On Christmas Eve when fairy-tales come true!

Second Lob.

O wise the word! Come, brother; wake! [He pokes the First Lob with his broom.]

First Lob.

Let be!

I’m weary! [The Children now are heard, yawning and stretching. He starts up.] Eh? What’s this? That rowdy horde

Of heavy-footed Children, coming back

Like runaways deserting school, before

Dawn and the birds, from Sleep! O trespassers

Upon our ancient province of the night!