REDINGTON'S JUVENILE DRAMA.

HARLEQUIN

RIDDLE-ME, RIDDLE-ME-REE,

OR

YOU CAN'T GUESS WHAT THIS MAY BE.

8 Plates Characters, 12 Scenes, 4 Wings, 2 Tricks.
TOTAL 26 PLATES.

ADAPTED ONLY FOR
REDINGTON'S CHARACTERS AND SCENES.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY
J. REDINGTON, 208, HOXTON OLD TOWN
At his Wholesale and Retail
THEATRICAL PRINT AND TINSEL WAREHOUSE.

Sold Wholesale by J. WEBB, 75, Brick Lane, St. Luke's,
and by all Theatrical Print and Booksellers.

PRICE FOURPENCE.

## Characters Represented.

### MEN.

**KING CONUNDRUM** (A Sovereign soon to be changed, afterwards Clown)

**CAPTAIN BOTHEREM** (Afterwards Pantaloon)

**PUZZLE** (An Individual, always at home, at least, seldom found out)

**SIR SIMPLE SIMON, SIR SAMPSON SPRUCE, & SIR SOLOMON SAPPY** (Three Knights of renown)

**FORFEIT** (One that everybody dreads)

**HEAVYSIDES** (Porter to Conundrum Castle, but now become Stout)

**ROYAL COOK**

**WORRY, TEASE, PERPLEX, TORMENT, CON- FUSE, & VEX** (Sprightly Sprites)

### WOMEN.

**PRINCESS RIDDLE - ME, RIDDLE - ME - REE** (Daughter of King Conundrum, afterwards Columbine)

**MIRTH** (A Christmas Companion, afterwards Harlequina)

**HOPE** (The Anchor of life, Queen of the Fairies)

**CONSTANCY & GOODLUCK** (Fairies)

Conundrum Guards, Doctor, Optician, Soldier, Sailor, Bookseller, Boys, Mr. Lean, Mr. Fat, Roast Beef, Publican, Jew, Fairies, &c.

The Reader is supposed to be on the Stage, facing the Audience.

N.B.—Care should be taken in cutting out the Characters, that the umber of Plate, or Set Piece, &c., be marked on the back, that they may correspond with the Book.

## RIDDLE-ME, RIDDLE-ME-REE.

### SCENE 1. No. 1. THE LIBRARY OF LAUGHTER IN THE MANSION OF MIRTH. Wings No. 26.

*Mirth* discovered asleep, upon a large book, Plate 2, which is to be made a Trick with the other book, Trick No. 1, in Plate 2 of Characters, and to be placed in the centre of the Stage, so as to sink through the trap when required.

As the Curtain draws up an invisible Chorus is heard.

#### CHORUS.

Thus, thus, begin the yearly rites,
Are due to Mirth, on these trite nights;
The morn now riseth and invites,
To Christmas Riddles and delights:
All envious and profane away,
This is Mirth's own holiday.

At the end of the Chorus, the Trick of *Mirth* to change, and Enter *Mirth*, Left Hand, Plate 2.

The Trick to sink through the trap, and Trick No. 2, in Plate 2 of Characters to be put on.

Cover of the Book No. 2, in Plate 2 of Characters to be fixed on No. 2, so as to change when required.

*Mirth.* Dear me, dear me, why 'tis nearly day;
Bless me, how I've slept the hours away.
And here's Puzzle, wandering from the maze,
I'm sure to find him out if long he stays;
When once he is undone, it is most clear
He cannot put himself to rights this year.
Enter Puzzle, Right Hand, Plate 2.

*Mirth.* How now, friend Puzzle—what are you about?
Are you sure your mother knows your out?

*Puzzle.* Quite,—there're making such a fuss on earth,
Being Christmas time, they need you, Mirth,
To cheer up their parties these long nights;
Go, great Mirth, and set them all to rights
As for me, my province is to tease,—

*Mirth.* Nay, not so, your study is to please;
Now, I think me, I will have some sport,
And leave you here, guardian of my Court;
Mind, I will not tarry or delay,—

4

*Puzzle.* Make the most of this your holiday.

*Mirth.* My return will you a present bring,

*Puzzle.* What!

*Mirth.* A Puzzle for the Conundrum King;
Mind, be faithful, let no mortal eyes
View the Riddles I so much prize.

