IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) '"/■ /, ^/ A 1.0 I.I 1^12^ 12.5 Z Itf 12.0 Lil IIIIIJA 11.6 m fV <^ o ^ iiy^ iiiB'"imriitii"-""^-^-^"-^'"^' ^-/...^4, . f- ■ ' ■' •. ^'^^"WfUf. •"^ '^r . (*.• ■ ,;^U-.-Ufv >»■ ^If'^'l' t'H AftOtlViS MtMUOb OtTAWA.Oin« s %, 4'''''S IP'"!! 1'"I "iSf^'fl $'<>«^'- f M. MAIDEN MONA THE MERMAID. ^ lairif ^lajf for Mx^ ^tovU. BY F. A. D. TORONTO : BELFORD BROS., PUBLISHERS. MDCCCLXXVII. I Dudley & Burns, Printers. ^ . Hunter, Rose & Co., Bookbinder . TO THE ClllLDRI'jy OF lIIEllt /-XCKLLKyClKS, THE EAEL AND C0U1TTE33 CP DUFPEEIN. " TIIK FOR cl;ho0t (iThrietmas Juu thcsr jaiaue arc cilrittcn, THIS LirrLE VOLUME, I'Pi/A thin as soli' excuse for its nonsense^ IS c^ffcctioiuiteh) gcbicatcli. I\ 8yic^ MAIDEN MONA THE MERMAID. DRAMATIS PERSON^E. The Gnome King. — A penniless potentate who used to play first fiddle, hut has lost his key. O'RoosTER THE Audacious. — High Cockolorum. Master of the {rocking:;) Horse. First Lord of the Shaving Brush. Gold Stick in w[h)aiting to the King, and a tvartn stick, in plaster to Coquettina, Q.E.D, ; R.S.V.P. ; R.I. P. ; etc., etc., etc. Gknkral Bounce. — No relation to General De Billy Tee. Caitain Pounl — Not Kept-in-pounds, shillings and pence, alas ! Too poor to '* maxvwy.^^ Noodle, 1 Twins and orphans ; without, strange to say, a single parent > left, (of course, a single pair ain^t right.) Their prospects, Doodle. ) however, are in a fine pickle, zuhich is something. Mona the Mermaid. — Only a mer(e)maid she. , » The Queen of dainty, wte things. • Fresh from the seething waves. The last sweet thing in sea things. M-r-t-n T-pp-r; Coqukttina. — The Maid of the Mil(itary). Such a pet! The Fairy of the Forest. — " The sweet little cherubwho sits up aloft And takes care of the life of poor yack. " (Mr. Noodle. ) ' h)H-K-SP-R. CoRALlNA. — A duodecimo edition of a darling. I |) s CAST OF CHARACTERS. 'V/)- loVEHNMENT JoUSE txTAWA New Year's Day, 1877. ThkGxomeKlvg - . . . O'ROOSTER THE AL'DACIOUS - I' > 1 Good gracious ! What is ; his ? As I am alive, Why, it's a man ! I kriov. it is ! (Steps hurriedly on rock • though going to plunge into sea.) Ill dive ! I won't! (comes down) I \\ ill ! (goes uij) No! (Hesitates) Shall I ? Will it bite ? It's not a shark ? (goes u]' <'nd peeps, conies hack holding hand to heart) It's put m( " i a fright. Mona I you silly goose ! This palpitation Is strange perhaps, but no' i bad sensation. I rather like it. Is it feai ' No question ! I'm not afraid ! Perhaps us indigestion ? ♦ I'll take another peep. (Goes to Prince on tip toe , an J comes away rapidly^ clapping her hands). He's (harming, really ! If I could take him home 1 like to dearly. How nice he'd be to play ;th ! Shall I try ? He's fast asleep ! I'm sure lio wouldn't die. {Tries to raise him. He groans.) \ His clothes are wet, perhaps he's shipwrecked, too. (Prince slowly sii< up holding his hand to his side). Good evening, sir. (Curtes^djig). Prince Doodle. Good vening. How d'ye do? (Rises in- ith difficulty and comes forward). Where am I ? Who ai'e you ? What's this ? (Feels water.) It's water ! Maiden Mona the Mermaid. II ^e into sea.) 'h holding 'appingher Te groans.) 00. his side), do? forward), {Feels Mona. This is the Norway coast, and I'm its daughter. Young sir, you're wet ! your coat Might be a better 'un. I'm young ; but still you won't find here a wetter 'un, Mona. Tell me your tale, for stories I love well. Prince Doodle. Story ; why bless you ! I have none to tell ; , - Only last night, a-sailing on the ocean, There came a squall, at least so I've a notion. It stormed ! it blew ! it rained ! the lightning crashed ! We pitched and rolled, [iinitates motion of ship) and tossed, the thunder flashed ; The wind, it rose and howled, and so did we. Mona. That's very queer ! Pkinc:: Doodle. Things often are at sea. " Cut down the starboard stays'l !"