o.

_Guardian:_ I suppose a three-legged chicken has
come out of the shell, or a magpie has come before
you in your path? Or maybe some token in the
stars?

_Servant:_ It would take more than that to put
me astray.

_Guardian:_ Whatever it is you had best tell it out.

_Servant:_ To see lads of princes, sons of kings,
and the makings of kings, that were mannerly and
well behaved and as civil as a child a few hours
ago, to be sitting in a corner at one time as if in
dread of the light, and tricking and fooling and
grabbing at other times.

_Guardian:_ Oh, is that all! The poor lads.
They're out of their habits because of their Godmother's
Messengers coming. They are making
merry and funning, thinking there might be
messages for them or presents.

_Servant:_ Funning is natural. But blowing their
nose with their fingers is not natural.

_Guardian:_ High spirits. Just to torment you
in their joy.

_Servant:_ To get a bit of chalk, and to make
marks in the Hall of dancing, and to go playing
hop-scotch.

_Guardian:_ High spirits, high spirits! I never
saw boys better behaved or more gentle or with
more sweetness of speech. I am thinking there is
not one among them but will earn the name of
Honey-mouth.

_Servant:_ Have it your own way. But is it a
natural thing, I am asking, for the finger nails to
make great growth in one day?

_Guardian:_ Stop, stop, be quiet. Here now are
the Dowager Messengers. _(Two old ladies in
travelling costume appear; bowing low to them.)_
You are welcome for the sake of her that sent you,
and for your own sakes.

_1st Dowager Messenger:_ We are come from the
Court of the Godmother Queen, for news of the
Princes now in your charge;

She hopes they have manners, are minded well,
and never let run at large;

For she never has yet got over the fret, of their
five little cousins were swept away.

_Guardian:_ Let your mind be at ease, for you'll
be well pleased with the youngsters you're going
to see to-day.

They're learning the laws to speak and to pause--may
be orators then, or Parliament men.

_2nd Dowager Messenger:_ Are they shielded from
harm?

_Guardian:_

In my sheltering arm;
Do their work and their play in a mannerly way
And go holding their nose, and tipped on their
toes,
If they pass through a street, that they'll not soil
their feet.

_2nd Dowager Messenger_: And next to good
manners and next to good looks ...

_Guardian_:
I know what you'll sa