[Exit.]

The Trick of the book to change, which shews Mirth laying
between the pages. The Trick to sink through the trap.

*Puzzle.* Miss Mirth, you're tricked, by me defeated,
The Riddles three will be completed ;
Pass clouds away, quick to my sight appear
The Riddles, that are to go Earth this year.

The Scene instantly to change to

## SCENE 2. No. 2. THE ENCHANTED CAVE OF MAGIC RIDDLES. Wings No. 26.

In the centre of the Stage a Magic Cauldron, Plate 2.

Enter *Worry* and *Tease*, Right Hand, Plate 2.

Enter *Perplex*, Right Hand, Plate 3.

Enter *Torment* and *Confuse*, Left Hand, Plate 2,
and *Vex*, Left Hand, Plate 3.

They sing the following

### CHORUS.

In merry mood drive hence each care,
Gladly shall Mirth scorn dull despair;
While thus in praise we loudly sing,
Hail to our Conundrum King.

*Puzzle.* To work, to work, without delay,
Three Riddles must be made to-day.
*Torment* goes up to the Cauldron.

*Torment.* This will a Lover's brain perplex.
*Confuse* goes up to the Cauldron.

*Gonfuse.* And this torment;
*Vex* goes up to the Cauldron.

*Vex*, And mine will vex.

5

*Worry*, *Tease*, and *Perplex* pass behind the Cauldron, and
come in front with the Three Riddles.

*Puzzle.* To Conundrum Castle, let them straight be taken
These Riddles three, will just save your bacon,
Then a sheet of nuts to crack prepare,
Each one aid, and each the merit share;
Let them be whimsical, full of fun,
Away, slaves, at once, and see it done.

The Cauldron to sink through the Stage. Exit all.

## SCENE 3. No. 3. EXTERIOR OF CONUNDRUM CASTLE. Wings No. 1.

Enter *Heavysides*, Left Hand, Plate 3.

He crosses the Stage and Exit.

Enter *Chance*, with a letter, (the letter in Plate 1, to be fixed
in his hand) Right Hand, Plate 1.

*Chance.* Hist! hist! : princess Riddle-me Riddle-me-ree,
I have a letter, for you my love to see.

The Castle window to open, and the *Princess* to be seen, in
Trick Plate 2. The letter to be drawn up from *Chance's*
hand, and the window to close. *Chance* retires behind
the Wing.

Re-enter *Heavysides*, Left Hand, Plate 3, who crosses the
Stage and Exit.

The window to open, and the *Princess* to be seen as before.
*Chance* to come forward.

*Princess.* I've read your letter, and I'll not throw away
the chance
Of being with my lover at the merry dance :
But, mind the guards do not you discover,
For well I know about the Castle they do hover.
The window to close, and Exit *Chance*.

Re-enter *Chance*, followed by Two *Guards*, Left Hand,
Plate 4.

They cross the Stage and Exit.

6

7

Enter Capt. Botherem, Right Hand, Plate 1.
Enter Conundrum Guards & Trumpeter, Right Hand, Plate 3.
Enter King Conundrum, Right Hand, Plate 1.
Enter Sir Simple Simon, Sir Solomon Sappy, and Sir Sampson
Spruce, Left Hand, Plate 3.
Enter Princess, Left Hand, Plate 1.

King. Come, Riddle-me, Riddle-me-ree, do not fear,
Behold 'tis Captain Botherem my dear;
A grotesque march heard without.

King. 'Tis my faithful Puzzle, with the charm no doubt,
They must be cute indeed to find him out;
When once you know him, he is very clear :
But he will a puzzle prove to all now here.

Enter Puzzle, Right Hand, Plate 3.
Enter Purplex, Right Hand, Plate 3, and Worry and
Tease, Right Hand, Plate 2, followed by
Forfeit, Right Hand, Plate 4.

Puzzle. (to the King) In case the wedding might take
place to-day,
I thought I'd call on Forfeit, on my way.

King. You've gain'd the prize I long have sought,
Fear not, I'll reward you as I ought:
Gentlemen, this is my daughter, and now—

Sappy. That she is most beautiful, I vow,
Simon. I never saw such loveliness till now ;
Spruce. Oh ! she's mine, I must have her,
Puzzle. Yes, but how?

