Elsie Hobart Carter

Christmas Eve, in the forest near Mother Madelon's cottage. The ground is covered with snow and the little evergreens all about are weighted down with it. Enter Fritz (L.) with his brothers and sisters, laden with holly boughs and evergreens. The boys drag a sled with a small evergreen tree on it. As they come they sing "Softly the Echoes Come and Go."[1]

Fritz. Stop here and rest, Heinrich. This is too big a load for the little ones.

Barbara. Yes, Karl is all out of breath, and little Jan can hardly keep up.

Heinrich [dropping the sled rope]. I'm not tired. I'm going to run back to the holly trees to get a few more sprays. [Exit.]

Oscar [who has been measuring the tree with his arm.] Fritz, do you think the good St. Nicholas can cover such a big tree as this?

Karl. It's pretty big. It's bigger than me—or Katrina—I guess it's bigger than Fritz or Barbara or Heinrich.

Katrina. I think it's bigger than the one St. Nicholas filled for us last year.

Jan. But then, you see, we are bigger children than we were last year.

Fritz. But the tree is almost big enough to hold you on the top branches, kleiner Bruder, if the good St. Nicholas wanted to put you there. See! [He and Barbara help Jan on top of the load. Enter Heinrich excitedly.]

Heinrich. Fritz, Fritz! And, Barbara, and all of you! Listen to what I've seen. I was running over to the holly trees, you know, when I tripped on a bit of grape-vine, and rolled over in the snow. [Brushes snow from his clothes.] And when I sat up there was the queerest little black cottage right there. I do believe it just came up out of the ground like a house in a fairy-book.

Fritz. Oh no, it didn't, Heinrich, it's always been there! I've seen it many a time.

Heinrich. I don't believe it! Why didn't I ever see it then?

Barbara. Oh, never mind that! Tell us some more about the house.

Heinrich. I crept up, and looked in at the window, for, of course, I thought there might be brownies, or gnomes, or kobolds there, and I saw——

Children [breathlessly]. What? Oh, what?

Heinrich. A poor woman and two little children——

Children [disappointed]. O-o-h!

Fritz. That all?

Heinrich. Just wait! They looked so poor and hungry—there wasn't a thing on the table but a dry little loaf of bread—and only a few little sticks on the fire.

Katrina. Oh, it makes me so sorry.

Heinrich [shaking his head wisely]. That's not the worst of it. When I got to the window the two children were standing by the mother's chair, looking up in her face and asking her something. I couldn't hear what they said, but she shook her head oh, so sadly, and said: "No, my little ones, the good St. Nicholas will not find his way to us this Christmas." That's what she said! [Silent consternation.]

Fritz. What? What did you say, Heinrich?

Barbara. It couldn't be so!

Karl. St. Nicholas!

Oscar. Not find his way everywhere!

Katrina. Not give them any beautiful Tannenbaum!

Fritz. Oh, I don't believe it! You didn't hear right!

Heinrich. I did. And I do believe it! You would if you had seen how sorry they looked.

Fritz. Well, but—well, I don't see—well, Heinrich, it isn't so hard to find. He must come surely.

Heinrich. No, he isn't coming. The poor woman said so and she must know. [Sitting down on sled.]

Barbara. Yes, she must know. Father and Mother always see the good saint first, you know, and tell him whether we've been naughty or good. They always know whether he is coming or not.

Katrina. But he always does come to us.

Oscar. Brother Fritz, Mother says the good St. Nicholas loves to give presents to little children. Wouldn't he be sorry if there was a house anywhere in the world that he didn't know about?

Karl. Brother Fritz, couldn't we show him the way?

Fritz [claps him on the shoulder]. Well spoken, Karl, my man. We'll tell St. Nicholas all about it as soon as he comes to us, and then show him the way to Heinrich's little black hut.

Barbara. And if he shouldn't have enough to go around, he always brings us so much that we can spare some of our things for them.

