to eat you--ugh! ugh!
[_The miller and the wood choppers rush in._]
_Mr. Miller._ Here's an end to you, Mr. Wolf! These men with their axes will stop your cruel deeds.
[_The wolf runs out, followed by the men._]
Come, little Red Riding-Hood, don't be afraid. The wolf can't harm you now. Here is your grandmother, who has just come home from the village. She will take care of you.
[Illustration]
_Little Red Riding-Hood._ Dear grandmother! I thought that the wolf was you.
_Grandmother._ Darling little Red Riding-Hood! How glad I am that you are safe. Now you must stay with me till your mother comes, and we will tell her how the brave men saved you and me from the hungry wolf. Won't she be glad to see her little Red Riding-Hood again?
GOLDILOCKS, OR THE THREE BEARS
PERSONS IN THE PLAY--GOLDILOCKS, THE DOLLIE, FATHER BEAR, MOTHER BEAR, BABY BEAR
SCENE I.--_Goldilocks in the Garden with her Doll_
_Goldilocks._ O dear! I do wish mother would come home. I am going to meet her. She told me not to go out of the garden lest I should get lost; but if I keep in the road, I _can't_ get lost! Come, Dollie, you and I will go just a little way to meet mamma.
How warm it is in the sunshine! I think we shall go into the shady wood a little while. Let us pick some of these pretty flowers to make a wreath--won't mother be surprised when I show her all these flowers. Here is a lovely red one; and here's another like a daisy.
How dark it is here! I cannot see the road. I wonder if I'm lost! O mamma, mamma! I'm afraid. Dear Dollie, I'm glad you are with me.
_Dollie._ But I'm afraid, too!
_Goldilocks._ Please, dear Dollie, don't be afraid. Why, there's nothing to be afraid of--oh!
_Dollie._ What is the matter, Goldilocks?
_Goldilocks._ Look, what is that?
_Dollie._ I don't see anything.
_Goldilocks._ I thought I saw a bear.
_Dollie._ Well, I hope not. I don't like bears.
_Goldilocks._ But there is a little house. Isn't it a funny little house? I wonder who lives there!
_Dollie._ Dear Goldilocks, please, don't you think we'd better go home? I don't like strange little houses in the wood.
_Goldilocks._ Perhaps a kind fairy lives there who will show us the way home.
_Dollie._ Yes, or perhaps she is the Gingerbread Witch who will turn us into gingerbread for her supper!
_Goldilocks._ Don't say such uncomfortable things, Dollie. She couldn't turn you into gingerbread, anyway.
_Dollie._ Well, I know I'm made of sawdust, but she might make mush of me for breakfast!
_Goldilocks._ I know you're fooling now, dear Dollie. Let's look in the window. I don't see anyone. I'll knock at the door. No one answers. Come, Dollie, we'll open the door and walk in. How nice and warm it is. There is a good fire in the kitchen stove.
_Dollie._ Yes, and I smell something good to eat.
_Goldilocks._ Here it is on the table--what pretty bowls--one, two, three! I'll taste the porridge in the big bowl first. O Dollie, it is too hot! I burned my mouth.
_Dollie._ Try the next bowl. Perhaps the porridge in the middle-sized bowl is not so hot.
_Goldilocks._ No, indeed, it isn't; but it is too cold.
_Dollie._ Aren't you hard to please? I'm so hungry I could eat anything.
[Illustration]
_Goldilocks._ Now this in the little bowl is just right. Sit down, Dollie, and we'll eat it all up.
_Dollie._ Do you think it is very polite for us to eat it all?
_Goldilocks._ You should have spoken of that before. It is too late now when it is all gone. Come, let us go into the parlor.
_Dollie._ Don't you think we'd better go home?
_Goldilocks._ How can we when I don't know the way? I'm tired, and I think I'll rest awhile in this nice big rocking-chair. But it's too high; I can't get into it.
_Dollie._ Don't move it out of its place.
_Goldilocks._ Never mind! I'll try the middle-sized chair. I don't like this, it is too low.
_Dollie._ Well, Goldilocks, you must not put chairs out of their places!
[Illustration]
_Goldilocks._ Oh, it won't hurt them. Now let us try this pretty little chair. Come, Dollie, I'll sing you a song:
Rock-a-bye, Dollie, in the treetop, When the wind blows, the cradle will rock; When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall And down will come Dollie, cradle and all!
[_Chair breaks._]
_Dollie._ Well, something broke then!
_Goldilocks._ Yes, the cradle and all came down that time. Dear, O dear! I wish I hadn't rocked you so hard. I wish I hadn't run away! [_Crying._]
_Dollie._ Don't cry, dear Goldilocks. Let us see what we can find in the next room. Perhaps some one is in there who will take us to your dear mother.
_Goldilocks._ O Dollie! I'm a naughty girl not to mind my mother. If I'd only stayed at home in the garden!
_Dollie._ Oh, see the big bed!
