A burlesque performance of Campbell's ballad is very simple to prepare, and very effective for children to act.

The descriptive part of the poem must be read aloud slowly and distinctly; but each actor speaks his own part. It is much easier for children to act when they have something to say than to accompany the reading entirely in dumb show.

The necessary properties are a large sheet and a common wash-tub. The tub is placed in the middle of the cotton lake as a boat. Four people shake the sheet at the corners to make waves.

Characters.

Lord Ullin. — Short plaid skirt, or shawl pinned around his waist as skirt. Plaid shawl fastened in Highland fashion on the shoulder. Tin pail on his head as helmet. Old-fashioned carpet-bag in one hand. Big silk or red-cotton handkerchief in pocket. He rides in on a broomstick, followed by one, two, or more armed men, who are dressed in the same way, and carry toy-guns, bows, or sticks for arms. If there are no boys in the company, these parts can easily be taken by girls. It is quite effective to have Lord Ullin very tall, and the armed men tiny children.

Chieftain. — Dressed in the same fashion, but wearing plaid of a different color, to show that he belongs to another clan. His stockings must be long and bright-colored. Instead of a helmet, he wears a cap or soft hat with a long feather He carries a toy-gun or bow in one hand, while with the other he supports his bride. A girl can of course take this part.

Lord Ullin's Daughter. — White dress and bridal veil, with plaid sash. Her chieftain may carry a plaid for her on his arm. Veil can be made of mosquito-netting.

Boatman. —Big rubber coat, rubber hat or old felt hat, rubber boots Stick, oar, or cro quet-mallet, for paddle. A small child can take this part effectively.

The scene opens with the boatman sitting on the edge of the tub, with pipe in mouth. He looks up at the sky, shakes his head ominously, and whistles, holding pipe in hand. He may be alone on the stage for a minute or two before the reader begins.

READER. (Chieftain and bride rush in front back of stage, looking back in a fright ened manner.)

A chieftain, to the Highlands bound,

Cries,"Boatman, do not tarry! And I'll give thee a silver pound

To row us o'er the ferry."

BOATMAN (without rising, staring at them, points to the lake, which must be waved harder and harder).

"Now who be ye would cross Lochgyle, This dark and stormy water ?"

CHIEFTAIN (with a gesture and loving look to his bride. She clings closer to him, looks back frightened, and at the end of his speech falls half fainting into his arms).

"Oh! I'm the chief of Ulva's isle,

And this Lord Ullin's daughter. And fast before her father's men,

Three days we've fled together; For should he find us in the glen,

My blood would stain the heather. His horsemen hard behind us ride:

Should they our steps discover, Then who will cheer my bonny bride

When they have slain her lover ?

Reader

Out spoke the hardy Highland wight:

BOATMAN (rises, brings board or small step-ladder from the side of stage, places it against edge of tub, and assists lady into tub. He points to the waves, and starts to bring the steps just at the end of his speeech. A pause is nearly always effective. The chieftain follows his bride into the tub, and sits close to his bride. The boatman sits on the edge, and paddles).

"I'll go, my chief — I'm ready: It is not for your silver bright,

But for your winsome lady:                          [Bride courtesies.

And by my word the bonny bird

In danger shall not tarry ! So, though the waves be raging white,

I'll row you o'er the ferry."

(The chieftain offers a silver pound, made of cardboard and silver paper, and marked £i, in black letters. It can be as large as a dinner-plate. The boatman refuses it. The lady takes it, and presses it upon the boatman, who receives the silver, and then tosses it into the lake.

III. Reader

By this the storm grew loud apace,

The water-wraith was shrieking; And in the scowl of heaven each face

Grew dark as they were speaking.

(.Thunder can be made by rattling coal or wood outside. The armed men must stamp.

The gas can be turned down.)

But still, as wilder blew the wind,

And as the night grew drearer, Adown the glen rode armed men,

Their trampling sounded nearer.

BRIDE (looking imploringly at the boatman, and then points at the sky).

"Oh, haste thee, haste !"the lady cries:

"Though tempests round us gather! I'll meet the raging of the skies,

But not an angry father."

Reader

The boat has left a stormy land,

A stormy sea before her, When, oh ! too strong for human hand,

The tempest gathered o'er her.

(Lord Ullin and the armed men ride in. Lord Ullin leaps off his horse, drops his carpet.

bag, pulls out his handkerchief, and laments loudly.)

And still they rowed amidst the roar

Of waters fast prevailing: Lord Ullin reached that fatal shore;

His wrath was changed to wailing.

For sore dismayed, through storm and shade,

His child he did discover: One lovely hand she stretched for aid,

And one was round her lover.

Lord Ullin

" Come back, come back!"he cried in grief,

"Across this stormy water, And I'll forgive your Highland chief,

My daughter! - O my daughter !"

Reader.

'Twas vain: the loud waves lashed the shore,

Return or aid preventing : The waters wild went o'er his child,

And he was left lamenting.

[As the last lines are read, the four corners of the sheet are thrown over the tub and its contents. Lord Ullin is left loudly lamenting on the shore.

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