Fritz. Yes, he puts enough for two trees on our tree. Come, Oscar and Karl, get hold of the rope! Barbara, you take Katrina's hand.

Barbara. Trot along in front, Jan! Come, then, let's get home as fast as we can.

Heinrich. All together now! Get up, horses, pull the load home! [Exeunt (R.), singing as before. Enter Friedel (L.), before the sound of their voices has died away, slowly and wearily. Limps to side and peers through the trees after the children, then to the back, then to the left again, like one who has lost his way. Stops in the center looking doubtfully after the children once more. Enter the woodcutter (L.), axe over his shoulder, whistling as he hurries home. Friedel silently holds out his cap, but the man shrugs his shoulders, shakes his head, and passes on. Friedel goes slowly to a tree and sits on a log or mound beside it. Blows on his fingers, tries to pull his rags more closely around him, and leans his head dejectedly on his hands. Lifts his head suddenly to watch Marta, who approaches (L.), hobbling under a bunch of fagots.]

Marta. Ach, my old bones! Ach, this heavy bundle! Will ever old Marta get home?

[Friedel silently holds out his cap.

Marta. What's this! What's this! What's this! Was ever heard tell of such insolence? As if Old Marta wasn't poor enough herself, without giving to every beggar who chooses to ask! The little good-for-nothing sees how I stagger under my own load and yet asks me to help him! [Moves on.]

Friedel [softly]. I would help you carry them.

Marta [pausing]. Help me! Help me! and lose half the sticks I have worked so hard to gather on the way! [Goes on.] Help me, he says. When I want help I'll not ask the beggars that come out of the streets of the town just a purpose to lie in wait for a poor old crone like me. [Exit (R.) mumbling.] That I'll not! That I'll not.

Friedel [looking after her]. Why does she think I would drop the sticks? I would be so careful. I wonder why. I almost think she was afraid of me. Of me!

[Enter Cross Jacob (L.).

Friedel [timidly]. Please—please, sir, could you tell me the way back to the town? And oh, couldn't you let me come to your fire a little while to warm myself?

Cross Jacob. Go away with you! It's as much as ever my wife will do to let me warm myself at my fire. She's got nine boys of her own to fill up my house and drive me away. Get away with you! [Shakes his fist threateningly. Friedel recoils.] Go home to your own fire! [Exit (R.).]

Friedel. Oh, if I only had one!

[Enter Rich Johann (L.). Pauses to light his pipe.

Friedel [speaking timidly and hurriedly]. Oh, sir! Oh, good, kind sir! don't you want a little boy to help you in your house?

Johann [looks him over]. What's your name, boy?

Friedel. Friedel, sir!

Johann. Friedel what!

Friedel. Just Friedel, sir!

Johann. Umph! "Just Friedel." And who's Friedel, I'd like to know.

Friedel. I don't think I just know myself, sir! But, oh, sir! [clasps his hands tightly], please let me work for you. I would pick up wood for you, and build fires, and run errands. I would work so hard and be so faithful!

Johann [throwing back his shoulders and putting his hands in his pockets]. And who do you think I am, boy, that you presume to want to work in my house? To work for me, Rich Johann, who has many servants in his house, to carry out his commands and do his work and run his errands? Umph! Do you think I could have one servant about me clothed in such rags as yours? [Friedel hangs his head.] No, no! my servants wear fine clothes and brass buttons [takes a puff at his pipe], yes, indeed, brass buttons. No, no! Rich Johann lives in a very different style—a very different style, indeed. [Exit (R.), his nose very much in the air.]

Friedel. Nobody will take me in. I have walked so far, so far, I can't go back to the town. [Throws himself down on mound (R. Center).] The snow feels almost warm, the wind is so cold. [Points up.] I can see a star up there through the trees. It twinkles and twinkles as if it was laughing. I do believe it is! Sometimes I think the stars must be children with little candles in their hands. I wish I could see—— I wish—— [He falls back asleep. Enter the little Star Child (back Center) from behind the fir trees. Sings.]

