Farewell!
[He disappears, the Children crying after him, “Farewell, O Santa Claus! Next Christmas Eve, good Santa Claus, come next Christmas Eve, good Santa Claus!” Then there is another rush of breeze through the nursery, followed by the fanfare of elfin horns, and the jingle of departing sleigh-bells.]
The Lobs.
[Who have been clearing away the pipes and bowl, now take up their brooms and address the Visiting Children.]
Come, come. ’Tis nearly time for cock to crow!
So vanish! Not a word! be off with you! [They sweep the Visiting Children back into the shadows whence they came.]
The Visiting Children.
Good-bye, O Children of the present-day!
The Present-Day Children.
Good-bye! O Children! Come again and soon! [They become more and more sleepy, and finally fall down in heavy slumber.]