First Guest. Truly a gracious Queen!

Second Guest. One worthy of the day and the lovely spring.

Queen. Most true and loyal subjects, it is our will that you pass a merry holiday. Leave care behind. Let no one dare to frown. Let all be generous and mirthful. And first let the May-pole dancers come forward. Know ye where a May-pole grows—tall, straight, beautiful?

All the May-pole Dancers. We know.

Queen. Fetch one, then, right soon. See that it be gorgeously bedecked with flowers and greens and waving streamers. (Exeunt May-pole dancers.) And now we desire to secure a fair day. Come hither, Messenger. Take our love to the Clerk of the Winds and Showers, and beseech his attendance at our May-day festival.

Philosopher. Thou must mount to the top of the weather bureau. 'Tis a tall place and hard to climb.

Messenger. I can climb. I go then to bid the Clerk of the Winds and Showers to be thy guest. [Exit.]

Queen. And while we wait, let our Master Philosopher here propose us riddles.

Philosopher. What is the first flower of the spring?

First Maid of Honor. Call'st thou that a riddle?