Robinson Crusoe. Good evening, Santa and Mother Goose. Allow me to present Friday. No, thank you, we will retain our furs. This weather is so different from the climate in the tropics, you know. [Crosses and stands by Mother Goose.]
The Clerk of the Weather. [Tartly.] Now, that’s just the way it goes. It isn’t warm enough for you, Robinson, and here’s William Tell who thinks it just right. It is hard to please everybody on weather. I get almost distracted at the complaints all over the planet. It keeps me changing things all the time.
Jack. Mother Shipton.
Mother Shipton. [Very solemn and important.] Yes, here I am. I came in one of those carriages without horses that they call automobiles. Really they ought to be called Shiptonians in honor of me, for it was I who gave the idea of them to the world. We prophets are seldom believed, though, I suppose, we are lucky not to be stoned.
Jack. How about 1881, Mother Shipton? Why didn’t you hit that date a little closer for the world to come to an end?
Mother Shipton. [Stands next to Crusoe and Friday.] That was simply a misprint, young man. Just you wait long enough and you will see the world come to an end yet. Wait till 2881 and see what happens!
Mother Shipton
Rip Van Winkle