Title: Patriotic Plays and Pageants for Young People
Author: Mackay, Constance D'Arcy, 1887?-1966
Language: English
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_By_ Constance D'Arcy Mackay
BOOKS OF PLAYS FOR CHILDREN
DESIGNED FOR USE IN THE SCHOOLS

Patriotic Plays and Pageants for Young People
  The one-act plays for young people contained in this volume can be
produced separately, or may be used as links in the chain of episodes
which go to make up outdoor or indoor pageants. There are full
directions for simple costumes, dances, and music. Each play deals with
the _youth_ of some American hero. The plays are suitable for schools,
summer camps, boys' clubs, historic festivals, patriotic societies, and
social settlements, and play grounds. $1.35 net; by mail, $1.45.

The Silver Thread and Other Folk Plays for Young People
  Simplicity is the keynote of these eight plays. Each has a footnote
on its origin, and full descriptions and directions for easily arranged
costumes and scene-settings, especially designed to fit the limitations
of the schoolroom stage. $1,20 net; by mail, $1.30.

The House of the Heart and Other Plays for Children
  Ten one-act plays that have stood the test of actual production.
$1.20 net; by mail, $1.30.
  "An addition to child drama which has been sorely needed."--_Boston
Transcript._

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS    NEW YORK



PATRIOTIC PLAYS AND PAGEANTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
BY
CONSTANCE D'ARCY MACKAY

_Author of "The House of the Heart and Other Plays for Children" and
"The Silver Thread and Other Folk Plays for Young People"_


NEW YORK
HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY

COPYRIGHT, 1912,
BY
HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY---
Published March, 1912


No performance of these plays may be given without full acknowledgment
of the author and publishers. Acknowledgment should be made to read as
follows: "By Constance D'Arcy Mackay; from _Patriotic Plays and
Pageants for Young People_; Copyright, 1912, by Henry Holt and Company;
Amateurs may produce the plays in this volume without charge.
Professional actors _must_ apply for acting rights to the author, in
care of the publishers.



PREFACE


The one-act plays for young people contained in this volume can be
produced separately, or may be used as links in the chain of episodes
which go to make up outdoor or indoor pageants. There are full
directions for simple costumes, dances, and music. Each play deals with
the _youth_ of some American hero, so that the lad who plays George
Washington or Benjamin Franklin will be in touch with the emotions of a
patriot of his own years, instead of incongruously portraying an adult.
Much of the dialogue contains the actual words of Lincoln, Washington,
and Franklin, so that in learning their lines the youthful players may
grasp something of the hardihood and sagacity of Washington, the
perseverance of Franklin, and the honesty and dauntlessness of Lincoln,
and of those salient virtues that went to the up-building of America--a
heritage from the time "when all the land was young."

The plays are suitable for schools, summer camps, boys' clubs, historic
festivals, patriotic societies, and social settlements and playgrounds.
The outdoor plays are especially adapted for a "Safe and Sane Fourth."
All the plays have stood the test of production.

"The Pageant of Patriots"--the first children's patriotic pageant ever
given in America--was produced in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, N. Y., under
the auspices of Brooklyn's ten Social Settlements, May, 1911. The
Hawthorne Pageant was first produced on Arbor Day, May, 1911, by the
Wadleigh High School, New York City; Pocahontas was given as a separate
play at Franklin Park, Boston, by Lincoln House, and some of the other
plays have been given at various schools in New York City.

Thanks are due to _The Woman's Home Companion_, _The Delineator_, _The
Designer_, _The Normal Instructor_, and _The Popular Educator_ for
their kind permission to reprint these plays.



CONTENTS


PATRIOTIC PLAYS: THEIR USE AND VALUE

PAGEANTS

PAGEANTS OF PATRIOTISM

The outdoor arrangement can be produced by a whole school or group of
schools, by groups of social settlements, communities, and cities, in
parks, armories, woodland spaces or meadows on such occasions as the
Fourth of July, Decoration Day, Bunker Hill Day, Labor Day, during Old
Home Week, or for any special city or town celebration. The indoor
arrangement of the same pageant is also suitable for whole schools, or
groups of schools, groups of settlements, communities, villages,
cities: in armories, school halls, assembly rooms, or small theaters on
Columbus Day, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, or some day of
special celebration.

PAGEANT OF PATRIOTS (Outdoor)
  Prologue by the Spirit of Patriotism
  Princess Pocahontas
  Pilgrim Interlude
  Ferry Farm Episode
  George Washington's Fortune
  Daniel Boone: Patriot
  Benjamin Franklin Episode
  Abraham Lincoln Episode
  Liberty Dance
  Pageant Directions

PAGEANT OF PATRIOTS  (Indoor)
  Prologue by the Spirit of Patriotism
  Dramatic Silhouette: Lords of the Forest
  The Coming of the White Man: Tableau
  Princess Pocahontas
  Priscilla Mullins Spinning: Tableau
  Benjamin Franklin: Journeyman
  George Washington's Fortune
  The Boston Tea Party
  Dramatic Silhouette: The Spirit of '76
  Abraham Lincoln: Rail-Splitter
  Directions for Indoor Arrangement

THE HAWTHORNE PAGEANT

Can be produced in park or woodland in its outdoor arrangement. Is
suitable for co-educational schools, girls' schools, girls' Summer
camps. Is appropriate for Hawthorne's Birthday (July 4), Arbor Day, May
Day, or any day during Spring and Summer. In its indoor form it can be
given in school halls or in a small theater. In this form it is
appropriate for co-educational schools, girls' schools, settlements. It
can be given any time during the Autumn, Winter, or Spring.

HAWTHORNE PAGEANT (For Outdoor or Indoor Production)
  Chorus of Spirits of the Old Manse
  Prologue by the Muse of Hawthorne
  In Witchcraft Days (First Episode)
  Dance Interlude
  Merrymount (Second Episode)
  Pageant Directions

LIST OF SEPARATE ONE-ACT PLAYS

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: RAIL-SPLITTER (Indoor)
Can be produced in school, home, or small theater. Is suitable for
schools, settlements, clubs, patriotic societies, and debating
societies. Can be appropriately produced any time between September and
March. Is especially appropriate for Lincoln's Birthday.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: JOURNEYMAN (Indoor)
Can be produced in a school, home, or small theater. Is suitable for
schools, clubs, settlements, patriotic societies and clubs. Can
appropriately be produced any time between September and June. Is
particularly suited to Franklin's Birthday.

THE BOSTON TEA PARTY (Indoor)
Can be produced in school, home, or small theater. Is suitable for
boys' schools, Boy Scouts, settlements, clubs, and patriotic societies.
Can be produced on any holiday. Is particularly appropriate for Fall
and Winter months--especially the month of December.

DANIEL BOONE: PATRIOT (Outdoor)
Can be produced in park, woodland, or village green. Can be given by
boys' schools, clubs, settlements, and patriotic societies. Also by the
"Sons of Daniel Boone" and the Boy Scouts. Is appropriate for any day
during Spring, Summer, or Autumn. Can be given on the Fourth of July.

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FORTUNE (Outdoor)
Can be produced in park, lawn, or woodland. Is suitable for schools,
clubs, patriotic societies, and settlements. Is appropriate for any day
during Spring, Summer, or Autumn, and is particularly appropriate for
the Fourth of July. An indoor arrangement can easily be made for George
Washington's Birthday.

IN WITCHCRAFT DAYS (Outdoor)
Can be given in park, lawn, or village green or woodland. Suitable for
co-educational schools, girls' schools, girls' Summer camps, patriotic
societies, settlements, and clubs. Appropriate for Arbor Day, May Day,
or any day during Spring, Summer, or early Autumn. An indoor
arrangement can be given for Thanksgiving in school halls.

MERRYMOUNT (Outdoor)
Can be produced in park or woodland. Is suitable for co-educational
schools, girls' schools, girls' Summer camps, and for clubs,
settlements, and patriotic societies. Is appropriate for Arbor Day, May
Day, or any day in Spring and Summer. An indoor version of it can also
be given.

PRINCESS POCAHONTAS (Outdoor)
Can be given in park, in woodland, or on lawn. Is suitable for schools,
clubs, and patriotic societies. Can be given on the Fourth of July, or
any day during Spring and Summer. Indoor production is also possible.



PATRIOTIC PLAYS AND PAGEANTS



PATRIOTIC PLAYS: THEIR USE AND VALUE


The primary value of the patriotic play lies in its appeal to the love
of country, and its power to revitalize the past. The Youth of To-Day
is put in touch with the Patriots of Yesterday. Historic personages
become actual, vivid figures. The costumes, speech, manners, and ideas
of bygone days take on new significance. The life of trail and wigwam,
of colonial homestead and pioneer camp, is made tangible and realistic.
And the spirit of those days--the integrity, courage, and vigor of the
Nation's heroes, their meager opportunities, their struggle against
desperate odds, their slow yet triumphant upward climb--can be
illumined by the acted word as in no other way. To read of the home
life of America's beginnings is one thing; to portray it or see it
portrayed is another. And of the two experiences the latter is the less
likely to be forgotten. To the youthful participants in a scene which
centers about the campfire, the tavern table, or the Puritan
hearthstone will come an intimate knowledge of the folk they represent:
they will find the old sayings and maxims of the Nation-Builders as
pungent and applicable to the life of to-day as when they were first
spoken.

The patriotic play has manifold uses. It combines both pleasure and
education. It is both stimulating and instructive. In its indoor form
it may be the basis of a winter afternoon's or evening's entertainment,
in its outdoor form it may take whole communities and schools into the
freedom of the open. It should rouse patriotic ardor, and be of benefit
ethically, esthetically, and physically. It should wake in its
participants a sense of rhythm, freedom, poise, and plastic grace. It
should bear its part in developing clear enunciation and erectness of
carriage. To those taking part it should bring the exercise of memory,
patience, and inventiveness. It should kindle enthusiasm for the things
of America's past. In what way can national hero-days and festivals be
more fittingly commemorated than by giving a glimpse of the hero for
whom the day is named? Thus the patriotic play is equally adaptable for
Fourth of July, Washington's Birthday, Lincoln's Birthday, Columbus
Day, and the hundreds of other days--not holidays--that lie in between.

If the patriotic play is produced in the right way it should contain
the very essence of democracy--_efficient team-work, a striving
together for the good of the whole_. It should lead to the ransacking
of books and libraries; the planning of scene-setting, whether indoor
or outdoor; the fashioning of simple and accurate costumes by the young
people taking part; the collecting of suitable stage properties such as
hearthbrooms, Indian pipes, and dishes of pewter. The greater the
research, the keener the stimulus for imagination and ingenuity, two
things that go to the making of every successful production.
Fortunately, the patriotic play is inherently simple, its appeal is
along broad general lines, so that it requires no great amount of money
or energy to adequately produce it. And, as history is made up not of
one event, but of a series of events, so an historical pageant is a
logical sequence of one-act patriotic plays or episodes. The one-act
patriotic play shows one hero or one event; the pageant shows, through
one-act plays used in chronological order, the development and
upbuilding of America through the lives of her heroes.

In its pageant form, the patriotic play, with dances, songs, pantomime,
and spoken speech, lends itself to schools, communities, and city use,
in park, in armory, and on village green: in its one-act form it lends
itself to both indoor and outdoor production by schools, patriotic
societies, clubs and settlements, and, last, but not least, the home
circle. And in the hope of assisting teachers and producers to fit
appropriate plays to appropriate occasions notes on the subject have
been added to the individual plays in the table of contents.



THE PAGEANT OF PATRIOTS
(Outdoor)


THE PAGEANT OF PATRIOTS

EPISODES

1. PROLOGUE BY THE SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM
2. PRINCESS POCAHONTAS
3. PILGRIM INTERLUDE
4. FERRY FARM EPISODE
5. GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FORTUNE
6. DANIEL BOONE: PATRIOT
7. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN EPISODE
   Scene 1. Benjamin Franklin and the Crystal Gazer (1720)
            The Dream Begins
   Scene 2. Benjamin Franklin at the Court of France (1781)
            The Dream Ends
8. ABRAHAM LINCOLN EPISODE
9. FINAL TABLEAU
10. MARCH OF PLAYERS


PROLOGUE
_Spoken by The Spirit of Patriotism_

People of --------, ye who come to see
Enacted here some hours of Pageantry,
Lend us your patience for each simple truth,
And see portrayed for you the Nation's Youth.
Spirit of Patriotism I. Behold
How at my word time's curtain is uprolled,
And all the past years live, unvanquished
As are the laurels of the mighty dead.
I am the spirit of the hearth and home!
For me are flags unfurled and bugles blown.
For me have countless thousands fought and died;
For me the name of "Liberty" is cried!
I am the leader where the battle swings,
I bring the memory of all high things.
And so to-day I come to bid you look
At scenes deep-written in the Nation's book.
The youth of all the heroes you shall see--
What lads they were, what men they grew to be.
How honor, thrift, and courage made them rise
By steps that you can learn if you be wise.
First, Pocahontas in a woodland green;
Then life among the Pilgrim folk is seen--
Thrifty Priscilla, Maid o' Plymouth Town,
In Puritanic cap and somber gown!
For the next scene comes life in Southern climes--
The Ferry Farm of past Colonial times.
Then Washington encamped before a blaze
O' fagots, swiftly learning woodland ways.
Then Boone with Rigdon in the wilderness
Dauntlessly facing times of strife and stress.
Crossing the Common in the morning sun
Young Benjamin Franklin comes: about him hung
Symbols of trade and hope--kite, candles, book.
The crystal gazer enters, bids him look
At all the guerdon that the years will bring.
The Vision next: Trianon in the Spring,
And Franklin honored by the Queen of France
With courtly minuet and festal dance.
Lastly, a cabin clearing in the West,
Where on a holiday with mirth and zest
Lincoln's companions take their simple cheer.
These are the scenes to be enacted here,
Shown to you straightway in a simple guise.
Youthful the scenes that we shall here devise
On which the beads of history are strung.
Remember that our players, too, are young.
All critic-knowledge, then, behind you leave,
And in the spirit of the day receive
What we would give, and let there come to you
The Joy of Youth, with purpose high and true.

COSTUME

THE SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM. The Spirit of Patriotism should wear a long
white robe, with flowing Grecian lines, made either of white
cheesecloth, or white cashmere. It should fall from a rounded neck.
Hair worn flowing, and chapleted with a circlet of gold stars. White
stockings and sandals. Carries a staff from which floats the Stars and
Stripes.


PRINCESS POCAHONTAS


CHARACTERS

PRINCESS POCAHONTAS
CHIEF POWHATAN
CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH
Eight Young Indian Braves
Eight Young Indian Maidens
Two Indian Women
Two old and withered Squaws
Six or seven little Indian children
Other followers of Powhatan

TIME: _Mid-afternoon on a mild day in 1609._
PLACE: _Virginia._
SCENE: _An open glade showing a small Indian encampment._

[Transcriber's note: All stage directions appear in italics in the
original]

At the opening of the scene the glade is deserted, the men of the tribe
being engaged in a skirmish with the white men, while the women and
children have gone foraging. There are two teepees, one at right, and
one at left, their doors closed. By the side of teepee at left a pile
of fagots, and a wooden block.

Further front, facing audience, a great war-drum, gaily painted. A
skin-covered drum-stick. At right, towards front, the smoldering
remains of a fire. The whole appearance of the camp shows that it is
not permanent--a mere pausing-place.

The space between the teepees is absolutely unobstructed, but there are
trees and bushes at the back and sides.

By degrees the Indians who have been foraging begin to return. One of
the Indian women enters carrying fagots. One of the older squaws
rekindles the fire. Next come the children, with merry shouts, carrying
their little bows and arrows. The Indian maidens enter gaily, carrying
reeds for weaving. They move silently, swiftly, gracefully. Two of
their number begin to grind maize between stones. Two others plait
baskets. An old medicine-man, with a bag of herbs, comes from the
background, and seats himself near the drum, at left, taking an Indian
flute from his deerskin belt, and fingering it lovingly. An Indian
woman, arriving later than the others, unstraps from her back a small
papoose, and hangs it to the limb of a tree. The Indian children stand
towards the front of the greensward, shoot in a line their feathered
arrows, run and pick up the arrows, and acclaim in pantomime the one
who shot the best. Then they go towards background, doing a childish
imitation of a war-dance. The mother of the papoose, having finished
her duties in setting one of the teepees to rights, now takes down the
papoose from the tree where it swings, and seating herself in the
center of the greensward, croons an Indian lullaby. The Indian maidens
group themselves about her, seated in a semicircle on the ground,
swaying rhythmically. At the back of the stage one of the little Indian
boys sees an Indian maiden approaching, clad in white doeskin. Cries
aloud delightedly: _"Pocahontas!"_

The Indian maidens and the squaws rise and fall back before the
entrance of Pocahontas with gestures of salutation and respect.

ALL
(clearly and enthusiastically).
Pocahontas!

[Pocahontas comes down center with a basket filled with branches that
bear small red berries. The children and two of the maidens gather
about her, and then fall back as she begins speaking, so that she has
the center of the stage. Greatest interest is evinced in all she does.

POCAHONTAS
(speaking slowly, as one does in an unfamiliar tongue, yet clearly and
deliberately).
I--Pocahontas--daughter of Powhatan, great chief,--speak--language
of--paleface. Powhatan teach me. (Points to way from which she has
come.) Yonder--I--went. Prayed to River God.

[Makes gesture of worship, raising basket above her head. The
semicircle about her widens respectfully. A maiden then approaches and
takes basket. Pocahontas smiles in sudden childlike delight, and
holding out chain of beads that fall from her neck to her waist, says
with pretty intonation:

Beads. Jamestown.

[Watches them for a moment as they glimmer in the sun. Then with sudden
laugh seizes the Indian maiden nearest her, and by gesture summons the
other Indian maidens. One of the very old squaws with a half-wry,
half-kindly smile begins a swift tapping on the drum that has in it the
rhythm of dance music. The Indian children withdraw to the doors of the
teepees, and Pocahontas and the Indian maidens dance. The old
medicine-man adds his flute-notes to the rhythm of the war-drum.

The Indians being a notably silent people, this scene must be given
mostly in pantomime.

From the forest at right comes the faint sound of a crackling branch.
Instant attention on the part of all. The dance stops. The Indian
maidens stand poised, listening. The women shade their eyes with their
hands. A small Indian boy lays his ear to the ground, and then cries:
_"Powhatan!"_ Two expectant semicircles are formed. All look to wards
right. Powhatan enters, Pocahontas runs to meet him. Tableau.

Powhatan then indicates that others are coming from right. Young braves
enter with John Smith in their midst. His hands are bound behind him,
his face is white and drawn. Children at sight of him scamper to
teepees. The rest show signs of curiosity. Pocahontas stands with
clasped hands and startled eyes, regarding Smith most earnestly. A
brave bears Smith's weapons. Smith is led to right foreground. Block of
wood is brought him for a seat.

The Indian women, maidens, and children retreat to the extreme
background, where they sit in a semicircle, watching. Then Powhatan and
braves withdraw to left, where they form a circle and confer, one brave
at a time addressing the rest in pantomime, with many gestures, some
towards Smith, some towards the path by which they brought him.
Occasionally the words _"Algonquin," "Chickahominy," "Jamestown,"
"Opeckankano," "W'ashunsunakok"_ are spoken. When Powhatan speaks in
pantomime the others listen with occasional grunts of satisfaction and
approval. It is evident that the prisoner and the fate awaiting him are
under discussion.

Pocahontas alone remains near the center of interest. She glances first
at her father and the braves, sees they are deep in discussion, and
then crosses to John Smith, with every sign of interest and awakening
pity. She brings him water in a wooden bowl. He drinks thirstily. She
then goes to one of the teepees, and brings him a cup of milk. This she
holds for him to drink from, as his hands are bound.

POCAHONTAS
(gravely, as she puts down the cup).
How!

SMITH
(with equal gravity).
How!

POCAHONTAS(touching herself lightly).
Pocahontas. Daughter of Powhatan.

[Touches Smith questioningly.

SMITH
(answering her).
Smith. John Smith.

POCAHONTAS
(repeating it after him).
John Smith.

SMITH.
From Jamestown.

POCAHONTAS
(nods, says slowly).
Pocahontas _likes_ paleface.

[Meantime the pantomimic discussion held by Powhatan and his braves is
drawing near its close. There comes a shout of triumphant acclaim "Wah!
Wah! Wah!" hoarse and loud. Powhatan, having in pantomime rendered his
decision, now stands with arms folded, at left. Braves to right, and
take Smith to center. Powhatan stands at the extreme left. The braves
form a semicircle about Smith. The women and children in the background
rise silently, and peer forward. Smith is forced to one knee. A brave
holds aloft the hatchet.

POCAHONTAS
(looking from Smith to her father, and then running towards the latter
with a cry).
No! No!

[Powhatan regards his daughter gravely, yet unrelentingly. Pocahontas,
center, stretches out her arms in pleading. Powhatan shakes his head.
Pocahontas then goes towards Smith, and again with animated pantomime,
indicating first Smith and then the way by which he has come, pleads
for him. Powhatan shakes his head. He is obdurate. Pocahontas bows her
head dejectedly. Turns to go back to where she has been standing. Then
changes her mind, runs to her father, and with every evidence of
pleading and humility, falls on her knees before him, arms
outstretched. For a moment they are still as statues. Then Pocahontas
takes from her neck her string of beads, and, by gesture, offers it as
a ransom for Smith.

POCAHONTAS
(speaking slowly).
Pocahontas, daughter of Great Chief, asks of Great Chief John Smith's
life.

[Tense pause. Powhatan, with arms folded, considers deeply. Then makes
sign of assent, but gives back necklace to Pocahontas, who rises with
pantomime of joy. Powhatan makes sign to braves to release Smith. Smith
is unbound. His weapons are given back to him. He chafes his wrists and
presents his compass to Powhatan.

SMITH.
Great Chief! (Turns first to Powhatan, and then to Pocahontas.) Great
Princess! John Smith grateful!

[Powhatan touches him on shoulder.

POWHATAN
(grunting).
Umph!

[Indicates by gesture peace-pipe which has been lit at fire. All braves
sit in semicircle facing audience, and pass it (not too slowly!) from
one to another, including Smith and Powhatan. Then all rise.

SMITH
(standing center).
John Smith goes to Jamestown. John Smith friend of great chief,
Powhatan. Palefaces always remember Powhatan! Always remember
Pocahontas!

BRAVES
(all together).
Wah! Wah! Wah!

[Exit Smith, right. Smith is watched by the Indians in silence deep and
respectful.

POCAHONTAS
(to Powhatan).
Great Chief safely returned. Captive set free. Shall we go yonder?
(Points.) Pray to River God?

[Powhatan nods gravely. He and Pocahontas exeunt left. The braves
follow next. The Indian maidens, women, and children form the end of
the procession. The stage is thus left empty, and the scene ends.


COSTUMES

POCAHONTAS. Pocahontas should wear the traditional costume of "white
doeskin with a scarlet mantle flecked with gold sequins." A great chain
of pearls should be about her neck. Another chain which reaches to her
waist should be of white and blue beads--large beads that will catch
glitter from the sun. About her head a band of tan, and a white quill.
The embroidery about the neck of her Indian robe is of pearls. The
basket which she carries should be white, with a motif of rich blue and
scarlet. She wears a tan (dressed deerskin) girdle, heavily embroidered
in red beads. Her stockings and moccasins are tan-colored also, the
moccasins embroidered in scarlet. The ends of her braids are bound in
scarlet and gold. White canton flannel, skilfully slashed for fringing,
will make the Indian dress, which should fall in straight lines from a
square neck. It should reach to about three inches above the ankle, and
should be heavily fringed. The robe, worn fastened at the shoulders,
should be of scarlet cloth. The deerskin belt is of cotton khaki. The
moccasins can be made of the same material, cut sandal fashion. Or low
canvas ties without heels, bead-embroidered.

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. Tan-colored costume of the seventeenth century. The
coat of tattered, weather-stained brown velvet, the puffed sleeves
slashed with tan satin that is soiled and frayed. Great tan boots
coming to the knee. A white lace collar at neck, much the worse for
wear. A brown leather girdle.

POWHATAN. Indian dress of tan (dressed deerskin), the neck and breast
of it gorgeously painted with blue, green, and scarlet. Great chains of
shells and beads. A huge head-dress of black feathers that hangs down
his back almost to his knees. It should be the largest and most
magnificent of all the Indian head-dresses, as it is the insignia of
chiefdom. Tan stockings and tan moccasins. The material of his costume
may be cotton khaki. (The imitation khaki is best, as the real material
is too heavy.)

THE MEDICINE-MAN. The medicine-man is old. He wears a wig of long,
white, coarse hair. His costume is of cotton khaki, decorated with
beads, bits of looking-glass, and feathers. He wears no feathers on his
head. A piece of fur is fastened to his shoulders. His blanket is
black, with white cabalistic signs. It can be made of canton flannel.

INDIAN BRAVES. The braves who follow Powhatan should wear costumes
resembling those of the chief, save that they are less gorgeously
painted, and wear fewer strings of beads and shells. Their
head-dresses, too, are shorter. They should be of gray, black, and
brown feathers. Their faces are, of course, stained brown, their arms
and necks likewise. Red and black warpaint should also be on their
faces. Unless wigs of long hair are to be worn, the boys wearing the
feathered head-dresses should be careful to see that their lack of long
hair is concealed from view. Often the Indian braves wore their long
matted locks braided; and black cheesecloth cut into strips and then
braided and fastened to a tight black cap will make a splendid wig of
this sort--the braids of hair should hang in front of the ears. The
Indian braves should carry bows, arrows, and tomahawks.

THE INDIAN MAIDENS. The Indian maidens should wear tan fringed dresses,
of the same length and fashion as that of Pocahontas. Necklaces and
bracelets of shells. The necks of the dresses embroidered in beads and
shells. They wear their long black hair in two braids, the ends of the
braids bound either with scarlet, corn-yellow, or vivid blue. They have
moccasins and tan-colored stockings. Their bead' embroidered footgear
should be in striking color on a tan background. But their chief glory
is their blankets. These should be barbarically glowing, since it is
partly in their wild flare of color that the beauty of the Blanket
Dance lies. The following designs for them are taken from the Indian
motifs and colorings studied from the collections in various museums of
natural history, and however startling they may seem at first, their
color-scheme should be faithfully carried out, as much of the success
of the scene depends on them. The material used may be canton flannel
throughout. They should be the size of the average, every-day blanket.

