This Drama, which, like our last, has been suggested by a poem of the Misses Taylors', will be found most striking and impressive in representation upon the Music-hall stage. The dramatist has ventured to depart somewhat from the letter, though not the spirit, of the original text, in his desire to enforce the moral to the fullest possible extent. Our present piece is intended to teach the great lesson that an inevitable Nemesis attends apple-stealing in this world, and that Doom cannot be disarmed by the intercession of the evil-doer's friends, however well-meaning.
THE MAN-TRAP!
A Thrilling Moral Musical Sensation Sketch in One Scene.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.
William (a Good Boy). Mr. Harry Nicholls. } who have kindly
Thomas (a Bad Boy). Mr. Herbert Campbell. } offered their services.
Benjamin (neither one thing nor the other). Mr. Samuel Super.
The Monster Man-trap Mr. George Conquest.
Scene—An elaborate set, representing, on extreme left, a portion of the high road, and wall dividing it from an orchard; realistic apple-and pear-trees laden with fruit. Time, about four o'clock on a hot afternoon. Enter William and Thomas, hand-in-hand, along road; they ignore the dividing wall, and advance to front of stage.
Duet.—William and Thomas.
Wm. I'm a reg'lar model boy, I am; so please make no mistake.
It's Thomas who's the bad 'un—I am good!
Thos. Yes, I delight in naughtiness for naughtiness's sake,
And I wouldn't be like William if I could!
Chorus.
Wm. Ever since I could toddle, my conduct's been model,
There's, oh, such a difference between me and him!
Thos. While still in the cradle, I orders obeyed ill,
And now I've grown into a awful young limb!
Together. Yes, now; {he's} grown into a awful young limb.
{I've }
I've made up my mind not to imitate him!