The Wild Hare
Reading edition
The children in this play wear long brown tissue paper rabbit ears, made over wire and tied around the head by a ribbon.
(Mother sings:)
Now this must be a bunny! I know it by its ears! Those gentle wildland creatures, Such timid pretty dears!
(Child sings:)
O, yes, I am a bunny! I’ve seen you as you pass My little hidden bower Built in the wildland grass.
(Mother sings, seeking to capture child:)
Pray let me catch you, bunny! O, let me, rabbit dear, And take you to the children— Nay, bunny, do not fear!
(Child sings, springing away in little leaps:)
I am a free wild bunny! To catch me who shall dare! I am no timid rabbit rabbit— I am a wild swift hare!
1. & 2. Child comes out and slowly hops about, with little leaps and springs.
3. Other “hares” come hopping down the room. Child pauses in rabbit attitude and is joined by the others.
(Mother sings, following after child:)
Nay, bunny, stop and listen, And tell me many things! Say, is a hare’s life pleasant? But no—away it springs! Stop, stop, and tell me, bunny, Where stay you when night comes?
(Child sings:)
O, all the great green wildland Is full of little homes!
(Mother sings:)
And tell me, pretty bunnies, What do you have to eat?
(Children sing:)
O, twig and leaf and berry Are bunny’s bread and meat.
(Mother sings, shuddering:)
But oh! the owls and foxes That hunt you for their prey!
(Children sing, springing away:)
Then on our leaping long-legs We bunnies streak away!
4. Children circle room to seats.