^cried I. Then " Splice the jib-boom, there, to the cross-trees, men !" (Speaks excitedly, suiting action to words, and tisitig hands as speaking trumpet,) " Stand by to hoist the to'gallant sheet anchor ! Take a pull on the weather lee scuppers, my hearties I Let the mizzen binnacle go with a run I Mona. {Clapping her hafids with delight.) I like to hear you talk. Go on ! What fun ! Prince Doodle. {^Disgusted at interruption.) That's all. 12 Maiden Mona the Mermaid. i ! MoNA. {Dkapi)ointed.) That's not the end ? Prince Doodle. 'T won't take a min'iit. The ship she gave a lurch ; and — left us in it. Then to a hen coop clung the crew of forty-five ; Mona. They're di-owned ? (clasping her harods in ^ liorror). Prince Doodle. Oh, not at all ; they're all alive. They flew away. . Mona. ^ What, men ! Prince Doodle, No ; geese, my dear ! I'm rather mixed. Perhaps my head is queer. Listen, and I'll a tale unfold to harrow Mona. (Shrinking back) Ah ! Don't ! Prince Doodle. Mona. Prince Doodle. A tale to fr-r-r-r-eeze Oh, dear ! Your marrow ! Prince Doodle. {Loud chords and tremulo music through the foiloiving.) I have an uncle ! Mona. Not uncommon, surely. Prince Doodle. Some years ago, my poor papa felt poorly; Took to his bed, and — died — they say most queerly. My uncle deals in magic ? See you ? 1? hands in alive. men ! dear ! 'ow ! through Maiden Mona the Mermaid n )apa felt rly. Mona. Clearly ! Prince Doodle. My parent gone, th' apparent heir was I ! To gain the throne he wished that I should die. And then, because I couldn't see why he. Instead of I, the nation's king should be ; He shipped me off, alone, to go to see, Alone I said ! not so ! off was I cast With four and forty geese before the mast ! His parting words were these : — " Return, my dear, (Of course the whole thing was a jibe and sneer) " When'ere a mermaid's heart you hold in hand, *' And four and forty men before me stand, " In place of all these geese I send as crew. " 'Till then — ' reservoir !' my boy ! adieu !" Mona. Oh ! what a dreadful man ! Prince Doodle. He seized my brother ; And swore we ne'er again should see each other Until this mermaid I should meet, so kind, And then a mountain full of diamonds find. The thinfj is absurd ! There are no mermaids here, My uncle has the throii^'/i ; I'm fiiched out clear ! Mona. The diamond mountain of the Gnome Kinff. see {Points off L,) It's full of diamonds : full as full can be. Prince Doodle. What's that you say ? That moun- tain ! It's all rock. i 14 Maiden Mona the Mermaid. Hi Diamonds inside ! Oh, corae ! you only mock ! I'd like to see my brother — MoNA. What's 3^our name ? Prince Doodle. Oh ! Fm a Prince, Prince Doodle. Mona. "" What a shame ! Prince Doodle. My kingdom's in Cockagne, yon must have heard Of Cock-a-doodle-do. {^lue shakes head) That noble bird Was a remote progenitor. Indeed, Our pedigree, by Darwin, 3^ou can read. , Mona. I never learnt to read. Stay ! {]puts fingers to forehead) on me dawns, A'notion (triurri'phantly) that's where people live " en Prince V {^pronounce " on praivns.") Prince Doodle. (Aside.) A notion fishy ! (Aloud.) No, my dear, on shrimps ! Your friends? — They're? Mona. Mermaids. Prince Doodle. water-" nimps ?" Why w(h)at a — (looks towards her feet) tail ? * Forgive the observation, Is there not something queer in your format on ? (Hesitatingly.) You don't wear boots and shoes ? (aside) Ah, that a fix is ! They can't of course ! H I' \ ' me ? )oodle. me ! ?ne, yon at noble Ingers to ^e [Aloud.) (aside) Maiden Mono MONA. Why no( You never heard of mJen an« 1 PitiNCE Doodle. MoNA. Arounu our grolt hide. For harh. you've heard t' And liide and harlz make leai Prince Doodle. ' (Aside) I've traced my nigh 1 A mermaid ! Here's m v el How stupid ! (Aside.) Now aid me, Veni; MoNA. (Overhearioig cu Cupid ! I Why how the boy has gro\ " "Ma?" Mermaid. 