Boards fO Cents Paper 25 Cents n i^^-*'^- .2-?! pENN PuBLISHIN(j(?A\PANY I .Eg. ' Philadelphia* LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Shelf...i.t...2 ONITED STATES OF AMERICA. EASY ENTERTAINMENTS FOR Young People CONTAINING THE COURT OF THE YEAR, A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS, THE SNIGGLES FAMILY, DOCTOR CURE-ALL, THE COURTING OF MOTHER GOOSE, VICE VERSA, AND MY COUNTRY Philadelphia The Penn Publishing Company 1892 7- N ^^S-v .v Copyright, 1892, by the Penn Publishing Company CONTENTS THE COURT OF THE YEAR A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS THE SNIGGLES FAMILY DOCTOR CURE-ALL THE COURTING OF MOTHER GOOSE VICE VERSA MY COUNTRY The Court of the Year AN ENTERTAINMENT ILLUSTRATING THE MONTHS AND SEASONS BY MEANS OP Recitation, Music, and Tableaux By MRS. E. C. WHITNEY The Court of the Year DRAMATIS PERSONS. The Nineteenth Century— An aged monarch. The New Year— An infant. January, February— Two old men. March— A blustering, red-faced woman. April— A young miss of winning appearance. May, a young, beautiful girl. June, ^ July, l Three young ladies. August, ) September— A young matron October— A middle-aged woman of ruddy looks. November— An elderly man. December— a very old man. NOTE. The poem which these tableaux illustrate may be read or recited in sections, by two or more children, or recited by one who has good imita- tive powers. (Recited in costume, would be effective.) The scenes them- selves furnish room for the exercise of ingenuity and taste, which can make the rendering of them exceedingly attractive, either in vestry or parlor, on a week-day evening, and they can be very simply or elabo- rately arranged to suit the wishes of the performers. First Tableau THE CHRISTENING OF THE NEW YEAR By January An altar. January (dressed like a clergyman, in surplice and wig) stands before it. A silver basin, with water in it, at his left. In front of him stands the "Century," a very aged monarch, with crown on his 3 4 THE COURT OF THE YEAR head, arrayed in a robe of purple and ermine. (A rich shawl, with tissue-paper crimped to represent fur, can be used effectively, or a maguificent robe be provided, as circumstances favor.) The " Century " holds the New Year in his arms, while January holds his right hand over the child, as if in benediction. Altar drapery and candles heighten the effect. Also palms and cen- tury plants. Second Tableau JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ENGAGED IN CONTROVERSY A little old room. Rafters (if easy to have them). An open fire (a coal grate, with wood and tinsel to rep- resent fire, will do, and is easily arranged). The two men are seated in arm-chairs (or old rocking-chairs). A window at one side can be produced by a large clothes horse, draped with some dark material, and an open square cut in it, the flap of which can be caught up like a small curtain. January still wears his minis- terial stock about his neck, a black band of considerable width, nose glass, and a flowing wig and beard. Feb- ruary is in ordinary clothing, snow-besprinkled, and also wears a white wig (both wigs are powdered, like frost). Third Tableau MARCH The two men are still by their fire, but staring at the open window, through which March is peering. Janu- ary is half rising from his chair, listening with wonder THE COURT OF THE YEAR 5 to the words of blustering March, who is a red-faced old woman, wearing a tawdry bonnet, with flying red strings. She stands without, her face and shoulders only visible, looking in upon them, and shaking her fore- finger at them, with a vindictive look upon her face. Fourth Tableau APRIL January and February seem to be at peace with each other, and are now looking toward the open door, on the sill of w T hich stands little April, a young miss with curls. She wears green, aud crystal drops (beads) are glistening in the folds of her dress ; on her cheeks a glistening, as of tears, is apparent. A crown of cro- cuses is on her head (this can be made of paper). She bears green sprays in her hands, and looks smilingly at the two bewildered veterans. The two men are ad- vancing to meet her. Fifth Tableau MAY The room is now brightened by some small trees or shrubs, and some budded plants, and May, a young girl, with apron full of blossoms, is crowning the old men with apple blossoms. One has a crown already, and she is in the act of putting one on the head of the other. A bird whistle is heard behind the scenes, and one or two birds (stuffed) may be perched on the boughs in sight. Grass and leaves are strewn over the floor. The fire has burned low, and February is advancing with an armful of brush toward it. May wears a garland on her head and a dress of green and yellow. 6 the court of the year Sixth Tableau SUMMER June, July, and August, three blooming girls in tasteful summer costumes (July in white),; a colored bodice with shortened skirt is effective. Straw hats, and slippers laced with narrow, colored ribbons which cross and tie above the ankle. June is garlanding the wall with roses. July has a rake, and stands near a hay mound. August reclines under a shade of boughs. Baskets of berries are near, flowers also, in pots, and scattered about in profusion. (After this tableau, "The Last Rose of Summer " may be sung behind the scenes by one or more voices, or it may be omitted.) Seventh Tableau "EARLY AUTUMN "—SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER September, a young matron, dressed in yellow. She wears a chaplet of slightly colored leaves (bayberry preferred). Her hat, which lies at her feet, is of rustic straw and trimmed with asters and dahlias. In her hand are goldenrod sprays. She reclines or leans against her sheaves (corn may be substituted). October, a middle-aged, ruddy-faced matron, in a russet dress with pink trimmings, stands, with palette and brush in her hand, surveying a fiery sumac tree (artificial leaves will do). She wears a crown of brilliant autumn leaves. Grapes, apples, and plums, in baskets, are near at hand. the court of the year 7 Eighth Tableau NOVEMBER An elderly man. His clothing is of a sombre tone. He wears a long beard, and has a kindly expression on his face. The " Crops of the Year " lie all about him, fruits, vegetables, and grain. On the stubble (or dead grass strewing the ground) lie pumpkins and corn. A rustic table is spread with an attractive display of fruits — apples, etc. November stands smiling encour- agingly at a frightened-looking little woman, who wears a gay bonuet and drab dress, and has a profusion of long yellow curls, falling either side of her cheeks in- side of her bonuet. She is looking toward Jack Frost, who is standing in the doorway, his coat covered with snow, his beard bristling with ice-drops (beads). He is surveying the Thanksgiving table November has pre- pared. Ninth Tarleau WINTER December, a very old man. He wears a black robe, trimmed with white fur (paper can produce this effect). His locks are hoary. He looks at November, who is retiring from the room, with an approving smile. A glowing fire (tinsel) is on " the hearth/' and on the wall are white wreaths, dead grasses, with crystal drops. Leafless branches are hung with bits of silver (paper), diamond dust scattered over the stubble on the floor. Jack Frost is radiant with icicles and silver dust. He bears a gorgeous silver banner, and stands pointing to a 8 THE COURT OF THE YEAR Christmas tree near by, loaded with real or imitation gifts, streamers, etc. This tree may afterward be di- vested of its contents by the children, who see it for the first time in this tableau. Tenth Tableau FINIS The months are kneeling in a semicircle about De- cember, who stands with outstretched hands, look- ing upward, as if imploring a blessing upon them. The tree is now lighted for the first time, Jack Frost stand- ing near with a coronet of lighted wax tapers on his head (these tapers are stuck into the points of his silver crown). He holds toys in his hands toward the chil- dren. (This tableau may be gotten up very simply or gor- geously, according to the requirements of the occasion. It is always a very striking one.) THE COURT OF THE YEAR 9 PAKT FIKST. First Tableau — The Christening of the Year. I. By the embers so low, in a room dark and dreary, w Sat a queer little man with a look wan and weary, And his name was January. At the sleet-stained panes he sat gazing awhile, And then over his face stole a grim, bitter smile As he spoke to February. II. " So you taunt me with l cold, inhospitable ways V But now, pray, run your eye over your list of days, And point me to one, if you can, That bewilders the heart with its wealth of good cheer As the day when our young kiug, the baby New Year, Was christened by frosty old Jan." III. With a poke at the coals, which emitted a spark, Esquire February took a seat with a jerk, And replied thus to his brother : " To be sure, you can boast of your one happy day, But please show me, in all the sweet annals of May, Or her sister months, another IV. " Bright series of days, that are finer or softer Than I give the earth, when with jubilant laughter I break up your frost and your snow ! 