King. Whatever Knight, can guess these Riddles three,
Shall wed my daughter, Riddle-me, Riddle-me-ree.
What ho ! my cooks assemble all,
Attend thy potent master's call.

Enter Cook, Left Hand, Plate 4.
King. A wedding cake at once be making,
And mind the paste and the baking.

Chorus of Cooks heard without.

## CHORUS.

To work boys, work, without delay
For King Conundrum thus doth say :
The cake it must be made to-day,
Or else our heads he'll break.

With the ingredients let us haste,
The plums, the sugar, and the paste,
That all good girls and boys may taste
Our famous Christmas cake.

[Exit Cook.

Exit Puzzle, and Re-enter with Puzzles, Right Hand,
Plate 4.

## AN INVISIBLE CHORUS IS HEARD.

Riddle-me, Riddle-me-ree,
Would like to know what these may be.

Sappy. How deep is the sea?
Simon. How long would it take to travel round the Globe?

Spruce. Confine in this box a yard of pork.

Puzzle. The time is up, you cannot longer try.

Sappy. I give it up.

Simon. And I!

Spruce. And I! (aside to Sappy and Simon) To the
cigar divan let us quickly die,
And there the Riddles on the papers spy;
They shall see what we're about,
While others give them up, we'll find them out.

They are about to Exit, when Forfeit stops them.

Forfeit. I beg your pardon, gents, for this delay,
Before you go, you must a forfeit pay.

Spruce. Oh ! we, will pay the forfeit, never fear,
My purse, well lin'd, will settle all, 'tis clear.

Exit Spruce, Sappy, and Simon.

Enter Chanee, Left Hand, Plate 4.

Chance. Stop ! stay ! I should like to try.
(aside) If I loose my stick, I'll have a shy.

## THE INVISIBLE CHORUS IS REPEATED.

Chance reads the Riddles.

Chance. How deep is the sea? How long will it take to
travel round the Globe? Confine in this box a yard of pork.

Puzzle. Do you give it up,—quickly say.

Chance. Yes I do.

Forfeit. Then the forfeit pay.

Chance. I have no money,—by the frost—

Puzzle. Not pay the forfeit when you've lost ;

Forfeit. Here's a pretty thing !

8

**King** He shall feel the power of the Conundrum King;
Guards, seize the caitff, do not wait to wrangle!
Bring a halter, quick, the villain strangle!

Enter *Guards*, Left Hand, Plate 4, and drives off *Chance*.
Exit all.

## SCENE 4. No. 4. FAIRY GROTTO & SILVER LAKE.
Wings No. 25.

The Ground Piece, in Trick Plate 2, to be placed across the
Stage, about an inch from the front of the Scene, and the
Swans in Trick Plate 2, to pass behind the Ground Piece.

Enter *Goodluck*, Left Hand, Plate 4.

SOLO—*Goodluck*.

Spirits of the Sylvian scene,
Spirits of the glassy lake;
Nimble ray and rain Queen :
Arouse, arouse, awake, awake.

The *Fairies* dancing, in all the Plates, to be put on, and after
dancing a short time, they Exit.

Enter *Constancy*, Left Hand, Plate 4.

*Constancy*. Be happy, fays, ye need not fear,
Our happy mistress, Hope, is near.

Enter *Hope* in her Barge, Left Hand, Plate 5, and cross the
water and Exit.

Re-enter *Hope*, Right Hand, Plate 4.

*Hope*. Sisters, 'tis well, your zealous haste I praise,
I need the aid of all the spells you raise.

*Goodluck*. Goodluck is at your service—

*Constancy*. Constancy too.

*Goodluck*. Name, mighty mistress, what you'd have me do.

*Hope*. List, my faithful fays : the King Conundrum, by
magic aid, seeks to wed his daughter, Riddle-me, Riddle-me-
ree, to some wealthy Knight,—

*Goodluck*. Our young Mirth's favorite.

*Hope*. The same. Mirth, as is her usual custom, takes
holiday, which, being known only to the Conundrum King,
his agent, Puzzle, has contrived, while guarding the Magic
Court, to convey to his master's Castle, three of his choice
Riddles.

9

*Constancy*. To what does this portend?

