Scene II—In the Forest (later)
Reading edition
Boy. [Looking at the Boastful Bamboo.] What a big, strong, bamboo tree!
Girl. But this dear little one beside it is prettier than any of the others.
Boy. Yes; let us bind her with our garland of flowers.
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Girl. We’ll call her the Lady Silver Mist.
Woodcutter. [Looking at the big bamboo tree.] Here is a tall, straight tree. It will do for a mast. I will cut it first.
Boastful Bamboo. [To Little Tree.] Good-by,—I am sorry for you. I shall see the world now and do great things. Good-by, Little Tree!
Little Tree. Good-by! Good fortune go with you! [Big tree falls.]
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Boy. I’m glad he didn’t take our little tree.
Girl. [To Woodcutter.] Please don’t cut down our little tree. In all the forest we love it best.
Woodcutter. Ah, I see the little tree has friends.
Girl. Yes, we call her the Lady Silver Mist, and she is our playmate.
Woodcutter. But I’ve been sent to cut down all the trees in the forest. You must dig it up and carry it away, if you wish to keep it.
Boy. I’ll dig it up. We’ll take it home and plant it in our garden by the sea. [Children carry off the tree.]
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