There was an old woman who lived in a shoe; Of children she had a score: So many had she, to know what to do Was a question which puzzled her sore. (_Head of_ CHILD _appears at 1_.) To some she gave broth without any bread; But never contented were they, Till she whipped them all soundly, and put them to bed, And then very happy were they, And then very happy were they. (_Head appears at 2._) "Now, mother, dear mother," the young ones would cry, As they dropped off with a nod, "To train up a child in the way to go, O mother, dear, ne'er spare the rod. (CHILD'S _head appears at 3_.) For broth without bread is a watery waste; And never contented are we, Till with your good stick it is thickened to taste; (_Three heads appear at 4._) And then, oh, how happy are we! And then, oh, how happy are we!" _Enter_ OLD WOMAN, R. _Her costume, bodice, quilted petticoat, sugar-loaf hat, high-heeled shoes, and cane._ _O. W._ Aha! (_Heads disappear quick._) Good gracious! can't I leave the house a minute, But what a head's at every window in it? Don't let me see the tip of a single nose; For, if you do, we'll surely come to blows. Poor dears! they want the air. Well, that is cheap And strengthening; for they live on air and sleep. Food is so high, and work is so unstiddy, Life's really wearing on this poor old widdy. [Illustration: FRONT VIEW OF COPPER TOE SHOE HOUSE.] 1. Split in the Heel. 2. Patch on the best Corn. 3. Copper Toe. 4. Lookout, or Observatory at top of House. (_Heads appear, one after the other, as before._) Ah me! here's good old Christmas come again. How can I join in the triumphant strain Which moves all hearts? I am so old and poor, With none to aid me from their generous store. CHILD _at 1_. Mother, I want a drum. CHILD _at 2_. I want a doll! CHILD _at 3_. Gimme a sword! _Three_ CHILDREN _at 4_. Got presents for us all? _O. W._ Aha! (_Heads disappear quick._) Poor dears! if with the will I had the power, The choicest Christmas gifts should on them shower. _Song_: OLD WOMAN; _air, "Comin' through the Rye."_ If a widdy's with her biddies, Living in a shoe, If a widdy's work unstiddies, What'll widdy do? (_Heads appear as before._)