*Hope*. Thus it is; the King has issued a proclamation,
offering his daughter's hand to whoever can guess the three
Riddles. If they fail, to pay a forfeit. So he will enrich
his coffers, knowing well they cannot be solved, being stolen
from a Magic Court. What think ye, if we unite our skill,
to foil this cruel parent. (to *Goodluck*) The means we must
learn of you.

*Goodluck*. The Riddles, being for Earth intended, some
virtuous mortal by us befriended, must the answers gain.

*Hope*. That soon shall be accomplished; the youth,
Chance by name, e'en now is sleeping in our grove of sports :
driven from the castle, the King's guards are out in search
of him, and if taken, his life will pay the forfeit.

Assist me, Fairies, to prevent,
The full completion of their dire intent.

*Goodluck*. This sordid King, to night must be defeated,
Within the Magic Knot there's one secreted;
To find the answers to these Riddles three,
They'll save the youth, & Riddle-me, Riddle-me-ree.

Trip it lightly o'er the scene,
To sooth the lover in his dream.

Exit all.

*Chance* asleep, to be put on, Plate 5.

The Magic Nut, in Plate 5, to be made a Trick of, and
put on, so as to change when required.

Put on the Wheel of Fortune, Plate 5, and fix the Wheel,
in Trick Plate 2, so as to move round when required.

*Chance* asleep, to be drawn off, and Enter *Chance*, with purse,
Right Hand, Plate 5.

*Chance*. These Riddles three will still perplex my brain—
I drive them away, but they come back again.
'Tis gold I've found,—I ought not now despair,
No,—I'll boldly trust to Heaven's care;
At yonder Wheel of Fortune the hazard I will run,
Faint heart never yet fair lady won :
I may gain a prize, and win the maid,
So here goes, then, hang it, who's afraid ?

The Wheel of Fortune to move round.

10

Enter *Fortunatus*, Left Hand, Plate 5.

*Fortunatus.* "Obtain of Nut-crackers a pair,
By which you'll gain your lady fair." [Exit.

*Chance.* "Tis strange,—but last night in my bed,
To me those very words were said;

I've now a thought come into my nob,

Will find these Riddles out and do the job. [Exit.

Re-enter *Chance*, with Nut crackers, Left Hand, Plate 5,
and goes up to the Magic Nut.

The Trick of the Magic Nut to change to a Fairy, which is
to be drawn off.

The Wheel of Fortune to be drawn off.

Exit *Chance*.

### SCENE 5. No. 5. A SHEET OF NUTS TO CRACK.
Wings No. 26.

(A Key of Sheet of Nuts for this Scene, in page 16.)

*Fairy Answer*, in Trick Plate 2, to be fixed on the Endless Knot of Love, on the Scene, and made a Trick of, so as to be drawn when required.

Enter *Chance*, Left Hand, Plate 4.

*Chance.* What a season for nuts, there's plenty here to crack,
I'll have some famous fun with these, when I get back.

Enter *Puzzle*, Right Hand, Plate 2.

*Puzzle.* What's this I see, a mortal here secreted,
By one and all he must be roughly treated.

Enter *King Conundrum*, Left Hand, Plate 3.

Enter *Princess*, Right Hand, Plate 6, and
*Capt. Botherem*, Right Hand, Plate 1.

*King.* What, have I got you safe within my cave,
Now, no power on earth your life can save.

*Princess.* Spare him! spare him! dearest father, pray.
*Chance* rushes to the *Princess*.

*King.* I'll hear no more! tear the slave away!

They attempt to seize him, and the Trick changes to the *Fairy*.

*Fairy.* Behold the answers to your Riddles three,
Chance has won Riddle-me, Riddle-me-ree.

The Trick to change to the Endless Knot of Love.

*King.* Never!

11

Enter *Hope*, Right Hand, Plate 4.

*Hope.* Nay, still on wickedness you're bent,
I offer freedom, you are not content;
Changed in form, they for a year must roam,
In Pantomimic garb, away from home.
So thus the motley task begin,
As lively Harlequin and Columbine,

Exit *Chance* and *Princess*, and Re-enter as *Harlequin* and *Columbine*, Plate 1.

*Hope.* Now, you who would your daughter's peace destroy,
And likewise deprive Chance of every joy;
Shall not escape, receive your well earn'd boon,
One as Clown, the other as Pantaloon.

