_Jim-Jam, the Fermentation Fiend._ By Mr. BEERBOHM TREE (_who has kindly consented to undertake the part_). _Chorus of Plum and Pear Gatherers, from the Savoy_ (_by kind permission of_ Mr. D'OYLY CARTE). SCENE.--_The Store-room at sunset, with view of exterior of Jam Cupboard, and orchard in distance._ _Enter_ JOE. "As JOE was at play, Near the cupboard one day, When he thought no one saw him but himself."--_Vide Poem._ _Joe_ (_dreamily_). 'Tis passing strange that I so partial am To playing in the neighbourhood of Jam! [_Here_ Miss CURDLER _will introduce her great humorous Satirical Medley, illustrative of the Sports of Childhood, and entitled, "Some Little Gymes we all of us 'ave Plied;" after which, Enter_ JOE'S _Mother, followed by_ JOHN _and the Chorus, with baskets, ladders, &c., for gathering fruit._ "His Mother and JOHN, To the garden had gone, To gather ripe pears and ripe plums."--_Poem._ _Joe's Mother_ (_with forced cheerfulness_)-- Let's hope, my friends, to find our pears and plums, Unharmed by wopses, and untouched by wums. [_Chorus signify assent in the usual manner by holding up the right hand._ _Solo_--JOHN. Fruit when gathered ripe, is wholesome-- Otherwise if eaten green. Once I knew a boy who stole some-- [_With a glance at_ JOE, who turns aside to conceal his confusion. His internal pangs were keen! _Chorus_ (_virtuously_). 'Tis the doom of all who're mean, Their internal pangs are keen! _Joe's Mother_ (_aside_). By what misgivings is a mother tortured! I'll keep my eye on JOSEPH in the orchard. [_She invites him with a gesture to follow._ _Joe_ (_earnestly_). Nay, Mother, here I'll stay till you have done. Temptation it is ever best to shun! _Joe's M._ So laudable his wish, I would not cross it-- (_Mysteriously._) He knows not there are jam-pots in yon closet! _Chorus._ Away we go tripping, From boughs to be stripping Each pear, plum, and pippin Pomona supplies! When homeward we've brought 'em, Those products of Autumn, We'll carefully sort 'em (_One of our old Music-hall rhymes_), According to size! [_Repeat as they caper out._ [JOE'S Mother, _after one fond, lingering look behind, follows: the voices are heard more and more faintly in the distance. Stage darkens; the last ray of sunset illumines key of jam-cupboard door._