Scene: Archibald's Library / A Bit of Earth

Yes, child, come in Thank you, sir Are you well? Do they take good care of you? Yes, sir. Thank you, sir Is there anything you need? Would you like some toys, or books? Or dolls, perhaps? Might I - Speak up, child Might I have a bit of earth, sir? A bit of earth? To plant seeds in. Yes, sir A garden Why do you care about gardens so much? I didn't know about them in India I was always ill and tired, and it was too hot A bit o' earth, she wants a little bit of earth She'll plant some seeds The seeds will grow The flowers bloom but is their bounty What she needs? How can she chance to love a little bit of earth Does she not know The earth is old And doesn't care if one small girl wants things To grow! She needs a friend She needs her father, brother, sister, mother's arms She needs to laugh She needs to dance and learn to work her girlish charms She needs a home! The only thing she really needs I cannot give Instead she asks for a bit of earth to make it live! She should have a pony Gallop 'cross the moor She should have a doll's house With a hundred rooms per floor! Why can't she ask for a treasure? Something that money can buy that won't die? When I'd give her the world She asks instead for some earth A bit of earth She wants a little bit of earth She'll plant some seeds The seeds will grow The flowers bloom Their beauty just the thing she needs! She'll grow to love the tender roses, lilies fair, the iris tall And then in fall her bit of earth will freeze and kill them all! A bit of earth A bit of earth A bit of earth A bit of earth