Exit *King* and *Capt. Botherem*, and Re-enter as *Clown* Plate 1, and *Pantaloon*, Plate 2.

*Hope.* (to *Harlequin*) That talisman of magic power,
Will guard you safe in danger's hour :
To each command be firm and true;
Be active, wise, and vigilant—adieu. [Exit all.

### SCENE 6. No. 6. HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT WARE-HOUSE AND ALMANACK MANUFACTORY.

Wings No. 6.

Enter *Harlequin*, Right Hand, Plate 1, *Columbine*, Left Hand, Plate 1, and *Harlequina*, Left Hand, Plate 5.

Enter *Clown*, Left Hand, Plate 7, and *Pantaloon*, Left Hand, Plate 2.

*Clown.* There they go! [Exit all.

Put on *Clown* with Ointment, Left Hand, Plate 6.

Re-enter *Pantaloon* with Pill, Left Hand, Plate 6.

Put on *Box of Pills*, Plate 6.

Enter *Doctor*, Right Hand, Plate 6.

*Doctor.* You have not paid for the goods!

*Clown.* Oh! but I will. We have had no customers yet.

Exit *Doctor*.

Enter *Short Pole* and *Long Pole*, Right Hand, Plate 6.

The Trick of *Bare Pole*, in Trick Plate 2, to be put on,
and change when required.

12

Clown. Here comes the disorderly Poles, Now, then
swallow one of these balls, and rub your head with the
ointment. They will make your hair grow.

The Trick of Bare Pole to change, and Exit all.

### SCENE 7. No. 7. SPECTACLE MAKER AND BOOK-SELLER'S SHOPS. Wings No. 6.

Enter Harlequin, Right Hand, Plate 1, Columbine Left Hand,
Plate 1, and Harlequina, Left Hand, Plate 5.

Enter Bookseller, Left Hand, Plate 6, and Optician,
Right Hand—Plate 6

Enter Clown wheeling Pantaloon, Left Hand, Plate 8.
Exit all.

Enter Roast Beef, Left Hand, Plate 8.

Enter Mr. Lean, Right Hand, Plate 8.

Enter Mr. Fat Left Hand—Plate 8.

Mr. Fat. (singing) "Oh, the Roast Beef of old England,
and its Oh the old English Roast Beef."

Mr. Lean. Oh! what a nasty smell.

[Exit all.]

### SCENE 8. No. 8. HATTER & GUNMAKER'S SHOPS.
Wings No. 6.

This Scene to be made a Trick with Scene 9. No. 9,
so as to change when required.

Trick No. 6, in Trick Plate 1, to be put on, and change
when required.

Enter Harlequin, Right Hand, Plate 1.

The Trick to change and to be drawn off.

Enter Clown, Left Hand, Plate 7.

No. 4, in Trick Plate 1, to be put on, and change,
and to be drawn off.

Enter Boys with Guy, Right Hand, Plate 7.

Boys. Pray remember the 5th of November. [Exit all.

Re-enter Clown with Guy, followed by Boys, Left Hand, Pl. 7.
Enter Pantaloon, Left Hand, Plate 2.

Clown. We will have such a blow-up! [Exit all.

No. 4 in Trick Plate 1, to be put on, and change, and
to be drawn off.

Put on Barrel, Plate 7.

Re-enter Clown with Torch, Right Hand, Plate 7.

At the same time the Trick of the Scene to change to

13

### SCENE 9. No. 9. BLOWING UP OF GUYS' HOSPITAL.

The Scene to change to

### SCENE 10. No. 10. "THE MAN IN THE MOON"
PUBLIC HOUSE. Wings No. 6.

No. 2, in Trick Plate 1, to be put on, and change when
required.

Enter Harlequin, Right Hand. Plate 1, and Columbine,
Left Hand, Plate 1.

Enter Clown, Left Hand, Plate 7, and Pantaloon,
Left Hand, Plate 2.

Enter Sailor, Left Hand, Plate 7.
Put on Soldier, Plate 7.

Soldier. Landlord, bring us a pot of porter for my recruit.

Clown. Oh! I shant go for a soldier!

Sailor. But you must go for a sailor, I inlisted you.

Enter Publican, Left Hand, Plate 8.