THE CHRIST CHILD[2]

Wm. Taubert.

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Over all the starlight clear,
While the world is sleeping,
Sits the Christ Child ever dear,
Nightly watch is keeping.
Safe the starry host He tends,
As his sheepfold shining,
Cares for us and slumber sends,
All to rest resigning,
Sweetly sleep then, do not fear;
Look with love before thee,
From the golden starlight clear,
Bends the Christ Child o'er thee,
Bends the Christ Child o'er thee.

[Exit backwards slowly. Friedel suddenly raises
himself, stretching out his hand after her.

CURTAIN

SCENE II

Christmas Eve in Mother Madelon's cottage. Open fireplace[3] at the Right, door (R.) and window (L.) at the back. Snow scene at back, shows through window and door when opened. Small table by the window with half a loaf of bread and one or two cracked plates and cups. A stool, a small chair, and by the fire a box. Mother Madelon sits (L.) at a spinning wheel. The children stand beside her, Gretel rubbing her eyes with her two little fists, Hans with his hands behind him.

Hans [bravely]. But, Mother, the good saint never missed us before. Are you sure he isn't coming?

Gretel. What makes you so sure, Mother, dear?

Mother. Yes, my little ones, I am afraid it is true. [More brightly.] You know, he has so very much to do. Just think how many little children he must go to see every year! Someone must always be left out. Perhaps it is our turn now. We can wait until next year. Perhaps he will come then.

Hans [rubbing his eyes]. Oh, dear, I wish to-morrow wouldn't come at all.

Mother. Oh, Hans, don't say that. Think how happy we can be. Even if St. Nicholas doesn't come, to-morrow is still the bright, beautiful Christmas Day, when everyone in the world is happy, and we shall hear the chimes ringing, and see people going about wishing each other "Merry Christmas." And then we have each other. I have my little big daughter who helps me wipe the dishes and put the plates away and my big right-hand man who is going to work so hard for me pretty soon.

Hans. Yes, Mother, but I can help you now, right away. Let me do something for you right now!

Gretel. Me too, Mother, me too!

Mother. Very well! You shall hold this yarn for me, while Gretel winds it. [Puts the yarn on Hans' hands. Hans sits on box, Gretel on stool winding. Mother turns spinning wheel and sings "Bending O'er a Cradle Low."]

BENDING O’ER A CRADLE LOW[4]

(A CHRISTMAS SONG)

Lydia Avery Coonley. George F. Root.

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Hans. Gretel, I believe St. Nicholas will come anyway, I just believe he will. [Gretel gives the yarn to her mother, Hans remains sitting on the box.] When we aren't thinking about it he'll just walk right in—I'll show you how. [Jumps up and runs out of the door.] Now, I'm St. Nicholas. [Comes in again, speaking in a loud and pompous tone.] How do you do, little Miss Gretel,—how are you little—no, big Hans! [Shakes hands with Gretel and with an imaginary Hans.] Well, Mother Madelon, have these children been very good indeed?

Mother. Yes, good saint, I couldn't ask for two better, dearer children, or any that I love half so well.

Hans [in his own voice]. Oh, Mother, do you truly think so?

Gretel. Then, Hans, if we've been good children, I 'most know St. Nicholas will come.

Hans [dancing to look out of door]. Oh, he will! He will! Mother, give me something to do so I won't keep thinking about it.

Gretel. Oh, Hans, let's have a story!

Hans. Oh, yes, Mother, please tell us a story.

Mother. Bring your little stools, then I will tell you a Christmas story.

Gretel [coaxingly]. Mother, don't you think it is too dark to spin? Let me sit in your lap.

Mother. You funny little fairy! [Takes her on her lap. Hans brings a stool and sits at his Mother's feet nursing his knee.]

