ious 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_.)

_Contrary Mary_: "Mary, Mary, quite contrary," they call me, Father
Christmas. I'm not contrary at all. Don't you believe it. Only I
_don't_ like to do just the same as other folks. That's the reason I'm
not going to give you one of my silver bells or my pretty shells. I'll
keep them myself for the present. Perhaps when it's Fourth of July,
or some other time when nobody else is thinking about giving you
anything, you'll hear from Contrary Mary. (_Flounces herself away to
place_.)

_Mother Goose_: Fie, fie, my child! Give your presents to Father
Christmas as you should. This contrariness grows upon you apace,
and must be checked at once. _(Mary obeys Mother Goose reluctantly,
pouting and muttering to herself.)_

_Little Tommy Tucker_: I am only little Tommy Tucker who sings for his
supper. All I can give you is a song, Father Christmas.

TOMMY TUCKER'S SONG.

(Air: "Ben Bolt.")

Oh, don't you remember when children were old,
And money grew up on the trees,
How we lived upon no