"Dear Father Time, we've come to you,
Perhaps you'll tell us what to do.
Our teacher says that in the year
Too many holidays appear.
She says we must at least drop one,
And she'd be glad if there were none."
And the boy added:
"It is hard to know what day to choose,
When there isn't one you care to lose."
In great astonishment Father Time exclaimed:
"To drop a holiday! Absurd!
Impossible! Upon my word!
Affairs like this belong to me,
As I'll soon let this teacher see."
He rapped on the ground with his staff and a small page appeared, wearing a pointed cap and carrying a tin horn. Bowing low before Father Time, he was instructed to call the Holidays together. He withdrew and was heard blowing his horn in the distance. Presently music sounded, and the eight Holidays came marching in, with banners, singing:
"Joyous Holidays,
Full of gayety,
Bringing happy hours,
Merry days are we.
"Children love us well,
Surely they have reason.
Happiness and mirth
Bring we every season.
"Father Time, we've come,
Answering to your call,
Glad to do your will
Are we one and all."
After marching twice around the stage they took their stand in a semicircle before Father Time and the children.