MARTHA. Well, nothing of me will be warm soon.
JENNIFER. Ay, let's begin, Peter Ableways, while we carry the tune in our heads. It is ill searching for the notes in the middle of the carol, as some singers do.
PETER. Well spoken, Mistress Jennifer. Now listen all, while I unfold the nature of the entertainment. Item—A carol or birth song to draw the attention of all folk to the company here assembled and the occasion celebrated. Item—Applause and the clapping of hands. Item—A carol or song of thanksgiving. Item—A collection.
JONAS. An entertainment well devised, Master Ableways, sobeit the words of the second song remain with me after I am delivered of the first.
MARTHA. Are we to begin soon, Master Ableways? My feet are cold.
PETER. Are we all ready, friends? I will say one—two—three—and at "three" I pray you all to give it off in a hearty manner from the chest. One—two—
JONAS. Hold, hold, Master Ableways! Does it begin—No, that's the other one. (JENNIFER whispers the first line to him) Ay, ay—I have it now—and bursting to get out of me. Proceed, Peter Ableways.
PETER. One—two—three—(They carol.)
PETER. Well sung, all.
HUMPHREY. The applause followed, good Master Peter, as ordained. Moreover, I have the tune of the second song ready within me. Likewise a la-la-la or two to replace such words as I have forgotten.