William (sings).
In his downward course arrest him!
(He may take a virtuous tack);
Pause awhile, ere you digest him,
Make an effort—bring him back!
[The Man-trap is convulsed by a violent heave; William and Benjamin bend forward in an agony of expectation, until a small shoe and the leg of Thomas's pantaloons are finally emitted from the Monster's jaws.
Benj. (exultantly). See, William, now he's coming ... here's his shoe for you!
The Man-trap (with an accent of genuine regret). I'm sorry—but that's all that I can do for you!
Wm. (raising the shoe and the leg of pantaloons, and holding them sorrowfully at arm's length).
He's met the fate which moralists all promise is
The end of such depraved careers as Thomas's!
Oh, Benjamin, take warning by it be-time!
(More brightly). But now to wash our hands—'tis nearly tea-time!
[Exeunt William and Benjamin, to wash their hands, as Curtain falls. N.B. This finale is more truly artistic, and in accordance with modern dramatic ideas, than the conventional "picture."