_Goldilocks._ I'm so tired I believe I'll climb in and go to sleep. But I don't like it. This big bed is too hard.
_Dollie._ And this middle-sized one is too soft.
_Goldilocks._ But this little one is _just right_. Go--to--sleep--Dollie--
SCENE II.--_The Bear Family in the Wood_
_Father Bear._ Well, little son, aren't you about ready to go home?
_Sonny Bear._ Oh, no, father! Let me play just a little longer. Here are such good places to hide in the shady wood.
_Mother Bear._ No, dear little sonny, we must go home now. It is getting late. It's time for you to have your supper and go to bed.
_Sonny Bear._ All right, mother dear. I believe I am hungry, and your porridge is always so good.
_Mother Bear._ Most children like porridge. Perhaps you can have a nice red apple, too.
_Sonny Bear._ Oh, goody! Little sonny bears always like apples, don't they, papa?
_Father Bear._ Yes, my dear. Mother, let me take your knitting basket. What are you making now?
_Mother Bear._ A warm cap for sonny. Isn't it pretty?
_Father Bear._ Very pretty, and he should be very glad he has such a good mother.
_Sonny Bear._ She _is_ a good mother, and you are a very good father, too.
_Father Bear._ Well, here we are at home again. But the door is open. I'm certain I closed it when we went away. Who has been here?
_Mother Bear._ Let us take off our wraps and have our tea.
_Father Bear._ Why, somebody has been tasting my porridge.
_Mother Bear._ What? Let me see! Some one has left a spoon in my porridge, too.
_Sonny Bear._ Oh, mamma! Look at my bowl! Some one has eaten my porridge all up.
_Mother Bear._ Never mind, sonny boy, you may have some of mine. But I wonder who has been here. Let us go into the parlor and see if anyone is there.
_Father Bear_. Who's been moving my chair?
_Mother Bear._ Some one has been sitting in my chair!
_Sonny Bear._ Look, mother! Some one has been rocking in my chair and broken it all to pieces! O dear! my nice little chair!
_Father Bear._ Never mind, Sonny Bear; don't cry. I'll buy you another chair at Mr. Wolf's store to-morrow.
_Mother Bear._ And now it is time for us to go to bed. Our little son is tired and sleepy.
_Father Bear._ I'll carry him up stairs. Come, sonny, there you are up on my shoulder.
Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross To see an old woman ride on a white horse. With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, She shall have music wherever she goes!
Well, who's been in my bed, I'd like to know?
_Mother Bear._ Why, look at my bed. Some one has been lying on my bed!
_Sonny Bear._ Come quick, Mother! Father, come! Some one is in my bed.
[Illustration]
_Goldilocks_ (_waking and frightened_). Oh, see the three Bears. Come, Dollie, let us jump out of the window. [_Runs away._]
_Mother Bear._ The little girl has gone, dear. Now you must go to sleep.
THE BIRD WITH THE BROKEN WING
PERSONS IN THE PLAY--THE BIRD, THE OAK TREE, THE MAPLE, THE WILLOW, THE SPRUCE, THE PINE, THE JUNIPER, THE FOREST FAIRY, JACK FROST
SCENE I.--_In the Woods_
_The Oak._ See that flock of birds coming! The winter is near and they are flying south.
_The Maple._ I hope they will not light on my branches; I like to keep my leaves in order.
_The Willow._ So many birds will break my tender twigs. I am sure I do not want them either. Here they come!
[_The birds fly over the trees._]
_Little Bird._ Oh, I can fly no farther! My wing is broken and I cannot hold it up. I am so tired and cold and hungry! I must rest to-night in this forest. I am sure some big strong tree will give me a resting place. I will ask this tall Oak, he looks so strong and his leaves are so thick and warm! May I rest in your branches to-night, great Oak Tree? I am a poor little bird with a broken wing and I am cold and tired and hungry.
_The Oak._ I am sorry; but my branches are all engaged by the squirrels, who are getting their acorns in for the winter. I have no room for strange birds.
_Little Bird._ Oh! I am so lonely, so tired! Surely the handsome Maple Tree will take me in. She has no acorns and so the squirrels will not be in her branches. Kind, lovely Maple Tree, may I rest to-night in your branches? I am a poor little bird with a broken wing. I will not harm your pretty leaves.
_The Maple._ My leaves tremble to think of taking in strange birds! My house is in perfect order and I cannot think of disturbing it. Please go away!
_Little Bird._ Oh, what shall I do? The Oak and the Maple are so unkind and I am shivering with cold and weak with hunger. Surely _some_ tree must be kind. Dear Willow, you are kind, are you not? Will you take me upon your graceful branches just for to-night?
_The Willow._ Really, Mr. Bird with the broken wing, I think you should have gone on with the other birds. I cannot take you in. I do not know your name or anything about you. Besides, I am very sleepy, and so, good night!
