Meeny. Oh, I vant to see der whale. I've looked und I've looked und I've looked, but I ain't even so much as seen his leedle tail yet already. Und it makes me seasick to look so much, too.
Biddy Mary. Are ye sure it was a whale ye saw that day, Sergius boy?
Sergius. Of course I'm sure. It was awful big. The biggest fish I ever saw. Even in Russia we do not have such big fish as whales. Paddy Mike saw it, too.
Paddy Mike. Sure and I did. And me two eyes nearly fell out of me head with lookin' at it, it was that wonderful. He shot a big stream of water right up out of his head, he did, and then he dived down in the ocean again, and we didn't see him any more at all, at all. (Mieze and Sano San turn backs to audience and look over the railing into the water.)
Hulda (to the twins). There! Now if you get to see the great big whale, that's almost as good as having old Saint Nicholas come, ain't it?
Schwillie. Whales can't bring you no Christmas presents, can they, Klinker?
Klinker. Und whales you can see any time. I'd rather have Saint Nicholas, wouldn't I, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
Sergius. Who is this Saint Nicholas they are looking for, Hulda?
Hulda (astonished). Why, don't you know who he is yet? He's the best old man that ever was. Und he comes the night before Christmas und visits all the little children in Holland.
Meeny (proudly). Und in Germany, too. (Sergius goes to Hulda.)