15 My number s " sixes." ds f Yes, fried ! es, there(',s') sea-horse8(*8) ' moaning of tlie tied" v, eh ? Of course ! ao^e up to its sea-horse ; ce ! (Aloud.) Dear me ! \) Yenus ! He must be ! (Aloud.) Is she your Prince Doodle. Alas, sa\ t maid ! I am a norphan ! (sighs) Ah ! I With ne'er 2b ixireut, we're a i^'ir rent, too. MoNA. You have my syn thy, what can I do ! ' {Aside,/ ing hand to heart.) [Dear me ! That queer sensjin's come again ! Prince Doodle. Youi* mpathy, see, mends an orphan's pai??, My loving, lass ! * i6 Maiden Mona t/ie A/crniaid. MoNA. Your glass, I'd mend, Prince, but I Regret I've neither got cements nor putty. Prince Doodle. Say, could you learn to love ? Mona. (Innocently) You'll teach me your way ? Prince Doodle. It's plain ! No doubt it's much the same in Norway. {He puts arm round her waist and is going to kiss her, when he ' looks off L.) See ! yonder comes a J^'orse-maih on an ^orse ! Mona. Oh ! Let us fly ! The Gnome King ! Prince Doodle. Fly ! Of course If you'll fly with m- , dear, we'll never part. Mona. (Aside.) I've just discovered that I've got — a heart ! (Exeunt through opening at back R. U. E. Enter L. 2 E. The Gnojne King on a rocking horse, attended by Rooster the Audacious, General Bounce, and Captain Pounce.) Gnome King. Whoa ! Steady, boy ! Here take this beast away And stufl' his mouldy ribs with ancient hay. (exit R. U.E. Captain Pounce tvith horse ; he returns front) The only steed in all our royal stable ; We'd keep a dozen were we only able. The times are hard and out of joint 'tis clear. We're out of joints ourselves — and beer, Ha ! ha I (to Rooster.) Why can't you laugh ? Ha ! ha '. L'lrice, but I 3ve? r way ? i much the Maiden Moua the Mcniuxid. 17 KoosTEii. {(i'My:) ' He ! he ! G. King. What mean these lo9 ve econo- G. B. Burst up. G. K. The Infantry ? G. B. All here you see. {Enter Noodij:, c(n ftdl '[irlfute, toy (jint, bayonet Jured.) But he's a big one. Pray don't mention lialving-; I grieve to say it, but tlie army's — Noodle. {SepiUch rally.) Starving ! G. K. Here's insurrection ! mutiny ! revolt ! I'm not afraid, but })'raps I'd better bolt. (RoosTEu, General ami Captain ruv ojf\ li) G. K. Here officers, on your allegiance stay, Protect your monarch now, don't run away ! (Ru?is off R.) Noodle. (C leaning on fjun.) I must confess. I think it s i-ather hard. For sixteen weeks I've been here, mounting guard. I've eaten nothing but a rind of cheese, And that wont help a man to " stand at ease." I never get to mess, but into messes, The General's joint is when the loine he diesses. That's not the worst ; it's more than I can bear, To hear the little beggar cry " form square !" One into four, won't go. He says it will. Nothing goes into me I know, but drill. From morn till night he has me on my legs. He'll wear them oif " as sure as eggs are eggs." 20 Maiicn Mona the Mermaid. f m Ho talks of " udngH,'* as if I were a bird. '* By your left wheel !" lie cries. The thiiii,^'s absurd. I d like to know why should I but/ a wheel ! Ff I had any cash I'd buy a meal. ril strike. Along the shore, I'll take a stroll, Perhaps the waves will give a nice fresh roll. A witch foretold that here I'd meet my Ijrother. Alas, I fear we should not know each other. I'll put a board up, that will do to tell. ( Grfs a piece of plank atid writes on it in chalk. *' Dere brother I am hear close buy. Yours, Noodm:. 