1. Blanket made of equal halves of deep royal purple and pale turquoise
blue.

2. Blanket of deep cobalt blue. Fastened in the center a great oval of
orange.

3. Blanket made of equal halves of pale lemon and black.

4. Blanket made of equal halves of very dark green and very pale green.

5. Blanket made of equal halves of deep violet and white.

6. White blanket with disks of scarlet at each of its four corners.

7. Blanket of equal halves of royal purple and pale lavender.

8. Blanket of very pale green, with large white disk in center.

Each Indian maiden should wear a band of gay-colored cheesecloth, red,
green, or blue, bound about her forehead. This band should match the
color that fastens her braids. In the back of the head-band should be
fastened a quill of contrasting shade. It need hardly be added that the
Indian maidens wear neither feather head-dresses nor war-paint. Their
arms, necks, and faces should be stained light brown. The tan-colored
stockings are to simulate bare skin.

SQUAWS. The squaws wear the same cotton khaki costumes as the Indian
maidens, save that their blanket are of more somber colors, and their
headgear is either omitted altogether, or consists of black, bronze, or
dull green.

THE LITTLE INDIAN BOYS. They should drew in exact imitation of the
older braves, save that they wear no war-paint.

PROPERTIES. For either an indoor or outdoor representation of this
scene where it is impossible to have a real fire, have a pile of fagots
and unionist them place large bunches of joss-sticks bound together
with thread. These will burn easily and safely, and the blue smoke from
them will simulate a waft from woodland embers.

The log can be made of two small vinegar barrels fastened together,
covered with brown burlap, and then flecked with green and brown paint.
The teepees should be of canvas, unbleached cotton, or burlap fastened
over three slender, strong poles, stuck into the ground. They should be
equal to bearing the weight of the canvas or burlap, and yet light
enough to be removed and carried off the scene by the young Indian
braves as they leave in the direction of the river when the scene ends.

DANCES. At the place indicated in the scene, the Indian maidens give
one or more characteristic Indian dances. "The Blanket Dance," one of
the most widely known and picturesque of the Indian dances, follows
somewhat the lines of a Virginia Reel. The Indian maidens stand in a
line facing each other, their blankets wrapped about them. The head
couple, facing each other, spread wide their blankets behind them like
great butterfly wings. Then they dance forward and back, forward and
back, beckoning, retreating, gesturing, and finally dance off, with one
blanket wrapped about two pairs of shoulders. Then the next couple, and
so on. All sorts of fantastic steps, gestures, bendings, and swayings
can be introduced. A wide space should be left between the dancers, so
that all they do can be clearly seen. Dancing in great circles, like a
mild war-dance, yet without the whoops and wild gestures of the latter,
is another form that lends itself to the out-of-doors. Another dance is
the Eagle Dance; with arms spread wide, holding their blankets at
wing-like angles, the dancers circle about each other, the dance
growing wilder and wilder. Still another dance is the symbolical one of
the Four Winds--North, South, East, West--done by four Indian maidens.
The South Wind gentle and swaying; the West Wind fantastic, with arms
upraised; the East Wind with streaming hair and rain-drops shining on
finger tips; the North Wind wilder than them all, and finally driving
them all before her.

MUSIC. Piano: MacDowell's "An Indian Idyl," "From an Indian Lodge."
These can be had orchestrated. For a band: "Tomahawk Dance," by Andrew
Herman. "Indian War Dance," by Bellstedt. "The Sun Dance," by Leo
Friedman.


PILGRIM INTERLUDE


PILGRIM CHANT

(Tune: Oxford. To be sung off stage by the Puritan maidens before they
enter to take part in the episode.)

Gone is now the sullen winter,
  Gone the famine and the snow;
In the forest, like a promise,
  See the first white mayflowers blow.

Fresh hope thrills us with their coming,
  They, too, braved the winter long;
Then at Springtime took new leafage,
  Frail yet steadfast, small but strong.

Cling we thus to our new country,
  Let us struggle and endure;
We have found a land of Freedom,
  And our heritage is sure.


THE SPINNING LESSON
(A Pilgrim Interlude)


CHARACTERS

PRISCILLA MULLINS
Lads of Plymouth Town
    JOHN BILLINGTON
    DEGORY MARTIN
Youthful Pilgrim Maidens
    RUTH
    PATIENCE
    MIRIAM
    LETTICE
    ANNE
STAR-OF-SPRING, an Indian maiden
NATIQUA, a squaw, her mother
FOREST FLOWER, another Indian maiden
HERON'S WING, a young Indian brave

SCENE: A grassy glade at Plymouth in the Spring of 1621, Trees right,
left, and background. At the beginning of the scene the grassy stage is
deserted. There presently enters from background Anne, a young Pilgrim
maid of about fourteen, whose somber garb shows out darkly against the
green background. She looks quickly about her, right and left,
shielding her eyes with her hand. Then she calls back over her shoulder
to her companions, Diantha and Lettice.

ANNE
(calling).
Come quickly, Diantha. Here is a fair spot for our corn-shelling, and
not a prowling Indian in sight.

[Diantha, slender, dark, and somewhat older than Anne, enters with
Lettice. They carry between them an Indian basket of capacious size, in
which are dried ears of corn.

DIANTHA
(clearly).
Nay, we need have no fear; for on one side Captain Miles Standish keeps
watch, and on the other John Alden; so as for Indians----

LETTICE
(as they come to center).
One Indian only have I seen this day, and to see him is ever a sign of
good omen.

DIANTHA.
That means that Squanto is in Plymouth Town, our good, true Indian
friend. He it was who taught us how to shell the corn, so many months
agone; he it was who taught us, this Spring, the manner of sowing it.

LETTICE
(holding up Indian basket).
And here is one of the Indian corn-baskets that Captain Standish found
buried in a strange wilderness spot when he first explored these
forests.

ANNE
(drawing near to Lettice).
These forests--! Oh, my heart! As night draws on how dark and fearsome
they appear! And now that Spring is in the land it sets me longing for
English hedgerows.

[Sits on ground, left, and begins to shell corn.

LETTICE
(joining Anne in her work).
Do you remember the Spring in Leyden, Diantha?

DIANTHA
(looking upward as she stands).
Why, even here the Spring is very fair! Do not the sunlight, the blue
sky, and the budding trees make your heart sing with joy?

ANNE.
Sit, then, Diantha, and let us have a quiet hour.

DIANTHA
(standing behind them, half-gay, half-mocking).
A quiet hour--! Hither come Patience and Miriam and Ruth, the greatest
clatter-tongues in Plymouth. See! They have been gathering wild plum
blossoms!

[Enter Miriam, Patience, and Ruth from background. They hasten towards
Diantha. The exquisite white of the blossoms they carry makes them look
like heralds of the Spring.

MIRIAM
(excitedly).
Diantha, what dost think! Priscilla Mullins hath declared herself weary
of spinning in her own door-yard, and since Squanto hath told us that
we need not fear the Indians she hath besought Degory Martin and John
Billington to bring hither her spinning-wheel.

PATIENCE
(wide-eyed).
Was ever the like known in Plymouth!

RUTH
(as all look eagerly towards background).
Hither she comes!

PRISCILLA
(clearly in distance).
Have a care, Degory.

DEGORY.
Aye, Mistress Priscilla.

PRISCILLA
(as they emerge from background).
Stumble not, John Billington.

JOHN BILLINGTON
(sturdily).
Not while I bear such a burden.

[They set down the spinning-wheel, center.

PRISCILLA.
I thank you. Will you come for me when the shadows o' the pines grow
long across my doorway?

[The Pilgrim lads nod, and exeunt, left background.

PRISCILLA
(to Pilgrim maidens).
Well, and have you no word of greeting? Why, they are dumb with
astonishment! And is it so strange a thing to bring one's wheel
outdoors? 'Twas out of doors that this wood first grew! (Touches
wheel.) All day I have longed to be out in these wide spaces--and yet
there was work to do. But see--now I weld heart's desire and work
together!

[She begins to spin. Meantime Pilgrim maidens group about her. Tableau.

MIRIAM.
You are ever one to see the bright side of things, Priscilla,
and------Look, Priscilla--an Indian!

[At sound of that dread word all the maidens draw near to Priscilla.
From the woods in right background appears Star-of-Spring, the little
Indian maiden. She carries a basket of shell-fish on her head,
steadying it with her hand. She is so intent on walking carefully that
she does not see the group of Pilgrims until she is nearly upon them.
There ensues a period of unflagging pantomime. Star-of-Spring, upon
seeing the group of dark-clad maidens, starts back, half terrified.
Priscilla rises, and as an overture of peace and good-will, takes a few
steps towards her. Star-of-Spring retreats still further towards right.
Priscilla returns to her wheel.

Star-of-Spring, emboldened, takes a step towards the Pilgrim maidens.
Pilgrim maidens, quite as wary of Star-of-Spring as she is of them,
retreat a little way to left. At this Star-of-Spring's last fears
vanish. She wishes to be friends. With pretty pleading she holds out to
them her basket of shell-fish. Places it on the ground and then steps
back, bowing, with arms wide and outstretched palms.

PRISCILLA.
She means we should accept it. Is that not truly generous!

DIANTHA
(reassured).
It must be Star-of-Spring, the little Indian maid of whom Squanto has
so often told us.

[Diantha takes up basket. Pantomime of delight on part of
Star-of-Spring. She draws near to Anne, and with a quaint grace touches
Anne's cap and kerchief. Tries on Anne's cap, and looks at herself in a
barbaric bit of looking-glass that dangles from one of her many chains
of beads. Then laughs, gives back the cap, and is in turn fascinated at
the sight of Priscilla when she begins spinning. Star-of-Spring
approaches the wheel with pantomime indicating awe and delighted
curiosity. She first inspects it, and then begins to talk in dumbshow
with quick, animated gestures. The Pilgrim maidens are somewhat
bewildered.

DIANTHA
(as the meaning of the scene dawns on her).
Priscilla! She wishes to spin!

ANNE.
Thou hast done many strange things in this new land, Priscilla; but I
doubt not that the strangest of all is to give an Indian maiden her
first lesson in spinning!

[Priscilla rises. Star-of-Spring seats herself. Business of Priscilla's
teaching her to spin. Haltingly and somewhat fumblingly she does at
length manage to compass the first rudiments of her lesson. The Pilgrim
maidens stand grouped about her. Tableau.
DEGORY
(from background).
The shadows of the pines lengthen across your door-sill, Priscilla!

[At sound of the new voice Star-of-Spring rises, and hastily retreats,
right. Degory Martin and John Billington enter from background.

DIANTHA.
Only think, Degory, Star-of-Spring, an Indian maid, hath had a spinning
lesson!

DEGORY.
The shadows are lengthening. Twilight comes apace here in the forest.
'Tis time you all came home.

[The maidens of Plymouth follow him as he and John Billington take the
spinning-wheel and spinning-stool with them. They make their exit at
center background. Star-of-Spring, who has lingered at edge of trees,
right, steals out to look after her departing playmates. Stands at
place where spinning-wheel was. Again shakes her head, as if in
perplexity over the strange arts of the palefaces. Finds on grass part
of a skein of flax. Tosses it lightly in the air. Catches it again as
it falls. Begins a characteristic dance, swaying, tossing skein,
catching it. Each step of the dance takes her further into background.
Then she comes down center again, like a tossing bough or a blown
flame. She does not perceive the group entering from left. Her mother
(Natiqua), Forest Flower, and Heron's Wing. They also are so occupied
with portage that they do not perceive Star-of-Spring until they are
almost up to her. Heron's Wing and Forest Flower carry between them a
birch-bark canoe. Behind them trudges Natiqua, bent beneath a double
pile of fagots. They pass, in picturesque silhouette, back of the spot
where Priscilla had been seated with her spinning-wheel. Then they and
Star-of-Spring become aware of each other. They stop. Natiqua frowns.
Star-of-Spring points to place where Priscilla sat with her
spinning-wheel, and by animated gestures portrays what has taken place.
But neither Natiqua, Forest Flower, nor Heron's Wing is in the least
interested. Natiqua shakes her head and frowns. It is evident that the
wonders of the palefaces are not to her mind. She lets slip from her
back her double pile of fagots, then replaces one, and Star-of-Spring
takes up the other. Then, in Indian file, they cross the scene to
right, and slowly disappear from view.


COSTUMES

PILGRIM MAIDENS. The Pilgrim maidens should wear plain black dresses
ankle length, with white cuffs and Puritan caps, and white kerchiefs.
These dresses may be made of black cambric, worn with the glazed side
turned in.

THE PILGRIM LADS. The Pilgrim lads wear black suits, with full
knee-breeches, black stockings, and low black shoes with silver
buckles. Their hair comes to their ears, and they have white collars
turned down on their coats, and deep white cuffs on their sleeves.

THE INDIANS. The Indians wear costumes of cotton khaki, the necks gaily
painted with Indian designs. Strings of beads and shells. Natiqua has a
green and scarlet blanket. She and the Indian maidens wear their hair
in braids. They also have a gay strip of cheesecloth--red, green, or
yellow--bound about their brows, and a quill stuck upright in the back.
Heron's Wing has a head-dress of blue-gray heron's feathers. All wear
moccasins. (See description of Indian costumes in "Princess
Pocahontas.")


FERRY FARM EPISODE

CHARACTERS

LORD FAIRFAX
MARY BALL WASHINGTON
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Plantation hands
    AUNT RACHEL
    SAMBO
    LUCY
    DINAH
    PETER
    NELLY
    SUSY
    UNCLE NED

SCENE: The lawn of Ferry Farm, 1748. A wide expanse of green. Trees
right, left, and background. The trees in background supposedly screen
the Colonial house from view. At the left the estate supposedly
stretches to the highway. At the right, behind the trees, it is given
over to flower and vegetable gardens.

At the beginning of the scene the grassy space is deserted, but from
the distance, right, comes the sound of singing. The sound swells
louder and louder in the rhythm of one of the oldest of African songs,
"Mary and Martha just gone 'long to ring those charming bells." The
first verse is sung before the singers appear. With the second verse
those who have been at work in the fields come into view, their gay and
colorful costumes bright against the green background.

Two of the children run into sight first; then comes a group of nine or
ten young people. Some carry between them baskets heaped quite high
with fruit and vegetables. One boy holds a hoe. A girl carries a rake.
Another an armful of dried corn on the ear. Two more a low basket
heaped with cotton. In the center of this group hobbles old Aunt
Rachel, turbaned, and leaning on a cane. By her side walks Lucy,
carrying a great bunch of pink "Winter Roses."

The third verse is sung as this group emerges into full view of the
audience. The children stand looking at Aunt Rachel as they sing, as if
they were catching some of the words from her. She beats time with her
finger to see that they learn correctly. Other voices take up the song
in right background, swelling it higher and higher. Uncle Ned, with his
fiddle under his arm, comes slowly from right to join the group in
foreground. The baskets are set down. The boy leans on his hoe, the
girl on her wooden rake, rapt and happy. All are given over to the
rhythmic joy of the music.

UNCLE NED
(with a sigh of happiness).
I certainly do love music. Nothing cheers the heart like singing--
unless it's the voice of the fiddle.

SUSY
(hopping up and down).
Play to us, Uncle Ned, play to us!

[Uncle Ned tucks his fiddle under his chin and begins to play. At first
the air is chant-like, and has a strain of melancholy, then it grows
gayer and gayer, until it turns into a dance tune. The children first
stand about Uncle Ned in a circle, listening. Then they begin to dance,
with swaying bodies and cries of delight. Here and there a girl and boy
dance opposite each other, hands on hips. There should be five or six
dancing groups in all. Uncle Ned finishes with a flourish, and turns
towards left.

THE CHILDREN.
Play us another tune, Uncle Ned! Play us another tune!

UNCLE NED
(to a little girl who is especially imploring).
No, no, honey. There's work for me to do up yonder at the house.

[Goes off, left background.

AUNT RACHEL
(still swaying a little and nodding her head).
It certainly does take the fiddle to make old bones feel young again.
Where are you going, Susy?

SUSY
(taking up her basket and indicating left).
Off to the stables.

AUNT RACHEL
(center).
And where are you going, Lucy?

LUCY.
Up to the house with this bunch of roses for Mistress Washington.

SUSY.
Look! Here comes Nelly from the house now.

NELLY
(running down from background).
Have you-all heard the news? This is the day that Master George is
leaving for his surveying trip with Lord Fairfax. See! Mistress
Washington is coming to speak to us now!

[All look in the direction of house. Madam Washington is seen
approaching from the background, center, a stately figure in Colonial
dress, her hair slightly touched with gray. Cries of "Good-morning,
Mistress Washington! Good-morning!" Children skip up and down. Baskets,
hoe, and rake are alike forgotten. Madam Washington stands in center,
and the plantation children are grouped in a wide semicircle about her,
so that all she does is in full view of audience. Lucy presents Madam
Washington with a bunch of roses. Madam Washington takes them, bows,
and smiles. Lucy drops a courtesy.

MADAM WASHINGTON.
How is your fever, Aunt Rachel?

AUNT RACHEL.
Better, better, I thank you.

LUCY.
Is this the day that Master George is starting for--

PETER
(as he comes running down from background).
Mistress Washington! Mistress Washington! Lord Fairfax has come, and
Master George's horse is all saddled and waiting.

[Madam Washington turns and, follows Peter back to the house.

AUNT RACHEL
(indicating left).
Come, children! You can see the road from here. There he is on his
horse!

[Young George Washington, in tan-colored frontiersman's garb, is seen
dimly through the trees. With him a stately figure that is Lord
Fairfax. They wave and bow in direction of house. Then George waves in
direction of plantation group in foreground.

SAMBO
(shielding his eyes with his hand).
I can see him! I can see him!

ALL
(looking off towards left, waving, gesticulating).
Good-by, good-by, Master George!

OTHERS.
Come back soon, Master George. Good-by! Good-by!

AUNT RACHEL
(sadly shaking her head).
He is gone! How we will miss him!

[An instant's dejection falls on the group. They stand saggingly, joy
gone from them.

AUNT RACHEL
(brightening).
It's only for a short time. Only for a short time. He'll be back. He'll
surely be back.

[The group brightens. A tambourine drops jinglingly. It is picked up.
Baskets and hoe are resumed. The group starts towards background,
leisurely, tunefully singing:

(Air: Chorus of "Down Where the Cotton Blossoms Grow.")

Bright shines the sun, the clover-fields are white,
  Through the woods the happy children go:
As gay are our hearts as flowers swinging light,
  When balmy airs of Springtime blow.

Gaily we work with spade and rake and hoe,
  Golden shines the burnished sun of noon;
Then in the fields the shadows longer grow,
  Time to be looking for the moon!

Then twilight comes, and then the velvet night,
  Stars shine like a beacon through the gloam,
The old cabin road is gray beneath their light,
  The long road that leads us to our home.

[As they sing the darkies move towards background. The voices grow
fainter and fainter. The scene ends.


COSTUMES

LORD FAIRFAX. Plum-colored velvet. Three-cornered black hat. White wig
with cue.

GEORGE WASHINGTON. Frontiersman's suit of cotton khaki, made on Indian
lines, with Indian tunic, and knee-breeches. Tan stockings, with
strappings of khaki wound round them, and moccasins.

MADAM WASHINGTON. Dark green quilted petticoat. Overdress and bodice of
dark green, flowered in old rose. Elbow sleeves. White ruffles of lace.
White lawn fichu. Powdered hair.

The plantation negroes wear tropically bright colors. All the colors
are solid. Aunt Rachel has a bright blue dress with a white apron and
kerchief, and a black cloak across her shoulders. She wears a scarlet
and yellow turban, and huge gold hoops in her ears. The negro girls
wear red and blue and green cotton dresses with white kerchiefs, and
colored aprons--a yellow apron with a red dress, and so on. Some of
them wear gay little turbans. Their feet are bare. The boys wear black
knee-breeches, and bright-colored shirts, open at the neck. Uncle Ned
wears black knee-breeches, low black shoes, and a faded scarlet vest
with gilt buttons opening over a soft white shirt.


GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FORTUNE
(Founded on a legend of him youth.)


CHARACTERS

GEORGE WASHINGTON, a Youthful Surveyor
Young Lads who serve respectfully as "chainmen" and "pilots"
     RICHARD GLENN
     JAMES TALBOT
     KEITH CARY
A FRONTIERSMAN
RED ROWAN, his daughter

SCENE: An open woodland glade that is part of the wilderness portion of
Lord Fairfax's estate beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia,
1748. Trees at right, left, and background. Trailing vines. Low bushes.
Underfoot a carpet of rotting leaves. At the left, near foreground, a
fire smolders. Near it are spread a bearskin used as a
sleeping-blanket, some pine boughs, surveyors' tools, and a tin box. At
the right a fallen tree-trunk, mossed, vine-covered. The time is
mid-afternoon. The lads who enter wear the garb of frontiersmen; but
when the play begins the forest glade is deserted until Richard Genn's
voice is heard from the woods in background.

RICHARD GENN.
Come on, then, Washington. Hurry there, Talbot! (Genn enters, carrying
chains and a surveyor's pole, and comes quickly to the fire.) Why, the
ashes have kept their heat since morning. We will not have to start
another fire.

JAMES TALBOT
(entering with Washington from background).
That's good hearing, for I'm famished. How say you, Washington?

WASHINGTON
(laughing and coming to fire).
I could eat a wild turkey, feathers and all. This life in the
wilderness makes one keenly hungry. What's in the box, Richard?

TALBOT
(delving into tin box).
Bacon. Some dry bread.

WASHINGTON.
Toast the bacon between the bread, and we'll have such a feast as is
due to young surveyors who've tramped a good ten miles since morning.
Now then, Richard. Here are some sticks. Let each lad toast his own.

TALBOT
(helping to prepare).
The very smell of it makes me ravenous. (To Genn.) I wonder where your
Uncle is, and Colonel Fairfax?

GENN.
Miles from here, doubtless. (Stretches.) But I _am_ stiff!

WASHINGTON.
And where can Carey be?

TALBOT.
Oh, Carey's lagged behind to get a shot at some grouse that he means to
have for supper. Hark!

CAREY
(In background).
Lads! Lads! Where be ye?

WASHINGTON
(calling in answer).
Here, Carey, here. (To the others.) That's he, now. Well, Carey, what
luck?

CAREY
(entering from background).
Any luck but pot luck. Missed both times. No grouse for us. I almost
wish I'd raided some frontiersman's cabin.

[Sits at fire.

WASHINGTON.
"Get what you can get honestly." (Passes him the bacon.) "Use what you
get frugally." That was an old saying I learned from my copybook, and
even in the wilderness it seems to hold true.

RICHARD GENN
(as they sit about fire, eating).
What's to be done when this meal is finished?

GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Naught that I know of. I can do no more till I receive further orders
from Colonel Fairfax.

TALBOT.
Well, then, we've a half-holiday. 'Tis the first idle time we've had in
three weeks. Up before dawn, and to bed before star-rise! I tell you it
makes the hours spin fast. How shall we pass our leisure?

CAREY.
I'm going back for those grouse.

[Rises.

TALBOT.
I've seen the bronze of a wild turkey's wing.

[Rises.

GENN
(smacking his lips).
I'd like to have that same turkey wing here before the fire! (Rises.)
I'm with you, Talbot, for whatever a sportsman's luck may bring. And
you, Washington?

WASHINGTON.
I'd best wait here to see if a message comes from Colonel Fairfax. If
in one hour the message does not come, I'll join you.

GENN
(ready to start).
Well, then, Talbot.

[The three lads start.

WASHINGTON
(to Carey).
I wish you luck! May you flush a grouse at every ten yards!

[Lads laugh, and exeunt, background. Washington looks after them a
moment, and then takes surveying paper from his pocket.

WASHINGTON.
Now for my wilderness chart!

[Pores over it. From the distance comes the sound of a frontiersman's
ax, which he is too absorbed to notice. Red Rowan enters from the
right, a wild, picturesque young figure in a scarlet cloak.

WASHINGTON
(to himself, as he bends over his chart).
'Tis not so easy as Little Hunting Creek!

RED ROWAN
(approaching him).
Nothing is easy in the wilderness!

WASHINGTON (starting up, gazing at her, and then brushing his hand
across his eyes).
I thought I was studying before the fire; but instead I've been
dreaming . . . dreaming!

RED ROWAN
(shaking her head).
No dream! Only a woodsman's daughter. You can hear my father yonder,
felling oaks. I saw the glimmer of your fire and came.

WASHINGTON
(with a boyish courtesy and shyness).
Will you--will you not be seated?

RED ROWAN
(seated on bearskin, looking at fire).
Folks call me Red Rowan.

WASHINGTON.
My name is Washington. George Washington.

RED ROWAN
(still looking at the fire).
You have a shrewd fire, and the air is chill in these mountains.

WASHINGTON.
Will you not have some bacon and bread? I wish there were more to offer
you.

RED ROWAN.
I'll have a taste of the bacon and a morsel of bread. (Washington
begins to prepare them). I thank you.

WASHINGTON
(toasting bread and bacon). The wilderness must be rough-seeming to
you.

RED ROWAN.
I'm well-used to deep forests and long, hard journeys, for the love of
a trail is in my blood. My grandfather was a gentleman rover, and my
father a frontiersman, and my mother was--a gipsy.

WASHINGTON
(surprised).
A gipsy?

RED ROWAN
(nodding).
Aye, but she died when I was little, and lies buried oversea. 'Tis ten
years now since my father came from England, and brought me with him.

WASHINGTON.
You have known little of a roof, then.

RED ROWAN.
Aye, or of schooling. But forests are kind teachers, and have given me
much. There is a lore deeper than the lore of books. You too must know
it. For with lonely campfires and winding roads and sharp, white,
frosty stars one comes to gather wisdom. Schoolbooks may give you the
past, but it is in my blood to know----

WASHINGTON
(as she pauses).
The future--!

