Clown Drill and Song
[The drill is given by ten boys dressed as clowns. March in, hands on the shoulders of the one in front, keep in step. Form line at front of stage, and sing.]
Tune: “Yankee Doodle.”
1.
We are the Clowns of Hallowe’en,
We’ll tell you what we’ll do, Sir;
The same old stunts you’ve always seen,
For we know nothing new, Sir!
Chorus.
Ha, ha, ha, we’ll keep in tune,
Tho’ where we are going,
We can’t tell you very soon,
We’ve no way of knowing.
2.
We are the Clowns of Hallowe’en,
And though we have no money,
We’ll caper lightly o’er the green,
To make you think we’re funny.
Chorus: [Clap hands.]
3.
[The music is played, they look wildly at each
other as though forgetting the words, but come
out strong on the chorus, waving caps.]
4.
What if our words should now give out,
Who’ll help us with our singing?
We will surprise you without doubt,
A little bell we’re ringing.
Chorus: [Ring a tea bell.]
[March right and left, meet in two lines, stand sides to audience, hold up hands, end couple passes through; the next couple, and the next pass through, until all have passed and taken place again in lines. Form a circle, any one is chosen to skip in and out between them, when he returns to place another is chosen to skip in and out, etc. All go to center and back, every other one to center and back, all again to center, wave caps and shout “hurrah.” Form in lines right and left, sides to audience, play ball, throwing it back and forth from line to line for anyone to catch. March in lines, hands on hips. Skip in couples, all go out, re-enter, line up and recite:]
First:
I am going to bed, yes, going to bed,
And pull the covers high over my head,
Late on Hallowe’en.
All:
What’s the use of going to bed—
Is there any rhyme or reason?
Second:
What’s the use of going to bed?
You’ll have to get up in season!
[First runs off.]
Third:
I’ve gotten dressed in my very best,
So witches and goblins will be impressed,
Late on Hallowe’en.
All:
What’s the use of getting dressed?
Is there any rhyme or reason?
Fourth:
What’s the use of getting dressed?
You’ll have to undress next season!
[Third runs off.]
Fifth:
I’m going to eat some pumpkin pies,
And leave one, the witches to surprise,
Late on Hallowe’en.
All:
What’s the use of eating pies?
Is there any rhyme or reason?
Sixth:
What’s the use of eating pies?
You’ll be hungry again next season.
[Fifth runs off.]
Seventh:
I’m going to wash my face so well,
And hide away—where, I shan’t tell,
Late on Hallowe’en.
All:
What’s the use to wash your face?
Is there any rhyme or reason?
Eighth:
What’s the use to wash your face?
You’ll get soiled again next season!
[Seventh runs out.]
Ninth:
I see no use in anything at all,
So for an exit I will call,
Late on Hallowe’en.
All:
What’s the use of anything?
Is there any rhyme or reason?
[All tip-toe out but the tenth.]
Tenth:
What’s the use of anything?
Will you tell me, please, next season?
[Looks about wildly for response, sees he is alone on the stage, runs off.]