2b Mister Doodle. Places hoard ayamd rock, E.C.J It's fortunate at school I learnt to spell. (Exit Noodle, L. U. E. {Re-enter cautiously, Kmo, Rooster, General and Captain R.) G. B. The army's disinfected ! G. K. What's the reason ? Rooster. Off Avithout leave, he's gone. G. Bounce. ■ No leaf I it's trees-on I G. K. Pray cease your jokes, we have no time for fun. This is an unkind cut, much over done. The army gone ! Say, is there further ill ? Rooster. Allow me to present your tailors' bill. , ( Uif folds long roll of hill which runs . out on the floor) Maiiirn Moiia the McrniaiJ. %l R(JOSTER. U. BOUNO?]. G. K. It inn-ice\ General Bounck/z/A' his head carefully into room.) G. B. What, not at liome ! {Cottich down\ These parlours Id the sky| Are much like houses in Soho, .s*(> high. I'm out of breath, and she's out too, it's clear, I've had my climh foi* nothing. (Seef^ Coquetfina.l {Approachintj her) . Ah, slie's here ! My dainty duck ! my lamb, oy tender chicken ! The cherries on those lips are Avorth the })ickin'. I nrist take one, though she may fume and flounce, She'll not object as Mrs. General Bounce. (is about to hiss her, she starts t/p.'i CoQ. Ah, General 1 It's you ? G. B. (co)f fused) I'm hooking for — CoQ. your gout 1\ A taste of something good and nice. Ah, stout ^* I see it's up, (Looking at him meaningly.) You'd better take it down, (Points to door. )\ Gen. B. Now what a tease you are ! Come, do not| frown. Don't, Coquettina, of my love make light. You leant u])on my arm quite hard last night. Say you'll be mine, ('ome, Coquettina, do ! I am a sinofle man. Alaideu Mona the Mcrinaiii. 25 CoQ. You're big enough for two. ['ve only one objection. Gen. B. What is tliat ? •ray lean on me for life. CoQ. Laan ! why, you're fat ! Gen. B. Call me not lean, but say I'm buxom, plump, am no scare-crow, made to run and jump, ffo tell the truth, I like to take my ease, ['in not a sJcip'per witli a load of (f) " lees." )h, that this too, too solid flesh would melt |To less than sixty inches round the belt ! CoQ. You can't help that, 'tis you. Gen. B. Well then, suppose I My tissue is inclined to adipose. You could'nt add a pose with all that tissue. I'Twould be a poser if I were to kiss you. CoQ. Why what's possest the man ? I'd like to see you! Gen. B. Well, so you shall. Here goes ! {He at- tempts to chase her around stage, she easily elude,^ him. Knock heard at door. CoQ. Oh, dear, oh, dear 1 Mamma's come back ! Quick, General, get in here. (pushes him into cupboard, R. Business, he not liking to go in. Rap agaifi.) I Meet me beneath tlie liaunted tree to-morrow. 26 A/aiiit'tt Mona the Mcnnaid. ill! \ . r lit ,r TtEN. B. Adieu ! ('OQ. Pray go! (Ien. B. This parting's such sweet sorrow. {H c ^ocs into cupboard^ crush of hrokeji glass heard. He puis his head out again.) I've sat upon your glasses I COQ. Take it easy. My ohf^encG won't be long. Gen. B. (Sniffs about cupboard.) Your scents are cheesy. {/^xit into cupboard. She runs to door atid opens it. Etiter Capt. Pounce. She curtseys, and looks down demurely. He cofnes frofit, twirling his moustache.) Capt. P. So this is where you live, child, is it, weally ? You're up amongst the clouds here. CoQ. Yes, Sir, nearly. Capt. P. {Gallantly) For such a chewub quite a pwoper place. < {A side.) Upon m}'^ word, a vewy pwetty face ! [Looks out of tvindow at R.) And what a view ! All twees and sheep in flocks, And wolling waves awound those wugged wocks. (She is standing by him as he speaks the last words. He puts arm round her luaist.) CoQ. That's not a " wugged wock." Don't let it trouble you, But have you such a thing as a spare VV ? - sorrow. ird. He nts are ■ r opens it. ks doivii 'ache.) Ideally ? li early, jiiite a COQ. CJapt. p. Maiden Mona the Mermaid. 