Harper's Round Table, April 28, 1896

by Various

Queen. We would we knew if the sun would hold till nightfall.

Clerk of the Winds and Showers. A violent electric disturbance is noticeable around the north pole.

Philosopher. May it shake the north pole to its imperilling. Fellow, why canst thou not give our Queen a straight answer? Will it rain to-day?

Clerk of the Winds and Showers. I have given thee the morning bulletins, and thou mayst gather for thyself—that is, if thy wits be not already gone a wool-gathering.

Queen. No disrespect. I pray thee. We will hope for the best.

Enter May-pole Dancers and Maid Marian.

First May-pole Dancer. Hail, fair Queen! We bring thee a fine pole, tall, straight, well bedecked, as thou didst desire.

Queen. You have indeed found a pretty pole. We will ourself join in a dance around it. But whom hast thou here? What stranger lady?

Second May-pole Dancer. Dear Queen, this is a lost damsel. She hath become separated from her friends. So we asked her to join our merrymaking, and forget for a time her woes.