Oh, Santa, cries POLLY, we got your letter and the wishing-cap—
And the fairy spectacles, says JACK.
And we've brought you some of father's medicine, continues POLLY, because it made Nurse Mary quite well—her back, you know.
And her joints, adds JACK.
And you have to take it from children, POLLY goes on. One of them holds the spoon—Here POLLY holds out the spoon.
And the other pours out the medicine, says JACK, and with that he pours it out. It's very bitter, he adds, as Polly holds it out for Santa Claus to take.
Then Santa Claus opens his mouth, and swallows the dose, with a wry face and a shudder.
Is it horrid? asks POLLY.
Horrid! says SANTA CLAUS.
But it will make you well, you know, says POLLY encouragingly. Only you have to wait a little for the medicine to work.