Classic Poem

Dramatis personae:
Father (bass)
Mother (contralto)
Daughter (soprano)

Scene : A room. Time : Evening Father

Retire , my daughter;
Prayers have been said;
Take your warm water
And go to bed. Daughter
But I had rather
Sit up instead. Father
I am your father,
So go to bed. Daughter
Are you my father? Father
I think so, rather:
You go to bed. Mother
My daughter, vanish;
You hear me speak:
This is not Spanish,
Nor is it Greek. Daughter
Oh, what a bother!
Would I were dead! Mother
I am your mother,
So go to bed. Daughter
Are you my mother? Mother
You have no other:
You go to bed. Father
Take your bed-candle
And take it quick.
This is the handle. Daughter
Is this the handle? Father
No, that's the wick.
This is the handle,
At this end here.
Take your bed-candle
And disappear. Daughter
Oh dear, oh dear! Father & Mother
Take your warm water,
As we have said;
You are our daughter,
So go to bed. Daughter
Am I your daughter? Father & Mother
If not, you oughter:
You go to bed. Daughter
I am their daughter;
If not, I oughter:
Prayers have been said.
This is my mother;
I have no other:
Would I were dead!
That is my father;
He thinks so, rather:
Oh dear, oh dear!
I take my candle;
This is the handle:
I disappear. Father & Mother
The coast is clear.