"Here come I, the dear old Father Christmas.
Welcome or welcome not,
I hope old Father Christmas
Will never be forgot.
A room—make room here, gallant boys,
And give us room to rhyme——"
Nathan broke off to explain his reading of the part.
"When I say 'make room' I fly all round the stage, as if I was pushing the people back to give me room."
He finished his speech, and panted and mopped his head.
"That's acting, and what d'you think of it?" he asked.
They all applauded vigorously excepting Mr. Gollop, who now prepared to take his part.
Nathan then left the stage and the vicar called him back.
"You don't go off," he explained. "You stop to welcome the King of Egypt."
"Beg pardon," answered the innkeeper. "But of course, so it is. I'll take my stand here."
"You bow to the King of Egypt when he comes on," declared Gollop. "He humbly bows to me, don't he, reverend Masterman?"