To arms for liberty: A pageant of the war for schools and societies

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Title: To arms for liberty: A pageant of the war for schools and societies
Author: Bryce, Catherine T. (Catherine Turner)
Language: English
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*** Start of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "To arms for liberty: A pageant of the war for schools and societies" ***

_To Arms for Liberty_

_A Pageant of the War_

_for_

SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES

_BY_

CATHERINE T. BRYCE

Assistant Superintendent of Public Schools, Cleveland, Ohio

[Illustration]

1918
C. C. BIRCHARD & COMPANY
BOSTON

C. C. BIRCHARD AND COMPANY

_International Copyright Secured_

NOTICE

The copying, either of separate parts or the whole of this work by any
process whatsoever, is forbidden by law and subject to the penalties
prescribed by Sec. 28, of the Copyright Law, in force July 1, 1909.
License to perform this work must be secured from the publishers, sole
owners of _all rights_.

_Orchestral parts may be rented from the publishers._

To Arms for Liberty

This Pageant was prepared primarily for grammar schools, but will
be found suitable and interesting for higher grades as well as for
Community Choruses and Societies.

It can be performed on any stage or platform indoors or on the lawn
out-of-doors. No scenery is absolutely necessary, although the use of
a scene representing a spacious interior, if such be available, would
heighten the effect of the performance. Otherwise, a wooded exterior
scene, or in case no scenery is procurable, a background of hangings in
a neutral tint will serve. The costumes for the most part are such as
can be made at home. Boy Scout uniforms will do for the Soldiers, but
naval uniforms may have to be procured for the occasion.

The music, which is an integral part of the Pageant, has been compiled
and published by us in a separate book, and is so arranged that it can
be sung in unison or by mixed voices.

It is intended that the _Chorus_ should be grouped in the background
and sides of the scene throughout the performance, leaving the central
part of the stage and a central entrance for the principal characters.

THE PUBLISHERS.

CHARACTERS

BELGIUM
BRITAIN
FRANCE
ITALY

(_Britain’s Daughters_)

ENGLAND
IRELAND
SCOTLAND
WALES
CANADA
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND

SERBIA
MONTENEGRO
PORTUGAL
SAN MARINO
ROUMANIA
GREECE
RUSSIA
POLAND
JAPAN

AMERICA

AMERICAN SOLDIERS, SAILORS, Y. M. C. A., and RED CROSS MEN

NOTE

All the allies who entered the war previous to America’s entry are
mentioned, but not in chronological order. That order is as follows:--

Serbia, July 28, 1914
Russia, Aug. 1, 1914
France, Aug. 3, 1914
Belgium, Aug. 4, 1914
Britain, Aug. 4, 1914
Montenegro, Aug. 8, 1914
Japan, Aug. 23, 1914
Italy, May 24, 1915
San Marino, May 24, 1915
Portugal, Mar. 9, 1916
Roumania, Aug. 27, 1916
Greece, Nov. 28, 1918
United States, Apr. 6, 1917

TO ARMS FOR LIBERTY

NO. 1. INTRODUCTORY MUSIC: suggesting strife, discord--War.

THE CURTAIN RISES. BELGIUM, _a girl dressed in Belgian costume,
clutching Belgium’s flag to her heart, enters and rushes to
center of stage_.

_BELGIUM_:

Hark! Hark! Do you not hear it? The heavy measured tread, the rumbling
cannon, the screaming shot, the bursting shell, the anguished cries of
my brave children?

Look! Look! Can you not see? Nay, thank God you cannot see what I have
been forced to look upon. (BELGIUM _covers her eyes_.) Oh, my sons! My
brave sons--for ye were brave! Ye fell, but ye fell with your faces to
the foe, defending your homes, your country, and your honor! Still ye
are gone and I am left desolate.

Oh, my children, my children! None too young, none too old, none too
brave, none too tender to escape the brutal destroyer! All lost, lost,
lost!

(_The distant strains of “Sambre et Meuse” are heard and_
FRANCE, _a girl dressed in classic white robe, wearing liberty
cap, and carrying tricolor, enters. She goes to_ BELGIUM’S
_side and places her hand on the latter’s shoulder_.)

