Scene I
Reading edition
[In the woods. Witches enter from right and left.]
[Three recite]:
On Hallowe’en night, when the moon is bright, And all the world is still; On Hallowe’en night, when the moon is bright, We come tripping o’er the hill.
[Others recite]:
On Hallowe’en night, we will scare you quite, If you mortals will come out; On Hallowe’en night, we will scare you quite, We’re wise witches without a doubt.
[They stand in line, tap canes after each recitation.]
First:
One little boy cries when he goes upstairs.
Second:
One little boy will not say his prayers.
Third:
One little girl will cry and tease.
Fourth:
One little girl will never say “Please.”
Fifth:
Little boys, little girls, we laugh and shout.
Sixth:
Ha, ha; ho, ho; the witches are out.
[All sing.]
Tune: “Coming Through the Rye.”
1.
If you ever chance to wander, Late on Hallowe’en; If you ever chance to wander, Many sights are seen. Witches are so very funny, In their cap and gown; Just hear our canes go rap-a-tap, The witches are in town.
2.
Soon the witches will be dancing, Out upon the green; Soon the witches will be dancing, Late on Hallowe’en. With their canes a-rapping, tapping, You can hear them shout, If they catch a mortal napping, He had best look out!
[They dance two and two, and dance out.]