RED ROWAN
(slowly, gazing at fire).
Or so I tell myself. I must ofttimes make up fancies to help the long
days pass. (Rises.) Come, for a jest, let me read your palm, Master
Washington. And in after years you may say: "Why, so Red Rowan told
me!"

WASHINGTON.
Would you have me put faith in witchcraft?

RED ROWAN
(offended).Do I look like a witch? Nay, but you know right well I do not.
Come, let me read your hand. 'Tis a mere jest, and will do no harm, and
you need not believe a word I say.

WASHINGTON.
I will not, if it is flattering; for I have learned aforetime that
_humility is the forerunner of advancement._ [Footnote: Washington's
own words]

RED ROWAN
(seated on mossy log, as she reads his hand). What would you wish to
be?

WASHINGTON
(simply).
When I grow older, a man of deeds, not words. [Footnote: Washington's
own words]

RED ROWAN.
Well, then, give hither. (Reading his hand.) Your name is Washington,
and you come from beyond Blue Ridge. All this I know. For the rest, let
me read. You are well versed in woodcraft, but not so well in books.

WASHINGTON.
There I must mend me.

RED ROWAN.
Aye. You are a notable horseman: your wrist is quick at the foils; you
can swim, climb, and fight, if need be. You are strong, and your valor
equals your strength, your courtesy, your bearing. The line of truth is
here. You smile?

WASHINGTON.
I was thinking of the matter of a hatchet and a cherry tree!

RED ROWAN
(still reading).
Through all your life, success will smile upon you. Here are the marks
of battles. Here are the lines of hardships and of victories. And all
these little lines--see, marches, marches, marches! You'll be a
colonel, and perhaps a general. You laugh? Some day you'll see! 'Twill
all come true! You'll fight in a great cause.

WASHINGTON
(puzzled).
What cause is there to fight for?

RED ROWAN.
That I do not know. But here 'tis clearly written. And you will win.
Your name will be on all men's tongues. 'Tis a long road, and all up
hill. But at the summit--triumph! Remember that. Upon the summit is
triumph.

WASHINGTON
(half-soberly).
And for the rest?

RED ROWAN.
You'll be upon a farmstead with great, rolling acres.

WASHINGTON.
Forest or farmstead, I care not which. That part is true enough,
Mistress Rowan. There was a time when I wished to go to sea; but now I
hope to spend my life at Ferry Farm.

RED ROWAN
(rising).
Part of it will be spent far otherwise. Remember that I told you.

WASHINGTON
(courteously). Aye, I'll remember, tho' 'tis but a jest.

RED ROWAN
(pausing).
Aye, a jest wrought of gipsy magic. I wish you well, Master Washington,
and I thank you for your hospitality.

FRONTIERSMAN'S VOICE
(calling from right).
Rowan!

RED ROWAN
(answering).
I'm coming, father. (To Washington.) Remember, Master Washington, that
I told you.

[Exit Rowan, quickly and lightly.

WASHINGTON
(smiling to himself).
Remember! Why, 'tis the merest jest.

CAREY
(from background).
Time's up, George! There's wondrous sport. Are you not coming?

WASHINGTON
(to Carey).
Aye, I am coming. (To himself.) But the merest jest! "To fight in a
great cause--!" "A long hill, and a hard, and at the summit--triumph!"
(Shaking off the spell the words have cast on him). The lads would
laugh, did I but tell them! (Calls, in answer to impatient steps, and
crackling of leaves in background.) I come!

[He makes his exit into background, running blithely, and the play
ends.


COSTUMES

GEORGE WASHINGTON. Frontiersman's suit, modeled on Indian lines. The
suit is tan-colored, supposedly made of dressed deerskin. The breeches
and tunic are fringed, Indian fashion. There is neither paint nor
beading upon the suits. Moccasins. The other lads wear suits of the
same kind. The material can be cotton khaki.   The moccasins can be
made of the same, and beaded.

RED ROWAN. Dress of leaf-brown homespun made rather short, and quite
plain, open at the neck, the sleeves coming to the elbow. A cloak of
vivid scarlet, gathered in simple folds at neck, and falling to the
ankles. Both dress and cloak may be made of cambric, using the unglazed
side. Tan stockings. Moccasins. The latter may be made of cotton khaki,
and beaded.


DANIEL BOONE: PATRIOT

CHARACTERS

DANIEL BOONE, a pioneer.
ROGER KENTON, a lad
ALLAN RIGDON, another
BLAIZE PRITCHARD, a trapper
EDWARD BRYAN
JAMES COLBY
BLACK FISH, an Indian Chief
HAWK EYE, a young Indian Brave
EAGLE'S FEATHER, another
Other Pioneers, Trappers, Indians

(Note: The events comprised in this play cover a longer period of time
than is suggested here.)

SCENE: An open woodland. Place, the Blue Lick Springs, Kentucky, 1778.
Trees right, left, and background. A slightly worn path leads to
background where the salt springs are supposed to be. Tall poles with
skins on them. A large kettle swings over the fire in right foreground.
Near it are other kettles, iron saucepans, and sacks for salt. In
center background a hollow tree with swinging moss covering its
opening. A fallen log near the kettles serves as a seat.

The play begins by young Allan Rigdon coming out of woods, left, with a
few fagots which he feeds to the fire, bending over it, and looking in
the kettle. James Colby comes by the half-worn path from background,
carrying a bucket of water.

COLBY
(calling).
How comes the salt, Rigdon? If 'twere not that these licks give it in
such abundance, 'twould try a lad's patience sorely. 'Tis like a girl's
work--tending kettles! And hardly a man's work--carrying water from a
spring. (Puts down pail of water.) 'Faith, my arms are stiff, and my
fingers also! If an Indian sprang at me from a thicket I could not so
much as cock my gun! What shall I do next? Carry more water? The rest
are still drawing it--_more_ girl's work, if you'll leave me call it
so! (As a slight sound is heard at left.) Heaven's mercy! What's that?
(Seizes gun.) Is it Indians?

BOONE
(quietly approaching from left).
And if it were, would your work be only _girl's_ work, Colby? It shows
you but a foolish lad to speak of it thus lightly. With all
Boonesborough in need of salt, with our cattle and horses
half-perishing for the want of it, with the way that lies to the licks
a very wilderness road for danger, 'twould hardly be called girl's work
to tend these kettles--brave as our frontier women are. 'Tis _men's_
work, Colby, although you be but lads who do it.

RIGDON.
The wilderness makes men of lads right quickly; does it not, Master
Boone?

BOONE
(seated on log).
Aye, that it does. If it were not for the stress of the times, and the
scarcity of men to keep watch, you should be back in Boonesborough, and
not here, my lads. But 'twas for your courage and skill that I chose
you. How comes the salt, Rigdon?

RIGDON.
Finely, sir, finely. And the hunting?

BOONE
(shaking his head).
Scarce enough to keep a fox alive. I must start forth again. There
should be plenty of bison fat and deer meat for the days that are
coming. (Enter Kenton with bucket of water. He puts it down, and
salutes Boone.) Well, Kenton, what news from the springs?

KENTON.
The same as ever, sir. Blaize Pritchard and Edward Bryan stand guard
while the rest of us carry water. The camp is as you see it. There's
not been a sign of an Indian since you left us yesternight.

BOONE.
You do not ask what I've brought back with me, Kenton.

KENTON.
I know, sir, that if there were game to be had you would have bagged
it. But since we've come to the Blue Lick Springs the buffalo and deer
seem to have gotten wind of us. There's not so much as a rabbit
scampering across the grass. It seems as if nature herself were in
league against us.

BOONE.
Nonsense, lad. There'll be game enough soon, when I've foraged further.
Such times as these were sent to us to see whether we be of iron or
putty.

KENTON.
All the same, sir, I'll be glad when the boiling is done and we can
pack our salt, and start through the forest for home. Long as the trail
is, I would sooner have it than----

BOONE
(clutching rifle).
Hark! The crack of a branch--in the forest. On the defense, lads. I'll
investigate.

[Goes into woods at right.

KENTON
(in a low voice, as the lads seize their rifles).
If it should be those venomous Shawnees! Before we left Boonesborough
'twas said that they'd already passed the war-pipe through their
villages. They have been still so long, 'tis time for an uprising.
(Approaching footsteps are heard.) Who comes?

COLBY
(on the alert).
Just Boone himself.

RIGDON.
What signs, sir?

BOONE.
No signs at all, unless for the first time in their lives the Indians
are shrewder than the Long Knives. There's not so much as a broken
branch, or a newly fallen leaf. Now, lads, off to the spring with you.
I'll tend this last kettle, and when 'tis boiled, I'll start on the
trail again. There must be bison and deer for the followers of Daniel
Boone. Lads, stay! If because we are unmolested you should sometimes
think that tending the kettle is work for girls--remember that we and
our guns are all that stand between the Indians and the fort at
Boonesborough, where all the women and children are. Will you remember?

ALL
(speaking vehemently).
Aye, sir.

BOONE.
And as I take the trail I will remember the lads who've lived on dry
bread and the paring of bacon rinds, and who've tasted naught but
parched buffalo meat in three weeks.

RIGDON.
You've gone hungry yourself, sir.

BOONE.
Well, lads, 'tis all in the day's luck. We'll not suffer for meat if I
can shoot an elk or a bear. (Lads exeunt through trees in background,
Boone watching them.) Brave lads they are, and true!

[He tends the kettle, facing audience. After a moment Indians
stealthily appear in background.

EAGLE'S FEATHER
(as two of the braves seize Boone).
Long Knife, surrender!

[There is a brief struggle between Boone and the braves; but the former
finds, that it is useless to resist.

HAWK EYE.
Shawnees on warpath. Long have watched Boone and tried to trap him. Now
have got him. Boone show trail to Boonesborough.

BOONE
(to himself, in a tense whisper).
Boonesborough?

BLACK FISH
(majestically).
What answer does Long Knife Boone make? If Long Knife joins tribe, Long
Knife will be treated with honor. All at Boonesborough will be killed;
but Boone's life will be spared if he joins tribe. What answer does
Long Knife Boone make?

[Boone considers deeply for a moment. His gun has been taken from him;
but he is so closely surrounded that his arms are left free. He
considers deeply for another moment, arms crossed on breast, head
bowed. Looks up for an instant. Gives a searching glance at the
Indians. Considers again for a moment. Then raises his head.

BOONE.
Long Knife says--yes!

[Holds out his hands, smiling.

ALL INDIANS
(delighted at pantomime of acquiescence).
Wah!

BLACK FISH
(waving tomahawk in air).
Long Knife's brothers--over by spring!

ALL INDIANS
(in chorus).
Kill! Kill!

BOONE.
Wait! Black Fish try to kill Long Knife's brothers. Long Knife's
brothers fight back. Kill maybe one brave. Maybe two braves. Maybe
three braves. But--Boone speak to his white brothers. They surrender to
Black Fish. No fighting. No braves killed. What does Black Fish answer?

BLACK FISH.
Black Fish answers: Long Knife show great wisdom. Black Fish do as Long
Knife says.

[Some of the Indians start in the direction of the spring.

HAWK EYE
(grunting).
Umph!

[Kenton is suddenly brought in by two braves who have captured him. As
his eye falls on Boone his voice shrills with terror.

KENTON.
Oh, they have caught you! They have--

[The rest of the pioneers begin to appear from background, closely
guarded by the Indians.

COLBY
(as all of Boone's little band are brought in as captives). What's
this? Not Boone a traitor?

BOONE.
Hush! (To the other white men.) No use to fight. We are surrounded. (To
Black Fish.) Does Black Fish give me leave to speak to my comrades
apart?

[Black Fish nods assent. Boone and his band withdraw to left. The
Indians withdraw to right. Each side holds a conference. That of the
Indians is in pantomime.

BOONE
(to his band).
No use to fight, lads. Put up your guns. (Indicates Indians.) Half a
score more are in the woods behind us. If we surrender, we may gain
some time. If we refuse, we're lost. They'll march at once on
Boonesborough.

KENTON.
Wilson's gone free, sir. He'll take Boonesborough the news of our
capture.

BOONE
(rapidly).
Aye; but he cannot take them the news of what Black Fish means to do.
No one in Boonesborough knows that the Indians are on the warpath. A
massacre is planned. The fires are lit. The tomahawks are ready. We
must gain time. 'Tis all that we can do. We must surrender. I'll break
through when I can. (Loudly.) Think well, my brothers. Here is freedom
offered you, if you surrender. What do you say?

PRITCHARD
(loudly).
I say that we surrender.

[Boone, turning, makes a gesture to the spot where their guns lie
piled, then towards the Indians as one would say: "We give in."

BLACK FISH.
My brothers, we, too, have had a council. Far in the North the British
pay much gold for paleface prisoners.

PRITCHARD
(involuntarily).
Oh, Boone, we're sold!

BOONE
(quickly).
No! Saved! The British will take a ransom, and Boonesborough will pay
it to the uttermost farthing. (In a low voice.) Come, strategy!
Strategy! I will break through to-night.

PRITCHARD.
Great Chief Black Fish, to you we have surrendered. With your braves we
will take the trail to the British encampment.

BLACK FISH
(grunting with pleasure).
Umph! Much money for paleface prisoners. (To Hawk Eye). Give prisoners
bison meat. Water. See they not die on road. No want to lose money they
bring. Braves march now. Boone not go. Boone stay with us.

[While Black Fish has been speaking the braves and their prisoners line
up for departure. Meantime, from the woods in background other Indians
have joined the group. Those who have captured Boone describe the feat
in dumbshow. The newly arrived Indians bear food, a blanket or so, a
war-drum, pipes, etc.

BOONE
(striving to speak gaily).
A good journey, my lads. I shall be thinking of you.

EDWARD BRYAN
(low: aside, full of commiseration).
You will be here alone!

BOONE
(hurriedly, seeing that Bryan's remark has been overheard by the
Indians).
With my kind brothers! (Quickly, seeing that Black Fish's back is
turned.) March bravely, lads. Remember Boonesborough!

PRITCHARD
(moved).
Your hand, Boone.

BOONE
(clasping Pritchard's hand).
My comrade!

[They look at each other a long moment. Then the line, Indian-guarded,
and led by Hawk Eye, marches out, left.

BLACK FISH
Now we make a great feast. Celebrate.

[They all sit on ground. War-pipe is passed. Gourds with grape wine.
Dried fish. Dried fruits. General hum of excitement and pleasure.
Animated and colorful groups. Boone smokes the war-pipe when it is
passed to him. Drinks and eats freely with the others. Through it all,
now soft, now loud, sounds the drone of the war-drum. Now and again a
young buck yells jubilantly, or ejaculates a shrill "_E-yah!_" of
pleasure. They rise from feasting to dance in a war-circle about the
drum, right. Boone does a few steps with them, and then retreats to
left of stage. More dances. Speeches with short guttural words and
grunts. Waving of tomahawks. Shrill cries. Another circle is formed
about the war-drum. Attention drifts away from Boone. Finally, after a
second dance about the war-drum Eagle's Feather gives a sudden cry of
"_Boone! Boone gone!_" Intense excitement. Cries of rage. General
search as Indians exeunt right and left. One or two lag behind and look
in bushes. Eagle's Feather pulls back swinging moss from hollow tree
and looks within. Then the baffled Indians dart off stage, right. A
moment later Boone enters from left. Looks warily about him, right,
left, and background. Then darts into hollow tree. A moment later the
Indians, headed by Eagle's Feather, enter right, left, and background.
They gesticulate with cries of "_Boonesborough!_" Some urge taking the
way at left, others the way at right. Eagle's Feather is among the
latter. The way at right is ultimately decided upon. With a final yell
of "_Boonesborough!_" and great swinging of tomahawks, all the Indians
exeunt right. The drone of the war-drum begins, and grows fainter and
fainter as they go into the forest. The gourds and blankets and pipes
they have collected and taken with them as supplies for the march.

BOONE
(coming triumphantly out of his hollow tree).
They have taken the wrong trail! I am free to warn my people! I can
gain the fort ere the Indians reach it! Boonesborough is saved.

[Exit Boone, running left. The grassy space is left vacant, and the
scene ends.


COSTUMES

DANIEL BOONE. Daniel Boone and his followers wear suits of buckskin
made on Indian lines. (Cotton khaki imitates the tan color of the
buckskin.) Long breeches, the buckskin tunic coming about to the knee.
It is fringed. There is no adornment on the tunics such as Indians
wear. The lads of the party wear buckskin breeches of knee-length, and
tan strapping over tan-colored stockings. They should all wear
moccasins, or imitation moccasins made of khaki, and embroidered in
beads.

THE INDIANS. The Indians wear suits resembling those of Boone and his
followers, save that they have painted insignia and bead and shell
embroidery. Black Fish has a great black fish painted on his khaki
costume. All wear moccasins. All have feathered head-dresses and
war-paint. The war-paint of Black Fish is scarlet and black, and he
wears an immense black head-dress of feathers that is longer and
handsomer than those of any of the others. Eagle's Feather wears a
scarlet head-band and one huge gray eagle's feather in it, stuck
upright. For further description of Indian finery see description of
braves in "Princess Pocahontas." The blankets and baskets can be the
same in this play as in that one.

PROPERTIES. The hollow tree can be made of two halves of barrels
fastened together, and stood upright by means of props put behind it.
It should be painted dark brown inside and out, or covered with
dark-brown burlap flecked with black and white for lichen. Green vines
can be hung about it, and it should stand well in the background,
resembling a rotting and blasted tree as much as possible.


BENJAMIN FRANKLIN EPISODE

CHARACTERS

YOUNG BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
AN OLD WOMAN

SCENE I

Boston Common on a Summer afternoon, 1720.

The Common is an open grassy space, wide to the sun and sky. There are
trees right, left, and background. Their shadows fall like a wavering
tracery across the grass.

At the beginning of the scene this grassy space is deserted. It is the
far end of the Common, a place not much frequented by loiterers. The
first person to cross it is young Benjamin Franklin, who comes slowly
in from right. He wears knee-breeches, a loose white shirt, silver
buckles on his square-toed shoes, and a three-cornered hat on his head.
He is reading from a book which he holds in his right hand, while on
his left arm hangs a basket of tallow candles. Slung across his left
shoulder is a kite, its string trailing.

He walks slowly, pausing every now and then to turn a page. The old
woman enters from right, and comes quickly towards Franklin. She is
wonderfully keen-eyed and light of foot, and is clad in a green quilted
petticoat, with a green bodice, a touch of white at neck, and a green
double cape. A white cap is perched on her snow-white head. She also
carries a small market-basket, and a gold-headed cane. Her stockings
are scarlet, her low black shoes have gold buckles. She is, withal,
arrestingly picturesque, and there hangs about her a slight air of
mystery, that is well in accordance with her profession, which is that
of soothsayer.

Franklin is so deep in his book that she soon catches up with him,
passes him, looks back, and sees that he does not perceive her. Then
she stands still and lets him pass her, still staring at him. Then she
comes briskly up behind him, and taps him on the arm with her cane.

THE OLD WOMAN.
Fare not so fast, young sir. If your book makes you so blind to
customers, 'tis not many candles you'll be selling.

FRANKLIN
(at first somewhat startled, then looking up quite calmly).
And if I do not mind my books, 'tis naught but candles I'll be selling
all my life.

THE OLD WOMAN.
Well spoken, tallow-chandler's son. Whatever your calling, I see that
your wits are not made of wax. Give me a shilling's worth o' candles,
and tell me what good your toil is like to bring you.

FRANKLIN
(putting down book, kite, and basket, and selecting candles).
I have ambition to become a printer.

THE OLD WOMAN
(paying him and putting candles in her basket).
So!

FRANKLIN.
And if I do not apply myself, how am I like to learn? There are no
gains without pains, and heaven gives all things to Industry.
[Footnote: From "Poor Richard's Almanac."]

THE OLD WOMAN
(holding up her hands).
To hear him! (Chuckling to herself.) Keep on! Keep on! You'll ne'er be
sorry for it! Aha, Master Franklin, 'twill take no gazing in the
crystal to see that the future of a wise and industrious lad is made of
gold. What's that you're carrying as carefully as if 'twas your book?

FRANKLIN
(dropping book and basket, and showing kite).
My kite. To-day was a half-holiday, and I've been flying it on Beacon
Hill till the wind hath made me sleepy.

THE OLD WOMAN
(keenly).
You've fastened a little key to it.

FRANKLIN
(with a burst of candor).
Sometimes I think I'll fly it in a thunderstorm and gather up the
lightning.

THE OLD WOMAN
(tapping the ground vigorously with her cane).
Those are bold words, Master Benjamin Franklin. Are you not feared to
speak them? (Looks half-fearfully over her left shoulder.) Folk might
think you were in league with--with strange powers! (There is a touch
of the eighteenth-century beldame in her as she speaks these words).

FRANKLIN.
How is it that you know my name, and yet I do not remember you?

THE OLD WOMAN
(mysteriously).
Perhaps there are too many soothsayers passing, or perhaps you have not
looked well about you. Aha, aha! (Nodding and blinking.) There are many
things folk do not see.

FRANKLIN
(shrewdly and bluntly).
That's true. My father says that _all_ the witches were not hanged on
Salem Hill.

THE OLD WOMAN(finger upraised).
S-ssh! Never that word! Never that word, Master Franklin! Come, I am
for crossing the Common, and for your good-will, and because you are a
wise lad, I'll lend you my crystal.

[Gives it to him.

FRANKLIN
(putting book in basket with candles, and turning crystal to the
light).
How it shines in the sun!

THE OLD WOMAN
(with cane upraised and wand-like for a moment).
Look in it. Look deep in it. 'Twill give you dreams, Master Franklin,
all good, good dreams. Dreams o' the future, Master Franklin!

[Franklin stands still in background, looking at the crystal as the Old
Woman goes on her way. The branches of the trees under which he stands
cast wavering shadows about him. It is cool after the glare of the sun.
He yawns, stretches, and throws himself at foot of tree.

FRANKLIN
(musing aloud).
Of all the strange old women! (Looks at crystal again.) A pretty toy,
truly! All--shining--in--the--sun------ (Falls asleep.)

THE OLD WOMAN
(stealing back for a moment out of background, and raising cane as
before).
Dream! Dream deep!

[Tosses over him half of her double cloak, then makes her exit into
background, with finger on lip, and disappears from view. There is a
pause of some length, during which dream music is played, a soft,
swaying rhythm. Then comes the Dream.

SCENE II
PEOPLE OF THE DREAM

DR. FRANKLIN, the statesman
JOHN ADAMS
MARIE ANTOINETTE, Queen of France
THE DUCHESS OF BOURBON
MADEMOISELLE DE PERNAN
MADEMOISELLE DE TRESSAU
Ladies in Waiting.
Pages.
Courtiers.
Rose Minuet Dancers.
Shepherdesses and Milkmaids from the Petit Trianon.
Little Flower Girls.
Rose Bearers.

The setting is the lawn of Versailles on a Summer afternoon, 1781.

There are trees at right, left, and background. The entrances of all
taking part in the scene are made from middle background.

The dream music of the previous scene having ceased, a stately march is
played off scene. Queen Marie Antoinette enters, her train held by four
little pages in white satin. She is followed by Mlles. de Pernan and de
Tressau, who wear white brocade with pale yellow roses. Following them
comes a less formal group, ladies in waiting, who wear dark green and
silver-flowered bodices and overskirts over still darker green quilted
petticoats: amber costumes of the same, threaded with gold, and dark
purple over white satin. The Queen, who is in white, with a long train
of scarlet velvet, has the only touch of scarlet that is worn in the
scene. The French courtiers are in flowered coats with buff, blue of a
deep shade, and white and amber-brown predominating.

The Queen, having crossed the sward, stands at right, and the Mlles. de
Pernan and de Tressau stand immediately behind her, and by them the
pages. A little further back, in a stately, yet not too formal a
semicircle, stands the court. Just as they are taking their places
there comes from the background a sedan chair borne by four chairmen in
black velvet, with powdered wigs. This chair is set down in center of
sward. The Duchess of Bourbon alights: approaches the Queen, courtesies
deeply and kisses her Majesty's hand. Then joins the group behind the
Queen. The chair is carried to the back of the group during this
ceremony.

Music off-scene plays "Hail Columbia" and Franklin and Adams appear
from background, Adams following Franklin. Benjamin Franklin is in
black, with unpowdered hair. His famous spectacles are on his nose. The
Queen extends her hand, over which he bows. Adams, with three-cornered
hat on breast, bows just behind him.

QUEEN.
You honor France in honoring us by your presence, Dr. Franklin. Mr.
Adams, we greet you, not only because you come from America, but
because you are the friend of wisdom and sagacity.

FRANKLIN
(bowing low: ditto Adams).
Your Majesty does us too much honor!

QUEEN.
The honor we do you to-day is to be gay, festive, joyous. We have
delighted to plan a fete for your pleasure wherein you shall behold
Versailles and Trianon, court ladies, milkmaids, shepherdesses! But,
first, the verses!

[According to the custom of eighteenth-century France in honoring a
philosopher, the Mlles. de Pernan and de Tressau face Franklin and the
Queen, courtesy deeply, recite a verse, courtesy again, and return to
their places.

MLLE. DE PERNAN.
"We come to honor, one by one,
Benjamin Franklin, Freedom's son,
Who comes to us from oversea,
Champion of light and liberty."

MLLE. DE TRESSAU.
"Learned and just, benignant, wise,
You draw the lightning from the skies:
Printer and Statesman--here we see
What man through his own wit may be!"

[Throughout the revels that follow the Queen and Benjamin Franklin
stand at right, while the dancers enter from left background. As soon
as one group has finished dancing, center, they move to the left, and
stand in a line facing Franklin and the Queen. Thus color is added to
color, till the whole has a rainbow effect.

The first group to enter is the pale-violet group, ladies-in-waiting,
who wear pale-violet bodices and overdresses over white. They dance a
gavotte, and retire to a line at left. The stage on which the dancing
is done must afford ample space, so that there is no crowding.

The second group enters. Court ladies in pale-yellow bodices and looped
overdresses over white. They dance a gavotte, and then stand at left of
stage.

The third group enters. Young maids of the court, dressed as
shepherdesses. Pale sea-foam-green bodices and overdresses over white.
White crooks, with pale-green satin streamers fastened to them. They
dance a minuet, and retire to left.

