The very first year that I was born,
A cruel Russian war begun.[1]
Peace! ladies and gentlemen, peace! I call,
For I am come to save you all.
Ladies and gentlemen, let your voices ring,
Clap your hands together, and let us all sing.
Enter Johnny Jack.
Johnny Jack, In comes I little Johnny Jack,[2]
With my wife and family at my back.
Money I want, money I crave,
If you don't give me that I wish you in your grave.
Mr. Young says the last character "did not occur in the regular 'mum,' but was added to draw coin." He further remarks: "In reference to the 'Prince of Peace,' I think I recollect reading that it was not uncommon to introduce sacred personages by way of moral into these outdoor plays, such as are still represented on the Continent in 'Passion Plays.'"
Much of the original has no doubt been lost or corrupted, and the gaps filled up with incidents suited to the times in which they lived. In each version "St. George" appears as "King George." This no doubt originated during the last century from a confusion of the saint with the reigning monarchs.
It will be seen on comparison that the Sussex play resembles in outline the Hampshire "Christmas Mystery," published in Notes and Queries, 2nd Series, xii. 493. In the Sompting version (kindly sent by Mrs. Pullen-Burry, of Rectory House, Sompting, Sussex) St. George, after referring to "having won the King of Egypt's daughter," goes on to say:—
"Therefore if any man dare to enter this place,
I will cut him and hack him as small as dust;
And afterwards send him to a cook's shop
To be made into mince-pie crust."
