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.

(_They place chaplet upon the head of 1897._)

_1897_: Here's thanks, my little people,
For this your posy sweet;
Your loving thought has surely
Made my happiness complete.

(_Enter Kriss Kringle, Santa Claus, Prince Rupert_, and _Babousca._)

Why here is old Kriss Kringle;
And Santa's coming, too;
Knight Rupert and Babousca,
I welcome both of you.
And from the frozen Northland,
I see a-riding down
The cheery old St. Nicholas,
Clad in his friar's gown.

[Illustration]

(_Enter St. Nicholas._)

(_Enter children, singing.