The fourth group enters. Young maids of the court dressed as milkmaids.
Pale-blue bodices and looped-up overdresses over white. Each milkmaid
carries a small white, wooden milking-pail. They dance a minuet, and
retire to left.

The fifth group enters for the Rose Minuet. First come ten little girls
walking two and two. They wear bodices and overdresses of the very
palest pink, flowered with deep-pink roses. Their fichus and petticoats
are white. Each couple carries between them a half-hoop of pink roses.
When they come to a halt the rose hoops, held high, form a rose bower
through which the rose-dancers approach. They are maids of the court,
who wear rose-pink bodices and overdresses over white. Wreaths of tiny
pink rosebuds on their powdered hair. With the little girls with rose
hoops forming figures and groups in the center of the sward, the minuet
dancers go through a minuet which should differ from the other minuets,
its figures being somewhat more elaborate and complicated.

The final figure of this fete should be a huge minuet, with the
rose-dancers in the center of the sward, the other dancers joining in.
After a figure or two, the tempo of the music should change, and the
dancers, headed by those who have done the rose minuet, should march
off the field into the background. First the pink group, then the blue
group, then the green, yellow, and violet groups. With the same march
music still sounding, the Queen and Franklin, followed in stately
fashion by the court, should leave the field, and thus end the scene.


COSTUMES

The costumes of the first scene have already been indicated in the
text. That of the crystal-gazer can be made of cambric, with the glazed
side turned inward. Her cap and kerchief should be of white lawn.


COSTUMES IN SCENE II

MARIE ANTOINETTE. White satin petticoat. Overdress and bodice of white
silk brocaded with scarlet roses. White lace ruffles and fichu. Long
train of scarlet velvet, lined in white satin. Hair dressed high and
powdered. Gold crown. Shimmering necklace. If a costume as ornate as
this is not procurable, let the young player wear a long white muslin
dress that just touches below the ankle. A bodice and overdress of
white cretonne flowered with red roses. White lawn fichu with ruffles.
A long train of scarlet cambric with the glazed side turned outward to
represent satin. This is lined in white cambric which should also be
satiny-looking. The train is fastened at the shoulders, and borne by
two pages. Crown and jewels of gold and silver paper. White slippers
and stockings. Brilliant buckles.

FRANKLIN. Suit of plain black velvet. Vest of black satin. Stockings
and low shoes of black. Three-cornered black hat which he holds under
his arm. His hair falls to his collar, and is unpowdered. A pair of
square spectacles on his nose.

ADAMS. Suit of plum-colored velvet, trimmed with gold lace. White satin
waistcoat. White stock, and lace jabot, and sleeve-ruffles. Black shoes
with gold buckles. Black stockings. White powdered wig worn in a cue.

With the other costumes, cretonne and cheesecloth can be substituted
for silk and satin; but the color scheme that has been already
described should be strictly adhered to. The Mlles. de Pernan and de
Tressau should wear white dresses, with looped-up paniers of white
cretonne flowered in yellow. The Duchess of Bourbon, a white dress with
looped paniers of pale blue, flowered in pink. White fichu and ruffles.
Very inexpensive yet effective costumes can be made for the dancers by
having each girl wear a white dress that comes below the knee. Over
this dress may be worn a deep girdle of cheesecloth of a solid color.
Then looped-up paniers of cheesecloth of the same color at each side. A
white fichu of cheesecloth or lawn may be worn with this costume, and
all the girls taking part in the dances should have their hair
powdered, and worn in a pompadour fashion. White shoes and stockings
for all the dancers. Older girls taking part should wear their dresses
ankle-length. If a more satiny look than cheesecloth gives is wished,
let the overdresses be of light-colored cambric with the glazed side
turned outward. Cheesecloth is the softest, most pliable material, and
the most easily managed.

The dancers who carry the rose hoops should wear pale-pink cretonne
flowered in deeper pink. The rose hoops may be made of ordinary hoops
of a good size cut in half, covered with green cheesecloth, and then
decorated with pink paper roses, put on so thickly that the green is
almost hidden.

The pages and sedan chair-bearers wear black velvet, with black
waistcoats and white neck-pieces and ruffles. Black stockings and low
black shoes. Hair powdered and worn in a cue. Black suits, basted back
to give the effect of an eighteenth-century coat, white neckcloth and
ruffles of lawn will make good substitutes for the more ornate costume.
For the white wigs, a tight-fitting skull-cap of white muslin. Basted
to this white cotton batting, shaped to fit the head, and having a cue
in the back tied with black velvet ribbon. For the sedan chair, if a
real sedan chair cannot be had, have a chair fastened to a stout
platform of wood. Handles for the bearers to hold should be fastened to
the chair. A boxed-in canopy of heavy white cardboard covers this, the
cardboard fastened to a light framework. Over the cardboard should be
pasted pale-yellow wallpaper, or white-flowered wallpaper. The inside
of the chair should be covered in flowered cretonne. The handles should
be gilded.

MUSIC (for band, orchestra, or piano):

For the Dream Music: Minuet, by L. Boccherini
Gavotte: Gavotte Favorite de Marie Antoinette (1774), by Charles
Neustedt.
Minuet: Minuet from Don Juan, by Mozart.


ABRAHAM LINCOLN EPISODE
LINCOLN CABIN SCENE

CHARACTERS

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
NANCY LINCOLN
JOHN LINCOLN
AMY ROBY
TOM BUSH
FRANCOIS, a young French-Canadian
ANDREW SMITH, a fiddler
RED PLUME, the chieftain of a small Indian tribe
DARK CLOUD, an Indian brave
SKY-OF-DAWN, an Indian maiden
Other young people, friends of Lincoln, Indian braves, Indian maidens

SCENE: A clearing beyond the Lincoln cabin, Little Creek, Indiana,
1823.

When the boys and girls who are to take part in the outdoor merrymaking
begin to appear, it is seen that the boys wear moccasins, and buckskin
is bound in strappings to their knees. They wear, for the most part,
dark knee-breeches. Their shirts are dark-blue, dark-red, and dark-plum
flannel--any dark flannel shirt will do. These shirts are open at the
neck, and a gay handkerchief is twisted about them, tied with loose
ends. Francois betrays his French ancestry by a red sash tied at the
side.

The girls wear short dark calico, homespun, or woollen dresses of solid
color, dark-blue, dark-brown, dark-gray. These dresses should have
square necks, which show the throat. The dresses themselves are not
much seen, because each girl wears an old-fashioned cloak, gathered at
the neck, and falling to the edge of the dress. The cloaks are gay in
color--forest-green, red, bright blue; in shape something like the
well-known "Shaker" cloaks. Some of the cloaks have hoods that lend an
air of quaintness. Several of the girls wear bead chains, evidently the
work of their own fingers.

The scene opens with the entrance of Nancy and John Lincoln, and Tom
Bush. The rest follow from background. It is evident from their attire
and smiling faces that this is a gala occasion. Tom Bush carries a
kettle to right, near a fallen log. Then he and the other boys kindle a
fire, erect a rude tripod, and swing the kettle not far from where the
log lies. Much business of blowing, lighting, etc. A battered tin
coffee-pot is produced, ready for making the coffee.

TOM BUSH
(calling back over his shoulder, as the preparations begin).
Come, Nancy, we've found a fine place to swing the kettle.

AMY ROBY
(at right, stooping over basket).
And here's a splendid spot for unpacking the baskets!

[Nancy Lincoln runs first to the fire, to see how the work is going
forward, and then returns to Amy, who is busily unpacking baskets, with
the assistance of the other girls. Nancy takes some of the contents of
the baskets, and then hurries to Tom Bush with them.

NANCY LINCOLN.
Here are some potatoes and corn-dodgers to put on the ashes.

FRANCOIS
(to Andrew Smith).
It is mos' time that you had better be tuning up your fiddle, Andrew!

AMY ROBY
(to Nancy, who stands center, shielding her eyes, and looking towards
background).
Isn't Abe coming?

NANCY LINCOLN
(shaking her head).
No, Abe isn't even in sight yet. But he'll surely be here as soon as he
has finished splitting those rails.

ONE OF THE LITTLE GIRLS
(joyfully).
Andrew is beginning to play!

[Andrew Smith's fiddle gives out the first notes of a reel. Those who
are bending at their various occupations begin to nod and trip. In an
instant everything is dropped, and the young people are all for
merriment. They begin, center of sward, a grand right and left. Andrew
Smith stands at right fiddling with the greatest possible gusto.

As the dance ends, Andrew Smith points with his fiddle-bow to a figure
seen approaching from the background, a tall, lank, kindly-faced boy,
dressed like the others but with an ax over his shoulder.

ALL
(with a loud cry--intense delight--at the very top of their lungs).
Lincoln! Abe Lincoln!

[They run to meet him. He comes down center with an admiring group on
each side.

NANCY LINCOLN
(looking up at Abe).
It wasn't really a holiday till you came.

[Lincoln smiles at her, and then turns to Tom Bush.

LINCOLN
(as he and Nancy and Tom Bush form a group at fire: the rest up stage,
left).
What have you been doing, Tom?

TOM BUSH.
Fixing the fire, and now I'm going to see about getting the right sort
of wood for the floor of a squirrel-cage. I caught a squirrel
yesterday, and I------Oh, I forgot! You wouldn't be interested in that.
You said yesterday that if you were me you would let the squirrel go.

LINCOLN
(looking straight before him to something far beyond the narrow world
of Little Creek).
I don't like to see things in cages: I like to see 'em _free_. I
believe in freedom for everything living!

AMY ROBY
(breaking in upon the group).
Come, Tom, there's another dance beginning!

[Lincoln sits on log, near fire, and begins to roast some ears of corn
which the boys have stacked near by. The young people beckon Lincoln.
He shakes his head, watches them, smiling. A Virginia Reel is started
at left. Lincoln, who is still seated on log, and those who are dancing
the reel, are so absorbed that they are oblivious of a group of Indians
stalking down from right. The Indians draw near to Lincoln, and stand
motionless, watching the dance, their beads and headgear glittering in
the sun, their blankets a brilliant blotch of color against the green.
When the dance ends, Lincoln and his companions are aware of the
Indians. But the Indians, although their desire is to trade the skins
and furs they are carrying, cross to left, feigning entire
indifference, and seat themselves in a semicircle. Red Plume in passing
Lincoln has given him a grave "How!" to which Lincoln has returned
"How!" with equal gravity. The settlers stand in a group at right, a
little towards the background, watching the Indians. The Indians
continue to sit in a grave circle. An old Indian smokes. Two of the
Indian maidens appear to chatter. Finally Dark Cloud rises with a
bundle of skins in his hand. The young settlers come down to right
foreground. Dark Cloud puts the bundle of skins on the ground. Asks
them, by gesture: "What will they give?"

Tom Bush offers a penknife for one of the skins. Dark Cloud stands with
arms haughtily folded. Tom Bush adds a gay handkerchief to the
penknife. Dark Cloud shakes his head, and stalks back to his circle.
Sits with his brother Indians. Much conferring and shaking of heads.
Equal pantomime on part of settlers. Lincoln is keenly watching the
scene, but still apart from it all. Suddenly Red Plume rises and, with
slow dignity, approaches Lincoln.

RED PLUME.
How!

LINCOLN.
How!

RED PLUME
(with indicatory pantomime).
Red Plume know Lincoln. Lincoln heap square. Lincoln heap just. Honest
Abe decide.

[Lincoln rises, and comes to center foreground. Dark Cloud rises from
his circle and brings skins. He stands at Lincoln's left. The other
Indians rise slowly, cross, and stand behind Dark Cloud. At Lincoln's
right stands Tom Bush, and back of Tom Bush the youthful settlers. They
have gathered together things they wish to trade, such as a fine
blanket that was brought with the picnic blankets, hatchets, etc. Tom
Bush is the first to start the trading. He adds to the handkerchief and
penknife which he showed before a small hatchet. Both Dark Cloud and
Tom Bush, after they have laid their possessions on the grass, look at
Lincoln. Lincoln nods. The trade is made. Through all that follows
Lincoln stands center, as a court of appeal. No trades are consummated
until he has given the signal of an affirmative nod.

The Indians offer furs of various descriptions.

Francois trades off his red sash to Red Plume.

Amy Roby trades her chain of beads for an Indian basket.

Red Plume signifies interest in Andrew Smith's fiddle. He takes it up.
At this the Indian maidens laugh amongst themselves. Red Plume tries
the fiddle. It makes a very hideous squeak. At this two of the Indian
maidens laugh outright. But Red Plume continues to be enamored of the
instrument. He offers to exchange more and more skins for the fiddle,
but Andrew Smith shakes his head. So no trade is made. Red Plume
reluctantly relinquishes the fiddle. A backwoods lad trades off a
blanket for some of Red Plume's furs, and the chieftain appears
mollified. Now that the trading is over both settlers and Indians
appear to be pleased with their possessions. Through all that has
transpired, Lincoln has been the central figure, appealed to again and
again. The Indians solemnly exeunt with their new possessions towards
background.

NANCY LINCOLN
(turning to Abe).
You don't know how proud I am to hear them call you "Honest Abe." I
shouldn't be surprised if someday you did something wonderful and
splendid!

LINCOLN
(smiling at her enthusiasm).
"Someday's" a long way off, Nancy!

NANCY LINCOLN
(with conviction).
Well, I believe that even if a boy _is_ poor, and was born in a cabin,
if he's as honest and hard-working as you are, Abe, he's sure to come
out finely. Now, let's go home!

[Lincoln, ax on shoulder, exits towards middle background, Nancy and
John and all the rest following, with the fiddler playing gaily.

The merrymaking is over, the grassy stage is left vacant, and the scene
ends.


COSTUMES

The costumes for the young settlers have already been indicated in the
episode itself. Francois, the young French-Canadian, wears a cotton
khaki suit, cut on Indian lines. That is, the breeches of the suit are
fringed, and he wears moccasins. He wears a tan shirt, open at the
neck, and a scarlet sash belt.

The costumes for the Indians are of cotton khaki, cut on simple Indian
lines. (See description of Indian costumes of "Princess Pocahontas.")
Gay painting at neck. Beads. Shells. Wampum. The Indian maidens and
some of the braves have blankets. They should be striped in gay
colors--red and green, orange and blue--the stripes very wide. A few
blankets of solid color. Long pipes for the Indians to smoke.
Headdresses of brown and gray feathers. Dark Cloud wears a black
feather head-dress. Red Plume wears a headdress of brilliant scarlet
feathers.


LIBERTY DANCE

This dance is for a pageant given on a very large scale. It is formed
of commingled groups of the young people of all nations, and is
symbolic of the Old World coming to the New. The peasant costumes of
Germany, Russia, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, France and Sweden should be
worn, and the dances should be the folk dances of the various nations,
with their appropriate music.


PAGEANT DIRECTIONS

Care should be taken in choosing the pageant site. The actual stage
should be a level sward, with close-clipped grass that will make it as
easy as possible for the dancers. It is ideal if the background and
sides of this stage can be picturesquely wooded, and present a vista
through which the pageant players can be seen approaching. It will be
well if the pageant stage itself has a tree or so. This stage should
vary in size according to the number of people in the cast. A small
cast requires a smaller and more intimate stage. In this way scenes in
which a crowd of supernumeraries are needed will give the effect of
having more people than are actually there. On the other hand, a large
stage is needed for big effects, where a great number of people are
used. Too small a stage makes a great number of players seem a huddled
mass, and through this pantomimic effects are lost.

The pageant players should, if possible, have the sun at the side. It
is very difficult to play facing a strong light. Choice of the time of
day in which the pageant is given has much to do with its
effectiveness. Late afternoon (from four o'clock on) is by far the best
time for outdoor drama. The earlier hours are somewhat garish,--the
light too high, the contrasts too sharp and unvaried. But from four
o'clock on the light mellows, the shadows become long and sweeping, the
outdoor effects grow more and more beautiful. It is as if the first
hint of sunset were the signal for ringing down a magic curtain on a
scene where nature herself was pageant mistress. This is true of all
outdoor plays as well as pageants.

Those who direct the pageant should see to it that the youthful players
make a finished exit; that is, that one scene and set of players
disappear entirely from view before another set of players begin to
come on. Off stage the players should be in groups, arranged in the
order in which they are to appear, so that as one group leaves the
stage, the next is ready to appear, and confusion is avoided. No talk
should be allowed off stage. On a still Summer day sounds carry: a
murmur is confusing to the players.

The players should not be dependent on words alone for their cues. Very
often a word may fail to carry out of doors; but a gesture can always
be seen. Therefore, _gesture cues_ can be used at many of the climaxes.
These cues can be quite simple and natural, and while perfectly
understandable to the players themselves, need not be at all obvious to
the audience. The players and their director can decide upon the cues,
and will find them of immense help. Thus, by an upraised arm, or by
tossing back a braid of her hair, Pocahontas can signal to Powhatan
that her talk with John Smith is finished. Washington shielding his
eyes with his hand can be a signal to Carey that it is time for him to
enter, etc., etc. Of course, in many cases the ending or beginning of a
dance, or the entrance of some principal character will be cue enough
in itself.

In the final procession (if the players choose to have a procession),
The Spirit of Patriotism should march first, and behind her should
follow the other players in the order of their scenes. This preserves
the order of the epochs also, and makes an excellent color scheme--the
tawny yellows and reds of the Indian garb, the dark Puritan costumes,
the pinks and blues of the Colonial period as against the more somber
colors of the settler's homespun, etc., etc. In order to give such a
procession its full effect it should not seem too stiff and
premeditated. Let some of the players march two and two, and then have
some important character walking alone. Sometimes it may be possible to
have a group of three, or a tall young player with two smaller and
younger players, following her. Or again a line of Indians single file.
The properties should be carried in the procession to add to its
effectiveness. The canoe, as if it were still a matter of portage; the
sedan chair of the Duchess of Bourbon; the Indian war-drum used in
"Princess Pocahontas," etc., etc. Needless to say these properties are
carried in the group and epoch in which they belong. If the pageant is
given on a very large scale which includes the Liberty Dance at the
end, all those who took part in the dance should form the end of the
procession. There should be a space between them and the last of the
settlers, as there is between the past and the present. In this space
should walk a figure symbolizing Hope and Joy--a young girl in
draperies of the palest green, and hair bound with a Greek fillet. In
her hands she carries a great laurel wreath.

When the Pageant of Patriots had its first production in Prospect Park,
Brooklyn, the youthful players marched around the great oval outside
which the audience sat, and having circled it once, marched off the
scene. If, however, the future producers of this pageant wish to
reverse this order, it can easily be done, by having the march end in
the final tableau. It is merely a matter of choice.

In the Final Tableau The Spirit of Patriotism should stand on the stage
in the middle foreground, center, and grouped about her should be the
young folk of the various centuries. This scene should be well mapped
out and rehearsed beforehand, so that the ensemble will be splendidly
significant and glowing in its effect, and there should be no clashes
in the color scheme. The notes of "America" should be sung with
tremendous fervor and power.

In many cases the pageant will, of necessity, have to be rehearsed
indoors. Outdoor places to rehearse in are not always obtainable, nor
weather always propitious; moreover, with young people the out-of-doors
has too many distractions. Armories or halls are excellent places to
rehearse in; so are gymnasiums. The episodes should be rehearsed
separately. Rehearsing in a small room is fatal. It gives the youthful
performers a tendency to huddle, from which they seldom recover. Their
motions are cramped, and they lose all sweep and freedom. There should
be understudies for all the principal parts, and there must be at least
one full-dress rehearsal. The ages of the young people taking part in
the pageant should be from eight to eighteen. The principal parts will,
of course, be intrusted to the older boys and girls where the occasion
demands. John Smith, Powhatan, and others need a certain amount of
height and dignity.

The number of young people taking part in The Pageant of Patriotism
will be determined by circumstances. From two hundred to five hundred
young people may take part in it.

It should be kept in mind that a Children's or Young People's pageant
differs widely from a pageant given by older actors. It should have
about it an atmosphere of entire simplicity. There should be no
striving for effect. Naivete is to be desired rather than ornateness.
Scenes filled with crowds of young players should alternate with scenes
where solitary little figures appeal by their quaint remoteness, their
suggestion of innocence and candor. The Pageant of Patriots is not only
a pageant of country but of life's springtime, and interwoven with its
episodes should be the glamor of the youth of the world.



THE PAGEANT OF PATRIOTS
(Indoor)


THE PAGEANT OF PATRIOTS

(Arrangement of Indoor Episodes)

1. PROLOGUE BY THE SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM
2. DRAMATIC SILHOUETTE: LORDS OF THE FOREST
3. THE COMING OF THE WHITE MAN (Tableau)
4. PRINCESS POCAHONTAS
5. PRISCILLA MULLINS (Tableau)
6. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, JOURNEYMAN
7. GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FORTUNE
8. THE BOSTON TEA PARTY
9. DRAMATIC SILHOUETTE: THE SPIRIT OF '76
10. ABRAHAM LINCOLN: RAIL-SPLITTER
11. FINAL TABLEAU
12. PROCESSION OF PLAYERS



PROLOGUE
_Spoken by The Spirit of Patriotism_

People of --------, ye who come to see
Enacted here some hours of Pageantry,
Lend us your patience for each simple truth,
And see portrayed for you the Nation's Youth.
Into times dim and far I bid you gaze,
Down the long vista of departed days,
Of hope and aspiration, woe and weal,
Famine and hardship, strife and patriot zeal.
Back further still our march of years shall go
To times primeval: The first scene will show
In shadow silhouette the sagamore,
The braves and chieftains of the days of yore,
Lords of the forest, kings of stream and hill,
Of trail and wigwam: masters of the kill!
The white man's coming next--while curiously
A youthful Indian, pausing, peers to see
What strangers tread the shores that he calls home,
What white-winged ships have braved the wild sea-foam.
Prows of the Norsemen, etched against the blue!
Helmets agleam! Faces of wind-bronzed hue!
On roll the years, and in a forest green
The Princess Pocahontas next is seen;
And then in prim white cap and somber gown
Lovely Priscilla, Maid o' Plymouth Town.
Benjamin Franklin supping at an Inn,
A 'prentice lad with all his world to win.
Then Washington encamped before a blaze
O' fagots, swiftly learning woodland ways.
Next the brave times of 1773
When Boston folk would pay no tax on tea.
And then with urge of fife and roll of drum
In shadow silhouette behold them come--
The Patriot lads who for their country died,
Who rose and followed when my name was cried--!
Leaving the farm and forge and village street--
Our hearts still echo to those marching feet!
Spirit of '76! Thy deathless fame
Burns for us yet, a sacrificial flame!
Years pass. Behold a cabin in the West
Where on an Autumn night, with mirth and zest,
Lincoln's companions take their simple cheer.
These are the scenes to be enacted here.
Shown to you straightway in a simple guise:
Youthful the scenes that we shall here devise
On which the beads of history are strung.
Remember that our players, too, are young.
All critic knowledge, then, behind you leave,
And in the spirit of the day receive
What we would give, and let there come to you
The Joy of Youth, with purpose high and true.



DRAMATIC SILHOUETTE: LORDS OF THE FOREST

A white curtain of sheeting, or other similar material. A strong light
placed behind the curtain throws into high relief the figures as they
pass in significant procession. They are shadow silhouettes of a time
long gone, of a race who now are shadows. Care should be taken that
they move in exactly the right space, so that the shadows will not vary
greatly in height or in bulk. First a chieftain passes, wonderful in
feathers. Next a young brave, who, standing alone a moment, tries the
taut string of his bow. Next an Indian maid, with a basket poised on
her head. Then two young braves with fish slung on a pole between them.
Then a group of Indian maidens. An Indian child or two. A squaw with
fagots on her back. Another with a papoose. Then two Indians with a
canoe, representing the portage of a canoe. Then a final group of young
braves. The music, which begins as the chief passes, continues
throughout the procession until the last Indian has passed, then ebbs
and dies, growing fainter and fainter, till it ceases. Mac-Dowell's
"From an Indian Lodge" is suitable for this.



THE COMING OF THE WHITE MAN: TABLEAU

This tableau represents a woodland scene, and is supposed to symbolize
the coming of the Norseman. A young Indian brave, with skins about his
shoulders and hips, his black hair flying, his brown arms barbarically
braceleted, stands poised, listening, and looking at a spot where the
Norsemen are supposed to be making a landing, off stage. With one hand
he shields his eyes. With the other he holds his bow. The tableau
should suggest the wild freedom of an untamed spirit. For music, some
bars of Grieg's Norse airs.



PRINCESS POCAHONTAS

For this pageant episode see page 12 of the Outdoor Arrangement of the
Pageant of Patriots.



PRISCILLA MULLINS SPINNING: TABLEAU

The same woodland setting as has been used for Pocahontas. In the
center of the stage Priscilla and her spinning-wheel. The scene is
outside her dooryard at Plymouth, Mass., in the Spring of 1621. The
tableau should be held a full minute. Appropriate music: Senta's
"Spinning Song"; or Solvig's "Spinning Song" from Grieg's "Peer Gynt
Suite."



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: JOURNEYMAN

CHARACTERS
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, a young printer
ROGER BURCHARD, a Quaker
ELIZABETH BURCHARD, his wife
DEBORAH READ WILLIAM, an inn boy

SCENE: A room in a tavern. Place: Philadelphia. Time, October, 1723.

The room is a private one in the tavern known as The Crooked Billet. It
has a neat, cheerful, welcoming aspect. At left a small fire glimmers
on the brass andirons of a well-kept hearth. A brass kettle rests on a
hob. On the shelf above the hearth candles are alight.

All across the background are a series of small windows curtained in
chintz. By these windows a table set for supper, with a white linen
cloth and delicately sprigged china. Quaint chairs with spindle legs.

Against the right wall a secretary with a shelf full of handsomely-
bound books. Near this two chairs with high backs that would screen
from view any one sitting in them.

There is a door at right background opening into the hall.

Another door at left near background, opening into another room.

At the rise of the curtain Roger Burchard is discovered seated at the
table, on which a generous supper lies spread; while Elizabeth, his
wife, is bending at the hearth.

ELIZABETH.
The kettle hath not yet boiled for thy second cup, Roger. 'Tis slow,
yet I do not worry, for 'tis only twilight, and there is a good hour
yet ere we are due at the special meeting of the Friends, and Deborah
Read is to come with us. Does thee know, Roger, I sometimes think that
for all her saucy ways Mistress Deborah Read is half a Friend at heart.
When I do speak she listens to me most attentively.