'Tis true that my advent, amidst all your clatter, 10 THE COURT OF THE YEAR Partakes of your sharpness, but what does that matter, When from worse to better I go ?" Second Tableau— January and February. V. " You boastful old fellows ! I think I'd do better Than sit by that ghost of a fire. You're wetter Than two deluged rats, I'll be bound ; Jan's clothes are all frost — as for Feb's, you could wring 'em, Despite his ' soft days,' when he knows that I send him My herald to dry up his ground. VI. " That when my swift car, with its fine band of breezes, King Boreas its chief aud selecter of pieces, Rolls on in the train of the year ; Our wheels may not sink quite to China below (It makes our good trumpeter always fume, so Feb's heart ought to tremble with fear). VII. " Very oft, w 7 hen the Earth needs her ironing done, I dispatch my good west wind, with plenty of sun, To help Febby with his spring work ; Yet, if dryness occurs, be it ever so small, It at once sets him up so outrageously tall (The thankless, hard-hearted old Turk!") VIII. " The loud-talking vixen, the wrathful old creature Y* Forgetting their feud, they now turned toward their preacher, THE COURT OF THE YEAR 11 And beheld, through chinks in the pane, Brazen March peering in, her red face all glowing With her silly attempts at listening — and blowing, When they heard one calling again. Third Tableau — March. IX. In the doorway stood April, her locks all awry, " Blown to pieces," she said, with a dolorous sigh, "By that band of wrathful breezes. Dame March surely errs when she flatters those creat- ures, The briefest acquaintance with them serves to teach us They do give us naught but sneezes." X. In her eyes lingered tears, yet her lips curved with smiles ; In her curls were wreathed crocus-buds, sweet were the wiles Of the little changeable thing ; Such a scent of new earth and soft tufts of young green As she shook from her apron, with daintiest mien ! (The dear little daughter of Spring !) Fourth Tableau — April XL u Over hill, over dale, from the South-land I've come, With my gifts from the tropics to gladden your home ; Just peep from your casement and see ! 12 THE COURT OF THE YEAR All the trees are resplendent in holiday dress, The sweet lilac is pluming, the willow's soft tress Is curled for the grand jubilee. XII. " The little arbutus has donned her pink satin, The little gold robin is trilling his matin, All Nature is blithe as the lark. ' Come, rouse ye, and shake off the gloom of the dawning, Come share with the blue-bird the glee of the morning Nor longer nurse that feeble spark." XIII. " Who is this ? " queried Febby, then swift through the door Lounded light-footed May, with her gay pinafore Full of buds. With curtsey and blush She bedecked both her sires with apple buds, well, How those grim faces brightened, I never can tell, How they heaped that fire with brush ! XIV. "If we'd known you were coming we'd not have sat thus, With all things so cheerless. — And heard you our fuss f " " Oh ! yes, friends, but be of good cheer ; June is coming with roses to garland your wall, She will soon make this chamber a gay, festal hall Befitting the Court of the Year." THE COURT OF THE YEAR 13 PART SECOND. Fifth Tableau. — May. XV. A SUMMER CHORAL. Introduction. Mrs, E. C. WHXTHEY, £eE lsBEg^^g= M—^—M- r^zr*: -&-*-& ^ ^r +t Voice. qssurq^zzrr ^^ =*=*=i£ Wait-ing, wait-ing for r ACCOMP. _^. g^;=S=g==!g: tiie snow-flakes and the bit - ing p^ =t ,1- -r.. i :«= =i=gt: rqr •Ifc ztr winds to go, Now the ten- der Spring is call -ing at =f=£n *£=*= -f I mEE*E^*EE?E 3EE =t= us to speed the Sum-mer's glow ; From the mist - y =i^I=*=i {=== 1— 111 s=s= Et3 14 THE COURT OF THE TEAK „_# _p^ _^ 1 H-i -tPr— = — ' J * — 2 F~ ■H ! J m- ~ r m=- : ^t? «^ fL^ • _*___^ «i ^ j hills we've gath-ered dew to feed the new born flowers, I^^-F— I r . t -r — i — ' — r t»=-=M ztz&izziB-Ez *=£= 3= £=*= =t =p=£ =t =t=tzt= -E; m And the yel - low noon-gates o - pen, warmth to shed o'er =at=r=«= 4= =(r.: =£= 1 rt = =b — t: =t= =tz: £%■-£— ' "■* — i Chortjs. , — .J — -i— -1 - flor ' P - al m bow'rs. —Si d— Hey - day! — p i~ - ? fields -m- - m ■ - m Of -m- W - - £ : hay, f m - p- h — 1 1 — — 1~- L - r 3 4- SE*=*^ ?=3= =gt= uJ the balm of May; Rnst-ling trees, ! I Bpi - cy H J3L EtEtb: m -r =**= 4 S^S hum - ming bees, Wild - wood cho-rals all the day ! =£= I T t- -i 1 — THE COURT OF THE YEAR 15 Rosy June spread her leaves and reared high her green domes Where the zephyrs went wooing and birdlings found homes ; Then midsummer fell with its hush ; Sweet July dropped her berries; in hay-scented dells Droned the bee, while the fruits and the tropical bells Of August hung heavy and lush. Sixth Tableau — Summer XVI. " If you seek for perfection, soft airs and fine flowers Cannot make an Eden without help of ours," September now smilingly said ; " I will bring my ripe fruits and my silken-eared corn, Golden sheaves from the wheat-field, this still, amber morn, To add to the bounty you've spread." XVII. Bright October came next with her palette and brush, All her garments were dyed in the sunset's pale flush, And she spoke with a winning grace ; — " I will fresco this fair, paradisal abode, Though I grieve that decay must these bright hues cor- rode As night shrouds the sun's golden rays. XVIII. e< See ! the royal-robed clusters are purpling the wall ; All the fruitage is ripe for the gardener's call, And paved is the orchard's brown floor 16 THE COURT OF THE YEAR With the russet and plum. In the sunlight mellow See the glorified sumac! — How swiftly the yellow Leaf-mold strews the dead landscape o'er I XIX. " List ! the Maple is chanting a burial lay To the Spruce — lovely type of immortality In her vestments of living green ; Like the soft golden haze of Earth's harvesting day, May the sunset of life find in shining array Waiting souls for the Court of Heaven." Seventh Tableau — Early Autumn — September and October XX. " Dear, oh ! dear, 'tis a shame," whimpered June to July, €t That November must come and set all things awry In this beautiful home we've reared I" — "Do not shun me, my children," the aged voice said, " For who knows but what I too some glory may shed O'er the twilight hour you so dread ? XXI. " 'Tis true I must send to these dear cherished bowers The breath of my North-wind that blasts all the flowers But in this frail Eden below Are you promised exemption from death and decay? Doth not each passing hour toll life's sands away And is it a sad truth to know? THE COURT OF THE YEAR 17 XXII. " Under Earth's blackened mold lie the germs of new life; Resurrection must follow death's conquering strife ; The rose and the oak-leaf decay ; But the life-giving Spring clothes the earth with new bloom, As the glorified body comes forth from its tomb Soul blending through