_Little Bird._ Oh, my dear bird friends, how I wish some of you were here! I shall perish with the cold if I must stay on the ground. Where can I go? The Oak, the Maple, and the Willow have all turned me away and the night is coming on.
_The Spruce._ Dear little bird with the broken wing, come to me! Can you hop up into my branches if I hold them down to you? See, here I am! I am not so handsome as the Maple tree, but my leaves grow thick and I'll try to keep you warm through the night. Come!
[Illustration]
_Little Bird._ Dear Spruce tree, how kind you are! I did not see you at first. Yes, here I am, on your lowest branch. How cosy and warm I feel. Oh, you are so good, and I was so tired and cold. Here I'll rest. I wish I could ever thank you enough for your goodness.
_The Spruce._ Do not speak of that, dear little bird; I am ashamed of the proud, selfish trees that would not shelter you. Should we not all be kind and helpful to one another?
_The Pine._ Well said, sister Spruce. And I will do my best to help you. I am not so strong as the Oak tree, little bird, but I will stand between you and the cold north wind. Rest warm and safe in the branches of the kind Spruce tree.
_Little Bird._ I thank you, tall Pine tree, for your kindness. You are a good brother of the Spruce and I shall rest well while you are both taking care of me.
_The Juniper._ I cannot keep the strong north wind from you, little bird with the broken wing, but if you are hungry, you may eat of my berries. Perhaps then you will rest better.
_Little Bird._ Thank you, dear Juniper tree. Why are you all so kind to me? Your berries are good, and now I am cold and hungry no longer. I'll go to sleep. Good night, dear trees!
_Trees._ Good night, little bird, and may you have sweet dreams!
[Illustration]
SCENE II.--_Midnight in the Forest_
_Jack Frost._ Here I am in the great forest. How I dislike to touch all these beautiful leaves; yet I must obey the orders of King Winter. Here comes the Forest Fairy. Do you know why I have come, dear Fairy of the Forest?
_Forest Fairy._ Yes, Mr. Frost. I know that you must touch all the leaves, turning them into brilliant hues of gold and crimson and brown. I dislike to have them go, and yet you and I must obey the commands of King Winter. But,--
_Jack Frost._ But what, dear Fairy? You speak as if you had some wish to make--what is it?
_Forest Fairy._ I must tell you. Such a dear little bird came to the forest this evening. He had a broken wing, and he was cold and very tired. He asked shelter from the great Oak, the proud Maple, and the graceful Willow,--and all refused. I was so ashamed of my trees!
_Jack Frost._ What! did all the trees refuse to help a poor, tired little bird?
_Forest Fairy._ Listen! just as I was intending to speak to the trees, I heard the Spruce tell him to come to her branches and she would give him shelter. Then the Pine tree offered to keep the north wind from him, and the Juniper gave him her berries to eat. Could you, dear Jack Frost--
_Jack Frost._ Yes, yes, I know what you would ask. Such kindness as this should meet with some reward. The leaves of the proud Oak, the Maple, and the Willow shall fall to the ground when the cold of winter comes; but the Spruce, the Pine, the Juniper, and all their family shall keep their leaves and they shall be green all through the year. They shall be called the Evergreen Trees.
CORNELIA AND HER JEWELS
PERSONS IN THE PLAY--CORNELIA, NYDIA THE MAID, JULIA, ELDER SON, YOUNGER SON
SCENE.--_Home of Cornelia_
_Nydia._ Madam, the lady Julia waits to salute you.
_Cornelia._ Bid her enter, I pray. It is not fitting to have her wait.
_Nydia._ She is at the door, gracious madam.
_Cornelia._ Welcome, thrice welcome, fair Julia.
[_Nydia carries Julia's casket._]
_Julia._ Thanks, dear Cornelia, for your kind greeting. May you and all your household have peace and joy.
_Cornelia._ And may those blessings be yours also, dear Julia. But tell me, what treasures have you in that charming casket?
_Julia._ A few poor jewels, fair friend. Bring me the casket, Nydia. These are some presents my parents and husband have given me.
_Cornelia._ I am so glad you have brought them to show me. You are very kind, for you know I greatly admire beautiful jewels.
_Julia._ See, here is a pearl necklace.
_Cornelia._ How lovely! Let me clasp it about your neck. It is very becoming. And what other gems have you?
_Julia._ Here is a girdle my mother gave me for a wedding present. Isn't it pretty?
_Cornelia._ Pretty! my dear, it is exquisite! Your mother showed much good taste when she chose this for you.
_Julia._ And here are some rings from the far East. See these emeralds and rubies; how they flash in the sunlight!
_Cornelia._ How well they look on your white hands! But I see something else.
_Julia._ Yes, this is my handsomest jewel, a diamond bracelet. This I like best of all.
_Cornelia._ They are all lovely, my dear friend, and I am glad you have such beautiful things.
_Julia._ But, dear Cornelia, where are your jewels? All Rome knows how rich your famous father, Scipio, was, and surely he gave you many handsome ornaments. Please show them to me.