Clown. Put the porter into the barrel and make some
half-and-half.

The Trick to change, and to be drawn off.

No. 2, in Trick Plate 2, and No. 7, in Trick Plate 1,
to be put on, and change when required.

Clown. Now for a drop of gin and beer.

Both Tricks to change, and to be drawn off.

No. 3, in Trick Plate 1, to be put on, and change, and
to be drawn off. Exit all.

### SCENE 11. No. 11. OILMAN & LINENDRAPER'S
SHOPS. Wings No. 6.

The top part of the Trick of the Shop, in Wing 25, to be
fixed on the bottom part of the Oil Shop, and the bottom
part of the Trick to be fixed on the top part of the Oil Shop.

The Shutters in Trick Plate 2, to be fixed on the Linen-
draper's Shop, also the Bill for Removing higher up to be
placed on the Oil Shop, and the Bill for Removing lower
down to be placed on the Linendraper's Shop, in Trick
Plate 1, all to be made Tricks of, and change when required

Enter Columbine, Left Hand, Plate 1, and Harlequina,
Left Hand, Plate 5.

14

Enter *Jew*, Left Hand, Plate 8.
Enter *Clown*, Left Hand, Plate 7, and Exit all.

The *Pig* in Trick Plate 2, to run across the Stage.

Re-enter *Clown* with *Pigs*, Right Hand, Plate 8.

*Clown*. I have got some of the 'squeakers. [Exit.
Enter *Nurse*, Right Hand, Plate 8.

*Nurse*. Why these two Shops are a going to move. [Exit.
Put on *Clown* and *Child*, and *Pantaloon*, Plate 8.

*Clown*. I've exchanged the black squeakers for a white squeaker.

*Pantaloon*. Give him some pap, that will stop his noise.

*Clown*. Keep your fingers out of the basin. I must put him on a clean napkin.

*Clown* and *Pantaloon* to be drawn off.

Nos. 3 and 5 in Trick Plate 1, to be put on, and change when required.

Enter *Harlequin*, Right Hand, Plate 1.

Enter *Clown*, Left Hand, Plate 7, and *Pantaloon*,
Left Hand, Plate 7.

All the Tricks of the Shops to change.

*Clown*. Now we can have a blow out!

Nos. 3 & 5, in Trick Plate 1, to change.

*Clown*. I'm a dutchman if here isn't the Royal Leek!

*Pantaloon*. The Young Prince of Wales!

No. 1 in Trick Plate 1, to be put on, and change

*Clown*. Puss ! puss ! puss! [Exit all.

## SCENE 12. No. 12. PAVILION OF GAMES IN THE HALL OF CHANCE.

Wings Nos. 25 & 26.

*Fairies* in all the Plates, to be put on.

Enter *Hope*, Right Hand, Plate 4, and the Box in Plate 4, to be fixed in *Hope's* hand.

Enter *Harlequin*, Right Hand, Plate 1, and *Columbine*
Left Hand, Plate 1.

*Hope*. Hold, I insist! all toil is done,
The promised time hath fully run.

15

Riddle-me, Riddle-me-ree,

Tell me exactly, how deep is the sea.

*Harlequin*. A stone's throw.

*Hope*. Right—A stone once in the water cast,
It's sure to reach the bottom at last.

Now whether on business or pleasure bound,

Tell me how long would it take, to travel the Globe
around

*Harlequin*. Twenty-four hours.

*Hope*. Right,—get up and travel with the sun,

And in twice twelve hours your work is done.

But now puzzle your brains, set your wits, at work,

And confine in this small box a full yard of pork.

Exit *Harlequin*, and Re-enter Right Hand Plate 1.

(The three Pig's Feet in Trick Plate 2, to be fixed in
*Harlequin's* hand.)

*Hope*. Right,—all should know that three feet make a yard.

The Riddles read, your race is run,

So there's an end to all your fun :

To the grove of Constancy repair,

Where every blessing you shall share ;

And should misfortune again o'ertake you,

Hope, as your guardian will not forsake you.

## CHORUS.

Riddle-me, Riddle-me-ree,

Pray kind patrons come and see,

True-Lover's knot their fate entwine,

Shewing the spirit of Pantomime.

## RED FIRE TO BURN

*As the Curtain Falls.*