eternity. XXIII. " E'er we part, though to meet in a twelve-month, I trust, I desire to spread you an autumnal feast Of the fruits and crops of the year ; At my Thanksgiving banquet you all must sit down, Indian Summer, my own love, I see wears a frown, For the ungallant Frost draws near." Eighth Tableau — November XXIV. Very sadly regarding these relics of glory Stood an old man in ermine, his locks damp and hoary ; But he lent an attentive ear To these words ; with a nod (full of grace) at November He remarked, " It is true that I ought to remember Youth from age may not care to hear." XXV. " I am old, but the frost o'er my heart sheds no blight, There the love-light of age burns a flame, pure and bright ; 18 THE COURT OF THE YEAR And see how my hearth is glowing ! Come now, sit by its blaze, into Winter's ear pour The sweet tales of your pastimes, the fond songs of yore, For weary the year is growing. XXVI. " I will wrap tired Earth in my mantle awhile, Till the jubilant Spring wakes her up with its smile; The softest of robes I will weave For my bare forest children ; your tears shall be gems, And your cypress- weed crowns; all my gifts are em- blems Of glory, then why do you grieve? XXVII. " Mid my forests of silver and rivers of pearl, Icy turrets so chilling, your banners must furl ; The Frost King has rule o'er the land. Yet though icicles hang from his banners of steel, He will tell you of Christmas, and with right good- will Lay his gifts into each open hand. Ninth Tableau — Winter XXVIII. " Come kneel in a circle, take my benediction, Both sire and maiden. If mortals will here Be true as the seasons to life's obligations, Peace and plenty shall gladden each Happy New Year." Tenth Tableau — Finis A Carnival of Sports AN ENTERTAINMENT REPRESENTING SUCH POPULAR SPORTS AS Tennis, Archery, Base-Ball, Boxing, Foot-Ball, etc. By l/ Verend Minster A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS BY VEKEND MINSTEB King Carnival, seated on his decorated throne, in colors suitable for a gala-day, at therigntof the stage, and holding a silver trumpet and wand, calls for his subjects, who represent the various popular spo its in turn. They advance to the sound of music, as summoned, bearing the imple- ments of their respective games, first bowing low in obei.-ance to their monarch, and then advancing to the front of the stage and taking suit- able positions for speaking. After delivering their messages they retire in a similar man tier, after making homage to their king. King Carnival. — | N palmy days of old, when Greece and Rome held -A sway, Athletic, manly sports engaged man's time and thought. The great Olympic games, the coliseum at Rome, Grand trials of speed and strength were what men talked about. Men feared not to shed blood ; men flinched not when attacked ; For pride in self-control and strength of frame ran high. A gentler age holds sway, and men refrain from scenes Or' cruelty and rage. But still men throng to see A race of trotting stock, a soldiers' grand parade, A day of sports w 7 here men engage in trials of skill. Such, here, is our attempt. We do not advertise A show professional. We only bring to you A few familiar sports as we can show them here. The game of tennis first we beg to introduce. 3 4 a carnival of sports Tennis. I Enter four with tennis costume, balls, and racket."] Spokesman. — In playing games, so many ways the world has found employment That none are sought for in these days that don't afford enjoyment. Indeed, some games there are in vogue that life and comfort menace ; But naught like this can e'er be charged on innocent lawn-tennis. Some men who guard their daughters well and closely watch their sporting, Appear to have a secret fear of anything like courting. But when they find that neither law nor love controls this sport, They let them have a racket light and enter tennis court. And mothers fond, whose sons, turned loose, are apt to make them nervous, Have no complaint if they acquaint themselves with this neat service. A miser, e'en, whose care for all is scrupulously nice, Cannot restrain his scheming brain from this glad enter- prise. He hears it talked of, calls his son, and bids him straight- way learn The rules and regulations here for making a return. And maidens shy, who would not try to make a single rap If at the end they thought 'twould send their feet into a trap, A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS (For should a man propose a ban 'twould set them in a rage) Behold the net, and never fret, but in the sport engage. The game is safe, it will not chafe a player's nerves though weak, And one who tires finds exercise of which all highly speak. All four, forcibly. — Yes, tennis is the game for me, And tennis suits us all, For what will lend us fresher glee Than racket, net, and ball ? [Exeunt] Archery. King. — There is a sport called Archery, Of course, you all must know 'Tis popular with ladies, too, Each belle must have a bow. And while in shooting Cupid's darts They get things strangely mixed, There's many a youth whom bright eyes pierce And leave his soul transfixed. [Enter young lady archer with bow and arrows. Speaks :] But when a lady tries to shoot The arrow made of wood She draws her bow At arm's length so, [Illustrating by a side presentation.'] And finds that it is good. At first she shakes, such pains she takes, 6 A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS But when she's learned the game The arrow sings, the target rings, So certain is her aim. The game is sure to fascinate, For, gayly as a lark, The bow is beut, and she has sent The arrow to its mark. Eater small boy. Speaks : The small boys have to try this sport — (The way the Indians shot), And grown-up boys the arrow poise, For they forget it not. \_Exeunt.~\ Base Ball. King Carnival {rising). — Our national game I rise to proclaim. {Enter two, representing base-ball pitcher in uniform, and catcher with gloves, mask, and shield.] K C (continuing). — From musty old histories, laid up in drawers, We read of artillery used in the wars. But none of that kind appears here on the slate, For that sort of nonsense is quite out of date. Catcher. — Cause why ? cause without any censure or flattery Ba<*e-ball has developed a much improved battery. The batter, you know, is the man at the bat, The catcher he wears a wire cage for a hat, And a breast-plate of leather to ward off foul tips. (He needs a cold stove-lid to cover his lips!) A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS / The pitcher and catcher have turns at the bat, But they do their best work when out, for all that. Pitcher. — The man with the mask on receives the hard knocks, But the brain-work is done by the man in the box. He studies the batsman and marks where he swerves, And theu he delivers his most puzzling curves. He bulldozes runners by feinting to throw, And heads off the reckless who venture to go. He scoops in the hot ones, embraces the pops, And even the grounder he frequently stops. He gets them to second, and swift as a bird He heads off a runner just coming from third. He often retires them in " one, two, and three," And steps to the bat with remarkable glee. The papers next day sound his praises aloud And say he played ball more than all of his crowd. While as for the slugger who lent him support They say that his movements afforded much sport. They tell that with credit the ash he did wield And pasted the leather all over the field. Indeed, ere the playing had hardly begun He sent a sky-scraper and bagged a home "run. They criticise sharply, and tell of passed balls (Turned loose by the umpire's irregular calls). But talk as you choose to, the truth you can't shirk, The battery did all the liveliest work. \_Exeunt.