A bunch of tatterdemalions enter -- dressed in tatter suits and bowler hats -- faces blacked -- singing God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen -- their leader ringing a bell.
Make room make room my gallant boys
And give us space to rhyme
We've come to show St. George's play
Upon this Christmas time
If you don't believe what I do say
Then step in Father Christmas and clear the way
In comes I old Father Christmas welcome or welcome not
I hope old Father Christmas will never be forgot
Altho' I've only a short time here to stay
I'll show you all mirth and merriment before I go away
For in this room there shall be shown
The dreadfullest battle that ever was known
In comes I the Valiant Soldier
Slasher is my name
Is there any a man who dare to stand
Before me with my naked sword in hand
Here come I, a Turkish Knight
Just come from a foreign land to fight
That Valiant Soldier who I do not fear
No matter what sharp sword he do bear
If his head is made of brass
and his body made of steel
From my shoulder to my knuckle bones
That's the place to feel
I'll clip his wings he shall not fly
I'll cut him down or else I die
If thou art a Turkish Knight
Draw thy sword and let us fight
They fight, the Valiant Soldier is killed & lies dead on the floor.
I am come here to fight St. George
That noble man of courage bold
And if his blood runs hot
I'll quickly make it cold
Here comes I St. George a valiant man
With naked sword and shield in hand
Who fought the Dragon and brought him to slaughter
And for this won the King of Egypt's daughter
Hold on hold on my gentleman thou talkest very bold
Thou talkest like that little man
of whom I have been told
But scarce I'll have three rounds with thee
And leave thee on thy bended knee
And bleeding I will leave thee
They fight -- Turkish Knight is killed
Oh now St. George what hast thee been and done
Thou hast cut down this knight
just like the setting sun
He gave me the first challenge
Why should I deny
Draw out thy sword and fight said I
Pull out thy purse and pay
I will have satisfaction before I go away
Is there a Doctor to be found
To cure these two poor men that lie
wounded and bleeding on the ground
Oh yes oh yes there is a Doctor to be found
To cure these two poor men that lie
wounded and bleeding on the ground
Well Doctor what's thy fee
Fifty guineas is my fee
But five guineas I will take
From a poor old man like thee
What cans't thou cure Doctor
I can cure the itch the stitch the palsy and the gout
And if the devil's in I'll soon drive him out
You're very clever Doctor where hast thou bin
To learn all these yer things
I've been all around England Scotland Ireland
Portugal and Spain
And all the regions round about and back again
Thankee Doctor try thy skill
I will
I carry this little bottle of alicampane
Three drops on these dead men
Will bring them back to life again
The Doctor pours a little into the mouths of the wounded
Arise you two bold champions and act thy parts
Show these ladies and gents
thy bold and valiant hearts
The two dead arise -- they all join in singing "The holly and the Ivy"
Christmas comes but once a year
But when it comes it brings good cheer
Roast beef plum pudding aye and mince pies
Who likes that better than little Johnny Jack and I
No one Father Christmas
I don't think they do my son
So walk in little Johnny Jack and act thy part
Show these ladies and gents thy bold and gallant heart
In comes I Little Johnny Jack
with my wife and family at my back
(shows some dolls tied to his back)
Some are here and some are home
I'm afeard they'll all be starved before I can come
With a pocket full of money and a belly full of beer
I hope you all have a merry Christmas
Wish you all a happy New Year
Ladies and gentlemen our play is ended
Our money box is recommended
Copper silver or gold if you can
On whatsoever you give there is no ban
All then sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and there's a final ring of the bell
Hats are then carried round to levy tribute on the crowd