Scene.—The Store-room at sunset, with view of exterior of Jam Cupboard, and orchard in distance.
Enter Joe.
"As Joe was at play, Near the cupboard one day, When he thought no one saw him but himself."—Vide Poem.
Joe (dreamily). 'Tis passing strange that I so partial am
To playing in the neighbourhood of Jam!
[Here Miss Curdler will introduce her great humorous Satirical Medley, illustrative of the Sports of Childhood, and entitled, "Some Little Gymes we all of us 'ave Plied;" after which, Enter Joe's Mother, followed by John and the Chorus, with baskets, ladders, &c., for gathering fruit.
"His Mother and John, To the garden had gone, To gather ripe pears and ripe plums."—Poem.
Joe's Mother (with forced cheerfulness)—
Let's hope, my friends, to find our pears and plums,
Unharmed by wopses, and untouched by wums.
[Chorus signify assent in the usual manner by holding up the right hand.
Solo—John.
Fruit when gathered ripe, is wholesome—
Otherwise if eaten green.
Once I knew a boy who stole some—
[With a glance at Joe, who turns aside to conceal his confusion.
His internal pangs were keen!
Chorus (virtuously). 'Tis the doom of all who're mean,
Their internal pangs are keen!