ROGER.
Thee should not _force_ belief upon another, Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH
(demurely).
I did not force: I did but talk to her, Roger. Thee knows I sun not
over eloquent. How should a worldly maid of Philadelphia give ear to
me?

[Crosses to Roger: the kettle lies forgotten.

ROGER.
How, indeed! Does thee know, Elizabeth, that in so quiet a room as this
I can scarce believe that a great city lies about us? 'Tis so still
that I can hear the ticking of the clock.

ELIZABETH.
For myself, I am glad of a little rest after our journey up from
Brookfield to the city. I find myself scarce used to city ways.

ROGER.
No more do I, Elizabeth, no more do I. I cannot think this lavish life
is seemly. This table, now! Does thee note its profusion? More bread
and honey and cheese and chicken pie than we can eat. Sheer waste--
unless we can share it. If there was but some poor traveler in this inn
whom we might bid to supper, and----

[A knock on the door leading to hall.

ELIZABETH.
'Tis William, the inn boy, with tea cakes.

[Elizabeth opens the door. William enters with tea cakes on tray. He
deposits the plate of cakes on table.

ROGER.
As I was saying--if there was but some traveler in this inn to share
our evening meal--some one with pockets that were well-nigh empty----

ELIZABETH.
Perhaps the inn boy knows of such a one. (To William.) Does thee not,
William? Some one whose purse is not too over-burdened?

WILLIAM
(sturdily).
Aye, that I do. A lad came here this noon from Boston. A journeyman
printer so he says he is, and I'll warrant he has not above four
shillings with him. (To Roger.) He's come to search for work in
Philadelphia, and says he was directed to this tavern by a--by a
Quaker, sir.

ELIZABETH.
Directed here by a Quaker--! (To Roger.) Then, Roger, all the more
reason why we should bid him in. What is his name?

WILLIAM.
He says his name is Franklin.

ROGER.
Then ask friend Franklin if he'll sup with us. Tell him we, too, would
hear the news from Boston--that he'll confer a favor if he'll come. And
mind, no hint about an empty purse! I fear at first I put the matter
clumsily. Give him my later message. That is all.

WILLIAM.
I will, sir.

[Exit, with a flourish, right background

ROGER. I hope he comes.

ELIZABETH
(fondly).
'Tis ever like thee, Roger, to have a care for the friendless and
forlorn.

WILLIAM
(knocking, opening door from hall, and announcing).
Benjamin Franklin, Journeyman!

[Enter Franklin, shabby, travel-stained, and boyishly appealing. Exit
William.

ROGER
(stepping hospitably forward).
I bid thee welcome, friend Franklin. I hear thee is from Boston, and
come to search for work in Philadelphia. Will thee not sup here? We are
ever anxious for news such as travelers may bring. This is my wife,
Elizabeth Burchard, and she will make thee welcome. I mind me of the
time when I was once a stranger. Will thee not do us the pleasure to
sup with us?

FRANKLIN.
I scarcely, sir, know how to thank you for such kindness. All Quakers
must be kind, I think, for it was a Quaker who directed me hither.

[Franklin crosses to fire, Roger taking his hat from him. In brief
pantomime behind Franklin's back Roger has indicated that Franklin is
to take his place at table, and that he himself will sup no further.
During the conversation that follows Elizabeth is taking fresh silver
out of a quaint basket that is on the table, Franklin stands at fire,
and Roger is seated at right.

ELIZABETH.
Perhaps my husband can advise thee further where best to look for work
upon the morrow.

FRANKLIN.
I thank you. I will hear him gladly. He that cannot be counseled cannot
be helped.
[Footnote: From Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac".]

ROGER.
Thee means to seek for work at once, I see.

FRANKLIN.
Lost time is never found again, and since time is of all things the
most precious, I am loth to lose it.
[Footnote: From Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac".]

ROGER.
There is a wise head upon thy shoulders, friend. (Indicates table, and
rises.) Sit thee down, lad. Sit thee down.

ELIZABETH
(hurrying to hearth where kettle stands).
Alas! I have forgotten the kettle! The tea is not yet ready. (To
Roger.) Do thee and Benjamin Franklin talk while I prepare it. Show him
the volumes lately come from London. Thee knows the print and paper is
most pleasing.

[Roger Burchard and Benjamin Franklin sit at right in the high-backed
chairs, the volumes upon their knees. That they are true book-lovers is
instantly apparent. They are lost to everything that goes on about
them. They sit with their backs towards the door at left, quite
screened from the view of any one entering there. There is a pause.
Then Deborah Read taps softly at the door at left. Elizabeth turns and
opens the door.

DEBORAH
(finger on lip).
S-ssh! Not a word! (Glances towards the back of Roger's chair.) I've
crept up the stairs on tip-toe!

ELIZABETH.
Sweet rogue! Thee startled me to the point of dropping the kettle!
Yonder is my husband so deep in a book that the crack o' doom would
scarce rouse him. And with him is a young printer whom we have bid to
be our guest. Roger and I have finished our evening meal, so perhaps
thee will keep our young guest company while I prepare for meeting.

DEBORAH
(holding up warning finger).
Primp not too much for meeting, fair friend Elizabeth! A grave demeanor
goes with Quaker bonnets! (Laughs.) Yes, yes, I'll serve your printer,
play hostess, or aught else that will please you, and you can call me
when 'tis time to leave him. (Throws off her cloak, and sits by hearth
on footstool.) La! such a day! This very morn I saw the strangest
sight! I went to the door to get a breath of air, and as I stood there
what should I see approaching down the street but a lad with dusty
clothes and bulging pockets--nay, wait, Elizabeth! The drollest part is
yet to come! I vow he had stuffed one pocket full of stockings, and
from the other protruded a loaf of bread! And in his hand was a great
fat roll, and he was eating it! Gnawing it off, an you please, as if
there were no one to see him! Then he looked up, and----

ELIZABETH
(shocked).
Deborah! Thee did not laugh at him! Thee did not mock at him!

DEBORAH
(wiping tears of mirth from her eyes).
Mock at him? Oh, lud! I laughed till my sides ached! (Rises, as she
happens to see that Roger Burchard and his guest are rising, yet
continues gaily.) And when he caught sight of my face----

[Just as Deborah utters these words she and Franklin perceive each
other. Deborah is utterly taken aback and quite speechless.

ROGER
(seeing nothing amiss).
Welcome, Deborah Read. I present to thee Benjamin Franklin.

[Franklin bows. Deborah drops a fluttering courtesy, and then clings to
Elizabeth Burchard.

DEBORAH
(quaveringly).
I--I feel somewhat faint, Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH
(seeing nothing amiss).
Then sit at the table, dear Deborah, and a cup of tea will revive thee.

DEBORAH
(protesting).
No--! No--! I--I will help you to dress.

ELIZABETH.
Then who will serve Benjamin Franklin? Thee promised that thee would be
hostess, so unless aught is amiss----

DEBORAH
(recovering herself, and suddenly displaying a haughty self-
possession).
Naught is amiss, Elizabeth. I will serve tea if you bid me.

[Deborah sits at one end of the table, Franklin at the other.

ELIZABETH.
Thee knows the Friends' special meeting to-night is at the same hour as
that of the other churches, so when thee hears the church-bells ringing
'twill be time to prepare, sweet Deborah.

DEBORAH
(with a gleam).
I'll not forget the time. I promise you that, Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH.
Come, Roger. Thee must wear a fresh neck-cloth.

[Roger and Elizabeth exeunt left. There is a very long pause.

DEBORAH.
Will you have tea, Master Franklin?

FRANKLIN.
If it pleases you, Mistress Read.

DEBORAH.
Cream? Sugar?

FRANKLIN.
I thank you.

[She passes him his cup. There is another long pause.

FRANKLIN
(with a great sigh).
'Tis a silent place, Philadelphia!

[Another pause.

FRANKLIN.
Will you have some bread, Mistress?

DEBORAH
(coldly).
I thank you, no.

FRANKLIN
(bluntly).
Have you ever pondered, Mistress, that pride that dines on vanity sups
on contempt?
[Footnote: From "Poor Richard's Almanac."]


DEBORAH
(outraged).
Master Franklin!

FRANKLIN.
I know right well that my poor coat offends you; yet in truth, Mistress
Deborah, why should I dress in finer cloth when silks and satins put
out the kitchen fire.
[Footnote: From "Poor Richard's Almanac."]

DEBORAH.
'Tis not your coat offends me, 'tis----

FRANKLIN.
'Tis that I am neither the son of a gold-laced governor nor a wealthy
merchant but only a poor journeyman printer. Then, Mistress, you have
yet to learn that he who hath a trade hath an estate, and he who hath a
calling hath an office of profit and honor.
[Footnote: From "Poor Richard's Almanac."]

DEBORAH
(with spirit).
There you read me wrong, Master Franklin. I have supped with printers
before this.

FRANKLIN.
Then 'twas the printer's loaf you mocked this morning, Mistress
Deborah; and not the printer. Yet in truth, why should eating in the
street displease you, since 'twas a matter of necessity. Ere fancy you
consult, consult your purse, and my purse was not over full. But--
diligence is the mother of luck, and heaven gives all things to
industry.
[Footnote: From "Poor Richard's Almanac."]

DEBORAH
(with a toss).
You speak as if you and Industry were boon companions.

FRANKLIN.
And what better companion could I have? Heaven helps them that help
themselves.

DEBORAH
(witheringly).
'Tis a fine thing to have high hopes, I doubt not.

FRANKLIN
(blithely).
Oh, I have more than hopes, Mistress Deborah; for he that lives upon
hope will die fasting. To apply one's self right heartily is to do more
than hope. Sloth makes all things difficult; but industry all things
easy. You are not eating, Mistress Deborah. (She rises.) Have my blunt
ways offended you? Have I again displeased you?
[Footnote: From "Poor Richard's Almanac."]

DEBORAH
(with chilling dignity).
You could not an you tried, Master Franklin. I was but going to fetch
the tea-kettle.

FRANKLIN
(starting up).
If I can help you--

DEBORAH
(still frostily).
I thank you, I am in no need of help. A-ah!

[With a cry she drops the kettle.

FRANKLIN.
You have burned yourself, Mistress Deborah! The poor little hand! (He
tears up his handkerchief.) Let me bandage it for you! It is sorely
blistered!

DEBORAH
(tears in her voice the while she submits her hand to him).
I can tolerate blisters, Master Franklin. They are far less irksome
than--than----

FRANKLIN
(gravely bandaging her hand).
Than journeymen printers who eat their bread in the street. Perhaps you
are right, Mistress Deborah. I trust that the blisters will soon heal;
and that the memory of the journeyman printer will not trouble you
further.

DEBORAH
(as the church-bells begin to ring without).
The memory of a chance traveler is easily forgot, Master Franklin.

ELIZABETH
(outside door, left).
Come, Deborah, we shall be late! Come quickly, child! (Deborah snatches
up her cloak.) Bid Benjamin Franklin to wait my husband's return. He
would talk to him further concerning books. Come, Deborah!

[Exit Deborah, left, without a glance at Franklin.

FRANKLIN
(dropping into chair by secretary, right).
Do blisters burn as keen as words, I wonder? "Chance travelers...easily
forgot!" (Sits with bowed head.)

[Deborah stands again in doorway at left, sees him, comes to him
swiftly and remorsefully.

FRANKLIN
(raises his head; sees her).
Is it--

DEBORAH.
'Tis naught--naught but Deborah Read come to say to you--to say to
you--that she should have remembered that you were a stranger in a city
full of strangers. (Pleadingly.) Indeed, indeed I did not mean to hurt
you! I do not mind your rusty clothes; I do not mock your--your faded
hat. I--I have been full of foolish pride. Will you forgive me?

FRANKLIN
(rising; amazed).
Deborah!

DEBORAH
(hurrying on).
I had not meant to laugh at you this morning. Will you forgive that,
too?

FRANKLIN
(moved).
Deborah!

DEBORAH.
I know I sometimes judge by foolish standards. Will you forgive?

FRANKLIN.
With all my heart, my friend. (They clasp hands on it.) And will you,
Deborah, forgive me my blunt speeches? I knew not how to please you. I
meant no harm.

DEBORAH
(earnestly).
I forgive all.

FRANKLIN.
And we are friends for life--for all our lives, Deborah.

ELIZABETH
(speaking somewhat impatiently from beyond the door at left).
Deborah! Child!

DEBORAH
(prettily).
Yes! Yes! I'm coming!

[Hastens out the door with a friendly backward glance at Franklin. He
stands for a moment where she has left him.

Crosses to secretary, takes book, seats himself, opens it slowly,
looking after her. Then sits a-dream in the fading fireglow. Presently
he looks at the book again, and reads the first line upon which his eye
chances to fall.

FRANKLIN
(reading).
"Count thyself rich when thou hast found a friend."

(The curtain slowly falls.)


COSTUMES

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Travel-stained suit of dark-brown, guiltless of
braid or ruffles, coat and knee-breeches being of the same color. The
material either of corduroy or homespun (woolen). A white vest flowered
with brown roses. A white neckcloth. Black stockings. Low black shoes.
A three-cornered black hat, which he carries under his arm. Hair worn
long and unpowdered.

ROGER BURCHARD. Coat and knee-breeches of the same style as Franklin's,
made of homespun, and Quaker-gray in color. A Quaker-gray vest. White
neckcloth. Gray stockings. Low black shoes with silver buckles.
Unpowdered hair.

ELIZABETH BURCHARD. Dress of gray satin, simply made, with a crossed
kerchief of snowy white lawn. Gray stockings. Gray slippers with silver
buckles. Hair worn simply, and unpowdered. (Gray glazed cambric for her
dress if satin cannot be had.)

DEBORAH READ. Quilted petticoat of pale-blue satin. Colonial overdress
and bodice of white, brocaded with pale-blue roses. Fichu of white
lawn. Black picture hat with black plume. Black cloth cloak lined in
pale-blue. Black stockings. Low black shoes with gold buckles.
Unpowdered hair, worn pompadour. (If satin and brocade cannot be had,
have blue glazed muslin and cretonne instead. Or flowered muslin worn
over a white dress.) Black patches. Black velvet ribbon at neck. White
lace mitts, or black gloves coming to the elbow.

WILLIAM. Maroon suit, of a heavy woolen material. Gold buttons down the
front and two in back. Cream-colored vest. Neither braiding nor
ruffles. Black stockings. Low black shoes without buckles. A white
neckcloth. Unpowdered hair worn in a cue.



GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FORTUNE

For this pageant episode see page 46 of the Outdoor Arrangement of the
Pageant of Patriots.



THE BOSTON TEA PARTY

CHARACTERS
RICHARD STOCKTON
JOHN COREY
NED PEABODY
PHIL AMESBURY
JEFFERSON WINWOOD
FRANK WHARTON
THOMAS RIGBY, a tavern-keeper
Young British Lieutenants
  EGBERT PENROSE
  SIDNEY MARSH

SCENE: The tavern known as The Golden Pheasant. Place, Boston.

TIME: Six o'clock on a December evening, 1773.

The tavern-room is low-ceilinged and wainscoted with dark woodwork.
There is a door in middle background, and windows on each side of it.

At the right, towards foreground, a chimney-place, with smoldering
fire. Above is a shelf on which are iron candlesticks and short bits of
candles that show economy. Against the right wall a round mahogany
table. On it another iron candlestick, which has been lighted. A punch-
bowl. Cups. A ladle. Also a brass bowl beneath which a small charcoal
flame burns, keeping hot the lemonade. Beyond this table a dark wooden
chest with a heavy lock. Under the window in left background a similar
chest.

By the hearth, facing audience, a long seat with a high back and pew-
like ends. At the rise of the curtain, Thomas Rigby, the rubicund
landlord, is lighting with a taper the candles that stand on the
mantelshelf, the buttons on his plum-colored waistcoat twinkling in the
gleam. He has only lighted one when the door is pushed open, and there
enter two young British lieutenants, mere lads, whose scarlet cloaks,
exaggerated lace wrist ruffles, and brilliant gold braiding make a fine
showing. But Thomas Rigby shows no look of welcome.

MARSH.
Hey, landlord! Brrrr! It's cold! Give us something to warm us.

PENROSE
(foppishly).
Aye, and be brisk about it. I do not wish to be served in a loitering
fashion.

[Rigby makes as if to speak; but restrains himself, and, with a look of
quiet scorn, serves them hot lemon punch. Penrose is by the fire. Marsh
by the window.

MARSH.
It promises to be a chilly eve after a cloudy morning.

PENROSE
(with a shiver).
More snow and bitter weather!

MARSH
(looking out the window).
Nay, not so bitter. The window-panes are clear and unfrosted. The
twilight gathers quickly. The streets are gray, and there's scarce a
gleam in the darkness of the harbor.

PENROSE
(as Marsh leaves window for fire).
Not e'en a light in the rigging o' Francis Rotch's ships? The sailors
must be supping at the taverns. They're weary now of staying
harborbound. There'll be rejoicing when the tax is paid, and the stiff-
necked Yankees bring the tea to land.

MARSH.
There be some who call themselves patriots, and swear they'll never pay
it.

PENROSE
(sipping).
Not pay it? They'll defy us? Pooh! We could bring them to time with a
twist of the wrist did we but wish to! (Looking with approval at his
own apparel.) A mere handful of men with scarcely any lace for their
ruffles, and tarnished buckles for their shoes! _They_ defy _us_?
You're jesting! No, no, my dear Sidney! In spite of all their protests
and town meetings they'll be glad enough to give in at the end, and to
pay the tax right speedily. For, mark you, in spite of all the rumors
of defiance that we've heard, the town to-night lies as quiet as a
church.

MARSH.
Aye, so it does.

PENROSE
(rising).
Too quiet for my spirits. Let's seek another tavern where there's more
revelry than there is here.

MARSH
(draining his glass).
We'll not find shrewder lemon punch at any. On my way back I'll have
another glass.

[Tosses money at Rigby, who lets it lie where it falls. He shakes a
clenched hand after the retreating figures of the two lieutenants, and
then goes back to lighting his candles on the mantelshelf. Marsh and
Penrose exeunt. After a moment there comes from without the sound of a
halting step, the door is opened, and Richard Stockton enters, a lad
with the eyes of a dreamer, and the bearing of a doer of deeds. Thomas
Rigby, at sound of the entering step, turns, taper in hand.

RICHARD
(coming forward).
'Tis only I. Go on with the candles, landlord.
RIGBY
(joyfully).
Only you, Dick Stockton! Zounds! There's none whom I'd sooner see!
Quick! Tell me the news! These be stirring days, and here am I tied to
this tavern-room, and afraid to leave it lest those brawling red-coats
loot it while I'm gone. To leave a tavern-room empty is to invite
disaster--and yet--what patriot should bide indoors on days like these!
'Faith! I'm torn 'twixt necessities! Come! Your news. Sit by the fire
and out with it! What's to become of the tea we won't pay taxes on?

RICHARD.
Give me breath and I'll tell you! There's news to make your blood boil.
I've been at the town meeting in the Old South Church all day. What
think you--! The governor at Milton has refused a pass to Francis
Rotch, and the tea ships cannot leave the harbor. The British have
sworn they'll make us pay the tax or wring our scurvy necks.

RIGBY
(outraged).
Zounds! There are necks I'd like to have the wringing of! What else,
lad, what else?

RICHARD.
The Old South Church could not hold half the patriots who wish to talk
and listen. Such speeches! Oh, they'd stir your blood if you could hear
them!

RIGBY
(eyes a-gleam).
'Tis stirred enough already! Go on, lad, quickly!

RICHARD.
Josiah Quincy is presiding at the New Old South. 'Twas he who thought
of sending word to the governor. And now the governor has refused, and
if there's nothing done we're _beaten_--beaten, Tom Rigby, we who so
love freedom!

RIGBY.
Tut! Tut! Lad! The night's not done yet. Are they still at the meeting?

RICHARD.
Aye, and are like to be for the next hour. 'Tis scarcely six--just
candle-lighting time.

RIGBY.
You look white, lad. Have you eaten?

RICHARD.
Eaten! On such a day as this!

RIGBY.
Nonsense, lad. You must keep up your strength. (Crosses to serving-
table where bowl stands.) Here! If you will not eat, at least you can
drink a cup of steaming lemon punch. No _lads_ who come to my tavern
get anything stronger--unless, mayhap, a cup of apple juice. Youth is
its own best wine. Cider for you. Burgundy for your betters, eh, lad?
(Gives Richard a cup and takes a cup himself.) Here's to taxless tea!
(Drinks.)

RICHARD
(joining him in the toast).
And the confounding of the British! And now, since there are no red-
coats about, I may tell you that the Old South Church is not the only
place that's to hold a meeting. There's going to be one here.

RIGBY
(surprised).
Here?

RICHARD.
In less than half an hour the lads will meet me. We call ourselves "The
Younger Sons of Freedom."

RIGBY
(somewhat severely).
All that I have is at your service; yet 'tis only lately that lads have
been allowed to rove past curfew time.

RICHARD.
Such days as these lads grow to men right quickly. Do you think we
waste our time with games and--and snowball forts, Tom Rigby? No! The
Younger Sons of Freedom have learned to fight and fence, to run and
swim, and to swarm up a ship's ladder if need be. How could any lad be
idle these last nineteen days, with fathers and brothers patrolling the
wharves day and night to keep the tea from landing; when patriot
sentinels are stationed in every belfry; and when all Beacon Hill is
topped with tar-barrels ready to blaze out into signals at a moment's
notice. I tell you--my very dreams are of defiance! But my deeds--what
can a lad do when he goes through life halting? A maimed foot makes a
maimed ambition, unless--unless as I would fain believe, the spirit is
stronger than the body. It is the _will_ that counts.

RIGBY.
You're wiser than most lads, Richard. You've a head on your shoulders.
I've known you long; but you have never spoken--until to-night. It was
your will that took you through your puny childhood, fatherless,
motherless, and made your stern old uncle proud of you. Why now be
down-hearted? I've heard you spoken of as a lad of spirit by Dr.
Warren, aye, and by Paul Revere.

RICHARD.
There's a patriot for you! Would I could do such deeds as he can do.
Oh, all I think of is to serve my country--my city and my country!

RIGBY.
That's all I think on, too.

RICHARD
(amazed).
You, Tom Rigby?

RIGBY
(somewhat bitterly).
Did I seem to you only a waistcoat with buttons? Nay, don't protest!
'Tis how most folks think of me. What have I to do with valor? I'm Tom
the landlord, Tom the tapster, Tom the tavern-keeper! How should they
guess in me Tom the patriot, Tom the hero-worshiper? And yet there's
not one bit of my country's past, not one smallest Indian war but what
has meaning for me. What do you think those chests are full of?
Trophies!

RICHARD.
Trophies!

RIGBY.
From all the wars we've had. (Unlocks chest at right wall, excitedly.)
Look! Tomahawks. Headdresses. (Taking things out of chest.) Feathers. A
war-knife. An Indian robe taken in Philip's war.

RICHARD.
(delighted: interested).
In Philip's war.

RIGBY.
(with emotion).
They're more to me than a king's ransom!

[He pauses, looking over contents of chest.

RICHARD
(going back to seat by fire, and speaking to himself as he sits by it).
A king's ransom! What have we to do with kings, who cannot even thwart
the tyrant who would rule us! If there was but some way----

[Sits, lost in thought.

RIGBY
(putting trophies back in chest, looking at them fondly, and singing
softly for the sheer joy of touching them).
"Oh, a seaman's life is a jolly life--Trol de rol, de rol!" Wampum. A
woven blanket. A peace-pipe. (Sings.)

  I had a goodly old sea-chest,
   Twas filled with--India dyes.
  Oh, wide the harbor, deep the sea,
   Five fathoms down it lies!
   Five fathoms down it lies!

RICHARD
(half-hearing Tom's voice, and repeating to himself).
"Five fathoms deep it lies----" (In a suddenly electrified voice.) Tom!
Tom Rigby! I have the way! Your song has given it to me! I have the
way!

[He has rushed to Rigby.

RIGBY
(as sounds of approaching footsteps are heard without).
Hush! Here come the Sons of Freedom! (Door is flung open. Rigby's
professional manner asserts itself.) Welcome, my lads. Come in! Come
in!

WINWOOD
(to Richard).
Are we on time? What have you planned for us, Dick? My hands and heart
are ready for a night's work! (Offering his portion of cider in loving-
cup fashion.) Some cider?

RICHARD.
No. I've supped on revolution!

WINWOOD.
Would there were something stirring!

RICHARD
(throughout with growing excitement).
Are folk still in the Old South Meeting-house?

WINWOOD
(impatiently).
Aye, still talking of what's to be done. Hancock and Paul Revere are at
a coffee-house.

COREY
(as the lads gather about table).
Come, Dick, you've heard the governor's reply. How would _you_ deal
with the taxers?

RICHARD
(at table, center, one foot on table and one on chair).
I'd set their tea to brew!

ALL
(amazed).
What!

RICHARD.
In a monstrous teapot!

PEABODY
(jesting).
As big as Rigby's bowl.

RICHARD
(flaming with excitement).
Oh, larger! Larger!

AMESBURY
(indicating large cockade).
Or as Frank Wharton's hat.

RICHARD
(inspired).
Larger by far!

AMESBURY.
You mean----

RICHARD
(impassioned).
I'd take the ocean!

ALL.
The ocean!
Zounds!
The harbor!
Does he mean it?

RICHARD.
Overboard--all of it! Listen. The ships are deserted: the sailors on
shore drinking at different taverns. If we can go disguised, we can
slip to the water front unnoticed. You know how many Indians roam our
streets, and no one ever heeds them. We'll all be braves and
chieftains.

AMESBURY.
But where are our disguises?

RIGBY
(opening his chests, tossing out his treasures, wild with delight).
Here!  Here and here!

RICHARD.
Wait. We must have other followers. Followers, said I? _Leaders_--with
sagacity. Run, Winwood! Speak to John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Dr.
Warren. You know the coffee-house they sup at. Tell them there are
disguises for us all. But let no red-coat hear you. Quick! The time is
passing.

