Now, if we were to
share and share alike, I should get back my porridge, which I gave
to the elf. [Shakes sheaf and gathers the grain into a bowl.]
A VOICE. He robs Christmas! He robs Christmas!
OLD MAN. Now I'll put this thing on the pole so that it will look
like a symbol, and as a symbol it will also be of service--for it
shows what is not to be found within. [He puts sheaf through window
and hangs it on pole, then shakes his fist at town below.] Oh, you
old human pit down there! I spit on you! [Spits through window;
comes down and sees the burning candle before the Virgin's
picture.] This must be the boy's doings! The times are not such
that one burns up candles needlessly. [Snuffs out light and puts
the candle into his pocket.]
A VOICE. Woe! Woe! [Head of Virgin shakes three times and a bright
ray of light darts out from the head.]
OLD MAN. [Shrinking.] Is hell let loose to-night?
A VOICE. Heaven!
OLD MAN. Pehr, Pehr! Where are you? My eyes! Light the candles--My
son, my son!
VIRGIN'S IMAGE. _My_ SON!
OLD MAN. [Groping his way toward the stairs.] My eyes! Hell-fire!
[He rushes down the steps.]
[Two rats, Nisse and Nilla, come on right, one behind the other.
They have mourning veils swathed about their tails.]
NISSE. I say, it smells like roast pig!
NILLA. Oh, I promise you! Be careful, Nisse! I see the trap over
there. [Sits on hind legs.] 'Twas in that very trap that our little
ones were lost! O dear, dear, dear!
NISSE.
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