Part 4 (1/2)

_Jack Frost._ Yes, yes, I know what you would ask. Such kindness as this should meet with some reward. The leaves of the proud Oak, the Maple, and the Willow shall fall to the ground when the cold of winter comes; but the Spruce, the Pine, the Juniper, and all their family shall keep their leaves and they shall be green all through the year. They shall be called the Evergreen Trees.

CORNELIA AND HER JEWELS

PERSONS IN THE PLAY--CORNELIA, NYDIA THE MAID, JULIA, ELDER SON, YOUNGER SON

SCENE.--_Home of Cornelia_

_Nydia._ Madam, the lady Julia waits to salute you.

_Cornelia._ Bid her enter, I pray. It is not fitting to have her wait.

_Nydia._ She is at the door, gracious madam.

_Cornelia._ Welcome, thrice welcome, fair Julia.

[_Nydia carries Julia's casket._]

_Julia._ Thanks, dear Cornelia, for your kind greeting. May you and all your household have peace and joy.

_Cornelia._ And may those blessings be yours also, dear Julia. But tell me, what treasures have you in that charming casket?

_Julia._ A few poor jewels, fair friend. Bring me the casket, Nydia.

These are some presents my parents and husband have given me.

_Cornelia._ I am so glad you have brought them to show me. You are very kind, for you know I greatly admire beautiful jewels.

_Julia._ See, here is a pearl necklace.

_Cornelia._ How lovely! Let me clasp it about your neck. It is very becoming. And what other gems have you?

_Julia._ Here is a girdle my mother gave me for a wedding present. Isn't it pretty?

_Cornelia._ Pretty! my dear, it is exquisite! Your mother showed much good taste when she chose this for you.

_Julia._ And here are some rings from the far East. See these emeralds and rubies; how they flash in the sunlight!

_Cornelia._ How well they look on your white hands! But I see something else.

_Julia._ Yes, this is my handsomest jewel, a diamond bracelet. This I like best of all.

_Cornelia._ They are all lovely, my dear friend, and I am glad you have such beautiful things.

_Julia._ But, dear Cornelia, where are your jewels? All Rome knows how rich your famous father, Scipio, was, and surely he gave you many handsome ornaments. Please show them to me.

_Cornelia._ Oh, no, dear friend. But hark! I think I hear my sons.