29 ( 'APT. T. Oh, weally, pon my life, you're vewy pwetty. CoQ. 1 thank you kindly, Sir. OAPr. P. ^^^ v^Q2X\y witty. fes. If I'd got some place to which to cawwy you, Jpon my word I'd weally like to mawwy you. CoQ. {Aside.) The darling! He's a man a girl can . love. Capt. T. {Looking on ground.) I fear I've lost it now. Your heart ? My glove. {Loua sneezing fr 07)1 aiphoard.) Hiat's that. GOQ. The ginger beer has burst a bottle. CJapt. p. It sounded vewy like a human thwottle ! {Rap heard at door,) , CoQ. Ah, here's mamma ! quick, hide in this, now, see ! {Puts hi7n into barrel. Business.) JTo-morrow meet me by the haunted tree {Throws doth over top of barrel.) [ril have such fun to-morrow for an hour. Capt. P. {Rising). Look here, I say, tliis bawwel's full of flour ! (She rims to him, forces him back and puts coverlet on again. Rap again. She goes to door and opens ii.) 11 28 Maiden Motia the Mermaid. {Enter Rooster the Audacious, a bi^ bundle of paper. tied with red tape, under his arm,) Roos. Miss Coquettina, is your Ma', within ? (Pulls out enormous watch from fob pocket.) I've twenty minutes left to woo and win. CoQ. To woo and win ! Upon my word that's funny 1 Rooster. Business is business, Miss, and time is| money. All night I sat up on affairs of State. I had to shave the King at half-past eight. At nine to black his boots and brush his hair. By ten, as President, I took the chair Of the Society for Reforming Cats — R. S. R. C. At twelve I sat on " Hats." CoQ. Hats ! Roos. Yes, and hatters, 'twas a much fell question. At one I had some lunch, and — indigestion. At two I had to meet a deputation — " Was it, or was it not, good for the nation That folks should be allowed beef with theii- mustard,"! It was a serious matter. frhe Jam 11 mi Isay C iNot R( Va R( Cc IPleas Re Cc G: 1 CoQ. ' Were you flustered 1 You' ! Roos. Oh, not at all, I said — If they could get it. C( 1 At two 'twas fjoino: on. Just OoQ. So's time. G. Roos. Well, let it; nil I! Till piofhf fli fpp mppfinnf>! • n. fnnndatinn «f,onft. Don Maiden Mona the Mci-inaid. 29 pien dressed the King for dinner ; had my own. ]ame here to pop the question — Will you wed ? jl must get back to put the King to bed. J8ay yes or no. ^'^^' * You'd better ask mamma. (/?ap at door.) |Not now 1 Some other time ! I^<)OS. Yes; Now! ^^0«- " ' Bah! CoQ. She may be angry. Get beneath the table. [Please. To oblige me. (loud rap.) . l^^^^s- Well, if I am abk'. uGets under table.) 1 must confess I feel how ill you treat me. CoQ. To-morrow, by the haunted tree you'll meet me. {Goes to door and opens it. £nterG,KiNG. She curtseys. He chticks her under chin. ) Gnome King. Well, lass, your pretty face I've long been missing. You've got a kiss I hope— CoQ. {Coquettishly.) It's always kissing. Just like a man ! He always misses kisses. G. King. It's very hard a man can't kiss his misses. I'll have your little head chopped off, Miss ! Pray Don't make me angry ! One ! two ! three ! Away ! 30 Maiden Mona the Mermaid. COQ. Well, if you must, you must then; Take it] There ! {She turns back of head to him as he is about to kiss hcr\ What did it taste of eh Sir ? . G. King. ; Eay ? No ! Him\ OoQ. Of course ! • It's all my own. G. King. Oh, game you're making:! CoQ. Oh, not at all. Sir, / don't go hay raliny. G. King. A kiss I'll have ! {Huns after her, catches her, and is going to kiss her, 2vlu}\ -' loud rap is heard at door, ) CoQ. Mamma ! G. King. I'd like to choke her,| CoQ. Dear me ! She's awful with the kitchen poker! You'd better hide, Sir. G. King. ' Where ? (Runs to cuph()ard)\ GoQ. ' No, no ! (he runs towavi barrel.) Not there ! (He runs to tahU]\ I have it ! Here ! pretend to be a chair. (She takes cover off chair and puts it over him luith armi\ extended so that he looks like a chair.) There ! Now you're safe, you need'nt now be daunted. Meet me to-morrow by the tree that's haunted. {Goes to door, opens it and looks o«/.)| What ! no one here ? how stiange ! who can it be ? Maiden Mono the Mermaid. 