Overview

In the kingdom of Wide Awake the trial is in progress of a mysterious personage who has been casting spells on people, reducing them to " lumps of wood" . His name is Sleep. The case is argued for and against him, and the advantages and disadvantages of his powers. Mrs Everymother joins in his defence. Even the King senses some advantages-in regard to his ceaselessly talkative queen. Eventually, however, Sleep is condemned to have his head cut off-but he sends the Executioner and everyone else off to slumber, and gazes affectionately at his new-won subjects.