~] Table Games. \_At this point King Carnival from his throne at one end of platform points to two couples seated opposite, playing respectively tiddle-de-winks and chess, saying ;] 8 A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS Our spooniest lovers, as every one thinks, Are over there playing at tiddle-de-winks, While as for the others, indeed, you would guess By their scowls and their silence they're playing at chess. [Enter two feather-weights wearing boxing-gloves and ready for practice. ] Boxing. K. C. continues. — The human frame has wondrou3 traits, The mind has wondrous notions, The muscles and the sinews aid In making wondrous motions. Just take two lads of even build And let them go to sparring, There's not a nerve in either frame But that secures a jarring. When two engage in clashing arms, Or even smashing faces, The looker-on perceives the game A deal of sport embraces. [The two square off and one of them addresses the other, suiting the action here and there to the word.] Come on, you're challenged to engage, And I have never met two Who couldn't fill a fair-sized stage In one good lively set-to. Come up! don't stand there leaning back, For fear you'll get your head hit, I never made a strong attack, Excepting when I led it. A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS 9 Take this — and that — with compliments — And here's another coming, You'll have to make a sharp defense To keep this business humming. [ The contestants rain blows one upon the other for a few moments and then retire.] Foot-Ball. [The foot-ball representatives, a boy and a girl, enter un- announced and take positions well to the front of stage in position for conversation, in which the girl leads.'] Girl.— When fellows want a lively time, A scuffle free for all, They like to rush around and kick Each other like a ball. Of course there has to be a ball, And foot ball is the game, But then it means to one and all A scuffle just the same. The fellows never quite intend To break each other's bones, But then the game is sure to end With bruises, limps, and groans. Lad. — Well, where's the fun if boys can't rush And try their strength of limb ? I hate to hear such silly gush, 'Tis too much like a hymn. These girls can't understand a game Unless 'tis hide-and seek 10 A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS Or playing dolls, or pussy-cat, Or something quite as meek. For lively from a good hard run, With kickers tearing round, Will make one feel his strength of heel Before the goal is found. For twenty lads or more to kick Together at a ball May quite confuse or somewhat bruise Each other now — that's all. [Exeunt] Croquet. [Enter troupe of four or six girls."] First Girl. — - The men claim authority over the courts, And boys will monopolize most of the sports. They do the prize-rowing, they manage base-ball, They handle the cricket, and try to run all. But while many times they secure their own way, They have to stand back when it comes to croquet. Sometimes we allow them a mallet and ball, And rarely a champion over us all. But out on the lawn we can claim equal right And settle our merit according to might. From start until finish, with players well matched, The game has a charm that is closely attached. So long as one ball is kept back from the end Uncertainty will its encouragement lend, To those who, though seeming behind in the race, Keep hoping at last to secure the first place. A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS 11 Second Girl. — 'Tis fun when a player has rather loose nerves, To say, " You can't hit," and mark where his ball swerves. Or when one, with quite over-confident air In playing makes blunders, the way he will stare As others creep past him, is apt to amuse If he is the victim of some clever ruse. 'Tis sport for just two in the game to enlist, You've tried it. Ah ! no? Then enjoyment you've missed. Quick played, quick decided, unless some gross flaw In the lawn should delay, and the time longer draw. But sides, playing sides, is what most we enjoy When each side consists of a girl and a boy. To hinder each other — the two sides, you know, Is what we attempt, and our progress is slow Till one becomes rover, and gets in the way Of his partner, who on him continues to play And quick to its close brings the standing suspense (A game where the novice " can't see any sense "). Third Girl— Sometimes a sharp player his chief object makes To play on opponents and get to the stakes, While even his partner may linger behind Till he has attained the desire of his mind. He hopes to play rover and thus turn about, But sometimes opponents will just put him out, Combine against his partner and thus win the game, For which he is brought to retributive shame. Fourth Girl. — Sometimes there's a booby — can't pass the first wire, And when he returns for a " steadier fire," 12 A CARNIVAL OF SPORTS Another, in mischief, will knock him about Until from position he's constantly out. It takes a long time for some players to learn The folly of playing when out of their turn. The rest get ahead, and, though loud he may scoff, One gets on a whitewash he cannot rub off. All in concert. — You may hammer and hammer to make us learn books, But here we do hammering " on our own hooks." There are numerous games we enjoy much to play, But for out-of-door practice, oh ! give us croquet. [Exeunt all but King Carnival, who rises and calls ;J Come, gather ye, good players all, Once more before my throne, King Carnival delights to see True subjects of his own. [All troop in to music, bow low three times before the throne, then retire backward from the stage, re-enter, and curtain falls as they bow in homage. In each of the exercises it is desirable that suitable costumes be worn, and each representative of the several sports should be equipped with the proper implement A gym- nastic drill at the close by four tennis, two base-ball, and four croquet players with racquets, bats, and mal- lets can be arranged.'] The Sniggles Family \ 4 HUMOROUS ENTERTAINMENT FOR Nine Young Ladies THE SNIGGLES FAMILY DRAMATIS PERSONS. Widow Sniggles. Eldest daughter, S'manthy Ann. a coquette. Second daughter, Jkrushy, ailicted with hay fever. Third daughter, Angelica Regina Utopia, an aesthete. Fourth daughter, Silvicta Louena, the prima donna. Fifth daughter, Angina Pectoris, the pathetic soul. Sixth daughter, Electoria Cassandra, or Poll, the elocuor. Seventh daughter, Mehitabel, or Graciana Subiima, the graceful girl. Eighth daughter, Jemima, the giggler. [Scene — A parlor with eight chairs ranged in a semi- circle. The Widow Sniggles and Daughters enter in pairs, singing.'] [Air: "John Brown's Body," etc.] The fam'ly of the Sniggles has just come to town. [Repeated three times.'} And we are marchin' round. Chorus. Jolly, jolly, high falutin', [Repeated three times.'] And we are m^rchm' round. [The Daughters are seated, and The Widow advances, addressing the audience.] Ladies and gentlemen! Friends, fellow-citizens, and countrymen ! This is the great and only, the grand and pe- culiar, the rich, racy, and rare Sniggles family. [Aside — 3 4 THE SNIGGLES FAMILY Rise and bow, my children.] It is an unusual privilege, my friends, which you enjoy this evening of witnessing this great moral spectacle, rivaling, as a public educator, Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show. We aim, by this exhibition, to strengthen your virtues and root up your follies — a powerful undertaking, as I see at a glance. Besides this opportunity [aside — Beam on the folks, my dears]^ you are honored by the company of them who have held familiar converse with the poten- tates of earth in Asia, Afriky, and the isles of the sea. [Jemima giggles. Do stop your giggling, Jemima] Dookes and kings has delighted to do us honor, and Queen Victory invited us to meet her grandson from Germany, but we thought we'd come here instead. [My dear— to Angina Pectoris — don't cry. Angina weeps copiously. My dear, don't cry ; you cut my heart like an adder. The pathetic one loudly wails.'] Every time I speak of Victory she always takes on this way, be- cause it reminds her of His Royal Highness Alphonzo Alexander Anaxagoras Anaximander Guelph, her beau, who