Father Time?
Father Time. Softly, softly—judges must be
grave and sober, you know. [Children stand very
straight and look most solemn.] Yes, the twelve
months agree to present their claims to you. They
say you will be fair, for they have heard that children
always speak the truth.
Children. Quite right—we always do speak the truth.
Father Time. Now take you each a chair [Children
obey] and sit you here. [Children seat themselves