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The evergreen tree

Chapter 4: THIRD ACTION (“Somebody Is Coming!”)
By Percy MacKaye
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About This Book

A community masque in twelve actions frames a Christmas ritual around an evergreen as a symbol of light, childhood, and renewal. Folk and biblical figures—elves and gnomes, shepherds, a mute Mary and Joseph, a persecuting host, outcasts, and the Three Kings—interact with choruses, carols, and staged tableaux to dramatize contrasts between innocence, authority, exile, and consolation. Music, choral participation, and scenic design are integral, with carols and choruses set for communal singing and acting. The piece envisions a democratic, devotional festival that blends pagan merriment with Christian passion to express communal hope and sorrow amid social trial.

THIRD ACTION
(“Somebody Is Coming!”)

STAGE A

Tree and the Fairies have watched and listened eagerly.

TREE
(To Elf and Gnome)
Look, look! The light is coming here.
Rouse up the wild beasts,
And let us make a welcome for these wanderers.
Carol 2. Fairy Round
TREE, ELF, GNOME
(Sing in a round)
Wolf, Bear, Lion!
Wolf, Bear, Lion!
Are you awake?
Are you awake?
Somebody is coming!
Somebody is coming!
LION
(Waking and rubbing his eyes, joins in the round)
Who can it be?
Who can it be?
BEAR
(Rolling to his feet with an “Ooff!” imitates Lion)
Let’s go and see!
Let’s go and see!
WOLF, BEAR AND LION
(Scrambling down the path)
Hi-ih! Ooff! Yarrr!
TREE
Peace, wild folk! Make a welcome for these new comers.
LION
(Grinning savagely)
Welcome, they are! My mouth waters for them.
WOLF
(To Lion)
Hi! Let me pass.
I’ll pick a bone with you—after the meat’s gone.
BEAR
You talk loud, but you keep your tail between your legs.
WOLF
That’s more than you can do—with yours!
LION
Now for a new kill!