The Audubon Societies 355 



killed us without pity and without mercy. They have robbed our nests and shut us up 

 in cages, stripped us of our feathers and now strut about in our borrowed plumage. They 

 have even invaded our own dominion of the air and fancy they can fly, these insignifi- 

 cant creatures, born only to creep and crawl upon the earth. Shall we submit to such 

 infamy? Shall we not put a stop to such invasion of our rights? What says the Owl, 

 wisest of the birds? (Turns to Owl.) 



Owl. — To-whit, to-whoo ! To-whit, to-whoo! To-whit, to-whoo ! 



Wren (running up to throne). — What did he say? 



Eagle. — Silence ! He is speaking words of wisdom. 



Wren. — But what does it mean? 



Eagle. — Never mind. 'Tis too deep for you to understand. 



Wren. — Pooh! I don't believe it means anything. (Flirts back to place.) 



Eagle. — Your words. Sir Owl, are wise and show great knowledge and wisdom. 

 But perhaps it would be well to hold a council with your brother Owls. Call them hither. 



Owl (bows, turns to stage R, calls loudly). — To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; 

 to-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo. 



Echo (from distance). — To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo. 



Owl. — To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo. (Enter stage to R, 

 10 to 20 Owls, march stiff and solemn down middle of stage, separate, half to right and 

 half to left, round stage, meet at center back, advance to front of stage in row.) 



Birds {sing to air of 'The Owl,' by Granville Bantock.) — 



1 They come, they come, the Owls so wise. 



So sad and solemn, too. 

 They come to counsel and advise 



And tell us what to do. 

 To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; and tell us what to do. 

 To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; and tell us what to do. 



2 They sit and think, and nod and wink, 



The night and all day through. 

 So deep their thoughts they can't express 



Such words of wisdom true. 

 To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; and tell us what to do. 

 To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; and tell us what to do. 



3 They look so wise, such great big eyes. 



And such a stately tread. 

 They must know all there is to know. 



With such enormous head. 

 To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; and tell us what to do. 

 To-whit, to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo; and tell us what to do. 



Owls (gather in circle at center of stage, chanting dirgelike refrain). — To-whit, to- 

 whoo; to-whit, to-whoo. (Put heads together, as in conference, chanting.) To-whit, 

 to-whoo; to-whit, to-whoo. (March around the stage several times, still chanting. 

 Exit Stage L.) 



Birds (exclaim in wonder). — What wisdom! What knowledge! Oh! Oh! Oh! 



Wren (running about the stage frantically). — Odear! O dear! I didn't understand 

 a single word they said. 



Eagle (sternly). — Back to your place, foolish one. Do not expose your ignorance. 



(Wren goes back to her place, flirting her head and shoulders in disgust). 