[Exit Winwood, on the run.

RIGBY
(half-overcome with his emotion).
Richard!

RICHARD
(helping him and the rest to dress, assisting first one and then
another).
Be quick. Let me help you. Here are feathers. Beads. A knife. Hatchets.
A Frenchman's sash-belt. A head-dress.

AMESBURY
(hurriedly fastening on his disguise).
Where are yours, Dick?

RICHARD.
Hush! (Touches his knee.) I cannot scale a ladder. Listen! Here's
Winwood.

WINWOOD
(bursting in).
Paul Revere, John Hancock, Dr. Warren--all come with us. I've run ahead
to tell you they'll meet us on the way. Give me disguises. (They clap
an Indian robe across his shoulders, and he takes an armful of Indian
finery.) John Hancock says there's a boat and oars at the foot of the
wharves, and Paul Revere will lead us. Come quickly, lads!

[He dashes out the door, with his armful of finery. The others follow
one by one, as their readiness of costume determines.

RICHARD
(to himself).
And Paul Revere will lead them!

RIGBY
(his hand on Richard's shoulder).
Richard, you've been the brains, and we are but the fingers! We toss
the tea: but 'twas your heart that planned it. Will you not serve us--
serve us here on land? If any British come, see they don't go a-roving.
The fewer on the streets the better. D'ye catch my meaning? And,
Richard, one word more. You can see the ships from here. The work we'll
do will take but twenty minutes. If we succeed, I'll send you a signal.
I'll wave this lantern three times in the darkness.

RICHARD.
Bless you, Tom Rigby.

[Richard is left alone, and goes to seat by fire.

RICHARD
(dreaming aloud).
First they'll go to the wharves...stealing quietly through the
darkness. Then there'll be the muffled dip of oars...and then----Oh,
would that I could aid them in this hour! But I am impotent, impotent!

PENROSE
(querulously, as he and Marsh enter).
This tavern's still deserted. Is there naught alive in this town save
the half-dozen Indians we've met a-prowling the streets! Where's the
landlord?
RICHARD
(mock-humble).
He's absent, sir, on business of importance. But he will soon return.
If I may serve you--some cider, sir, or steaming lemon punch?

PENROSE
(haughtily).
Let it be punch, and see that it is steaming.

RICHARD
(busying himself).
At once, sir.

PENROSE
(languidly).
Mark how importantly he takes the landlord's place. How old are you,
young tapster?

RICHARD.
About your own age, sir, I have been thinking.

MARSH
(with a laugh).
Zounds! You're well answered, Penrose.

RICHARD
(seeing that Penrose starts up angrily).
Indeed 'twas truth I meant, sir, and no insult.

MARSH.
Sit down. Sit down. He is a simple fellow. (Taps his forehead.) He
means no wrong. We might have sport with him.

RICHARD
(still mock-humble).
If I can serve you, sir, to anything?

MARSH.
Suppose we call for tea?

RICHARD
(simply).
We do not serve it.

MARSH
(amused).
Oho! Oho! This is a rebel tavern. And so--no tea. You Yankees do not
serve it.

RICHARD.
No; but we sometimes brew it--with salt-water.

MARSH
(more and more amused).
'Tis as I said. Simple. Let's try him further. This tea you brew. It
must have a new flavor?

RICHARD.
Aye, a new flavor. Some will find it bitter. It is a brew that will be
long remembered.
MARSH.
I doubt not, if 'tis made as you have said.

PENROSE
(yawning impatiently).
Come! I am weary for adventure! (Draws his cloak about him. Marsh
somewhat reluctantly follows his example.) Let's see if there be sport
about the wharves----

RICHARD
(to himself).
The wharves----

MARSH
(still reluctant).
On such a night as this--! Why, but a moment since you swore it was too
cold! Besides, at the last tavern that we visited that fool of a Barton
took my sword in jest. (Darkly.) He thought 'twas a rare bit of
nonsense; but 'tis one I'll make him pay for! I'll not go roaming
without my sword.

PENROSE
(insisting).
But I have mine. One sword's enough for both. More than enough for any
Yankees we are like to meet. We could give some of them a rare fright,
comrade. Come, then, in search of----

RICHARD
(who has utilized the time in which they were talking by silently
taking a foil from the nearest chest).
Back! Do not come any nearer. You see this door is guarded.

[Stands before it, his mock humility gone, his voice resounding.

MARSH
(angrily).
What does this mean?

RICHARD
(suavely).
One of my crack-brained fancies. I wished to keep you, sirs, for twenty
minutes.

PENROSE
(insulted).
Even a crack-brained lout may go too far.

MARSH.
Have at him! He's but one----

RICHARD
(clearly and passionately, his voice a-thrill).
Behind me are a hundred--a thousand souls--all those who stand for
freedom. Although you do not see them, they are there!

PENROSE
(astounded).
What! Would he challenge us?

MARSH
(scornfully).
A turn of the wrist and the thing is done. Have at him, Penrose.

[Penrose and Richard engage. Richard fights coolly, with his back ever
to the door. Penrose grows more and more flustered. Marsh holds an iron
candelabrum aloft, for the other candles have gutted and the room is
shadowy.

PENROSE
(fear in his voice).
The candles--higher. They're getting low. I cannot see----

[Richard and Penrose engage a second time, and Penrose's foil is flung
across the room to left. Marsh is about to crash the candelabrum on
Richard's sword, when Richard, with a deft movement, seizes it and
hurls it to the floor, where it falls with a dull clatter. Marsh,
discomfited, turns to Penrose, who has picked up his fallen sword, and
is holding his wrist.

PENROSE
(peevishly).
The lout has turned my wrist, and torn my ruffles.

RICHARD
(who has darted to window, and stood looking out for the space of a
second before he turns to them).
A thousand pardons! (Bows ironically.) Go! The play is ended! (With
growing fervor.) Through the black night I've caught my prompter's
signal. I've seen a light--a light that swings in the darkness--a light
that swings three times----

PENROSE
(querulously, leaning on Marsh's arm as they go towards door).
What does he mean? A signal?

RICHARD
(turning on them with passionate triumph).
A signal that a blow is struck for freedom! A signal that your tea is
overboard! A signal that the time will come when liberty will be the
watchword of our nation!

MARSH.
Come! Come! He dreams!

[They go out.

RICHARD
(with face upraised in the waning fire-glow).
May all such dreams come true!

CURTAIN.


COSTUMES

RICHARD STOCKTON. Coat and knee-breeches of dull-blue cloth. Loose
white shirt. Soft white collar turned down on his coat. Black
stockings. Low black shoes. Unpowdered hair.

JOHN COREY. Suit of the same fashion as Stockton's, made of black
cloth. All the lads, unless otherwise indicated, wear low black shoes,
black stockings, and have unpowdered hair. But if the wigs of longish
natural hair which they should wear are too expensive, then they may
have powdered wigs made of white cotton batting stitched to tight-
fitting white skull-caps.

NED PEABODY. Suit of same style in dark-brown.

PHIL AMESBURY. Suit of same style in somewhat shabby black velvet, with
black braiding. It is evident that the suit has been "handed down" to
him.

JEFFERSON WINWOOD. Suit of same style in slate-gray, with buttons and
pockets of cobalt blue.

FRANK WHARTON. Suit of very dark green. Green buttons. Has a black
cloak, and a black three-cornered hat.

THOMAS RIGBY. Well-worn suit of dark plum-color. Plum-colored
waistcoat. Gold buttons on it. White shirt with full soft sleeves. A
white stock. Black stockings. Low black shoes.

PENROSE. Scarlet jacket with gold buttons and epaulets. White
broadcloth breeches tucked into high topboots. White vest. Lace stock.
Lace wrist ruffles. Scarlet cloak with gold braiding. Carries a
sword.

MARSH. The same as Penrose. Carries no sword when he comes in a second
time.

If "The Younger Sons of Freedom" cannot obtain suits of the colors
described, let them wear the usual boys' coats with Colonial pockets
basted on, and let them have full knee-breeches, such as those of
gymnasium suits. For older boys who play the parts, black evening
suits, the coats shaped and basted back to resemble Colonial coats.
White lace stocks and cravats, and lace wrist ruffles, and jabots.



DRAMATIC SILHOUETTE: THE SPIRIT OF '76

Thrown into shadow silhouette by a strong light placed behind a white
curtain, the figures of the young patriots appear. Music of fife and
drum in orchestra, clear, high, blood-stirring. First a small drummer-
boy passes, with a cocked hat, and poised drum-sticks. Then a boy of
the same age carrying a musket that is much too large for him. Then two
taller patriot lads, very soldier-like. Then a country boy with a hoe
over his shoulder. Then two figures, one playing a fife, the other a
drum. Then a lone patriot lad with a cocked hat and musket. Then
another drummer-boy. Then a boy with a flag, and a half dozen patriots
following him. The music grows fainter and fainter, as if with the
tread of marching feet.



ABRAHAM LINCOLN: RAIL SPLITTER


CHARACTERS

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
NANCY LINCOLN
TOM BUSH
AMY ROBY
POLLY PRENTICE
JASON BROWN
LUCY BROWN FRANCOIS DURAND
LITTLE JOHN LINCOLN
NOCTAH, an Indian

SCENE: The Lincoln kitchen and living-room. Place: Little Pigeon Creek,
Indiana. Time, 1823.

The room is bright and clean, showing both thrift and poverty. There
are two windows in background, with well-mended, faded curtains of the
cheapest cotton. Between these two windows a stout door, which gives on
the outside road. On the door is tacked a raccoon skin.

By the window at right a plain pine table and chair. The end of the
table is set with a plate, knife, fork, drinking-cup, etc., for one
person, and there are corndodgers in generous quantities, and a jug of
molasses.

In the middle of the right wall there is a wide-mouthed fireplace, with
black andirons, several iron pots, and a skillet. Above the hearth
strips of leather nailed to the wall serve as holders for empty powder-
horns, knives, etc. There is a pine bench by the hearth, placed so that
those sitting on it face the audience. Also a three-legged pine stool.
Beyond the hearth, towards the background, a dresser with a few dishes.

Fastened to the wall, left foreground, is a pine shelf on which stand
Abraham Lincoln's books, well-worn copies of "Robinson Crusoe" "Aesop's
Fables," "Pilgrim's Progress," etc., etc. Above this shelf a clock,
battered yet adequate. A bearskin rug on the floor. The whole scene is
homely, peaceful, intimate.

The embers on the hearth give out a dull glow which leaves the room in
semi-darkness, yet lights up several objects by the hearthstone--
namely, a heap of pine cones, some dried spice-wood bushes, a rude
corn-popper, a snow-shovel, and a neatly-mended tongs.

In the frosty out-of-doors the wind blows gustily from time to time.
Otherwise the room is quite still, save for the ticking of the clock,
which points to half-past seven. For a moment after the curtain's rise
the stage is deserted. Then come two brisk knocks at the door, and it
is opened from without by Polly Prentice, who first thrusts in her
head, looks about, and then crosses the threshold, speaking back over
her shoulder to Amy Roby and Tom Bush. Polly wears a scarlet cloak, and
her cheeks are as red as apples. All carry lanterns.

POLLY.
There's no one home. Wherever can Nancy be? She said if she wasn't here
we were to wait for her. Come in, Amy, and you, too, Tom Bush, and be
careful to close the door. (All enter.) The fire is nearly spent. B-
rrrrrr! It's a cold night for this time of year. My fingers are
tingling. That's right, Tom, put on some spice bushes for a blaze. I'll
put my lantern over here by yours, Amy. What time is it?

AMY.
Half-past seven. I wish that Nancy would hurry. The corn-husking begins
at eight, and we are to call for Jason Brown and Lucy before we start.

TOM
(warming his hands).
Yes, and come back here to have Abe go with us. He's been out in the
woods all day, swinging that ax of his. I could hear him down by the
spring.

POLLY.
There's his supper set out for him--corn-dodgers and molasses.

AMY
(primly).
Polly, it isn't nice to look at things in other people's houses!

POLLY
(saucily).
You looked at the clock only a minute ago, and I'm sure Abe's supper is
as easily seen as the clock is! Easier, too, if you happen to be
glancing that way. I wish that Nancy would hurry!

TOM
(as they seat themselves about fire).
And I wish that Abe would hurry. He must be trying for luck.

POLLY.
Luck?

TOM.
Yes, you know they say that rails split by moonlight bring folks good
fortune. Not that Abe needs good fortune--he's lucky at everything he
puts his hand to. He can shoulder an ax and swing it better than any
one I ever saw, and as for his books--there's no one who can beat him.

POLLY.
He's always at them--even after a hard day's work.

TOM.
There's nothing he won't read if he can get his hands on it, and at
spelling he's head of his class every time.

AMY
(amused).
You'd think he was a hero, Tom, the way you talk.

TOM
(eyes a-light).
Well, sometimes he does seem like a hero to me, he's so strong and
clever and kind. At school people are always coming to him with their
disputes, and out of school, too. Even the Indians respect his
knowledge. And with it all he can see a joke as soon as anybody, and
isn't a bit puffed up. And then I like him, because even though he's
quiet and it takes a long time for him to get angry, when he _does_ get
angry it's on the right side. I think some day he'll be a great lawyer.
Come, Amy, what do you think he'll be?

AMY
(mischievously).
Well, as you think he knows so much--almost as much as Mr. Andrew
Crawford--I think perhaps he'll be a teacher.

TOM.
What do you think he'll be, Polly?

POLLY
(absorbed in examining corn-popper, tongs, etc.).
I don't know. Oh, see! He's mended the tongs. I saw him working at it
the other day. (Facing about, laughing.) I'll tell you what I think
he'll be--he'll be a _mender_! (To Amy.) Look out, Amy, that's Abe's
precious snow-shovel. Dear knows why he has it out this early.

AMY.
Because paper is expensive, goosey. By the light of some pine cones he
can figure on this, and then scrape it off again.

TOM
(admiringly).
Nobody but Abe would think of such a thing. I tell you the day will
come when we'll be proud we knew him.

AMY
(gaily).
Bravo, Tom! You'll be making speeches soon, or lead in our next debate.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN
(speaking from outer doorway, ax on shoulder, a gaunt, rawboned,
kindly-eyed lad).
Who said _debate--?_

AMY
(jumping up with a burst of delighted laughter).
There he is now! (To Lincoln.) If any word would bring you, that one
would, I know!

POLLY.
Nancy isn't here. She said we were to wait. Go on with your supper,
Abe, and don't mind us. I know you're hungry.

LINCOLN.
Thank you, I will. (Puts by ax and goes towards table.) Hungry! I feel
half-starved! And my muscles are as stiff as boards. (Turns.) Here,
Tom, I'm a fine host--neglecting my guests! There's the corn-popper,
and (diving hand into cupboard and bringing out a bag) there's the
corn!

NANCY
(appearing in the outer door with Francois Durand, and little John
Henry).
And here's Nancy with a bag of salt, just in time. I'm glad you all
waited for me. Come to the fire, Francois.

FRANCOIS
(shyly to all, as they kindly make way for him).
Bon soir! Bon soir!

NANCY
(rattling on).
B-rrrrr! It's chilly. It's nice to be in by the fire. How's your
supper, Abe? I fixed it for you.

LINCOLN
(genially).
It's fine, Nancy, thank you. (Goes back to table and half-smiles,
dryly-humorous.) And the best thing about it is that there's enough of
it! (To John.) Well, John, how are you?

JOHN
(drawling, wide-eyed, childlike).
Did you see any _bears_ in the woods?

LINCOLN
(with a twinkle, solemnly imitating him).
No, I didn't see any bea-r-s in the woods; but I brought home some nuts
for you! (Gives them.)

[Francois, under pantomimic urging from the group around the fire, has
taken up his fiddle, tunes it, and from a mere ghost of an air breaks
into a gay tune. Little John Henry takes the corn-popper, swaying it in
time to the music, while the rest, with the exception of Lincoln, do a
step or so of an old-fashioned reel. Lincoln watches them as he eats.
John watches them also, to the detriment of the corn-popping.

NANCY
(pausing in dance, with little shriek of dismay).
Oh, mercy! The corn! I smell it burning!

ALL
(gathering about her, and thus hiding corn-popper from view of
audience).
Is it burnt? No! Yes! No! Oh, it's saved. (Lincoln, who has risen, goes
back to his supper.)

JOHN.
I didn't mean to!

NANCY
(relenting).
But when Francois plays the fiddle you can't think of anything else,
eh?

AMY
(as they group themselves in fire-glow).
Sit over here, Nancy. Isn't the corn splendid?

LINCOLN
(from where he is sitting).
Any news, Tom? How's the wolf-hunting getting on? Anybody got one?

TOM.
I heard in the store to-night that Hugh Foster had killed one. It may
be only a rumor. You're not fond of hunting, are you, Abe?

LINCOLN.
Oh, I try at it once in a while, Tom, but I'm not very keen. You boys
get more out of it than I do.

TOM.
Remember the raccoon hunt we had last summer?

LINCOLN.
Yes, I remember. (Facing about.) To tell you the truth, Tom, I don't
mind if things have to be killed outright; but I hate to see them in
cages. I like to see 'em _free_.

TOM.
I know you do, Abe.

POLLY
(merrily).
Oh, Abe, before you came we were all guessing----

LINCOLN.
Guessing?

POLLY
(nodding).
What you were going to be. Tom said you'd be a lawyer. Amy said you'd
be a great teacher, and I said you'd be a _mender_!

LINCOLN
(slowly).
A mender--! I never once thought of being a mender, Polly.

NANCY
(with a little cry).
Polly Prentice, look! Look what the time is! Ten minutes to eight!
We'll be late for the corn-husking.

LINCOLN
(surprised).
Corn-husking?

POLLY
(dancing about).
Didn't you know there was to be one? Oh, I thought we'd surprise you!
We're all going. You, too.

[Lincoln shakes his head.

POLLY
(pouting).
That means you think you have to study. Oh, Abe--!

NANCY
(aside).
Don't tease him, Polly. After we've called for Jason and Lucy we'll
come back this way--gracious! Look how the minutes are flying! We must
be starting. Where did I put my cloak? Oh, here it is! Hurry, Amy!

[They all dart out the door with every sign of haste, little John
following as fast as his legs can carry him. Sounds of laughter from
without, growing fainter.

LINCOLN
(to himself).
A corn-husking--!

[Shakes his head. Goes over and gets a book and stretches out in front
of fire. A pause.

NOCTAH
(quietly entering).
How!

LINCOLN
(turning).
How!

[Noctah, with the quiet of an accustomed visitor, sits on bench by
fire: pulls out a long pipe.

LINCOLN
(after a pause, looking up).
Supper?

NOCTAH,
No. Noctah only want to warm at fire. Like to watch Lincoln. Lincoln
get wisdom out of books.

LINCOLN
(ruefully).
Not so much as I'd like to, Noctah. The books are so few that it's just
learning by littles.
[Footnote: Lincoln's own words.]

NOCTAH.
Other people much talk. Lincoln heap silent: heap thinking. (Taps
forehead.) Other people try to cheat Indian. Lincoln heap honest.

LINCOLN
(twinkling).
Oh, come now, Noctah. I guess we're all pretty honest hereabout.

[A pause, during which Lincoln stares at the fire, above his book.

NOCTAH.
Lincoln look at fire. See visions of future.

LINCOLN.
There won't be any future if I don't work for it!

[Studies again.


NOCTAH.
Umph!

[Smokes pipe: a silence.

LINCOLN
(after a moment or so, looking up).
Anything I can do for you, Noctah?

NOCTAH.
No. Noctah want nothing.

[Another short silence. Noctah smokes. Lincoln studies. Then Noctah
moves towards door.

LINCOLN (looking up).
Going, Noctah? You know you're welcome to stay if you want to. (Noctah
continues impassively towards door.) Well, then, good-night.

NOCTAH.
Good-night.

[Exit Noctah.

[A moment later there comes the sound of Francois' fiddle, and the same
gay group breaks into the room, augmented by Jason and Lucy Brown. They
surround Lincoln, who has risen.

TOM.
Now, Abe, you know you like a husking better than anything else.

LINCOLN.
Better than most things, Tom; but not better than all.

[Looks toward his books.

JASON
(coaxing).
Come On, Abe, it's no fun without you.

LINCOLN
(decidedly).
Not to-night, Jason.

FRANCOIS.
You'll miss ze husking, Abe.

LINCOLN.
I know that, Francois; but then I'll gain--so much else! (Looks again
towards his beloved books.) There's husking to do there, Francois.

NANCY.
You'll be sitting here all lonely, without any friends.

LINCOLN
(with one of his rare smiles).
Without any friends--! Why, Nancy!

[Glances towards his books for a third time.

POLLY
(with a sniff).
He means that he'd rather have Defoe and Bunyan and Aesop than us.

LINCOLN.
Now, Polly.

POLLY
(with conviction).
You would. You know you would.

JASON.
Then you're not coming?

LINCOLN.
No, boys, I'm not coming. I tell you, it's like splitting rails. Once
you get tired or give up, your work gets the better of you. I mean to
stick to what I've set out to do.

TOM
(regretfully).
Well, then, good-night, Abe.

LINCOLN
(with the utmost friendliness).
Good-night. Good-night. (With a general stir and in the midst of a
chorus of leave-taking, he sees them to the door.) Watch your lantern,
Amy. Good-night. Good-night, all.

[For a moment he stands and there comes to him the sound of laughter
and retreating footsteps, and a gay lilt from Francois fiddle. As the
sound grows fainter and fainter he crosses resolutely to the hearth,
tosses on a cone or two, places the shovel where it will be within easy
reach, and stretches himself on the floor before the fire.

From outside a sudden gust of wind brings clearly a last snatch of the
air that Francois is playing in the distance. Lincoln raises his bead
and listens, smiles whimsically to himself, and then opens his books.

LINCOLN.
And now for the husking!

[He lies full length, absorbedly studying in the fire-glow as the
curtain falls.


COSTUMES
ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Blue flannel shirt. Faded black knee-breeches and
much-worn coat. Tall boots which he wears for out-of-doors, and changes
for old slippers.

POLLY. A brown woolen dress and scarlet cloak. Hair worn in quaint
fashion with combs.

NANCY LINCOLN. Dark-scarlet woolen dress, and brown cloak. All the
dresses of the girls are of the simplest. Their cloaks likewise.

AMY ROBY. Deep-blue woolen dress. Little white apron with pockets.
Dark-blue cloak with hood.

LUCY BROWN. Dark-green woolen dress and cloak.

TOM BUSH. Dark-brown flannel shirt. Dark-blue knee-breeches.

JASON BROWN. Faded red flannel shirt. Dark-blue knee-breeches.

FRANCOIS DURAND. Tan-colored flannel shirt. Dark-brown knee-breeches.
Crimson sash-belt.

NOCTAH. The usual Indian costume of buckskin. Fringed tunic. Long
trousers. Moccasins, or imitation moccasins of khaki. (The suit should
be of khaki also--the nearest imitation of buckskin.) He should wear a
wig of long, coarse black hair. If this wig cannot be had, simulate it
thus: make a tight-fitting skull-cap of black cheesecloth. Stitch it
where the parting in the hair should come. Make two braids of plaited
black cheesecloth, and fasten them to the skullcap so that they will
fall over the ears. They should be bound with a few wisps of red and
green. Noctah wears neither war-paint nor feathers, but his face and
hands should be stained brown.



DIRECTIONS

FOR INDOOR ARRANGEMENT OF THE PAGEANT OF PATRIOTS

While an outdoor stage is by far the best setting for a pageant there
are times and seasons when such a setting is not obtainable, and the
indoor pageant becomes advisable. And while no number of footlights can
hope to give the actual radiance of sunlight and blue sky, the indoor
pageant has several assets in its favor. It lends itself to such
festivals as Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays, and its performers
need have no fear of rain. Its dancers are sure of a level space. Its
woodland scenes can be arranged to suit the occasion, and the enhancing
effects of fire-glow, sunrise, or dimming twilight can be obtained as
in no other way.

If a painted forest scene cannot be had, tree branches fastened to
green screens placed right, left, and background can be made to do for
the outdoor setting. The screens can be covered with forest-green
burlap or cheesecloth. Real pine trees, in stands covered with green to
imitate bank of moss, are very effective. For a log to be used as a
seat, two vinegar barrels fastened together, covered with bark-brown
burlap splashed with green paint for moss and white for lichen. Red
electric light bulbs half hidden under fagots for the outdoor fire
effect.

The procession at the end can cross the stage, or march through the
assembly-room or hall in which the pageant is given. An armory or large
gymnasium is an ideal place in which to give the indoor arrangement of
the pageant if the stage of a small auditorium or theater is not
procurable. Many of the directions for the producing of the outdoor
pageant can be applied to the indoor one, and, therefore, those who
direct the indoor arrangement of the pageant are referred to the
outdoor arrangement. The directions for the final tableau, the march,
and the costume of The Spirit of Patriotism will be found there.
Throughout the pageant, its entire acts and marches, patriotic airs
should be played as much as possible.



THE HAWTHORNE PAGEANT


THE HAWTHORNE PAGEANT

1. CHORUS OF SPIRITS OF THE OLD MANSE
2. PROLOGUE BY THE MUSE OF HAWTHORNE
3. FIRST EPISODE (In Witchcraft Days)
4. DANCE INTERLUDE
5. SECOND EPISODE (Merrymount)
6. PROCESSION OF PLAYER FOLK


CHORUS OF SPIRITS OF THE OLD MANSE

From the dim world of dreams
Fraught with shadows and gleams
We entreat you and beckon and call.
Heed and harken you well,
Lend your hearts to our spell,
Let the soul of the Past hold you thrall.

Radiant, mystical, free
Unseen spirits were we
As we guarded the Manse long ago;
Moving soft through each room
In the twilight's gray gloom
While the fire on the hearth flickered low.

Hope and joy--these we brought;
Peace and fair dreams we wrought
For the Manse whose bright hearth was our goal.
Oh, then harken you well!
Lend your hearts to our spell,
Let the tide of the years backward roll.


