(At second carol, the children come out with half-eaten apples and oaten cake, to stand listening to the singing. The children mingle with the waits and offer them bites of their apples, etc. The widow comes out with a big steaming pot of mead to thank the waits. Offers pot. Robin's men each try to take first drink. Robin stops quarrel and hands it to Tuck, who drinks hastily, and so burns his mouth.)
Widow—Oh! kind gentlemen, bless your hearts for this. It's many a year since I heard the sound of a Christmas carol. It does my old heart good. Bless ye, bless ye.
(Descries the fiddler cousin, falls on his shoulder, and makes talk of his family—sotto voce.)
(Robin's men draw off and sing again)—
King Arthur had three sons, that he had.
(A basket lowered from above with Santa Claus in it begins to appear to the audience. No one on stage sees it. Santa Claus reaches out and taps Robin on the head, smartly, with a bit of rope. Knocks off his hat.)
Robin (terrified)—Saints preserve us. Who smote me?
(Sees balloon. Points to it. All cry out in alarm.)
Robin—An air-man; a Miracle! The day of miracles!