3« Perhaps I'd better go outside and see. {Goes outside. The " Fairy of the Forest " steps in and closes door.) FA-IRY. Ah, Coquettina! oh, you nauglity child ! Ill spite of all I've said, you ivill be wild. All right, Miss, I have such a rod in pickle I But first these gentlemen in here I'll tickle. « {Blows out candle. Stage darkens. She goes to cupboard and raps gently, then to barrel^ the7i to table., then to chair., and steps to back of stage. All four come out and grope in the dark, avoiding each other. They speak in whispers.) Gen. B. Here, Coquettina ! (Japt. T. Deawest ! Rooster. Where are vou ? ft/ King. Come to my arms, my Coquettina, do 1 {They all get into a circle in front of stage, each holding a hand of the other. Thejairy laughs, daps her hands., and fairies enter with lanterns hung at the end of their wands. Stage lights up. Quick curtain. ) m SCENE III. THE FOREST DELL i Hautited tree C. at back. A large rock at R. of tree, upon ivhkh Noodle is seated. Noodle, (Sneezing.) I've got a frightful cold. My M's and B's Are all mixed up, likewise my L's and D's. That Gnome King there, Oh, isn't he a beauty ! Because, he said, I ran away from duty. Fixed me by some enchantment to this stone, And here he's left me ever since, alone. (Takes bott/e from pocket.) Strolling the other day upon the sand, I Found this. B. R. A. N. D. Y. spells brandy. It isn't bad, though how did it come here ? There's been a shipwreck, that is very clear. The country's full of geese, too, it's absurd ! Which ever way I turned I found a bird, ' All dressed in sailor's jackets, caps and things, With spy glasses stuck underneath their wings. ii:;>i! Maiden Mona the Mermaid. zz {Enter Mona L. running.) MoNA. There, I've escaped them ! Now to find the shore, I don't think they will catch me any more. {Movei^ toivard tree.) It must be this way, I can scent the sea. Ah ! Who are you, sir, under that old tree. Noo. Don't be afraid, fair maid, I cannot harm you ; Glued to this stone these tones need not alarm you. 'm', iipn 1 1 can't get up {tries to rise.) Mona. Why not ? ^^^ The Gnome has tied me. Mona. You have a story. Tell me. ^^«- Sit beside me. (Mona sits on rock other side of tree.) Long years ago 1 was a boy. ^^^^- How strange! Noo. A little tiny boy, so high. ^^^^- ' A change I Noo. I had an uncle, and I was a piince. My father died. He seized the throne. (Mona sfa7'^s,) You wince. Mona. Oh not at all. Go on ! I've heard a tale. Like your's before. It's very like a whale. Noo. My tail ! there's more behind. He then seized me C iil! 34 ^fai^ien Mona the Mt'tnia'ui. i ii M And shipped inootK, a little boy, to sea. For many years I've wandered as a sailor, And earned my salt as cook on board a whaler. Shipwrecked upon this most unkindly shore, I've lived a wretched life ten years or more. The manikins who live down there below, Took me, and mad(^ me giant in a show : " Walk up ! walk up ! just going to begin." {imitates S/um'man ) That's what they used to say to bring folks in — " This giant is all real, no sawdust here !" MONA. Made you a giant, did they. That was queer. Nog. " There's no deception, gents ! no pads or straw !" And then they'd pinch my legs to make me roar. Stick pins into my calves. MoNA. '^ Oh, that was cruel. Noo. And if I would't act they'd stop my gruel. Well, now I've joined the army, serve the nation. That means long drills, stiff collars and starvation. I'll make a raft or boat, and get away, So sure as my name's Noodle, miss, some day. Mona. What name ? Noo. Why, Noodle, Mona. Noodle ? Noo. Why not Noodle \ Mona. You have a brother ? Noo. Miwkn Moihi ihf Mtnnaid. j| Whicli his iicaine is Doodle. ' {Triei, to risf.) Say, have you seen him ? Is my brother liere ? MoNA. He is. Noo. And I can't Jeave my stony 'c/^eey.' MoNA. I'll go and seek \\\m. {Exit 11) ^^^'^ ^"^tay! She's gone. What joy! I havu't seen my brother since a boy. {Enter Doodle hurriedly, L.) Doodle. I've lost my mermaid ! {^ees Noodle.) Ha ! Pray who are you ? Noo. {Aside.) Is this m^- brother ? Is your name Sir, Doo— ? Doo. It's Noodle ! (/s cjuing to rush towards him, hut stops short siuhknly.) Come though, this won't do I say, We must'nt take things in tliis easy way. ■ > Although perchance we may have had the same aunt. There may perhaps. Sir, be another " Claimant." I'd like to ask a question. ^^^' Ask a dozen. Doo. Pray, had your nurse, Sir, in the CUiards a " cousin ? '* Noo. 