Father Time and the Twelve Months of the Year.
Costumes, etc.: Time, an emblematic figure; Months dressed according to characters: January wears a mask at back of head, resembling face; February is the shortest child, and walks with a skipping leap at every fourth step; March’s costume suggests the lion and the lamb, etc. Scenery may be elaborate, or simple, or dispensed with entirely. A sun-dial or a clump of rocks may be placed at back of stage, where Time will take his position while the Months recite. Snow may be simulated by small pieces of white paper being gently dropped from above, or by a little salt being placed in the folds of a character’s coat, so that it drops off lightly, or by a frosty little dab of soap-suds on the shoulder melting almost immediately. Taking a commanding position Time will summon each Month in turn by name, through a megaphone, then when the Month appears will retire to the back of stage till the recitation shall have been concluded. The Months will appear when summoned, in turn, disappearing on the opposite side of stage, if possible behind a piece of scenery, reappearing at back of stage, there to remain quietly till the ensemble at close. Appropriate music for exits and entrances may be used. The songs and dances may be arranged to popular tunes. Colored lights if skilfully handled may be used.
Music: It ends with heavy chords marking time. Curtain rises disclosing Father Time. He blows blast through megaphone, then speaks.
Time.
What ho, hilly ho! Before you you see
A being as ancient as old can be.
Methuselah’s decades a thousandfold
Would not have made him one thousandth as old.
The ages of all the world and his wife
Are not a speck on a patch on my life;