Part 10 (1/2)

SONG-PRELUDE

[_Spring's Heralds try to rob Winter of his outfit of age._]

_Rear stage lighted up, disclosing Old Winter teased by the boys and girls representing Spring's Heralds._

SONG OF THE HERALDS OF SPRING

_We seek our playmates, Waking them up from all corners before it is morning.

We call them in bird songs, Beckon them in nodding branches.

We spread our spell for them in the splendour of clouds._

_We laugh at solemn Death Till he joins in our laughter.

We tear open Time's purse, Taking back his plunder from him.

You shall lose your heart to us, O Winter.

It will gleam in the trembling leaves And break into flowers._

SONG OF WINTER

_Leave me, let me go.

I sail for the bleak North, for the peace of the frozen sh.o.r.e.

Your laughter is untimely, my friends.

You turn my farewell tunes into the welcome song of the Newcomer, And all things draw me back again into the dancing ring of their hearts._

SONG OF THE HERALDS OF SPRING

_Life's spies are we, lurking in ambush everywhere.

We wait to rob you of your last savings of withered hours to scatter them in the wayward winds.

We shall bind you in flower chains where Spring keeps his captives, For we know you carry your jewels of youth hidden in your grey rags._

(_Noon_)

[_The rear stage is darkened. The band of Youths enters on the main stage. No actual change in the scenery is necessary--this being left to the imagination of the audience._]

Ferryman! Ferryman! Open your door.

_Ferryman_

What do you want?

We want the Old Man.

_Ferryman_

Which old man?

Not which old man. We want _the_ Old Man.