Children's Classics in Dramatic Form Part 25

ABBOT. Why, that is true, you do. Well, what can I do for you?

SHEPHERD. I have heard about the two questions, sir. I have come to help you.

ABBOT. How can you help me? Speak!

SHEPHERD. I will go to the king in your place. He will think that I am you.

ABBOT. Can you answer the two questions?

 

SHEPHERD. Only the king himself can say. Now give me your gown and cap and golden staff, dear Abbot.

ABBOT. Well, I will let you try.

(_Gives his gown and cap to the Shepherd, who puts them on and then takes the staff._)

You truly seem to be myself, good Shepherd!

SHEPHERD. I hope the king will think so.

ABBOT. Suppose he will not take your answers?

SHEPHERD. Then he will take my head.

ABBOT. No, good Shepherd, I'll take my own head up to him for that. Now go, and bear my blessing with you.

[_He lifts his hand. The Shepherd bows his head._]

SCENE III

TIME: _the same day; afternoon._ PLACE: _King John's palace._

KING JOHN.

ABBOT (REALLY THE SHEPHERD).

KNIGHT.

JESTER.

LORDS AND LADIES.

[_The_ KING _sits on his throne. The_ LORDS, LADIES, _and_ JESTER _stand near. Enter a_ KNIGHT.]

KNIGHT. The Abbot begs to see you, Sire.

KING. Ah, he has come, has he?

KNIGHT. Yes, your Majesty, he waits without.

KING. Bid him enter.

[_The Knight goes._]

JESTER. Will the Abbot take his head back with him? I'll give you two guesses, ladies! I'll give you two guesses, lords!

[_Enter the_ KNIGHT _and the_ SHEPHERD _dressed as the_ ABBOT.]

ABBOT. Your Majesty, I am here.

KING. Well, then, tell me how long I shall live.

ABBOT. Sire, you shall live till the day that you die, and not one day longer.

KING. Ha, ha! You are witty, Abbot. Now tell me what I think.

ABBOT. You think I am the Abbot, Sire. I am only his poor Shepherd.

Behold!

[_He throws off his gown and cap._]

KING. Ha, ha, ha! Truly you are a witty fellow! I like you for it, that I do!

SHEPHERD. Then will you pardon the good Abbot, Sire?

KING. I will pardon the Abbot and let him keep his lands and knights, if you will stay and live here in my court.

JESTER. Yes, stay. Stay and help me jest!

SHEPHERD. I'll stay, and I'll jest whene'er I can. I thank you, King John, I thank you.

POCAHONTAS AND CAPTAIN SMITH

SCENE I

TIME: _a spring morning; three hundred years ago._ PLACE _: forest near Jamestown._

POCAHONTAS.

INDIAN WOMAN.

INDIAN GIRLS.

INDIAN BOYS.