Повернення на батьківщину

           When,fromthecomparativequietwithin,themummersjudgedthatthedancershadtakentheirseats,FatherChristmasadvanced,liftedthelatch,andputhisheadinsidethedoor.

           “Ah,themummers,themummers!”criedseveralguestsatonce.“Clearaspaceforthemummers.”

           HumpbackedFatherChristmasthenmadeacompleteentry,swinginghishugeclub,andinageneralwayclearingthestagefortheactorsproper,whileheinformedthecompanyinsmartversethathewascome,welcomeorwelcomenot;concludinghisspeechwith

           “Makeroom,makeroom,mygallantboys,

           Andgiveusspacetorhyme;

           We’vecometoshowSaintGeorge’splay,

           UponthisChristmastime.”

           Theguestswerenowarrangingthemselvesatoneendoftheroom,thefiddlerwasmendingastring,theserpent-playerwasemptyinghismouthpiece,andtheplaybegan.FirstofthoseoutsidetheValiantSoldierentered,intheinterestofSaintGeorge—

           “HerecomeI,theValiantSoldier;

           Slasherismyname”;

           andsoon.Thisspeechconcludedwithachallengetotheinfidel,attheendofwhichitwasEustacia’sdutytoenterastheTurkishKnight.She,withtherestwhowerenotyeton,hadhithertoremainedinthemoonlightwhichstreamedundertheporch.Withnoapparenteffortorbackwardnessshecamein,beginning—

           “HerecomeI,aTurkishKnight,

           WholearntinTurkishlandtofight;

           I’llfightthismanwithcouragebold:

           Ifhisblood’shotI’llmakeitcold!”

           DuringherdeclamationEustaciaheldherheaderect,andspokeasroughlyasshecould,feelingprettysecurefromobservation.