s Kringle, Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Knight Rupert_,
and _Babousca_ in appropriate costumes. Nine _Children_, in
ordinary clothes. _North Wind, East Wind_, and _West Wind_ in
costumes similar to _South Wind_, but varying in color,--white
for north, blue for east, and red for west. The Winds stand
behind St. Nicholas and keep up a restless blowing; that is,
a fluttering and ballooning of capes and veils by flourishing
arms.)

_1897_: I'm growing old and feeble,
So much excitement's wrong;
Folks should have had their Christmas
When I was young and strong.
Instead of that, they take it
When I really ought to rest.
My last days should be peaceful
But--Father Time knows best

And now I must be stirring,
And call for Santa Claus;
I almost dread his coming,
There's always such a noise.
The winds shall be my heralds--
Come, North Wind, where are you?
Just whisper to old Santa
That here he'll soon be due.

Now while I am about it,
Perhaps it would be best
To call that windy herald
Whose home is in the west.
(_Enter South Wind_)
Here comes my daughter, South Wind.

_South Wind_:
I'm almost out of breath,
I really fear the North Wind
Intends to be my death.

_1897_: I'll bid him treat you kindly;
He should not be so rough;
He's getting much too boisterous,
I know that well enough.
You're all here now but East Wind
I'll call for him again.

_Messenger (entering)_:
The East Wind says his health demands
A little snow or rain.

_1897_: Well, well, just tell the storm clouds
To send us rain or snow.
_(Snowflakes begin to fall, seen through a window,--cotton or bits of
paper_) Well done! Now are you ready
Upon your way to go?
For some one must be bidding