k, my sailor lad,
The bravest, best, and nicest son
A mother ever had.

He wears a suit of navy blue--
I've brought him to the show
Because he looks so very nice,
He'll take the prize, I know.

_Places it by doll No. 3, and sits down._

_Fifth Girl--a very small girl holding by the arm a large rag baby
with a long dress._

My mamma's writing letters,
And told me--"run away,"
And so I brought my dolly
To the baby show, to-day.

She isn't very pretty,
But she's very nice, I think,
Her eyes, and nose, and little mouth,
My mamma made with ink.

I love my Dolly, 'cause she's good--
She never never cries,
So don't you think she'll be the one
To carry off the prize?

_Places her doll by doll No. 4, and takes a seat._

_Sixth Girl_

They mustn't crowd my baby out,
Although she's black as night.
I think she'll stand as good a chance
As babies that are white.

She's very neat, and nice, and clean,
Her lips are cherry red,
She wears a gay bandanna
Tied round her curly head.

She's a very handsome lady,
And if the judge be wise,
I do not have the slightest doubt
That she will take the prize.

_Places her doll by doll No. 5, and sits down._

_First Girl--to the girls_

Do not open your mouths,
Nor shut your eyes!
For here comes the judge
To award the prize.

_Seventh Girl--Enters carrying a wand. She views each doll in turn
with critical eyes, then pointing to the first doll, says--_

Number one is very pretty,
But I think she's rather tall.

_Points to No. 2_

And this cunning little baby,
Is a little bit too small.

_No. 3_

Number three--a fine French lady,
Too Frenchy is, I fear.

_Points to No. 4_

And Master Jack, I like your looks,
But I think you dress too queer.

_No. 5_

And this old-fashioned baby doll,
I guess lived in the ark;

_No. 6_

No, no, Miss Dinah, no prize for you,
Your skin is much too dark.

_Then turning to the little girls, she continues:_

And now, dear anxious mothers,
I find I can't decide
Which doll shall have the premium,
But I'll be satisfied

If you'll call another meeting
To-morrow afternoon,
I need more time to settle this--
To-day is much too soon.

So, mothers, now I give these babies
Back to your loving care;
And I thank you much for bringing them
To our famou