PROLOGUE
(_Spoken by the Muse of Hawthorne_)

Ye who have known the great Enchanter's art,
Whose magic fired your brain and stirred your heart,
Whose touch, more potent than King Midas' gold,
Wrought Tales of Tanglewood and Tales Twice Told,
Whose Marble Faun and Mosses from the Manse
Still hold the lasting colors of Romance;
Who built 'for you the Hall of Fantasy
Through whose bright portals you might pass and see
Hester and Miriam and Goodman Brown
And Pyncheron, who dwelt in Salem Town--
Malvin and Endicott and Ethan Brand,
John Inglefield and that old crone whose hand
Was lent to fashioning Scarecrows built of straw--
All these through the Enchanter's eyes you saw,
Strange folk who trod the bleak New England shores,
Tithingmen, Sachems, Witches, Sagamores,
Puritans, Soldiers, Scholars, Quaker maids,
Royalists splendid in their rich brocades!
To-day the past has opened wide her door,
Scenes long since gone return to us once more,
Touched with the alchemy of history's gold.
First, ancient Salem, as it was, behold
In the grim days when "Witchcraft!" was the cry,
When folk declared that they saw witches fly
On devil's broomsticks straight across the moon,
While the wind piped by night a witch's tune;
When, e'en by day, intrepid witch-wives spoke,
Then vanished upward through the chimney smoke!
The Witches' Wood--this our first scene will show,
And all that once transpired there long ago.
Our second scene will picture Merrymount
Where lived gay royalists who took no count
Of Puritanic manners, and who sang
And laughed till all the woods about them rang
With outlaw merriment. These you will see
Engaged in maypole dance and minstrelsy,
While Puritans with grave and somber mien
Condemn such light-foot revels on the green!
These have you known on Hawthorne's living page.
Now shall you see them pictured on our stage.
Grant us your patience: lend your ears as well.
The rest our pageant now will strive to tell.



IN WITCHCRAFT DAYS

CHARACTERS

GOODY GURTON
PHILIPPE BEAUCOEUR
VIGILANT WINTHROP
HOLDFAST BRADFORD
JOHN GILES
GOODWIFE PRUDENCE HUBBARD
MERCY HUBBARD
BARBARA WILLIAMS, her playmate
DORCAS WORDELL
ANNE BROWN
REPENTANCE FOLGER
ROGER BLACKTHORNE
FEAR-NOUGHT CALDWELL
RENOUNCE WILTON
TABITHA BRETT
FAWNFOOT, an Indian maiden
GOODWIFE ABIGAIL WILLIAMS

The scene is an open glade near Salem, 1692.

Trees right, left, and background. Flowers, Ferns. Berry-vines. Herbs.
Tabitha Brett, a Puritan child, enters from left. She carries a quaint
pewter bowl, and looking about her spies berries, whereupon she calls
back over her shoulder to Renounce Wilton.

TABITHA
(calling).
Renounce! There are berries here! Yet not so many as Goodwife Prudence
Hubbard bade us bring. Perhaps 'tis too near the edge of the town, and
others have been before us.

RENOUNCE
(entering from left).
Others before us--Do you mean witches, Tabitha?

TABITHA.
Hush! Speak not that word! There are no witches flying in the daytime!

RENOUNCE
(wide-eyed).
But at night, Tabitha, who can tell how many witches may be abroad?
Dost thou not know that this is ofttimes called the "Witches' Wood" and
Holdfast Bradford says that on the stroke of midnight 'tis here that
they foregather. Canst thou not picture them whirling over the tree-
tops?

TABITHA (with a cry).
Be still, Renounce Wilton! Oh, what was that? (Clutches her.) A shadow?
(With more composure.) If you do talk of witches we shall lose half the
berries we have gathered, and Goodwife Hubbard will scold us roundly.

[Eats a few berries.

RENOUNCE.
You should not eat the berries, Tabitha.

TABITHA.
I know. But they are so sweet. As sweet as the barley sugar Goody
Gurton gives us.

RENOUNCE.
I marvel that our mothers let us hunt for berries at all.

TABITHA
(childishly).
Aye, 'tis not often they are minded to let us stray to the edge of the
forest. I think there is something stirring that we are not to hear,
and that is why our fingers are kept busy. My mother and Goodwife
Prudence Hubbard were deep in talk together; but when I passed they put
their fingers on their lips.

RENOUNCE
(pretending to be vastly impressed).
Did they so!

TABITHA
(looking about her).
I wish I knew where some wild plums grew.

RENOUNCE
(as they continue to gather berries).
Philippe Beaucoeur could tell us, did he but wish to.

TABITHA.
Renounce Wilton! I am ashamed of thee! Thou dost not mean that thou
hast held converse with Philippe Beaucoeur, who is half French and
lives in the woods like an Indian.

RENOUNCE
(with spirit).
I will hold converse with whom I please, Tabitha Brett. French or no
French, Philippe Beaucoeur is a brave lad, and there is naught about
the wild things that he does not know. 'Twas because he lives in the
forest and not in Salem Town as we do.

TABITHA
(in an awed voice).
Have you ever seen the place where Philippe lives? Barbara Williams
says it a fearsome spot. The forests about it are all black and solemn,
and the pines seem to whisper together, and there Philippe dwells in a
hut he himself hath builded.

RENOUNCE (sagely).
They say he hath dwelt alone there ever since his father died. Think of
it! In the forest! I should fear the Indians! But then, I am not like
Betty Hubbard, who hath no fears at all. And as for Philippe Beaucoeur,
there is naught that can make _him_ tremble. He says that 'tis on
account of his "ancestree." And then he laughs and makes a gesture:
"Blue blood of France is never chilled by terror, Mistress."

TABITHA.
"Blue blood of France--!" Who ever heard the like? I never saw blue
blood, nor didst thou! The color of blood is scarlet, as thou knowest
right well. Prick thy finger and see!

DORCAS WORDELL
(off stage, left).
Tabitha Brett! Tabitha Brett! Where are you?

TABITHA
(calling in answer).
Here, Dorcas, here! Renounce Wilton and I are gathering berries.

DORCAS
(entering excitedly).
You'll gather no more berries when you've heard the news. Sure, there
be stirring things afoot this day in Salem. What dost think? Barbara
Williams hath been bewitched!

RENOUNCE.
Dorcas!

DORCAS
(importantly).
Aye, since yesternight she hath clean disappeared. The evening meal was
set: she did not come. They have searched the woods, and the marshland,
and the roadways. 'Tis plain she hath been spirited away, and Goodwife
Abigail Williams is nigh out of her mind. But now that they've found
the witch----

TABITHA
(eagerly).
Found her----

DORCAS
(triumphantly).
Aye, found her! And you'll never guess who 'tis! Hark! They're coming!
She was hobbling this way as I passed, little dreaming that her evil
deeds would find her out so soon! The half o' Salem must be at her
heels. Look! Look!

GOODY GURTON'S VOICE
(from left, a cry  of terror).
I am no witch. Good sirs, I am no witch. Mercy! Mercy!

RENOUNCE
(startled).
'Tis Goody Gurton's voice! Why, she is a poor old woman who hath never
done harm to any.

CRIES
(off stage, left).
A witch! A witch! A-aaaaah! A witch!

[The crowd surges in from left, dragging in the midst of it poor old
Goody Gurton. They separate and form a wide semicircle of which
Holdfast Bradford and trembling Goody Gurton form the center. In the
crowd are Goodwife Williams, Goodwife Hubbard, Mercy Hubbard, Goodwife
Brown, Repentance Folger, Vigilant Winthrop, John Giles, Roger
Blackthorne, and other people of Salem.

BRADFORD.
Silence, and look! Look, people of Salem! You know this spot right
well. 'Tis here that witches are reported to hold their wicked revels.
What better place have we in which to try a witch? Custom hath had it
aforetime that we have tried them in the courthouse. Now let us try
them on their own ground. 'Twill show that we fear neither them nor
their master. Neither their black books, nor their caldron's brew.
Stand forth, Goody Gurton, the accused. What have you to say? There is
the woman whose child you have bewitched and stolen.

GOODY GURTON
(in a trembling, aged voice).
I stole no child. I have bewitched no one. I am a poor old woman, as
you all know. I get my living by my needle, and my brews of herbs.

BRADFORD.
Stand forth, Abigail. Is it not true that half the town hath searched
for Barbara Williams since yesterday at sundown, and not a trace of her
hath been found?

GOODWIFE WILLIAMS
(wildly).
Aye, 'tis true! My child has gone from me! She is bewitched and stolen!
Bewitched and stolen! Everywhere I looked and found no token: but at
the door of Goody Gurton I found _this_!

[Holds up small white Puritan cap.

THE CROWD.
A-aaaaaah!

BRADFORD.
How came this cap to your door, Goody Gurton?

GOODY GURTON
(in a shaking voice).
The children often visit me for sweetmeats. I gave the child a little
barley sugar. She may have dropped the cap. I do not know.

BRADFORD.
Where did she turn after she left your doorway?

GOODY GURTON.
I did not look which way she went. I do not know. Oh, worshipful sir----

BRADFORD. Silence!   Who else accuses Goody Gurton?

GOODWIFE HUBBARD.
We've seen strange things about, have we not, neighbors?

ALL.
Aye! Aye!

GOODWIFE HUBBARD.
Last night the wind wailed in my chimney. And when I crossed the fields
at twilight I had a feeling _that something followed me._

MERCY HUBBARD
(piping up).
And Goodman Folger's cow hath died since yesternight. And Goody Gurton
was seen going by the pasture.

VIGILANT WINTHROP.
Aye, there be many signs. Last night the moon rose red.

JOHN GILES.
And the week before there were more bats flying than I have ever seen
in Salem.

GOODWIFE BROWN.
And Goodwife Eaton says that all night long in the woods behind her
house there is something crying--she cannot tell whether it be an owl
or a child.

REPENTANCE FOLGER.
Last eve, when the wind was blowing, something flapped past me like a
witch's cloak.

BRADFORD.
What have you to say to these things, Goody Gurton?

GOODY GURTON
(quite simply).
Why, naught, sir, naught. I noted myself that last week the moon rose
red, and that last night the wind blew shrewdly.

BRADFORD.
How comes it that you were leaving the streets of Salem, and walking
here in the forest? 'Twas here in the forest we found you.

GOODY GURTON.
I came to hunt for some simples...for spearmint and checkerberry and
tansy.

BRADFORD
(with deep sternness).
And for wolfbane and hellbore and all other hideous herbs that witches
brew in their caldrons. You stand accused, Goody Gurton.

GOODY GURTON
(bewildered).
Accused?

BRADFORD.
Of witchcraft.

THE CROWD
(alternately surging close to her, and falling back).
A-aaah! To the pond with her! To the pond!

JOHN GILES.
If she sinks she is a witch, if she swims----

GOODY GURTON.
Have mercy----

GOODWIFE HUBBARD
(with a shiver).
The water in the pond is deep and cold.

WINTHROP.
Here come Caldwell and Blackthorne with a ducking-chair. (Blackthorne
and Caldwell carry between them a rude chair fashioned hastily from
wood on which the bark still clings.) Well and swiftly fashioned,
Blackthorne!

GOODY GURTON.
Mercy! Mercy! Gentle sirs, neighbors, goodwives! I am no witch! I swear
it. I had naught, naught to do with Barbara Williams.

BRADFORD.
A last chance, Goody. Call up your evil powers. Bring back the child,
and it shall be the stocks; but not the pond. Call! Call!

GOODY GURTON.
I have no words. I cannot bring her back. Mercy! Mercy!

BRADFORD
(curtly).
To the pond!

GOODY GURTON
(in a tremulous shriek as Blackthorne and Caldwell begin to bind her in
the ducking-chair).
Oh, no, no, no! I am no witch! I swear it! Will no one speak for me--
will no one----

[Philippe Beaucoeur, who has approached from right but a moment before,
and been partly hidden from view by those in front of him, now steps
forward boldly. The knife in his red sash-belt glitters in the sun. His
dark face is a-light with interest. His bearing is gallantly
determined.

PHILIPPE BEAUCOEUR.
I will speak!

RENOUNCE.
It is Philippe!

PHILIPPE
(boldly).
Stand back, Master Bradford. Be not so swift with your ducking-chair,
Goodman Caldwell. By what right have ye bound this poor old woman?

BRADFORD
(angrily).
By what right can a Jackanapes confront his elders?

PHILIPPE
(coolly).
By the right of free speech in a free country. By the right of seeing
defenseless age that lacks a champion.

GOODY GURTON
(her voice sunk to a low moan).
Mercy! Mercy!

PHILIPPE
(gallantly alert, hand on knife).
You have said your say against her. Is there one who hath spoken a word
for her?

BRADFORD
(blustering).
He has no right to confront us. He is not of Salem.

[Nevertheless, since Philippe is the only one armed, none step forward
to seize him.

PHILIPPE
(with light scorn).
The worshipful Bradford speaks true. I dwell in a kinder place. The
forest accuses neither man nor woman. Nay, do not frown at me, Holdfast
Bradford. My hand is as well matched as yours.

JOHN GILES.
By all the signs she is a witch. The moon rose red, and the wind----

THE CROWD
(not to be cheated).
Aye! Aye!

PHILIPPE.
What if the moon rose red? What if the wind wailed in the chimney? Are
ye children round the nursery fire that such things should be to you as
signs? Ye have seen the same a thousand times before. Is this all ye
can say against her? Is there naught ye can say for her--ye who have
known her kindness? John Giles, who sat with thy brother when he had
the fever? Goodwife Anne Brown, who helped thee keep watch the night
thy father's ship was lost at sea? Tabitha Brett, who healed thy
childish hurts, and drove away thy tears with sweetmeats? Thrice shame
upon you all! The poor old woman!

GOODWIFE WILLIAMS
(wildly).
Let her give back my child! Here is the cap that I found on her door-
sill.

PHILIPPE.
Let me look at the cap, Goodwife Williams. (Turns it inside out.) There
is a name embroidered on the band. (Reads.) "Hester Wordell." Not thy
child's cap at all.

[Hands it back.

GOODWIFE WILLIAMS.
'Tis more witchcraft!

PHILIPPE.
And is that witchcraft, too?

(A child's voice in the woods at right is heard singing:)

"In May I go a-walking to hear the linnets sing,
The blackbird and the throstle a-praising Queen and King:
It cheers the heart to hear them, to see the leaves unfold,
The meadows covered over with buttercups of gold."

GOODWIFE WILLIAMS.
'Tis Barbara's voice! 'Tis Barbara! (Enter Barbara, fleet as a shadow,
from right, followed by Fawnfoot. Both take the unconsciously tripping
steps that belong to the wild freedom of youth.) It is my child!
Barbara! Where hast thou been since yesternight?

BARBARA.
With Fawnfoot yonder. She taught me to play games, and angle for fish,
and----What be they staring at?

BRADFORD
(dryly).
Goodwife Williams, for children that rouse a village there is but one
remedy.

GOODWIFE WILLIAMS
(humbly).
A physic?

BRADFORD
(almost roaring).
No! A _slipper!_ See that it is administered. And light songs, such as
we heard but now, are scarcely seemly on a young one's lips. She should
learn graver measures.

[In groups of twos and threes the Puritans solemnly exeunt, left,
Bradford marching ahead. Fawnfoot, with agile grace, disappears into
background, dancing with her own shadow as she goes. Philippe and Goody
Gurton are left alone. Philippe bends over the ducking-chair, and with
his knife cuts the thongs which bind Goody Gurton, the while he talks,
half-tenderly, half-gaily, for the first time allowing a hint of accent
to creep into his speech.

PHILIPPE.
They do not even stop to unbind thee! It is a strange thing, this
witchcraft, that so turns the head!

GOODY GURTON.
You do for me what others do not do--you whom I have scarcely seen
before!

PHILIPPE.
A good deed sown is ofttimes a good deed reaped. So say they in la
belle France, and my tongue loves the words. 'Twas long ago that you
did a kindness for me when my father lay ill of a fever; but--I--I have
not forgotten. (He cuts the final thong that binds her.) Whither now,
Goody Gurton? Nay, it would seem that we have need of each other. For
you--a shoulder to lean on: for me--often I am lonely. I think what it
would mean in my hut in the forest to look up and see a grand'mere
sitting there! We be two outcasts; but the woods are kind. There is a
song about that oversea: it says--

(Sings)

  Blue the sky above you,
    Dans la foret;
  True the hearts that love you,
    Courageux et gai!

Come, Grand'mere, home!

[They exeunt right, he bearing himself with a proud erectness, she
leaning upon his shoulder with the peaceful dependence of a soul whose
problem is solved. The scene ends.


COSTUMES

The Puritan women and girls wear black dresses with white lawn
kerchiefs and cuffs, and Puritan caps. One or two of the women wear
black cloaks, falling to the edge of their gowns. The material of which
these dresses and cloaks may be made is black cambric with the glazed
side turned in. The kerchiefs and cuff of lawn or white cheesecloth.

For the men and lads full black knee-breeches, black doublets with the
sleeves a little fulled; white cuffs and Puritan collars. Long black
cloaks ankle-length. Beaver hats. Any well-illustrated edition of
"Pilgrim's Progress" will give an excellent idea of these costumes.
(See notes on Hawthorne Pageant, page 220.)

PHILIPPE BEAUCOEUR. Philippe Beaucoeur wears a tan-Colored costume cut
on Indian lines (supposedly dressed deerskin) with a sash of scarlet,
such as the French voyageurs were in the habit of wearing. A fur slung
across his shoulders and caught at his girdle. The costume is fringed,
Indian-like, but is not painted Of beaded. The breeches come to the
knee. Tan stockings and moccasins. The costume made of cotton khaki.

FAWNFOOT. The typical Indian maiden costume. Cotton khaki, gorgeously
painted at the neck. Bead chains and bracelets. Tan stockings.
Moccasins. Hair worn in braids. Scarlet head-band across forehead.
Black quill.

This play may be given by a cast of girls. (See notes on Hawthorne
Pageant.)

Music. The song which Barbara Williams sings can be found in "Songs of
the West," by S. Baring Gould. ("Folk Songs of Cornwall and Devon,
collected from the Mouths of the People.")


DANCE INTERLUDE

The dance interlude should be symbolic of the spirit of youth as
exemplified in the Indian and the Puritan. The music is MacDowell's
"From an Indian Lodge." The two players taking part in the dance are
Fawn-foot and Barbara Williams. The little Indian, dancing in the woods
with her own shadow, tries to entice the little Puritan into following
her steps. Barbara hangs back. But the dance proves too alluring. She
finally tries to imitate what the little Indian does; but at first the
quick motions of the other are quite beyond her. One is of the forest,
the other of the town! Yet, in the end, the little Puritan should show
that she has caught a little of the grace and freedom of her wild
playmate. Good pantomimic dancing, with grace and humor, should be
worked into this.


MERRYMOUNT

CHARACTERS

SIMON SCARLETT
SARAH SCARLETT, his sister
WILL LACKLEATHER
MOLL
NAN
JOCK
TIB
JOAN
ROBIN WAKELESS
FAUNCH
CHRISTOPHER CARMEL (KIT)
GOODY GLEASON
BESS
RESOLUTE ENDICOTT
GILLIAN PRITCHARD
FIGHT-FOR-RIGHT NORCROSS
AMOS WARREN
EBENEZER MATTHEWS
FAUNCH FRUGAL HILTON

SCENE: An open glade at Merrymount on a Summer's day in 1626. Trees
right, left, and background. In the center of the stage a maypole
decked with streaming ribbons that are somewhat faded.

Towards the left background, at some distance from the maypole, a
forest bed of pine boughs, sweet fern, and moss. Not far from this bed,
towards foreground, a tiny glimmer of fire, over whose graying ashes is
hung a small iron kettle. Scattered on the ground by the fire a goodly
number of iron and pewter drinking-cups, and an iron skillet for
brewing. The play begins by the entrance of Simon Scarlett from the
left, with a troop of Merrymounters at his heels, Faunch, Nan, Moll,
Tib, Joan, and Will Lackleather. All wear tattered finery. That of
Simon matches his name.

SCARLETT.
Hither! Hither! Come, Faunch the fiddler, give us another tune--one
that will set the echoes of Merry-mount a-ringing, and make the lean
Puritans in the valley to hold their ears.

ALL.
A tune! A tune!

FAUNCH.
What tune will ye have, Simon Scarlett?

SCARLETT.
Let it be a maypole dance, Faunch the fiddler! And a merry one! (Faunch
begins to play.) Let's see you foot it! (The folk of Merrymount begin
to dance.) Oh, bravely, bravely! If the Puritans could see you you'd be
led to the stocks and the whipping-post!

LACKLEATHER
(darkly).
'Twill take less than a dance to lead us there! You know right well
that the Puritans have sworn that if they catch us straying beyond the
bounds of Merrymount 'twill be the stocks and the whipping-post, and
that without mercy!

SCARLETT
(with a laugh and a shrug).
The stocks and the whipping-post! Come, drive such thoughts from your
head! Look! Yonder comes Jock with a tankard of apple juice! Cups for
us all! Quick, Lackleather! (Carved wooden cups are taken from the
trunk of a hollow tree.) Come, where are we all?

TIB.
All here, save Sarah Scarlett, who bides with Goody Gleason, and Bess,
who hath been away since dawn. Robin and Kit have gone to search for
her.

SCARLETT.
Well, Bess or no Bess, the maypole is waiting! Play us another catch,
goodfellow Faunch! My heels grow rusty!

[All start to dance.

ROBIN
(bursting in from right, followed by Kit Carmel). Simon! Simon! You'll
not dance so gaily when you've heard the news! Put up your music,
Faunch! Give over your capers, Lackleather! Bess hath been taken by the
Puritans!

[General consternation.

SCARLETT
(as all stop dancing).
You're jesting, lad!

ROBIN
(as he catches breath).
'Tis no jest, Simon! 'Tis bitter truth. 'Tis towards the stocks they
are leading her!

SCARLETT
(outraged).
You let them capture her?

KIT.
What were we two against so many!

SCARLETT
(passionately).
All Merrymount to the rescue! Zounds! Shall a pack o' Puritans match
their wits against ours? Who follows me?

ALL.
All of us! All!

LACKLEATHER.
There'll be a rescue!

FAUNCH
(as he follows, fiddling gaily).
A rescue made to music!

[All disappear into the woods, right, just as Sarah Scarlett, with
Goody Gleason leaning on her arm, comes out of the woods, left.

SARAH.
Faunch! Faunch! (Looks after the vanishing Merrymount folk.) He does
not hear me! Where are they going that they do not hear me? Nay, then,
dear Gran'am, rest on me. Step slowly. They've left off dancing at the
maypole, and gone I know not whither. Will you not rest you, while I
blow this flicker o' fire? (Leads Goody Gleason to bed of pine.) I'll
make thee broth, and season it right pleasantly when the lads come back
from their traps; for, now that I think on it, it may be to their traps
they have gone. (Sees Goody Gleason placed in comfortable fashion on
the bed of pine.) Rest, then, if you can, dear Gran'am. 'Twill
strengthen you against your chills and fever. (Seats herself at fire.)
Rest, if you can, and I will watch close by.

[Goody Gleason dozes off: Sarah sits by her and sings.

  "Fortune, my foe, why dost thou frown on me,
  And will thy favors never better be?
  Wilt thou, I say, forever breed me pain?
  And wilt thou not restore my joys again?"

[A pause: then from distance comes tumult of voices: "_Ho! Steady
there, Will Lackleather! Have a care, Robin Wakeless!_" (The voices are
very faint but clear: the sound of them coming from a long distance.)

BESS
(running ahead of the others, disheveled, breathless, excited, enters,
and swinging about, halloos to those who are following her, her hands
held clarion-wise).
Have a care, Simon! Look well to the Puritan!

SARAH
(running to her).
Bess! What's here! What's happened?

BESS
(still greatly excited).
I'll tell thee when I catch my breath! I've been in the stocks with the
whole of Wollaston to gape at me. Puritan heads a-wagging! Puritan eyes
a-staring! And after the stocks 'twas towards the whipping-post that
they were leading me! But I've learned a trick or two from our lanes
here at Merrymount. I gave a sudden twist--the constable loosened his
hold--I ran and ran! There was not one could catch me. And for the
shaming they've done me they are to pay full dear. I ran ahead to tell
you. Listen!

VOICES
(coming nearer).
Easy there, Kit! Have a care, Robin!

SARAH.
Heaven's mercy, Bess, what is it they're bringing?

BESS
(with a blaze of excitement and triumph).
Can you not see? Our lads have stolen Resolute Endicott, spinning-wheel
and all.

[It is soon seen that Bess speaks truly. Mistress Endicott makes her
entrance seated on a pine board that is carried between Robin Wakeless
and Kit Carmel. She is closely guarded by Jock, who marches behind.
Scarlett and Will Lackleather carry her spinning-wheel. Faunch brings
up the rear, with the Merrymount maidens following. Joan carries a
spinning-stool.

SCARLETT
(as he and Lackleather set down spinning-wheel, left).
Look to your steps, Robin! Steady there, Kit Carmel! (As Resolute
stands, center, he approaches her with elaborate mocking courtesy.)
Mistress, we bid you welcome to Merrymount!

ROBIN.
What will you have, Mistress Endicott? A merry stave, a cup of cherry
wine, or a maypole dance? Speak, and we do' your pleasure!

SCARLETT
(to Sarah).
Rouse our gran'am, sister. Sure, such a sight as this will warm her
bones! (To Resolute, indicating Bess.) See! There is one of our number
who hath been royally entertained by your townsfolk. We are minded to
do the same by you! (To the others.) Come, we'll spread a feast for
Mistress Endicott. Empty your traps, Robin! Bring on your game, Will
Lackleather! We'll show how Merrymount can sup when it has a mind!

JOAN
(aside: outraged).
What! Waste our substance on a Puritan?

KIT CARMEL.
Why, lass, do you not catch Simon's meaning? 'Tis a rare jest to make a
Puritan dance, whether she will or no. Can you not see she would rather
go straight to perdition than vouch us a word or a glance? 'Twas a
shrewd trick of Simon's to seize her as she sat in her dooryard. We'll
have more mirth to-day than hath been here a twelvemonth.

SCARLETT.
Come! Come! We must prepare to feast! (To Resolute.) Think not to stir
from here, Mistress. Puritan feet can never outrun the heels of
Merrymount! Come, lads, let's start, or the feast will not be ready.
Who goes with us?

ALL.
I! I! And I!

