epper handy!
For, as a Brownie hates to sneeze,
Or blow his nose if it should tease,
Or any wholesome acts like these,
He can't abide Red Pepper!

_Prince_: Yet that's the name that's given me,
For, as you all can plainly see,
My hair is red as red can be--
In fact it's fiery scarlet!
And as my hair, my temper is;
So if a page my hair should quiz,
I waste no time, but straight pull his,
And thrash the saucy varlet!
So that is why the name I've got,
And as, when I am waxing hot
I frequently dismiss the lot,
They can't abide Red Pepper!

(_A dance can be arranged here with Prince, Cook, Kitchenmaid and
Cooklet_.)

_Kitchen_: Ah, sir, you will be brave and take the place?

_Cooklet_: Oh, yes, dear, brave, kind handsome man! Say, "Yes," and
calm our fluttering hearts!

_Kitchen_: For if we saw a Brownie we should only scream!

_Cooklet_: And die!

_Prince_: Why, then, if there's no choice save between myself and you
poor maids, why--I must do it. So, sir, I'll guard your pie to-night.

_Cooklet_: O dear, good, kind young man!

_Kitchen_: O noble, bold young man! (_Both kneel gratefully_.)

_Head Cook_: Get up, I say, get up! You kneel to me--not to zis beggar
fellow! And you, sir, get these dishes washed quick, slick, for here
ze Princess Fadeaway is coming with her ladies!

_Prince_: The Princess coming! (_He is agitated_.)

_Head Cook_: Yes. Every Christmas night she comes to pat ze crust wiz
her own fair fingers!

_Prince_: Then I shall see her!

_Head Cook_: Yes--but you need not let zat discompose you--she vill
not notice you. It is only to me she vill spik! Because I am Head
Cook! I am like royalty--only more so. She comes--she comes--let each
be in your place! Now bow, all bow!

(_A graceful march played. Enter Princess Fadeaway, attended by
Greening and Sweeting. The Princess is a sweet-voiced, gentle little
girl. Her ladies are gorgeously attired, and walk and talk in a
disagreeable, affected manner_.)

_Head Cook_: Welcome, Princess; the pie awaits your pleasure!

_Princess_: Good! (_She comes to the table, sees Prince, who starts,
and drops dishes. He stands staring at her; does not pick dishes up_.)

_Princess_: Why--who is this strange gentleman--

_Head Cook (shocked)_: Hush--hush--Your Highness, it is only the new
scullion!

_Princess (amazed)_: Scullion!

_Greening_: O Princess, how could you take that ragged creature for a
gentleman?