Page:Devon and Cornwall Queries Vol 9 1917.djvu/291

Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries. 229 been necessary. Conscripts are unknown in such parishes ; the battered doggerel of the Silverton Mummers breathes that clean patriotism with which we trust to save the world from tyranny. FRAGMENTS OF THE SILVERTON MUMMING PLAY (Taken down by the Rev. E. S. Chalk from the mouth of one Denner, and two other inmates of the Tiverton Union Workhouse, 1900). Enter Father Christmas. Here comes I, old Father Christmas, Welcome, or welcome not, I hope old Father Christmas Will never be forgot. Isn't this a great age For an old man like me ? Four score and three [or probably the current year], My head so big, My body so small. My knees and legs so weak. So down I fall. And if you don't believe the words I say. Enter in my son Room and prepare the way. [Room is probably in origin the Old Fool whose name has been lost and another supplied from his opening words]. Room. Room, a room prepare his way, No Turks nor dragons shall tarry this way, For S. George he is a valiant man. And I his armour bearer am. I cut down all his enemies If they were only here. If you don't believe the words I say, Enter in King of Egypt and boldly clear the way. Enter King of Egypt. K. of E. Here am I, King of Egypt, So grand and boldly does appear. And with the tribes of British boys I'm come to show you here. Whilst heroes bold and Britons stand We neither fear nor care, For S. George he is my only son and heir. And if you don't believe the words I say, Enter in S. George, and act thy manly part, And let the jovial company see That thou hast a lion's heart. Enter S. George. S. George. Here am I, S. George and S. George, Who did from England spring. Some of my most victorious works I'm now just going to begin.