SARAH.
I'll bide with my gran'am.

[Exeunt all the others, save Resolute, Sarah, and Goody Gleason. There
is a pause of a moment or so. Sarah, seated on the ground by Goody
Gleason, looks curiously at Resolute. Resolute stares straight in front
of her.

SARAH
(rising, and bringing Resolute her spinning-stool).
Best to be seated, Mistress. You'll be a long time standing. What! Not
even a word of thanks from a model of worshipful manners? It must be a
sad thing not to be able to use one's tongue, Mistress Resolute.
Indeed, I pity you!

RESOLUTE.
Such words as I could speak would fall full strangely on Merrymount
ears.

SARAH.
I doubt it not. We are not given to canting here at Merrymount.

RESOLUTE.
I might give you such answer as those words deserve, did I not know
that they are the words of one who lives in sin and ignorance.

SARAH
(crossing rapidly to left, her hands clenched, amazement and wrath in
her voice).
Sin and ig----Zounds! A plague take you!

RESOLUTE
(turning: her fingers in her ears).
Oh! Oh! Now you are swearing!

SARAH.
You little weazened, mincing, purse-mouthed Puritan!

RESOLUTE
(her fingers still in her ears).
I do not hear a word that you are saying.

SARAH
(starting to pull Resolute's fingers from her ears).
I'll _make_ you hear, I warrant!

GOODY GLEASON
(moaning).
Alack! Alack! Will the posset never be done?

SARAH
(instantly remorseful).
Gran'am! Your posset! To think I could forget you! (Runs to fire.) And
yet--and yet----(Looks in kettle.) Alas! Alas! I am not skilled in
brewing.

RESOLUTE
(half against her will).
There's cure for ague in our forest herbs.

SARAH.
Oh, had I but your knowledge--! (With an effort towards healing the
breach.) If you'll take back your words about sin and ignorance, never
again will I call you a mincing white-faced moppet--even if you are
one.

RESOLUTE(provokingly prim).
I may not take back words that I have spoken.

SARAH.
Then you _are_ a prim-mouthed, white-faced jade, even as I have said.

RESOLUTE.
And that you dwell in sin and ignorance becomes more and more certain.

[They face each other as if with crossed swords, left.

GOODY GLEASON
(sighing).
Is the posset done?

SARAH
(despairing).
I cannot tell whether it be done or no.

RESOLUTE
(with her back turned).
If the brew be clear, then the posset is not yet done; but if a little
wax float on the top----(Sees Sarah's perplexity, and comes to fire
with the air of one bestowing wisdom.) All maids should know how to
make healing potions. I marvel that you've learned no hearthstone arts.

SARAH
(as Resolute seats herself at fire).
Mayhap, if I had a hearth I could compass such knowledge, Mistress. But
we be forest folk with no roof but the stars.

RESOLUTE.
You chose----

SARAH
(busying herself with pouring the posset into cup and giving it to
Goody Gleason).
Aye, Mistress, I know well what you would say. We chose to live the
life of Merrymount. We brooked no Puritan rule: therefore on our heads
be it! We suffer for the love of freedom. (Keenly.) Do you not suffer,
too, for the same cause? It was for freedom you and yours left England.
It was for freedom we and ours left Wollaston. You could not brook
restraint: no more could we.

RESOLUTE.
But your revels--your songs and dancing----

SARAH.
We meet misfortune with a laugh instead of with a groan: where is the
harm in that?

RESOLUTE
(with dawning friendliness).
Indeed you give me much to ponder on.

SARAH
(with a burst of candor).
Since I've known you I do not think so hard on Puritans. (Half-
wistfully.) I wish--I wish I had your arts and knew wise household
ways. I fear we be but addle-pates at Merrymount. I cannot brew a
medicine, nor spin, nor----

RESOLUTE
(rising).
Come, I will teach you! (They go to spinning-wheel.) Aye, sit you so,
and mind you do not break the thread. So! So!

[While the spinning lesson is going on, Scarlett and his followers
enter from left background, carrying fish, game, and wild fruits,
Scarlett in advance of the others. For a moment he stands transfixed by
what he sees. Then tiptoes back, beckons to others, and points out the
picture. Pantomime of surprise and stifled mirth.

SCARLETT
(mockingly).
Look! Look! Our Sarah hath turned Puritan! While as for Mistress
Endicott--! Come, Faunch, a tune, lad, a tune! A wreath for our worthy
guest! (Approaching Resolute.) Mistress, 'tis time you learned to trip
it about the maypole. I claim your hand for a measure----

SARAH
(suddenly returning from seeing to the preparations for feasting which
are going on in background).
You shall do no such folly. Mistress Resolute shall not dance if she
holds that dancing is a sin. Take that in your teeth, Simon Scarlett!

SCARLETT.
Are you bewitched? Hath the Puritan turned your head?

SARAH.
My wits, good Simon, are as clear as thine. 'Tis true that the
constables put our Bess in the stocks; but 'twas none of Resolute's
doing! And when you stole her hence that debt was paid. Moreover, of
her own free will she has made a healing brew for our gran'am, and for
that I stand her friend.

ROBIN WAKELESS
(drawing near and hearing the controversy).
Is there no mirth left in you, Sarah Scarlett, that you cannot see the
jest of making a sniveling Puritan to----

SARAH
(promptly and blazingly).
Cease your talk, Robin Wakeless! And when you speak of sniveling
Puritans, speak of them that do snivel. For though you brought Mistress
Endicott here in a rough and unseemly fashion, she has not once winced,
no, nor plead for mercy. You are quick to laud a brave front in
yourselves: are you less quick to laud it in your neighbors?

SCARLETT
(as some of the other Merrymount folk gather about the scene).
'Tis true what Sarah says. The maid is not given to whining. (To
Resolute, with an entire change of manner.) Well, then, Mistress,
though our feast go forward, you shall not sup with us unless it
pleases you. Say but the word, and we will take you back to Wollaston,
you and your means of industry!

SARAH
(eagerly).
Will you not sup with us first?

RESOLUTE.
I thank you, Sarah Scarlett.

SARAH
(delightedly).
Come, then!

FAUNCH
(singing, as he puts his fiddle under his chin, while Scarlett tosses a
wreath in the air).
  "Fortune, my foe, why dost thou frown on me,
    And will thy favors----"

TIB
(rushing wildly in from right).
Hush your music, Faunch! Down with your trumpery, Simon! The Puritans
are upon us--Pritchard and Norcross and Warren and Hilton--all a-
marching up the hill! Armed to the teeth they are, Simon, and there's
not an ounce of shot amongst us!

SCARLETT
(as Puritans begin to appear, right).
Zounds! They're upon us!

GILLIAN PRITCHARD
(as he and his followers come forward from right background).
Make no resistance, ye scum of Dagon's brood, or Merrymount and all
that is within it shall be sacked within the hour! Where is the maid ye
stole?

RESOLUTE
(dearly).
Here, Gillian Pritchard! Here, safe and sound, and courteously treated
by the folk of Merrymount. Why use ye such words as stole? 'Tis most
unseemly. And why come ye here unbidden? Sure, none sent for you?

GILLIAN PRITCHARD
(amazed: disapproving).
Resolute!

RESOLUTE
(haughtily).
Mistress Endicott, so please you, and the governor's cousin!

GILLIAN PRITCHARD
(more and more pained).
Resolute!

RESOLUTE
(continuing quickly).
May I not step from my door to do a deed of kindness for an old woman
but what the whole of Wollaston is at my heels? Or give a lesson in
spinning without a cry being raised that I am stolen? I do not take it
kindly of you, Amos Warren; no, nor of you, Ebenezer Matthews. Pick up
my spinning-wheel, Frugal Hilton, and let Fight-for-Right Norcross
carry my chair. (To Sarah.) There are herbs in that pocket for your
gran'am.

[Gives her herb pocket.

[The Puritans, including Resolute Endicott, exeunt right.

SCARLETT
(breaking forth).
She saved us! Saved us! Zounds! Was there ever anything like unto it!
What dost thou make of it, Sarah?

SARAH.
I make of it that Mistress Endicott hath a warm heart beneath her cold
white Puritan kerchief, and that in this new land of ours we should
better strive to understand each other; for, though our ways be
different, are we not beset by the same hopes and fears, doth not the
same sky arch above us all? (To Simon.) Think you not so, my brother?
(As all begin to go towards background where the feast is in
readiness.) Come, gran'am, lean on me. Our feast must be near to
readiness. A Puritan hearthstone--sooth, it must be a goodly place; yet
right glad am I that we live beneath the stars, and are still the light
free-hearted folk o' Merrymount!

COSTUMES

The costumes are those of the seventeenth-century cavaliers for the
Merrymount lads. Slashed jerkins, full sleeves with puffs and
slashings, or bishop's sleeves of white lawn showing through tattered
velvet oversleeves. Their cloaks are sometimes topped with white lace
collars. They wear either stockings and low slippers with buckles, or
high cavalier boots. Their hair is worn in lovelocks. See the
illustrated edition of "Pilgrim's Progress," or any good cavalier
pictures. If the velvets and satins cannot be had, use cambric in gay
colors with the glazed side out, which gives the effect of satin.

SIMON SCARLETT. Scarlet suit. Scarlet cloak with white lace collar.
Scarlet shoes and stockings. His costume is the high note of color in
the play.

WILL LACKLEATHER. Dark-brown cloak. High brown boots. Brown jerkin,
through which show sleeves of white lawn. The jerkin is of leather.

ROBIN WAKELESS. Suit of blue satin. Gray cloak. Gray foot-gear.

CHRISTOPHER CARMEL. Dark-blue velvet slashed with orange.

JOCK. Very dark-purple cloak, with touches of tarnished gold. Leather
jerkin, pieced out with fur.

FAUNCH THE FIDDLER. Costume of pale-blue satin and black velvet. A
black velvet cloak.

All the Merrymount maidens wear fine raiment that is equally tattered
and weather-worn. They have peasant bodices--that is, a very deep
girdle the color of their skirts, worn with white square-necked waists
that have soft semi-full sleeves; or they wear bodices of one piece
made very plainly. Cambric in gay colors will do.

SARAH SCARLETT. Forest-green dress, ankle-length. White bodice showing
through tattered green sleeves. Forest-green cloak patched with
scarlet.

GOODY GLEASON. Leaf-brown cloak and dress, patched a little with black
and gray.

MOLL. Olive-green dress, white bodice. It is pieced out with bits of
leather.

NAN. Maroon dress, patched in black.

TIB. Dull blue dress.

JOAN. Dark dull-green and red flowered dress, giving the appearance of
tattered brocade.

BESS. Gray dress.
The maypole dancers are in dull-green, dull-violet, and dull-blue,
bronze, and slate-gray. Some wear cloaks and some do not. All should
have a wild, picturesque gipsyish look.

RESOLUTE ENDICOTT. Black dress, ankle-length. White Puritan cap, cuffs,
and kerchief. (Black cambric with the glazed side turned in.) The
Puritan men wear long cloaks coming to their ankles: deep, white plain
collars, plain white cuffs on black sleeves. Black hats. "Boxed"
hair, falling below the ears. Low black shoes. Black stockings. Black
knee-breeches, somewhat full.

For a cast composed entirely of girls, such as a girls' camp or school,
this play can be given with gymnasium suits forming part of the
costumes for both Merrymount lads and Puritans. The girls can wear the
bloomers of their gymnasium suits fastened with a ribbon-garter, so as
to make the puffed seventeenth century garb. The ribbon should be gay
in color and fastened either with a rosette or a bow. White, soft loose
waists, with rather full long sleeves. The cloaks of cambric in bright
colors should come to the ankles, the glazed side worn outward, to give
a satiny look. The cloaks for the Puritans should be of the same
length, made of black cambric, with the glazed side turned in. They
should wear black cotton waists, and it will be easy and simple for the
girls to fashion the white cuffs and collars out of white lawn or
cheesecloth. The whole play can thus be costumed for a very small sum.
If a further touch of color is to be added to the costumes of the
Merrymount lads, their gay cloaks may be topped with white lace
collars. Their stockings can be gay in color, and here and there a
slashed jerkin will add variety. The maidens of Merrymount can wear
dresses of cambric, made on the simplest possible lines. The color
scheme of the foregoing costumes should, in the main, be adhered to.
The ribbon-garters and stockings may match in color. Pale-blue, orange,
purple, jade, corn-yellow, and hunter's green will prove effective. No
pink or old rose should be worn, as scarlet is the high note of color
in the play.

MUSIC: Any quaint old-time maypole dance will do for the maypole rout.
The words and music of "Fortune, My Foe" can be found in Chappell's
"Popular Musk of Antiquity," Vol. I, page 62.


PAGEANT DIRECTIONS

The Hawthorne Pageant can be produced either indoors or out of doors.
For the outdoor production there should be a level sward with trees
right, left, and background. It is suitable for any of the Spring,
Summer, or Autumn months, or for Hawthorne's birthday, July 4.

For an indoor production of the pageant if a green woodland set cannot
be had, green screens with pine branches fastened to them, a green or
brown floor-cloth, and forest-green hanging filling in the background
may be used. Pine trees in green stands around which green and brown
burlap is banked is another way of having an inexpensive and realistic
scene setting. _The setting for the whole pageant is the same_. It can
be given in an assembly hall, gymnasium, or armory.

The costumes for the episodes have already been indicated. The pageant
may be given by a cast made up entirely of girls, if it is so wished.

THE MUSE OF HAWTHORNE. Pale-pink cheesecloth draperies. A tall white
staff, on which is fastened a cluster of pink hawthorn blossoms.
Flowing hair, and a chaplet of laurel leaves. White stockings and
sandals.

THE SPIRITS OF THE OLD MANSE. Greek robes in colored cheesecloth or
cotton crepe. There are eight of these maidens, and the colors they
wear are pale-green, pale-lavender, pale-yellow, and pale-blue. They
carry great garlands of moss interwoven with pine--about two yards for
each player, so that it can be held gracefully. White stockings and
sandals. Hair bound With Greek fillets of white or of silver.
Symbolically these spirits represent Joy, Mystery, Peace, Dreams, Hope,
Aspiration, Fulfilment, Ecstasy.

MUSIC. The songs of the episodes are already indicated on pages 194 and
203. The music for the chorus of the Spirits of the Old Manse can be
found in "Songs of the West," by S. Baring Gould, which is a collection
of the Folk Songs of Devon and Cornwall, collected from the mouths of
the people. The music of this chorus is set to the seventeenth-century
folk song called "The Sweet Nightingale" ("My sweetheart, come along,"
etc.). The incidental music for the Hawthorne Pageant when it is given
indoors should be from Edward MacDowell's "New England Idylls" Op. 62,
and from his "Indian Suite." "From an Old Garden," "Midsummer," "An
Indian Idyll," and "From Puritan Days" can be played between the
episodes and the Dance Interlude. An orchestra or piano can add to the
music of Faunch's fiddle in the Merrymount scene. The music for the
procession should be very stately, and by a seventeenth-century
composer, if possible.

NOTES ON DIRECTING THE PAGEANT. The first verse of the chorus of the
Spirits of the Old Manse should be sung off stage in the indoor
production. The stage should be darkened: footlights low. With the next
verse the spirits enter, four from right, and four from left, mystic,
half-seen figures. As they enter the lights gradually begin to come up,
until with the middle of the second verse there is full strong
daylight. If the eight voices are not enough a hidden augmented chorus
can be behind the scenes. If the stage is such that it can be darkened
and lighted at will, a fire-glow effect should be given for the
Merrymount scene. The light for all the scenes should be that of strong
daylight. There should be no curtain. The characters simply appear and
disappear. After the Spirits of the Manse have made their exit the
Prologue enters. The procession at the end of the play may simply cross
the scene to march music, the players not stiffly moving in ones and
twos, but in more or less significant groups.

Those who direct the pageant should see to it that the players speak
the dialogue in the episodes with the utmost briskness. There should be
no waits and pauses. Simon Scarlett especially should enunciate clearly
and swiftly, with dash and fire in both voice and gesture. Even if some
of the words are lost, it is better to keep up the tempo of the piece.
Philippe Beaucoeur should also speak with a rush of energy and
determination. The players who are on the scene but not speaking,
should develop their pantomimic powers, and form animated groups; their
interest should be first with one character who is speaking, and then
with another. They should never stand idle, looking blankly at the
audience, as so many amateurs are in the habit of doing. In the Salem
episode they should surge forward and back, and discuss in pantomimic
groups all that is happening.



BY CARROLL WATSON RANKIN

STORIES FOR GIRLS

THE CINDER POND
Illustrated by ADA C. WILLIAMSON. $1.35 net.
Years ago, a manufacturer built a great dock, jutting out from and then
turning parallel to the shore of a northern Michigan town. The factory
was abandoned, and following the habits of small towns, the space
between the dock and the shore became "The Cinder Pond." Jean started
life in the colony of squatters that came to live in the shanties on
the dock, but fortune, heroism, and a mystery combine to change her
fortunes and those of her friends near the Cinder Pond.
THE CASTAWAYS OF PETE'S PATCH
Illustrated by ADA C. WILLIAMSON. $1.35 net.
A tale of five girls and two youthful grown-ups who enjoyed
unpremeditated camping.
DANDELION COTTAGE
Illustrated by Mmes. SHINN and FINLEY. $1.35 net.
Four young girls secure the use of a tumbledown cottage. They set up
housekeeping under numerous disadvantages, and have many amusements and
queer experiences.
"A capital story. It is refreshing to come upon an author who can tell
us about real little girls, with sensible ordinary parents, girls who
are neither phenomenal nor silly."--_Outlook_.
THE ADOPTING OF ROSA MARIE
A sequel to "Dandelion Cottage." Illustrated by Mrs. SHINN. $1.35 net.
The little girls who played at keeping house in the earlier book,
enlarge their activities to the extent of playing mother to a little
Indian girl.
"Those who have read 'Dandelion Cottage' will need no urging to follow
further...A lovable group of four real children, happily not perfect,
but full of girlish plans and pranks...A delightful sense of humor."--
_Boston Transcript_.
THE GIRLS OF GARDENVILLE
Illustrated by MARY WELLMAN. 12mo. $1.35 net.
Interesting, amusing, and natural stories of a girls' club.
"Will captivate as many adults as if it were written for them...The
secret of Mrs. Rankin's charm is her naturalness...real girls...not
young ladies with 'pigtails,' but girls of sixteen who are not twenty-
five...as original as amusing."--_Boston Transcript_.

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK



BY ALFRED BISHOP MASON

TOM STRONG, WASHINGTON'S SCOUT
Illustrated. $1.25 net.
A story of adventure. The principal characters, a boy and a trapper,
are in the Revolutionary army from the defeat at Brooklyn to the
victory at Yorktown.
"The most important events of the Revolution and much general
historical information are woven into this interesting and very well
constructed story of Tom and a trapper, who serve their country bravely
and well. Historical details are correctly given."--_American Library
Association Booklet_.
TOM STRONG, BOY-CAPTAIN
Illustrated. $1.25 net.
Tom Strong and a sturdy old trapper take part in such stirring events
following the Revolution as the Indian raid with Crawford and a flat-
boat voyage from Pittsburgh to New Orleans, etc.
TOM STRONG, JUNIOR
Illustrated. $1.25 net.
The story of the son of Tom Strong in the young United States. Tom sees
the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr; is in Washington
during the presidency of Jefferson; is on board of the "Clermont" on
its first trip, and serves in the United States Navy during the War of
1812.
TOM STRONG, THIRD
Illustrated. $1.30 net.
Tom Strong, Junior's son helps his father build the first railroad in
the United States and then goes with Kit Carson on the Lewis and Clarke
Expedition.

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK



THE HOME BOOK OF VERSE FOR YOUNG FOLKS
_Compiled by_ BURTON E. STEVENSON, _Editor of "The Home Book of Verse"_

_With cover, and illustrations in color and black and white by WILLY
POGANY. Over 500 pages, large 12mo. $2.00 net._

Not a rambling, hap-hazard collection but a vade-mecum for youth from
the ages of six or seven to sixteen or seventeen. It opens with Nursery
Rhymes and lullabies, progresses through child rhymes and jingles to
more mature nonsense verse; then come fairy verses and Christmas poems;
then nature verse and favorite rhymed stories; then through the trumpet
and drum period (where an attempt is made to teach true patriotism,) to
the final appeal of "Life Lessons" and "A Garland of Gold" (the great
poems for all ages).

This arrangement secures sequence of sentiment and a sort of cumulative
appeal. Nearly all the children's classics are included, and along with
them a body of verse not so well known but almost equally deserving.
There are many real "finds," most of which have never before appeared
in any anthology.

Mr. Stevenson has banished doleful and pessimistic verse, and has dwelt
on hope, courage, cheerfulness and helpfulness. The book should serve,
too, as an introduction to the greater poems, informing taste for them
and appreciation of them, against the time when the boy or girl, grown
into youth and maiden, is ready to swim out into the full current of
English poetry.

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK



TWO BOOKS BY CONSTANCE D'ARCY MACKAY

COSTUMES AND SCENERY FOR AMATEURS
A Practical Working Handbook with over 70 illustrations and full index.
258 pp. 12mo. $1.75 net.
A book that has long been needed. It concludes chapters on Amateurs and
the New Stage Art, Costumes, and Scenery, but consists mainly of simple
outline designs for costumes for historical plays, particularly
American Pageants, folk, fairy, and romantic plays--also of scenes,
including interiors, exteriors, and a scheme for a Greek Theatre, all
drawn to scale. Throughout the book color schemes, economy, and
simplicity are kept constantly in view, and ingenious ways are given to
adapt the same costumes or scenes to several different uses.
HOW TO PRODUCE CHILDREN'S PLAYS
The author is a recognized authority on the production of plays and
pageants in the public schools, and combines enthusiastic sympathy with
sound, practical instructions. She tells both how to inspire and care
for the young actor, how to make costumes, properties, scenery, where
to find designs for them, what music to use, etc., etc. She prefaces it
all with an interesting historical sketch of the plays-for-children
movement, includes elaborate detailed analyses of performances of
Browning's _Pied Piper_ and Rosetti's _Pageant of the Months_, and
concludes with numerous valuable analytical lists of plays for various
grades and occasions. $1.25 net.
_New York Times Review_: "It will be useful...practical advice."
_Magazine of General Federation of Women's Clubs_: "There seems to be
nothing she has forgotten to mention. Every club program chairman
should have it."

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK



SHORT PLAYS ABOUT FAMOUS AUTHORS
(Goldsmith, Dickens, Heine, Fannie Burney, Shakespeare)
By MAUDE MORRISON FRANK. $1.25 _net_.
THE MISTAKE AT THE MANOR shows the fifteen-year-old Goldsmith in the
midst of the humorous incident in his life which later formed the basis
of "She Stoops to Conquer."
A CHRISTMAS EVE WITH CHARLES DICKENS reveals the author as a poor
factory boy in a lodging-house, dreaming of an old-time family
Christmas.
WHEN HEINE WAS TWENTY-ONE dramatizes the early disobedience of the
author in writing poetry against his uncle's orders.
MISS BURNEY AT COURT deals with an interesting incident in life of the
author of "Evelina" when she was at the Court of George III.
THE FAIRIES' PLEA, which is an adaptation of Thomas Hood's poem, shows
Shakespeare intervening to save the fairies from the scythe of Time.
Designed in general for young people near enough to the college age to
feel an interest in the personal and human aspects of literature, but
the last two could easily be handled by younger actors. They can
successfully be given by groups or societies of young people without
the aid of a professional coach.

LITTLE PLAYS FROM AMERICAN HISTORY FOR YOUNG FOLKS
BY ALICE JOHNSTONE WALKER. $1.10 _net_.
HIDING THE REGICIDES, a number of brief and stirring episodes,
concerning the pursuit of Colonels Whalley and Goff by the officers of
Charles II at New Haven in old colony days.
MRS. MURRAY'S DINNER PARTY, in three acts, is a lively comedy about a
Patriot hostess and British Officers in Revolutionary Days.
SCENES FROM LINCOLN'S TIME; the martyred President does not himself
appear. They cover Lincoln's helping a little girl with her trunk,
women preparing lint for the wounded, a visit to the White House of an
important delegation from New York, and of the mother of a soldier boy
sentenced to death--and the coming of the army of liberation to the
darkies.
The big events are touched upon, the mounting of all these little plays
is simplicity itself, and they have stood the test of frequent school
performance.

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK



COMPANION STORIES OF COUNTRY LIFE
FOR BOYS
_By_ CHARLES P. BURTON

THE BOYS OF BOB'S HILL
Illustrated by GEORGE A. WILLIAMS. 12mo. $1.30.
A lively story of a party of boys in a small New England town.
"A first-rate juvenile...a real story for the live human boy--any boy
will read it eagerly to the end...quite thrilling adventures."--
_Chicago Record-Herald_.
"Tom Sawyer would have been a worthy member of the Bob's Hill crowd and
shared their good times and thrilling adventures with uncommon
relish...A jolly group of youngsters as nearly true to the real thing
in boy nature as one can ever expect to find between covers."--
_Christian Register_.
THE BOB'S CAVE BOYS
Illustrated by VICTOR PERARD. $1.30 net.
"It would be hard to find anything better in the literature of New
England boy life. Healthy, red-blooded, human boys, full of fun, into
trouble and out again, but frank, honest, and clean."--_The
Congregationalist_.
THE BOB'S HILL BRAVES
Illustrated by H. S. DELAY. 12mo. $1.30 net.
The "Bob's Hill" band spend a vacation in Illinois, where they play at
being Indians, hear thrilling tales of real Indians, and learn much
frontier history. A history of especial interest to "Boy Scouts."
"Merry youngsters. Capital. Thrilling tales of the red men and
explorers. These healthy red-blooded, New England boys."--_Philadelphia
Press_.
THE BOY SCOUTS OF BOB'S HILL
Illustrated by GORDON GRANT. 12mo. $1.30 net.
The "Bob's Hill" band organizes a Boy Scouts band and have many
adventures. Mr. Burton brings in tales told around a camp-fire of La
Salle, Joliet, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Northwestern
Reservation.
CAMP BOB'S HILL
Illustrated by GORDON GRANT. $1.30 net.
A tale of Boy Scouts on their summer vacation.

HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK





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