jilted her. [Be quiet, now ; you've cried a-plenty.] Besides its being a moral show and a world-renowned exhibition, my friends and fellow-countrymen, I appeal straight to your very hearts. I am — I am — a — widow I Abinadab [profuse grief, shared by all] when he de* parted from this mundane spere ; Abinadab [she looks at his picture and weeps afresh] he tries to chirk me up, and says he to me, says he, " dry those bedoozlin' tears off your downy cheeks ; all the world loves widows." It was cheering, and his spirits was amazing. And says he, "There's a fortune in your being a widow with all these girls, so beautiful, so bewitching so graceful, and so grand. And no one can turn a cold shoulder on THE SNIGGLES FAMILY you " I am nice looking ; at least Abinadab, of blessed memory, always told me so. Now, here we are, me and my girls, to instruct, amuse, and elevate you. It will be your fault if we don't succeed. The Coquette [S'manthy Ann advances and is introduced by her mother.] Widow Sniggles. — In introducm' to you my lovely and beauteous family, I cannot confer a greater boon upon the audience than an acquaintance with my first- born, my S'nianthy Ann. Me and Abinadab [loudly sniffing'] — would he were with us on this suspicious oc- casion! — felt quite sure from the first that our little birdling would make an oncommon flutter in this transi- tory spere. As soon as her wing bones sprouted (she always makes me talk so poetic) she began to use her eyes bewitchin'-like [aside — bewitch two or three of the folks right now, S'manthy Ann] that her beaus buzzed about her like bumblebees. But she just drew them on to their own destruction. Twenty-seven of them committed suicide ; as many more went West ; several drownded their sorrows in the flowin' bowl, and a hospital for incurables had to be started in our town. Such have been a few of her triumphs! [S'manthy Ann, you might just give one of your killin'est glances. Select an old fellow, though, because he's tough, and it won't hurt much.] See how artistic she cuts her eyes round ! [S'manthy Ann retires with evident delight at her fresh conquest.'] 6 THE SNIGGLES FAMILY The Hay Fever Patient Widow Sniggles. — After the takin' way that S'manthy Ann has coquetted for the ladies and gentlemen, I will venture to intrude upon your notice my next eldest daughter, my blessed, afflicted Jerushy. [She advances amidst general but subdued sobbing, sneezing violently, and flourishing a large handkerchief.'] We have strove to do our part to cure her. We have been on the tops of all the highest mountains, and even stayed a week in the crater of Vesuvius, at the very best hotel there, but it didn't do no good. You see what a wreck she is of a beautiful girl. [Jerushy is dissolved in tears, in- terrupted with sneezing.~] She was uncommon like her ma before she was afflicted. She caught this cold out sparkin' at the garden gate. Girls, take warnin' ! I don't say don't spark, because you all will do it ; but I do say, if it was my partin' words, don't take hay fever. [Amidst a paroxysm of sneezing, Jerushy retires to her seat] The ^Esthete Widow Sniggles. — We now come to a more pleasing subject of conversation. I am proud of my daughter Angelica Regina Utopia. [Angelica advances, the whole family smiling , while Jemima giggles.] The ado she kicks up everywhere among the folks is like balm to my wounded feelings. Specially did she raise a mighty row in England when we were first there, sev- eral years ago. Oscar Wilde just raved over her. He wrote her poetry by the yard, and all the girls grew greenish-yellow with jealousy. The sit of her gowns, THE SNIGGLES FAMILY i the way she walked, the toss of her head, and what she had for dinner was daily reported in the London Times. In fact, half a dozen reporters called every morning to know what she was going to do during the day. She was mighty popular. Oscar has just sent her a sweet little thing which she will now repeat to you : POETKY OF AN ^ESTHETE [Repeated Ian ga idly.'] Oh ! to be utterly utter ! To mutter and sputter and stutter! To roll up the eyes, And to look wondrous wise ! — This is to be utterly utter. Oh ! to be Oscarly too -too ! To be nothing quite through and through ! To languidly loll, And to prate, a la fool ! — Oh ! thus one is ever too-too. Oh ! to be greenery y allow ! To be callow, and fallow, and sallow! To wear a tea gown Striped pea-green and brown ! — This thusness is greenery yallow. Oh ! to be real aesthetic ! Pathetic ! Magnetic ! iEsthetie ! To take sunflower for rose, And to turn up the nose ! — True signs of the real aesthetic. [Angelica Regina resumes her seat.] THE SNIGGLES FAMILY The Prima Donna Widow Sniggles. — It would be more nor human to try and beat that last exhibition of grace and beauty ; but, friends, I think I can do it. Here's my fourth darling and beauty, Silvicta Lorena Sniggles [she awes], that name we were specially proud on, is our martingale. She sings when she's asked and when she isn't. [Sil- victa begins, but is checked.] Wait a moment, my swan, you can siug a stave presently when your ma gets through. We have to shut up the doors and windows tight when she begins, else there would be a street row with the folks crowdiu' to hear her. Everywhere we've went the people has taken off their bracelets and neck- laces and threw 'em at her in their delight. One boy actually threw his shoe, he was so taken with her. I hope her singin' will so please this distinguished audi- ence that they will throw anything that is handy, and we'll catch it. Now, Silly [that's our every-day name for the dear creature], do your level best; trill, quaver, and take your high notes as Signor Squallini bid you. [She sings."] Aint them high notes perfect? [The Prima Donna is seated, her sisters loudly ap- plauding her efforts.] The Pathetic Soul Widoiv Sniggles — " Of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these : ' It might have been ;' " But sadder than these are sometimes seen: It is, but it hadn't oughterbeen. THE SNIGGLES FAMILY 9 My beloved Angina Pectoris [she arises and advances'] is a feelin' illustration of both these poetical situations. u It might have been " — yes, truly ; for wasn't she en- gaged to his R. H. Alphonzo Alexander Anaxagoras Anaximander, and she might have been her Royal Highness ditto, but — but — he jilted her! [An agon- ized shriek from Angelica, chorused by the rest'] Posi- tively jilted so much female loveliness! It is heart rendering to think of it ! ! [All wee}?.] You do well to weep, my dears, for your sad and love-lorn sister. [Angina is entirely overcome, and falls over on the Prima Donna.] " It is, but it hadn't oughter been " — Angina Pectoris is left lamentin'. [My dear, sit up and be pa- thetic for the ladies. Show them how woe-begone Naxie left you] — we called him Naxie, r twas handier than the whole of it, when he came a-courtin\ We named her Angina Pectoris after he jilted her, because it gave her heart disease. Look at her now ; aint she doing it beautiful ? [Angina mourns according to taste, and is assisted in retiring by two of her sisters, having fallen to the floor in a swoon.] The Eloctjtor Widow Sniggles. — The next is my darling daughter Electoria Cassandra. [Electoria comes forward.] Me and her pa [sniffs from the family and a sob from the Widow] was very fond of Electoria Cassandra. We called her Poll, for short. From earliest infancy, by the way she howled and screamed, we knew she was go- ing to be something wonderful. All our children were wonderful. But we decided that Electoria Cassandra should be an elocutor, because she shrieked so. And 10 THE SNIGGLES FAMILY we were not mistaken. The way the does elocute is amazin\ [Eleetoria Cassandra, Poll, my dear, give the ladies and gentlemen a specimen of your elocutin'.] She has a tender and touchin' thing on pigs that's equal to anything of Swineburne's. [Speak it out nice, now, my dear. Don't git skern.] THE PIG POEM DEDICATED TO THE HOST OF A COUNTRY BOARDING- HOUSE Squeak ! squeak ! squeak ! From the front to the back of the door ; And I would that my tongue could utter How utterly I abhor The squealing pigs that come From the pigsty under the hill, With their low-bred snouts and stupid eyes, And voice that is never still. 