'Tis strange, but true. 36 Maiden Mona the Mermaid, iiii Doo. 'Tis well ! When you were able You kicked you poor old pa beneath the table ? (Noodle noih^ Say, did you once, upon your nurse's lap, By chance capsize a teaspoon! ul of pap ? Noo. I did ! I did ! The circumstance pecoolia, I now recall it. Which her name was Julia. Doo. Did you like sugar on your bread and bubtir ? (Noodle Tiocfo.) Used you to play at marbles in the gutter ? Noo. I must confess it. Doo. Now I think upon it. Had you a bouncing B. once in your Bonnet. Noo. I had ! I have ! In fact, as I'm alive, Not one bee onlv but a perfect hive. I Doo. Have you on your left arm a strav/'berry mark ? Noo. A perfect bed ! You'd see them in the dark. 'Tis he ! 'tis he ! My feelings I can't smother ; Come to my arms my lengthy long lost brother ! (Noodle tries to rise hut cannot.) Why don't you rise ? Noo. I can't, the Gnome King's bound me. I should have died down here if vou'd not found me. Doo. What's to be done ? {Trunk of free opens, and discovers the Fairy of the Forest,) li: Maiden Mona the Mermaid. 37 \ Fairy. Sprinkle him thrice, sprinkle him thrice, With the water that trickles And trickles and trickles Down from the mountain Here to the fountain. Sprinkle and say, ^ One, two, three and away, One, two, three and away. {Tnmk of tree closes again.) i Doo. Ah, here's the fountain, look i "^ (Runs off, R., and returns with 7vater in the palm of his hand. Throws it over Noodle.) One, two, three and away ! (Noodle spri7igs u^). He Ivmps. The brothers embrace) > Nog. I'm stiff as that old tree. Enter Mona R., carrying large gold key. Noma. You've found him, see ! Look here ! I'vt brought this key, Key to the diamond mountain. Come 1 be quick : We'll play that dear old dwarf there such a trick. Doo. We'll build a raft ; with diamonds fill each sack ; Set sail before he knows — Noo. And not come back. But where's your crew ? Doo. My crew ? Oh there's t\\v. rub, I hav'nt got a crew to sail a tub. A set of geese ! {Trunk of tree opens and shows Fairy of the Forest.) mf .'.,'{1 l! V,.'t i :li: !|' iFr 38 Maidoi Mona tJie Mcrntaui. Fairy. Sprinkle thrice, sprinkle thrice. And your geese, in half a trice Will disappear, and on the land, Four and forty sailors stand. {Trunk of tree closes.) Doo. A friend in need's a friend indeed they say. Madam, we thank you. Come, friends, let's away. Noo. Let's to the mountaiu ; there our sacks we'll fill. And get good fortune from a monstrous ill. - (Exeimf^ R., Trunk of tree opens. Fairy of the Forest descends., a?id comes forivard. Fairy. So far so good. Those captives stirred my pity, And Maiden Mona is so good and pretty. I hate that Gnome ; he is so tough and tarty, (looks off) Here's naughty Coquettina and her party. I'll sprinkle magic water on them all, And where they stand they'll stay until I call. {She returns into tree^ which closes. Efiter L. Coquet- tina hurriedly . She looks back as she enters.) CoQ. What fun ! they're coming all together here. I'll hide behind this tree. {Trunk opens, Fairy appears and sprinJdes her. She stops instantly) Fairy. You'll not, my dear. {Trunk el ^ses. Enter R. and L. King, Rooster, General Bounce and Capt. Pounce. Dif- ferent entrances. Music soft and staccato. At they advance to centre, they see each other.) Maideu Alona the Alcrmaid. 