How to become an actor

by Aaron A. Warford

When he’s chopped down,

An’ de coons cut dirt all about;

He gives fire an’ light

Ob a long cold night,

When de old nor-easters shout.

Pom. (Voices heard outside.) Hello! here comes de guests to de ball. I’ll just step out ob de way, until some ob dem come in. [Exit R. H. Enter a number of wenches and sing; then Pompey comes in.] How are you gen’lemen and ladies? I hope I see you all ’joyin’ good health. [Looks off, R. H.] Hello! here comes Mr. Jim Brown, Esquire, as he told me to call him; and he’s got Miss Peachblossom wid him.

[Enter Jim Brown and Araminta. They are the bon-ton; all the characters bow to them, and shake hands after business. Four dance, etc.

Jim Brown. [To Pompey.] Pompey, I tole you once dat I was a fernologist.

Pom. A what?

Jim. A fernologist.