Mother. Once upon a time, many, many years ago, it happened that a little child was wandering all alone through the streets of a great busy town. It was Christmas Eve, and wherever the child looked he saw shining lights and hurrying happy people. His coat was all too thin, and his little feet and hands were bare and frostbitten. The sharp ice on the ground cut his feet as he walked, and the cold wind tossed his soft hair back from his forehead. But he hardly seemed to feel the cold, for everywhere he was watching the eager, happy faces that hastened by. He looked up into a window and saw a beautiful, wonderful tree, covered with little candles and glittering balls, and all about the tree were gathered merry, laughing children. It seemed as if those happy little ones would be glad to have another little boy amongst them, and the child went quietly up the steps and tapped at the door. But the tall man who opened it said crossly, "Go away. I can't let you in here." So the child went sorrowfully down the steps and wandered on again. As he went along the street many more houses were full of light and happiness, and wherever he saw the candle-covered Christmas trees with their cluster of gay child-faces, he tapped softly at the door, or looked wistfully in at the window. But everywhere the same answer was given him. "You must go on. We can't take you in." Some people looked sorry when they said this, but most of them hardly glanced at him at all before they shut the great doors to keep out the cold wind. At last he came to the very last house—a poor little cottage with just one window. But he could see the light streaming out of it, and wearily made his way to the door. In this little house was a Mother and two little children——

Hans. Just like us!

Mother. And at one side of the room was a cradle——

Gretel. But we haven't got any baby!

Mother. When the little girl heard the soft tapping at the door she said: "Shall I open it, Mother?" And the mother said, "Yes, indeed, we mustn't let anyone stay out in the cold on the beautiful Christmas Eve." So the child opened the door and led in the little, shivering stranger. The mother took him on her lap and rubbed his frozen hands, and folded her warm arms about him. And the children begged him to stay with them always. Then the Mother told them the wonderful beautiful story of the first Christmas, and how the shining angels came to the poor shepherds in the field and sang "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men." And how the shepherds went to find the dear baby in the manger, and the wise men were led by a glorious star to find Him, too. And while she was talking to them the room seemed filled with a strange, soft light that grew lovelier and brighter every moment, until the children, wondering, turned to their mother to ask what it meant. And then they saw that the Child was gone. But the mother said: "Children, I think we have had the real little Christ-Child with us to-night." And after that men used to say that the Christ-Child sometimes came again on Christmas Eve to wander from door to door asking for shelter and love. And sometimes men drive Him away, and He can find no place to rest. But in some homes He is given a glad and loving welcome.

Gretel. Oh, Mother, I wish, I wish He would come here, to us!

Hans [looking to the window]. But, Mother, it is all dark—there is no light in the window for Him! Mother, we've got a little piece of a candle. Mayn't I put it in the cup that's broken and light it?

Mother. Yes, my little son.

[Hans jumps on the box and reaches a bit of
candle from the mantel. Fastens it in the
cup and lights it. Gretel watching
anxiously. Then together they put it in the
window and sing "The Christ-Candle."

THE CHRIST-CANDLE[5]

Kate L. Brown. Elizabeth U. Emerson.

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Note: The air "Hearts and Flowers" can also be used for this song.

Gretel. Oh, do you think the little Christ-Child can see it now, Mother?

Mother. Yes, my darling. He can. And whether He comes wandering through the snowy forests or not, He loves to know that little children think of Him and try to please Him.

Hans. Gretel, I'm going out to see if the light shows outside. [Goes out of the door and peers in at the window. Gretel keeps the door open a crack to watch him.]

Hans [comes in and bends over the fire to warm his hands]. It sparkles on the snow just the way the moonlight does, and it's ever so much brighter than the stars. Do you believe it is as bright as the star of Bethlehem?

Gretel. Oh no! It couldn't be like that! There was never another star that shone like that.

Hans. Let me put another stick on the fire, Mother. If the little Christ-Child comes He will be so cold. [Puts on one or two sticks.]

Gretel. Oh, Hans, I'm afraid He will be hungry, too. Let's toast a piece of our loaf for Him.

Hans. Yes, let me toast it.