_FRANCE_:

Arise, my Sister. All is _not_ lost! Thine honor and thy truth and thy
loyalty are all untarnished. Pure and white they shine before the eyes
of all the world. Till the stars fade and the sun dies, all men shall
say of thee, “Belgium’s is a consecrated,--Belgium’s is a holy ground!”

Lift up thy flag. It has never trailed in the dust, and it never shall.
Together, shoulder to shoulder, we will face the foe, and _They Shall
Not Pass_. On, on my Sister, on to Victory!

NO. 2. _CHORUS_: “THE MARSEILLAISE”:

Ye sons of Freedom, wake to glory!
Hark! Hark! what myriads bid you rise!
Your children, wives, and grandsires hoary,
Behold their tears and hear their cries!
Shall hateful tyrants, mischief breeding,
With hireling hosts, a ruffian band,
Affright and desolate the land,
While peace and liberty lie bleeding?

To arms! To arms! ye brave!
The avenging sword unsheathe;
March on! March on! all hearts resolved
On victory or death.

Now, now the dangerous storm is rolling,
Which treacherous kings, confederate, raise;
The dogs of war, let loose, are howling,
And lo! our fields and cities blaze;
And shall we basely view the ruin,
While lawless force with guilty stride,
Spreads desolation far and wide,
With crimes and blood his hands imbruing?

O Liberty! can man resign thee,
Once having felt thy generous flame?
Can dungeons, bolts, or bars confine thee?
Or whips thy noble spirit tame?
Too long the world has wept bewailing
That falsehood’s dagger tyrants wield,
But freedom is our sword and shield,
And all their arts are unavailing.

(_While the chorus sing “The Marseillaise,”_ FRANCE _and_
BELGIUM _stand with unfurled flags_. FRANCE, _several steps
in front of_ BELGIUM, _appears to lead the music. Appropriate
pantomime during the singing will help._ BELGIUM, _too, shows
the effects of the music, first, by an awakened look, then by
advancing one step at a time, until she is shoulder to shoulder
with_ FRANCE _when the song ends_.)

_BELGIUM_:

Dare I, dare I believe?

_FRANCE_:

Believe? Believe the victory will be ours? Aye, never doubt it. Nor
shall we fight alone. Britain joins our cause.

_BELGIUM_:

Britain? Britain, the proud, the arrogant! Why think ye she will come?

_FRANCE_:

Because she hath promised.

_BELGIUM_:

Promised! Promised! Methinks I have heard that the promises of strong
nations are but “scraps of paper.”

_FRANCE_:

But not Britain’s promises! Proud, arrogant, and strong she may be, but
when was she known to break a treaty? She hath promised her fleets to
guard my shore and I rely on her word. Britain never shall be foresworn.

(_MUSIC: “Rule Britannia” heard as at a distance._)

_BELGIUM_:

Hark! What is that?

_FRANCE_:

There! it is she! Did I not tell you Britain would keep her word?

NO. 3. _CHORUS_: “RULE BRITANNIA”:

When Britain first at Heaven’s command,
Arose from out the azure main,
This was the charter of the land,
And guardian angels sang the strain:
Rule, Britannia, rule the waves,
Britons never shall be slaves.

Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful from each foreign stroke;
As the loud blast that tears the skies
Serves but to root thy native oak.
Rule, Britannia, rule the waves,
Britons never shall be slaves.

Thee, haughty tyrants ne’er shall tame;
All their attempts to bear thee down
Will but arouse thy generous flame,
But work their woe, and thy renown.
Rule Britannia, rule the waves,
Britons never shall be slaves.

(_As the chorus reach the refrain “Rule Britannia, rule
the waves!”_ BRITAIN _enters. She is dressed as Britannia.
Accompanying her are_, ENGLAND, _clad in white and rose pink,
bearing the English standard_; SCOTLAND, _clad in white and
purple, bearing the Scottish standard_; IRELAND, _dressed in
white and green, bearing Irish flag_; WALES _dressed in white,
bearing the Welsh flag_; CANADA, _dressed in white robe,
trimmed with maple leaves, bearing Canadian flag_, AUSTRALIA
_and_ NEW ZEALAND, _dressed in robes similar to_ BRITAIN’S
_other daughters_, INDIA, _clad in native costume_. BRITAIN
_with her companions grouped about her, occupies the center of
the stage_, BELGIUM _and_ FRANCE, _the front-left and right_.)