39 ay. J. ^e'll fiU. ? Forest ed my iks off) OQUET- 5re. ppears .r. OSTER, Dif- ■o. At ) All. Hallo! (Fairy appears ; sprinkles them. They stop short and each retains the position of the moment, Lime light. Scene closes in with cavern, same, as scene 1st, only opening at back closed in. Several sailors cross the stage from L. to R., carrying sacks on their hacks. Noodle and Doodle bring up the rear, each carrying a sack. They come front) Doo. There ! That's the last, the raft won't carry iriore. And now set sail, and quit this unkind shore. Where's Mona ? {Enter Mona, R.) MoNA. Here. Please, dear, before we go, T wish to say good-bye to friends below. Doo. I'm not a fish! Mona. It's done quite easily, We'll sink this cavern down below the sea. , {Enter L. King, Rooster, General Bounce Capt. Pounce, Coquettina.) G. King. Mind your own business, Miss, leave mine alone. I have a charm will turn you all to stone. {Makes passes in the air. Enter L. Fairy) Fairy. If you're not good you'll get another sprinkle. G. King. I'd rather be a lobster or a winkle. Mona. Then here's your ke}^ Remember, don't be cruel. 40 Maiden Mona the Merviaid. W h \ii •' :■!■ ,,'. .-"1 i-4 M if,.: i» 11 .iii' .„S!1 .. Noo. And feed your army. Give your giants gruel. Mona. We're going down. D'ye feel the motion ? Doo. . Well! It's easy as a lift in some hotel. {All give a slight jump as though the bottom had been reached.) Mona. We're there at last. Now let the water in. Don't be afraid, you will not wet your skin. (Scene at back and sides gradually opens to soft music, and shows the Mermaid's Haunt. (CoRALiNA descends in a coral car at back. Mer- maids B. and L.) Coquettina. This is my home. Good-bye, dear friends, to-night, And don't forget your little Mermaid quite. Fairy of the Forest. The bottom of the sea ! It's like a dream. CoQ. You've no society down here. Mona. The very cream. CoQ. Perhaps it's iced. I'm sure its very chilly. Gen. Bounce. It's all cold cream, of course, you little silly ! Mona. I hope you're all content. Maiden Mona the Mermaid. 41 gruel. 1 Noodle. tion? 1 Poor Coquettina here — Well ! 1 Doodle. Well, I don't know. Pray, where's her beau ? (Coquettina turns to Captain Poun^.) Captain P. Ah ! Weally sowwy ! Can't be done I fear, When my superior officer is here. ., {She turns to General BouTice.) Gen. B. Well ! Hem ! The situation's most unpleasant, But as for matrimony ! — not at present. Our friend here will oblige. Come, Rooster, say I {She turns to Rooster.) Rooster. Too busy, now. Pray call another day. OoQ. Oh ! very well ! I'm sure that I don't care. I'll join the " Ladies Club." They've no men there ! G. King. A gnome's un homme for all that. Here's my key, • . C. flat's found often down below the G. One thing I know, if once I get above, No man shall say the Gnome is crossed in love. Gen. B. a soldier's duty lies in drill and glory. But as for love, well, that's another story. Capt. p. Well, weally ! Take things easy is my motto : But faucy catching shwimps here in a gwotto ! {Pretends to catch Shrimp swimming past.) 4« Maiden Mono the Mernm'id. f 11 IB Doodle. (Putting his arm round Mona's waist) Though strange, a mermaid's heart I hold in hand! My geese are changed to sailors ; there they stand. We've found the diamond mine — Noo. And filled each sack. Doo. And as for uncle {Turning up Coat cuffs.) Noo. Wait till we get back ! MoNA. Since all things wrong are now at last made right. We only have to wish you all good-night. (Red and green lights.) CORALINA. Fairy OF THE Forest. General Bounce. Captain Pounce. Gnome King. Rooster. MoNA. , COQUETTINA. Doodle. Noodle, Curtain. s waist.) ' hold in i. ch sack. rs.) it made t8.) riNA. OODLB,