A Masque Of The Seasons

Scene.--_A kitchen.--Group of Children, popping corn.--The Fairy Queen of the Seasons discovered in the smoke of the corn-popper.--Waving her wand, and, with eerie, sharp, imperious ejaculations, addressing the bespelled auditors, who neither see nor hear her nor suspect her presence._ QUEEN Summer or Winter or Spring or Fall,-- Which do you like the best of all? LITTLE JASPER When I'm dressed warm as warm can be, And with boots, to go Through the deepest snow, Winter-time is the time for me! QUEEN Summer or Winter or Spring or Fall,-- Which do you like the best of all? LITTLE MILDRED I like blossoms, and birds that sing; The grass and the dew, And the sunshine, too,-- So, best of all I like the Spring. QUEEN Summer or Winter or Spring or Fall,-- Which do you like the best of all? LITTLE MANDEVILLE O little friends, I most rejoice When I hear the drums As the Circus comes,-- So Summer-time's my special choice. QUEEN Summer or Winter or Spring or Fall,-- Which do you like the best of all? LITTLE EDITH Apples of ruby, and pears of gold, And grapes of blue That the bee stings through.-- Fall--it is all that my heart can hold! QUEEN Soh! my lovelings and pretty dears, You've _each_ a favorite, it appears,-- Summer and Winter and Spring and Fall.-- That's the reason I send them _all_!