SCENE
The woods in winter. If scenery is not available, a generous supply of white sheets and cotton batting will make an effective setting, with a few small evergreens, and bare boughs. A large Christmas tree should be utilized as part of the scene; place it to right of center, and trim lightly with silver tinsel, “snow,” and glass icicles. Near the tree, a couch or seat should be built up and covered with white, to represent a little mound; upon this the Queen sits, and later, the children recline. The time is about sunset; a red light, if available, will be effective early in the scene, while toward the end it grows darker. A curtain is not absolutely necessary, although of course more “like a play.”
MUSIC
The airs mentioned may all be found in “Folk Songs and Other Songs for Children”; Oliver Ditson Company.
[The Queen and Fairies enter, dancing, to the air of “Come, Lasses and Lads.” The Holly Elves dance in from opposite side, and, with the Fairies, form a circle about the Queen, singing:]
Come fairies and elves, bestirring yourselves,
Take hands in a joyous ring!
With step so light, in our woodland white,
We’ll merrily dance and sing.
No sorrow or care we know;