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Blind Man: (returns, blindfolded and waving slapstick behind his back)

Oh, Tom, Tom, my wayward son,

All is forgiven! Do not run.

Come here, sweet apprentice to this old sinner,

You be my eyes, and I’ll find us dinner.

Tom Fool: (kneels before Eezum Squeezum; beseeches with upheld hands)

My resurrection was all for naught.

He’ll kill me again, with malice aforethought.

 
 

Eezum Squeezum: (taps Polly and Tom on the head with his twig broom; magically they freeze)

The Devil cares none for your wretched prayer.

Amuse me, Tom Fool, with this shaggy bear.

Tom Fool and Pretty Polly unfreeze, put their heads together, whisper, and point to the beast. Dancing Bear, bored and oblivious, sits on the stage and dozes with her chin on her chest.

Tom Fool: (to the not-so-Blind Man)

Oh, master kind and master wise,

This starveling boy will be your eyes.

What I see now will give you cheer.

A wanton maid who’s full of beer.

Blind Man:

Too many slaps I’ve received today.

Is she a bitter wench or a girl who’s gay?

Pretty Polly: (false voice)

Hinchy-pinchy, handy-shandy,

Come and taste my sugar-candy.

Tom Fool:

So sweet, her favorite food is honey.

Bees and fleas keep her comp’ny.

Pretty Polly: (stands behind Dancing Bear)

Yes, help me, old man, to scratch my itch.

I’ve a furry spot that wants a switch.

Tom Fool: (stops not-so-Blind Man from lifting bandage)

Master wise and master kind,

You mustn’t peek. She thinks you’re blind.

 

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Lively’s Way - Bear Boy d: GB0191