e the night.
Times are already mending at their worst;
Think of Spent Simmy when his roof-beam burst.

[Illustration:
_Well, men are men. But what I cannot bear
Is my poor Bet, my piebald Talking Mare,
Gone curby in her hocks from standing up.
That's the last drop that overfills the cup.
My Bet's been like a Christian friend for years._
]

His ruined roof fell on him in a rain
Of hidden gold that built it up again.
So, courage, and believe God's providence.
Lo, here, the city shining like new pence,
To welcome you; the Prince is lodging there.
Lo, you, the banners flying like a fair.
Your circus will be crowded twenty deep.
This city is a field for you to reap,
For thousands must have come to see the Prince,
And all are here, all wanting fun. And since
The grass was green, all men have loved a show.
Success is here, so let your trouble go.

_The Showman:_

Well, blessings on your heart for speaking so;
It may be that the tide will turn at last.
But royal tours have crossed me in the past
And killed my show, and maybe will again.
One hopes for little after months of rain,
And the little that one hopes one does not get.

_The Wife:_

Look, Will, the city gates with sentries set.

_The Showman:_

It looks to me as if the road were barred.

_King Cole:_

They are some soldiers of the bodyguard.
I hope, the heralds of your fortune's change.

"Now take this frowsy circus off the range,"
The soldiers at the city entrance cried;
"Keep clear the town, you cannot pass inside,
The Prince is here, with other things to do
Than stare at gangs of strollers such as you."

_The Showman:_

But I am billed to play here; and must play.

_The Soldiers:_

No must at all. You cannot play to-day,
Nor pitch your tents within the city bound.

_The Showman:_

Where can I, then?

_The Soldiers:_

Go, find some other ground.

_A Policeman:_

Pass through the city. You can pitch and play
One mile beyond it, after five to-day.

_The Showman:_

One mile beyond, what use is that to me?

_A Policeman:_

Those are the rules, here printed, you can see.

_The Showman:_

But let me see the Mayor, to make sure.

_The Soldiers:_

These are his printed orders, all secure.
Pass through or back, you must not linger here,
Block