ACT TWO.
(Curtain rises on Richmond market place. Stall around sides of stage and back. In foreground, tables and benches; side show of some funny sort. Tents at one side. Country folk walking about, farmers and wives.)
[No. 4.]
Cho. Come, O maidens fair,
Yes, come, but come with cheerful looks!
Handsome is as handsome does,
The rule that suits our books.
Hasten, hasten, cheerful maidens,
Do not linger on the way,
Soon the Hiring Fair will open
And advancing is the day.
Done! once the bargain is agreed to
Neither can undo it.
Done! faithful servants, kindly masters,
Neither then will rue it.
Neatness is the best of graces,
Smooth of hair come every one;
In a row all take your places,
Soon the choosing will be done.
If you'll be but quick and neat
And try to do your best,
You will find a happy home,
And the pay of your deserving. Come!
Find a home, yes, come.
(Enter serving maids, arm in arm. Farmers go to meet them.)
Servants' Cho. Hither come, linger not,
Fate a home will allot, etc.
Farmers and Wives. Come this way, don't delay,
We have waited you many a day.
Serv. Oh, not now, but tomorrow,
We are tired, we are shy.
Farmers. Handsome is that handsome does,
The best rule that ever was.
(Farmers and wives try to bring servants into a line forward on stage. The servants hold back.)