All (coming forward and singing; tune, “The Red, White, and Blue”).
O sad is the plight of our playmate,
While under the dark, cruel spell;
No peace can she have, night or morning,
For foes watch her footsteps too well.
When found is the key to her treasure,
How gladly our chorus we’ll sing!
When forth come the bright Sunshine Fairies,
The bells of Bonnydingle will ring.
O the bells, bonny bells, how they’ll ring!
O the bells, bonny bells, how they’ll ring!
When forth come the bright Sunshine Fairies,
The bells of Bonnydingle will ring.
(Enter Dorothy, running.)
Dorothy. O Carol, Avis,—all of you! I’m so afraid! When I started to come over here, I was sure I heard Dismal Dumps and the Bugaboo Man talking, just around the corner, and I ran as fast as I could, to get away from them. I’m afraid they’ll be here, yet. (Looking around uneasily). But (brightening) I must tell you the good news. I’ve seen the Brownies!
(All crowd around her. Frank and Roy give a surprised whistle.)
Avis. Have you, Dorothy?
Carol. And will they help us plan what to do?
Dorothy. Yes, they said they would help. Here they come, now.
(Enter Brownies, running, skipping, and capering in various ways, which lively antics they must keep up at intervals all through the play. Coming forward and facing the audience, they sing, each one in turn; tune, “Yankee Doodle.”)
Reallywish.