Tom, the Piper's Son

Tom is the lively son of a village piper, and from a young age his breathy melodies spill onto the cobblestones of his town. He perfects a single, lilting tune that drifts “over the hills and far away,” and its simple charm draws a crowd of curious children who clap and sing along. The pipe becomes his passport to mischief, and when he spots a plump pig at the market he swipes it, fleeing with his music echoing behind him.

Every new melody seems to awaken the world: a jaunty air makes a reluctant cow leap, a sprightly riff sends a sleepy pig into a jig, and a playful trill convinces a stubborn donkey to shed its load. As Tom wanders past the parson and the mayor, his pipe turns a courtroom into a ballroom, sending judges and clerks hopping in bewildered delight. The chaos catches the attention of a determined constable, who finally manages to seize the cheeky musician.

With a swift, cheeky flourish, Tom blows a final tune that sends the entire courtroom into a frenetic dance, giving him the chance to slip away through the uproar. Listeners are left with the echo of his pipe and the question of what other trouble this sprightly youngster will stir up next.