Gretel. And I'll cut it. [Both clatter to the table, where Gretel cuts a piece of bread, and fastening it on a stick gives it to Hans, who seats himself on a stool before the fire. Gretel stands beside him. Friedel appears at the window and leans his face against it, watching.]

Gretel. Oh, Hans, be careful, be careful, you're burning it!

Hans. No, I'm not, but I'm toasting my face.

Gretel. Let me hold it awhile. [They change places. Hans stands with hands on hips and feet apart watching her. The Mother sees Friedel and rises, beckoning to him. Friedel leaves the window, and goes to the door, where he taps softly.]

Gretel. Oh, Hans! He's come! He's come! [Gretel drops fork and both fly to the door, throwing it wide open, and standing back. An instant's pause, then Friedel looks from one to the other and stretches out his hands.]

Gretel [shyly taking his hand]. We—we—we were waiting for you. Come in.

Hans. We're glad you've come.

Gretel. Mother. Mother, his hands are like ice. [Leads him to the fire. Hans shuts the door and comes to watch. The Mother comes forward.]

Mother. Sit here, little one, and let me warm the poor cold hands. [Seats Friedel on a stool close to the fire, and bending over him chafes his hands. Hans and Gretel draw away, casting furtive glances at him.]

Hans. Do you believe it is the Christ-Child, Gretel?

Gretel [slowly]. I—I don't know.

Hans [decidedly]. I do. It must be. We put the candle there for Him—and then He came. And you made toast for Him—where is His toast, Gretel?

Gretel. Oh, Hans! I dropped it when I went to the door!

Hans [hurries to pick it up]. Never mind. It didn't hurt it a bit.

Gretel [takes it and brushes it]. He won't care. Mother's hearth isn't a bit dusty. [Both go to Friedel.]

Gretel [timidly offering him the toast]. Hans and I thought you would be hungry, and so we made you some toast.

Friedel. Oh, I am, I am. [Takes a bite and turns to them.] I haven't had anything to eat since—since—Oh, I can't remember! When was it? [Puts his hand to his head.]

Mother [drawing him gently to lean against her]. There, never mind. Eat now.

[Gretel and Hans draw away again.

Hans. Are you sure it is the Christ-Child, Gretel?

Gretel. I don't know. But I think—I think if it was, His face would be all shining.

Mother. Where is your home, my son? And what is your name? Why were you wandering all alone this bitter night?

Friedel. I am Friedel. Just Friedel. Not anything else. And I haven't any home. I wish I had. A home is what I was looking for. I thought perhaps someone would take me in, and let me work to pay for keeping me. But nobody wants a boy, somehow, nobody. [Drops his head in his hands.]

Mother [stroking his head]. You shall never say that again, my son. While we have still our little hut, you shall live with us, and be an elder brother to my little ones.

Hans. You hear that, Gretel? It isn't the Christ-Child, after all. [Rubs his fists in his eyes.]

Gretel. Oh, but Hans, I believe the Christ-Child would like this almost as much. I mean He would like our putting the candle in the window, and making the toast and everything for this poor little boy, almost as much as if it was really for Him. Because it's His little boy, you know.

[The chimes begin.

Hans. Really and truly?

Gretel. Yes, I'm sure! Perhaps the Christ-Child sent him to us. Oh, Hans, listen! The chimes are beginning to ring. [Both run to the window to listen. After a moment voices in the distance begin singing "Oh, Happy Night."]

OH, HAPPY NIGHT[6]

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(Sung by a single voice, several joining in at "We hail thee!")

Gretel [at the end of the first verse]. Oh, Mother dear, do you hear the singing?

[Another verse is sung.

Friedel [wonderingly]. What is it? Angels?

[At the end of the song Fritz and others are
seen passing the window. Hans and
Gretel rush to their Mother.

Gretel. Oh, Mother! He's coming! He's coming!

Hans. Yes, he is! I saw him!

Mother [startled]. Who is coming, my children?

[The door is flung open and the children rush
in, St. Nicholas standing at the door.