'Twere well for the small -sized boy To hound off the piggies at play, But better still for mine host To keep them securely at bay. Squeak ! squeak ! squeak ! From my window's height, oh ! me ! The silence sweet of a day that has fled Will never returned be. [After Tennyson — at some distance.] The Graceful Girl Widow Sniggles. — And now, what can I say of my next to my youngest, my cherub, my angel, my Mehita- THE SNIGGLES FAMILY 11 bel ? [Mehitabel advances, smirking and bowing.~\ She unites in herself all the graces. English is too poor to express my feelings. As the foreign poets have said, she is " E pluri buster, sick semper tyrannis, and knee plush ulster !" We called her Mehitabel at first, but Graciaua Sublitna is alone suitable for one whose every movement is living poetry. Why, the very nudge of her elbow is the inspiration for a sonnet. Every coun- try we have visited has a*>ked to be called her native heath. [Mehitabel, my dear, gratify this waiting throng by danciu' one of your Spanish boleros, first making a low bow a la Italienne.— Mehitabel botes, and just escapes tumbling over, while she executes a jig as awkwardly as possible.] Aint she too lovely! My heart just goes a-wallopin' with joy when she's a-dancin'. [Mehitabel pulls up with a jerk, and throws over a chair in taking her seat.] The Giggler Widow Sniggles. — This is my youngest, my gosling, my fairy, my baby, in fact, Benjamin, as it were, so to speak. Upon her has been lavished all the wealth of my widowed affections. [Jemima, come here and kiss your ma.] But, let me confide to you, friends, she has a habit [Jemima giggles. Do, pray, stop for a minute], a dreadful habit. To cure her I have stood her up on her toes in the corner ; I have made her hold her mouth full of peas; but it's all no use, she will giggle. My only hope is in her extreme youth, that she will out- grow it. I exhibit her simply as a warnin', the climax to this great moral show. [Now, gig a little, just a lit- tle, Jemima, dear.] The gigulariousne^s with which she 12 THE SNIGGLES FAMILY gigs passes all believin'. [Gig on, just a few, and then stop.] [Jemima giggles tumultuously and is checked by her ma, who thanks the audience for kind attention to herself and daughters , which, however, is quite their due. All rising, they go out singing'] THE PASTING ODE [Air: u Coque chelunk," etc.] Fare ye well, 'twill give you sorrow Thus to part from ma and us ; But we hope our little visit Will not make a rousin' fuss. Chorus. — Coque chelunk, etc. Well w T e know you have not dresses, Bonnets, fans, nor gloves like ours ; Neither can you sing sweet ditties To bewitch the waking hours. Chorus. — Coque cheluuk, etc. You'll remember us with pleasure For our beauty, grace, and song. Now we'll say good-night and bye-bye To the whole assembled throng. Chorus. — Coque chelunk, etc. [They march in time to the music, waving fans, and bowing."] suggestions for costumes Wir the emblems of other nationalities; and there is a peculiar propriety in the occasional exhibition, at private or un- official gatherings, of the emblems of those nationalities which have gone to make up the American people. But the case is virtually different with every exhibition of a foreign flag or emblem which goes to show, or is intended to show, that the American people is still nothing more than a heterogeneous mass of jarring nationalities. In such a case, the public opinion, of adopted no less than of native citizens, should promptly and unequivocally condemn any attempt to substitute any foreign flag in the place which belongs only to the American flag. The Century Magazine. 11. It is the right of the American people to enjoy a monopoly for their own flag within their own jurisdic- tion; it is the right, and should be the duty of those who follow other flags, to follow them elsewhere. The Century Magazine. 12. O folds of white and scarlet ! O blue field with your MY COUNTRY. 25 silver stars! May fond eyes welcome you, willing feet follow you, strong hands defeud you, warm hearts cherish you, and dying lips give you their blessing! Ours by inheritance, ours by allegiance, ours by affection — long may you float on the free winds of heaven, the emblem of liberty, the hope of the world ! Anon. 13. Sail on, O ship of state! Sail on, O Union ! strong and great ! Humanity with all its fears, With all its hopes of future years, Is hanging breathless on thy fate ! * * * >K Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea ! Our hearts, our hopes, are all with thee, Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears, Our faith triumphant o'er our fears, Are all with thee, are all with thee ! Henry W. Longfellow. Scene and Song. — Our Adopted Citizens. — Tune: " The Red, White, and Blue." [Ten minutes. By company of boys. The leader takes his place by the flag that is fixed on the stage ; the rest of the company form in a pyramid, of which he is the apex ; the boys bearing foreign flags stand one behind another on the outer lines of the pyramid, and advance in the order in which they are named in the verses. Arrangements : Down the right side, beginning next the leader, 1st, British; 2d. French Royal ; 3d, Irish ; 4th, Russian; 5th, Italian; 6th, Spanish. On left side, 1st, French, tri-color; 2d, German; 3d, Polish; 4th Swedish; 5th, Norwe- gian ; 6th, Turkish. At the close of the stanza, during the singing cf the chorus, each one that has been addressed lowers the foreign flag lie car- ries, marches to the roar, deposits it in the receptacle provided for it, takes Lis place behind the others on the outside line of the pyramid, and joins in singing the chorus. All sing together the last stanza. A sheet giving a representation of the flags of all nations may be obtained of F. Trifet, 408 Washington Street, Boston, and probably elsewhere, price, 26 MY COUNTRY. twentvrfive cents. It is possible that it does not contain the royal (Bourbon) flag of France, which is white, sprinkled with gold fleur-de- lis, and the Irish flag, a gold harp on a green ground. The flags can be made without great expense of some thin but firm woolen material, like cashmere or alpaca, or even more cheaply of cambric and turkey red, the pieces carefully cut out, run together, and the seams pressed. Designs for the fleur-de-lis may be made of gilt paper and pasted on. [Boy with British flag advances. ,] Leader. — Right royal Britannia's banner, Proud floating o'er fortress and wave, As blue as the water beneath it, As bright as the blood of the brave. Enough! though its past has been splendid, Another claims fealty from you, And the promise of morning is blended With tints of the red, white, and blue. [Boy with British flag retires.'] Chorus. — Three cheers for the red, white, and blue ! Three cheers for the red, white, and blue ! The star-spangled banner forever ! Three cheers for the red, white, and blue! [Boys with French flags advance.'] Leader. — Ho ! come you from France to our borders With tri-colored standard or white ? Will you bow to Columbia's orders ? Are you ready her battles to fight ? Your flags tell a time-honored story, Borne bravely through centuries of wars ; But lay them away — yours the glory That shines in the stripes and the stars. [Boys ivith French flags retire.] MY COUNTRY. 