SCENE II—_In the Forest (later)

_Boy._ [_Looking at the Boastful Bamboo._] What a big, strong, bamboo tree!

_Girl._ But this dear little one beside it is prettier than any of the others.

_Boy._ Yes; let us bind her with our garland of flowers.

_Girl._ We’ll call her the Lady Silver Mist.

_Woodcutter._ [_Looking at the big bamboo tree._] Here is a tall, straight tree. It will do for a mast. I will cut it first.

_Boastful Bamboo._ [_To Little Tree._] Good-by,—I am sorry for you. I shall see the world now and do great things. Good-by, Little Tree!

_Little Tree._ Good-by! Good fortune go with you! [_Big tree falls._]

_Boy._ I’m glad he didn’t take our little tree.

_Girl._ [_To Woodcutter._] Please don’t cut down our little tree. In all the forest we love it best.

_Woodcutter._ Ah, I see the little tree has friends.

_Girl._ Yes, we call her the Lady Silver Mist, and she is our playmate.

_Woodcutter._ But I’ve been sent to cut down all the trees in the forest. You must dig it up and carry it away, if you wish to keep it.

_Boy._ I’ll dig it up. We’ll take it home and plant it in our garden by the sea. [_Children carry off the tree._]