Hans and Gretel. St. Nicholas! St. Nicholas!

St. Nicholas. Yes, old St. Nicholas again. Mother Madelon, may I come in?

Mother. May you come in? Ask the little ones here!

[Hans and Gretel run to draw him in.

Fritz. You see, Mother Madelon, our Heinrich heard you say the good saint couldn't find you this year——

Barbara. So we hurried right home——

Heinrich. And as soon as he came we told him about you——

Fritz. And begged him to let us show him the way!

Jan. And of course, he came!

Karl and Oscar. Yes, of course!

Mother. It was very thoughtful of you, little friends.

Hans and Gretel. Thank you, thank you all so much!

Gretel. Oh, good saint, we were so afraid you wouldn't come.

Hans. Mother said you couldn't find us.

St. Nicholas. And I doubt if I could have found you, if it hadn't been for that little gleaming candle that you put in the window to light my way.

Gretel [holding his hand]. Oh, but, St. Nicholas, we ought to tell you that we didn't put the candle there for you.

Katrina. Why, who was it for?

Gretel [softly]. It was for the Christ-Child. We thought perhaps He would be out in the snow and cold—and we were so warm and happy!

St. Nicholas. Let me tell you, little Gretel, though the Christ-Child did not come, it is just as true that He sent me to you as it is that I was led here by the clear shining of the Christ-Candle.

CURTAIN

NOTES ON COSTUME AND SETTING

The parts of the Mother and St. Nicholas should be played by adults: other adult parts taken by young people sixteen to eighteen.

Mother Madelon. Plain dark dress, white kerchief, white peasant's cap.

Hans. (Eight years old.) White shirt, bright-colored vest, full blue trousers, red stockings. Toboggan cap.

Gretel. (Six years.) Full white waist, black bodice, red skirt, or dark skirt and red stockings. White peasant's cap. Both children may wear wooden shoes.

Friedel. (Boy of nine.) Very ragged coat and trousers. Bare feet. No hat. (Should be a thin little fellow whose appearance may give the touch of pathos.)

Old Marta. (May be taken by a boy, if preferred.) Poorly dressed, in old shawl and hood, carrying a bundle of fagots. Face deeply wrinkled and lined, with an ill-tempered expression.

Rich Johann. Velvet coat, flowered vest, full knee-breeches, shoes with silver buckles. Broad-brimmed felt hat. Silver-headed cane. Is very pompous.

Cross Jacob. Rough farm clothes, heavy boots.

Woodcutter. Fur cap, warm gloves, high boots. Carries an ax. Is young, wholesome, rosy with work, and happy.

Star Child. (Child of seven or eight, who can sing.) White gown, hanging straight from neck to ground, with flowing sleeves. Carries a gold wand with a star on the end, and wears a star on the forehead. If taken by a boy, he should wear a short white sleeveless tunic, white stockings, and sandals.

Fritz and his sisters and brothers, children from twelve years down to six, are dressed in ordinary outdoor winter costumes, with as much as possible of bright color about them.

St. Nicholas differs somewhat from the accepted idea of Santa Claus, being dignified, benign, and kindly, rather than lively and jolly. Costume about the same,—long coat, high boots, fur cap, flowing white beard.

Note for Snow Scene. If not feasible to have a winter scene for the back drop, cover the back wall with white, and fasten drooping branches of evergreen at sides, to suggest the limbs of trees just out of sight. The wings may be treated in the same way,—or screens, if given in home or schoolroom. Cover the floor with white, piling with cushions beneath in some places to give an irregular surface, and to make the bank (R. Center), where Friedel lies down. Four or five evergreen trees will make an effective forest, and if quite small, they should be raised to different heights, and banked about with white. Leave opening between them (Back Center), in which the Star Child should appear, coming and going very silently and slowly. Cotton snow upon the little trees and "diamond-dust" over all, help to make this a very pretty scene.

For chimes, play the music of the carol "Oh, Happy Night" on a xylophone, behind the scenes.