Part 16

Mother Goose. Jack Goose, I wish you to run over to Mother Hubbard's house and ask her to take tea with me this afternoon. Now be nimble, Jack,--be quick!

Jack. Yes, mother dear. See me jump over the candlestick! Isn't that fine jumping?

Mother Goose. Very fine indeed, Jack. Now do your errand, and hurry home.

Jack. Yes, mother, I will. Good-by.

Mother Goose. Good-by.

SCENE II.--House of Mother Hubbard

Jack (knocking). I wonder if Old Mother Hubbard is at home. Hark! I hear her dog barking. Yes, and I hear her step. Here she is!

Mother Hubbard (opening the door). Who is this knocking so loud? Oh, it's you, little nimble Jack! Will you come in?

Jack. No, thank you, Mrs. Hubbard. My mother wishes you to come over to our house for tea this afternoon. Will you come?

Mother Hubbard. Yes, thank you, Jack, I will. Tell your mother that I'm just going to market to buy my poor doggie a bone.

Jack. O Mother Hubbard! please let me play with your dog. He's such a dear old doggie! Do you remember how he danced a jig the other day?

Mother Hubbard. Yes, Jack, I do; and I think you danced with him. You are both nimble young things and both like to dance. Well, good-by, now. Have a good time together and I'll bring you something little boys like.

Jack. Thank you! Good-by, good-by! Now, doggie, let's dance.

Old Mother Hubbard, she went to the cupboard, To get the poor doggie a bone; But when she got there, the cupboard was bare, And so the poor doggie had none.

Dog (sadly). Bow-wow, bow-wow, bow-wow!

Jack. Oh! you don't like that song! Never mind, old fellow! Mother Hubbard has gone to the butcher's and she'll get you a bone, I'm sure. Wait till she comes back.

Dog (gayly). Bow-wow, bow-wow, bow-wow!

Jack. I thought you would like that. Here she comes now. We've had a lovely dance, Mother Hubbard, and now I must hurry home.

Mother Hubbard. Thank you for staying and taking good care of my dog. Here are some fresh Banbury buns for you.

Jack. Oh, thank you, Mother Hubbard. I'm very fond of Banbury buns. Good-by!

Mother Hubbard. Good-by, Jack. Tell your mother I'll be over soon.

Jack. Bring your dog with you, and we'll have another dance. Good-by.

Dog. Bow-wow! bow-wow! bow-wow!

SCENE III.--Mother Goose and Mother Hubbard at the Tea Table

Mother Goose. I am pleased to see you, Mother Hubbard. I hear that your cupboard is no longer bare and empty, and I am very glad you are able to give your poor dog all the bones a good dog should have. Now for our tea. Shall I put two or three lumps in your cup?

Mother Hubbard. Three, please. I like my tea very sweet. And now tell me, Mother Goose, what is the reason you sent for me to-day?

Mother Goose. Well, I am going to give a party and I wish to ask your advice.

Mother Hubbard. Indeed! Whom do you think of inviting?