Page:Hallowe'en festivities (1903).djvu/177

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HALLOWE'EN RECITATIONS.
173

merge one gesture into another, whenever possible. The "catty" voice of the witches is answered by thin, piping squeak when "imp" replies, taking care to articulate every word distinctly. In place of dash after "they've been in—," introduce an "ahem," followed by downward pointing gesture.

VII.

For witch who first cries "and where is my cat?" adopt "squalling" voice, as poem indicates. Then use voice first employed, the "catty" voice, for the united cry, "yes, where are our cats?" By being especially vivacious and animated, enumeration of cats may be made quite a telling point. There are ten of them, so poet has given just as many cats to talk about as we have fingers on our hands. In sprightly, airy manner, use forefinger of right hand to tap fingers of left, commencing with thumb, tapping lightly one finger after other for each cat named. When you come to "slim-legged Beau" you will have used up all fingers of left hand, and must reverse action-work by using forefinger of left hand to enumerate upon right; as you finish by saying "Joe" and tapping little finger of right hand, hands should spread apart, at same instant making little movement indicative of fact that there were too many for any more attempts at enumeration. Little, impressive shakes of forefinger will emphasize "But every cat knew her own old witch," and also line following. Particularly knowing nod of head should accompany another shake of finger as you say "Ah, didn't they curl their tails and purr." Before saying "purr" pause and imitate contented purring of cat. Use phonetic sound of p followed by prolonged trilling of "r."

VIII.

"Out they swarmed" suggests double gesture consisting of little spreading motion. Decidedly negative shake of head finds place in line 3, and "dreadful" is brought out with especially sympathetic emphasis. Swaying alternately forward right and left, relate impressively tales of mischief done by witches.

IX.

Pause after "now," and show by manner and voice that somthing was done when "the boss of the beldams" rose to the occasion. Infuse strong meaning in emphasis employed upon "called." Make "twenty miles" full distance by far-pointing gesture, and equally far-pointed glance in forward direction.