Pepper [with his best professional manner], Mr. Benjamin Franklin Simpson and Mr. Daniel Webster Simpson, we have the great honor to make you welcome to the most world-renowned, the most marvelous single-ring circus upon the face of this Terrestrial Globe—Pepper's Perennial Circus, so named because it never folds its tents from season's end to season's end. I, Gentlemen, am Peter Piper Pepper, the fortunate proprietor of this colossal assemblage of artists. The members of my Company have desired the honor of being presented to you personally before they exhibit to you their unparalleled skill. It gratifies me exceedingly to comply with this wish. [Steps to side of platform and motions to troupe. As he calls them by name they step forward and bow, with flourishes.] Gentlemen, allow me to present to you the distinguished, the glorious Signor Frencelli, and Signor Cocodilla, who have charmed the crowned heads of Europe. [The clowns come forward and bow.]
Dutch [sotto voce to the boys]. Deir names is Barney O'Brien und Jerry Pickle, but dot vouldn't do for der bosters. [Clowns sit down.]
Pepper. Gentlemen, you see before you the world-renowned Marco Brothers, known from the frozen North to the sunny South, for their skill and ability in acrobatic feats. One of them also is a famous bareback rider and performer of feats of equestrian valor. He has a further talent of which you will be given an example a little later.
[Hopkins and Limber Jack make their bows.
Dutch. Dot's Harry Hopkins, und de big feller is Limber Jack. Dey yust bass for brudders.
Pepper. Now, Gentlemen, our show has the distinction of possessing the great Mr. Barlow, the only native African minstrel upon any stage. Mr. Barlow is a prince in his own country, and indeed we esteem him a prince in whatever sphere he may adorn.
Dutch. Dot's Ben Chackson, und he ain't crossed no vater vider dan der riffer. [Makes a face.] But ve makes it up to der peoples vat pays for der seats.
Pepper. And now, Gentlemen, last, but not least we have the noted, the justly celebrated Professor Wormwood, whose successful methods of training the dog and the monkey until they are rendered all but human, have been copied the world over. Professor Wormwood, with his dog, Schneider, and his South American monkey, Jocko.
[Mike steps upon the stage with the dog and
monkey, makes his bow, and admonishes
them to do the same.