27 Chorus. — Three cheers, etc. [Boy with German flag advances.] Leader. — You came bearing Germany's colors, With Germany's speech in your mouth. At your word you exchanged them for others. Your lips took the citizen's oath ; The " Fatherland " now must be merely A dream and a memory to you. So, lower its flag, and sincerely Acknowledge the red, white, and blue. [Boy with German flag retires.] Chorus. — Three cheers, etc. [Boy with Irish flag advances.] Leader. — And fold the green banner of Ireland, The harp and the shamrock lay down, Replace with the story of freedom The tales of your ancient renown. Old Ireland watched over your childhood Like the mother your infancy knew, But you've chosen a bride in your manhood, Three cheers for the red, white, and blue f [Boy with Irish flag retires.] Chorus. — Three cheers, etc. [Boys with Russian, Italian, and Spanish flags advance on one side, Polish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Turk- ish flags on the other.] 2£ MY COUNTRY. Leader. — Ho ! Russian, Italian, and Spaniard, Ho! Pole, Scandinavian, and Turk, 'Neath the sheltering folds of our standard, For its honor with us will you work ? If you bring not a loyal affection, If the old flag out-values the new, Beware how you claim the protection Bestowed by the red, white, and blue ! [Boys with flags retire.'] Chorus.- — Three cheers, etc. All sing together. — So, under one banner united, Though natives of different lands, Our faith to our country is plighted, We give it our hearts and our hands. A union that time shall not sever, Whose pledges to-day we renew, The star-spangled banner forever ! Three cheers for the red, white, and blue. Chorus. — Three cheers, etc. [Three cheers are given at the end of chorus. The boys remain on the platform during the recitation and hymn which follow.] Recitation. [Five minutes. This may be recited by one girl or four. It should be well done.] 1. Stand by the flag, its folds have streamed in glory, To foes a fear, to friends a festal robe, MY COUNTRY. 29 And spread in rhythmic lines the .acred story Of freedom's triumphs over all the globe. 2. Stand by the flag, on land, on ocean billow, By it your lathers stood, unmoved and true; Living, defended ; dying, from their pillow, With their last blessing, passed it on to you. 3. Stand by the flag, though death-shot round it rattle, And underneath its waving folds have met, In all the dread array of sanguine battle, The quivering lance and glistening bayonet. 4. Stand by the flag, all doubt and treason scorning, Believe, with courage firm and fa th sublime, That h will float until the eternal morning Pales m its glories all the lights of time. Anon. Hymn. The People's Prayer. Tune: "America." [Five minutes. Copies of the hymn should be distributed among the audience, or the words written plainly on a blackboard where all may see it, and the audience should be asked to stand and join in singing it.J 1. America, to thee We pledge our loyalty, Mind, heart, and hand ; Thy laws be wisely made 30 MY COUNTRY. And faithfully obeyed, Thy honor ne'er bptrayeo- God, keep our land ! America, may we Give life itself for thee At thy command ! The foes that thee assail Before our valor quail, Their ill intentions fail — God, save our land ! But thy prosperity Long may we live to see On every hand. America, to-day For thee and thine we pray- Let all the people say God bless our land 1 Child's S™ By E. C. and L J. ROOK. FOR CHILDREN OF SIX YEARS. 100 Pieces, Attractively Bound. Paper Binding, 15 ets.; Boards, 26 cts. CT^RIS little book is a collection of Recitations, Mo« ^ tion Songs, Concert Pieces, Dialogues, and Tab- leaux, for the very little children of six years old and thereabouts. In all, it contains ioo pieces, many of which are entirely new as well as novel in arrange- ment, and have been specially written for this book. While the tender age of the little ones for whom this collection is intended has been kept in mind, mere baby- talk has been excluded, and only such pieces as con- tain some thought worth memorizing have been inserted. The contents will be found to be varied, fresh, child- like, and entertaining, and of such a nature as to be adapted to almost every occasion. " Its selections are admirably adapted to amuse and instruct those for whose use it is intended.' ' — Interior, Chicago, Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, oi fiiailed upon receipt of price. THE I*i::&W PIBUSHIKG COMPANY I020 Arcli Street Philadelphia FOR CHILDREN OF NINE YEARS, 100 PAGES, HANDSOMELY ENGRAVED COVER. Paper Binding, 15 ets.; Boards, 26 cts. /^)DAPTED to children of nine years of age, and j*- suited to every occasion in which the little folks are called upon to take part. Bright and witty child-thoughts, often tersely and beautifully expressed, and ranging in length from four to twenty lines, will please the wee ones. Motion Songs, Concert Recitations, Holiday Pieces, Ringing Temperance Speeches, and Soul-stirring Patriotic Ora- tions will delight the older boys and girls. A number of these pieces have been written specially for this book, and all are fresh and new. "This book is adapted to all kinds of juvenile entertainments, and will supply a widely increasing demand for selections for the Uttle ones." — Herald, Syracuse, N. Y. Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, or mailed upon receipt of price. THE IMS**** PVBIJSHING COMPACT io2o Arch Street Philadelphia YOUNG PEOPLE'S SPEAKER By E. C. St Ii. tT. l^OOK FOH CHILDHEN OP TWELVE gEAHS lOO Pages Attractively Bound Paper Binding 15 cents Boards 25 cents T would be difficult to find another collection of one hundred pages so replete with bright, cheery, and suitable matter for young people. The selections are short and pointed, and have been chosen with excellent taste. The names of a few of the authors may serve to give a better idea of the high standard of the moral and literary tone of the book. Charles Mackay, Thomas Buchanan Read, Charles Dickens, Henry W. Longfellow, H. L. Hastings, Susan Coolidge, Edith M. Thomas, Mrs. M. A. Kidder, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Marian Douglas, Emily Hunt- ingdon Miller, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Robert J. Burdette represent those whose names are most widely known, but, were all these excluded, the book would still possess great merit, and cannot fail to fill most acceptably the place for which it is designed. Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, or maileo ipon receipt of price. THE PENN PUBUSHING COMPANY 1020 Arch Street Philadelphia doling folks' Imitations By Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER. For Young People of Fifteen Years. 100 Pages, Attractively bound. Paper Binding, 15 cts. Boards, 25 ctB. FDAPTED to young people of fifteen years, and containing Readings, Recitations, Dialogues, and Tableaux, suited to the Home Circle, Juvenile Concerts, School Exhibitions, Sunday School Gather- ings, etc., etc. While some of the old favorites have been retained, this book is largely made up of fresh, crisp, and wholesome selections, many of them appearing for the first time in permanent form. " The pieces are not long, tedious or silly, but crisp, varied, and wholesome, calculated to please, and at the same time to elevate and purify the taste. This book is neatly gotten up and the price is very low." — Educational Visitor, Philadelphia, Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, or malW upon receipt of price. THE PENN PUBEISHIKG COMPANY 1020 Arch Street Philadelphia little people's Dialogues FOE CHILDREN OF TEN YEARS EVERYTHING ORIGINAL AND WRITTEN SPECIALLY FOR THIS BOOK BY CURA J. BENTON 12© Pages, Attractively Bound Paper Binding:, 25 cts. Boards, 40 cts. /g\LL the Dialogues being prepared specially for ^T this book insures for them a freshness seldom found in publications of this class. In many cases a degree of novelty and originality is found in the Dialogues that places them far in advance of the average productions of this kind. Unusual care has been taken to preserve a good moral tone throughout, and not infrequently it will be found that the main object of the dialogue is to teach some wholesome truth. Provision has been made for all occasions, thus adapting the book to the most varied kinds of entertainments and exhibitions. Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, or mailed apon receipt of price e THE PKNN PUBLISHING COMPANY 1020 Arch Street Philadelphia Young x Polks' x Qialogues. By Charles C. Shoemaker. For Young People of Fifteen Years, New and Original 120 Pages, Attractively Bound. Paper Binding, 25 ets.; Boards, 40 cts /~>HILDREN'S DIALOGUES are always enjoyable, ^-^and are especially relished by the parents and friends of the youthful performers, but just where to obtain the material for such purposes is always a difficult question. To meet this want was the occasion of the preparation of this little book, and to that end only such dialogues have been accepted as are bright and sparkling, and are at the same time short, plain and simple, and easy to speak. They are suited to young people of fifteen years of age, and are adapted to every form of public and private entertainment. l( Without exception, this is the best book of the kind." — Register t Springfield, III, Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, or mailed upon receipt of price. Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, or mailed tjpon rereipt of price. THIS PICISI* PUBU8HING COMPANY 1020 Arch Street Philadelphia Young Fol^' Entertainment By E. C. and L. J. ROOK. ABSOLUTELY NEW AND ORIGINAL Handsomely bound in an appropriately engraved cover* 115 PAGES. PAPER BINDING, 25 CTS. BOARDS, 40 CTS FROM THE AUTHORS' PREFACE: " Much experience in the preparation of school entertainments bas shown the great difficulty of finding new material of just thfc right quality for presentation. These entertainments have multi- plied to such an extent during the last few years, that the good and sprightly matter contained in the old books has been used and re- vsed until a fresh supply seems to be an imperative demand. u This little work has been prepared with the design of partially supplying this demand, and much care has been taken to make ol it a book meet for the purpose. 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The Publishers possess unequaled facilities for secur- ing the best readings of every character, and the present volume may be considered without a rival. The pieces are new, but few of them having previa ously appeared in any similar publication, and the range of subjects is unusually wide. The repertoires of many of the best amateur and pro- fessional readers have been examined, and the choicest bits of humor have been carefully culled and bound up in this rich, golden sheaf, and are here offered to the public for the first time in book form. The book contains eighty-five pieces, is clearly printed on good, strong paper, and is bound in a handsome and appropriately engraved cover. Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, or mailed upon receipt of price. THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 1020 Arch Street Philadelphia Choice Dialect AND OTHER CHARACTERIZATIONS FOR Reading! Recitation* By CHARLES C. SHOEMAKER. 200 PAGES. ENGEAVED COVER. Paper, 30 cents; Boards, 50 cents. THIS volume contains a rare collection of Choice Dialect of every variety, covering a broad range of sentiment, and suited to almost every occa- sion. The transitions from grave to gay, from humor- out to pathetic, and from the simply descriptive to the highly dramatic, will be found unusually wide. Many of the selections have never before appeared in print, and none of them are repetitions of those con- tained in any of our other publications. It is believed that the book will meet the wants of those who are partial to selections in dialect, but whose good taste and good sense are often shocked by the coarseness that too frequently prevails in books of this character. Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers or mailed ( upon receipt of price. THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 1020 Arcli Street Philadelphia (^HOIGE IjDlAIiOGUES FOR School and Social Entertainment By Mrs. J. W. SHOEMAKER Handsomely Engraved Cover Taper Binding, 30 cts. Boards, SO cts. UMOI^OUS Dialogues and Dramas. BY CHARLES C. SHOEMAKER. Handsomely Kngfraved Cover. Paper Binding:, 30 Cents. Boards, 50 Cents* SETER the severe labors of the day everyone enjoys that which will afford relaxation and relieve the mind of its nervous tension. For this reason the humorous reading is so heartily re- ceived, and the humorous dialogue so vigorously applauded. Humor has its legitimate field, but it is always attended with one great danger, that of descending to the coarse and vulgar. And just at this point lies the merit of this book. The dialogues are humorous without being coarse, and funny without being vulgar. Many of them are selected from standard authors, but a number of others have been specially written for the book by experienced writers. Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, or mailed upon receipt of price. THIS PENIS PtBLISHING COMPANY 1020 Arch Street Philadelphia U oliday * kntertainments. ABSOLUTELY NEW AND ORIGINAL Handsomely Engraved Cover. 200 Pages, PAPER BINDING, 30c; BOARDS, 50c. TT7HERE are few things more popular during the •JL® Holiday Season than Entertainments and Exhibi- tions, and there is scarcely anything more dir cult to procure than new and meritorious material appropriate for such occasions. The cause of the scarcity is the difficulty of production. We have not undertaken the publication of this book without due deliberation. A long experience has familiarized us with the public taste, acquaintance with authors has directed us where to go for material, and the interests of our patrons, as well as our own, have barred out every unsuitable article. Everything is Strictly new, and has been prepared expressly for this book. It is made up of short Dramas, Dialogues, Tableaux, Stories, Recitations, etc., in all of which are introduced many new and novel features, that give the spice and sparkle so desirable for ucb occasions. It is just the book for those whe vant something out of the old routine. While particularly designed for the Christmas f -Ioli> days, it is adapted to all Holidays, Summer and Win ; ter, to all Schools, Sunday and Secular, and t£ all Occasions, Public and Private. Sold by all Booksellers and Newsdealers, or mai 1 upon receipt of price. THK PENI* PUBUSHING COMPANY 1020 ArcJi Street Philadelphia Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Nov. 2007 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724)779-2111 „ ■HIIII|||II| A BEST BC512HooS ia! FOH BOYS Afit) GIRHS JUVENILE STORIES THE YOUNG BOATMAN By Horatio Alger, Jp. An exceedingly interesting story of a bright, brave, and manly boy, who supports himself and his mother by rowing passengers across the Kennebec river. Illustrated. 369 pages, cloth, #1.25. THE ODDS AGAINST HIM By Horatto Alger, jr. The e perif-nce o r an active and courageous boy who, dri-c ■ from iiorne, fig tsr ^nra'ly the battles of life p-v 1 ultimately achieves a splendid kic^— . Illustrated. 350 pages, cloth, $1.25. HARRY AMBLER; OR, THE STOLEN DEED By Sidney Marlow. It is noticeably ingenious in plot, and is further characterized by brightness and abundance of incident. It abounds in humorous and exciting situations, yet it is in no objec- tionable way sensational. Illustrated. 360 pages, cloth, $1.25. THE BR^GANZA DIAMOND By James Otis. A most interesting narrative in which the secret hiding-place of the famous diamond is revealed. Illustrated. 360 pages, cloth, $1.25. CLASSIC STORIES THE STORY OF THE ILIAD By Die Edward Brooks, A. M. This is a narrative in simple prose of *he 'greatest literary work of the world — the Iliad of Homer. It is of all-absorbing interest to young as well as old. Illustrated. 370 pages, cloth, #1.25. THE STORY OF THE ODYSSEY By Dr. Edward Brooks, A. M. A simple prose narrative. In this wonderful story lie the germs of '' jusands of volumes which fill our modern libraries. Illustrated. 370 pages, cloth, $1.25. Sold by the leading Booksellers, or mailed upon receipt of price THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 1020 ARCH STREET PHILADELPHIA