Part 3 (1/2)

_Father Bear_. Who's been moving my chair?

_Mother Bear._ Some one has been sitting in my chair!

_Sonny Bear._ Look, mother! Some one has been rocking in my chair and broken it all to pieces! O dear! my nice little chair!

_Father Bear._ Never mind, Sonny Bear; don't cry. I'll buy you another chair at Mr. Wolf's store to-morrow.

_Mother Bear._ And now it is time for us to go to bed. Our little son is tired and sleepy.

_Father Bear._ I'll carry him up stairs. Come, sonny, there you are up on my shoulder.

Ride a c.o.c.k horse to Banbury Cross To see an old woman ride on a white horse.

With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, She shall have music wherever she goes!

Well, who's been in my bed, I'd like to know?

_Mother Bear._ Why, look at my bed. Some one has been lying on my bed!

_Sonny Bear._ Come quick, Mother! Father, come! Some one is in my bed.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

_Goldilocks_ (_waking and frightened_). Oh, see the three Bears. Come, Dollie, let us jump out of the window. [_Runs away._]

_Mother Bear._ The little girl has gone, dear. Now you must go to sleep.

THE BIRD WITH THE BROKEN WING

PERSONS IN THE PLAY--THE BIRD, THE OAK TREE, THE MAPLE, THE WILLOW, THE SPRUCE, THE PINE, THE JUNIPER, THE FOREST FAIRY, JACK FROST

SCENE I.--_In the Woods_

_The Oak._ See that flock of birds coming! The winter is near and they are flying south.

_The Maple._ I hope they will not light on my branches; I like to keep my leaves in order.

_The Willow._ So many birds will break my tender twigs. I am sure I do not want them either. Here they come!

[_The birds fly over the trees._]

_Little Bird._ Oh, I can fly no farther! My wing is broken and I cannot hold it up. I am so tired and cold and hungry! I must rest to-night in this forest. I am sure some big strong tree will give me a resting place. I will ask this tall Oak, he looks so strong and his leaves are so thick and warm! May I rest in your branches to-night, great Oak Tree?

I am a poor little bird with a broken wing and I am cold and tired and hungry.

_The Oak._ I am sorry; but my branches are all engaged by the squirrels, who are getting their acorns in for the winter. I have no room for strange birds.

_Little Bird._ Oh! I am so lonely, so tired! Surely the handsome Maple Tree will take me in. She has no acorns and so the squirrels will not be in her branches. Kind, lovely Maple Tree, may I rest to-night in your branches? I am a poor little bird with a broken wing. I will not harm your pretty leaves.

_The Maple._ My leaves tremble to think of taking in strange birds! My house is in perfect order and I cannot think of disturbing it. Please go away!