The city of Hamelin was in desperate straits! Its homes were infested with rats of all shapes! The Mayor in anguish tore at his hair. Nothing he did seemed to ease the despair! “Ten thousand guilders” said the Mayor to all “For one who can rid us of rats by this Fall!” In strode THE PIED PIPER, Magic Flute in hand. “Mr. Mayor, not ten thousand guilders, but one clears your land.” “Your rats will be gone when the clock strikes noon, Then I’ll claim the reward for my merry tune.” He blew three shrill notes on his Magic Flute, And continued to blow with his high-pitched toot. The flute spoke in rat talk, “Have your fill Of bacon and sausage and good tasting swill!” “It’s all in the river! Help yourself! Take your share!” When the clock struck noon, not one rat was there. “Mr. Mayor,” spoke the Piper, “My work is done. My one thousand guilders, please, I’ve fairly won.” “For one hour’s work! You’d better go! You’re no longer needed. No dough–so blow!” “I’ll blow, indeed!” said the angry Piper. “But a different tune I have for a viper!” The Magic Flute sang out, and the children heard “Come one and all to the land of the bird.” “Where candy, ice cream and popcorn flow. And joy fills the day where good gremlins go.” They followed the Piper out of the city While the Mayor stood helpless to stop this pity. Into the mountain-side, to the land of fun THE PIED PIPER led them; their new life begun. So learn from this story, one and all... Be honest, pay the Piper, and you’ll have a ball!