_BRITAIN_ (_touching the Union Jack on her shield with her trident,
then extending it to_ FRANCE):

I have come, my Sister.

_FRANCE_ (_impulsively rushing forward and clasping_ BRITAIN’S _hand_):

I said ye would come. (_Turning to_ BELGIUM.) Said I not so?

_BELGIUM_:

I had thought--I feared--

_BRITAIN_ (_stretching her hand to_ BELGIUM):

I understand, say no more.

“Men whispered that our arm was weak,
Men said our blood was cold,
And that our hearts no longer speak
The clarion-note of old;
But let the spear and sword draw near
The sleeping lion’s den,
His island shore shall start once more
To life with armèd men.”

_BRITAIN_ (_continuing_):

Nor think, O Belgium, that thy bravery and thy chivalry count for
naught.

“Whatever men have done, man may,--
The deeds you wrought are not in vain!”

(_To_ FRANCE): Not only do I guard the ocean with my fleets; I bring
here my children to aid you in upholding justice, truth and liberty.

England, what is thy message?

_ENGLAND_ (_saluting_):

Ready!

“Old England’s sons are English yet,
Old England’s hearts are strong;
And still she wears her coronet
Aflame with sword and song.
As in their pride our fathers died,
If need be, so die we;
So wield we still, gainsay who will,
The sceptre of the sea.”

_BRITAIN_:

“England, stand fast; let heart and hand be steady; Be thy first word
thy last,--Ready, aye, ready!”

NO. 4. _CHORUS_: “YE MARINERS OF ENGLAND!”

The meteor flag of England
Shall yet terrific burn;
Till danger’s troubled night depart
And the star of peace return.
Then, then, ye ocean-warriors!
Our song and feast shall flow
To the fame of your name,
When the storm has ceased to blow!
When the fiery fight is heard no more,
And the storm has ceased to blow!

_BRITAIN_:

Ireland, what message do you bring?

_IRELAND_ (_stepping forward and saluting_):

And when did Erin e’er hold back,
When Freedom called for men?
I’m with you to the finish, friends,
For God and the Right, Amen!

_ALL_ (_with upraised banners_):

“God and the Right, Amen!”

NO. 5. _CHORUS_: “THE MINSTREL-BOY”:

The minstrel-boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you’ll find him;
His father’s sword he has girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him.
“Land of song!” cried the warrior-bard,
“Though all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful heart shall praise thee.”

_BRITAIN_:

Scotland, what is thy message?

_SCOTLAND_ (_stepping forward and saluting_):

From Scotia’s Isles and storm-tossed shore,
From fortress-rock and peaceful glen,
Come ranks of lion-hearted men--
Come clansmen true as knights of old,
Meet warriors for achievement bold,
Loving their home, but Freedom more!

(_Continues, peering and pointing as if seeing a far-off vision_):

I see their plaids and tartans wave,
I know them, bravest of the brave!
I see their eyes with purpose fired;
I know their hearts with right inspired;
I know their purpose--all mine own--
That Freedom shall resume her throne!
Hear! hear their slogan stern and old--
Meet slogan for my warriors bold!

NO. 6 _CHORUS_: “SCOTS WHA HAE”:

Wha for Scotland’s king and law
Freedom’s sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand, or freeman fa’,
Let him follow me!

By oppression’s woes and pains!
By your sons in servile chains,
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be free!

Lay the proud usurpers low!
Tyrants fall in every foe!
Liberty at every blow!
Let us do or die!

_ALL_:

“Let us do or die!”

_BRITAIN_:

Wales, what is thy message?

_WALES_ (_stepping forward and saluting_):

Since Arthur formed his table round,
Within my favored land,
And taught each page, and squire, and knight,
For Freedom’s cause to stand,
And ’gainst oppression urge their might,
My sons have stood for God and right.
And so we join you in this fight!

NO. 7. _CHORUS_: “HARLECH”:

Men of Harlech! in the hollow,
Do you hear like rushing billow,
Wave on wave that surging follow,
Battle’s distant sound?
’Tis the tramp of Saxon foeman,
Saxon spearmen, Saxon bowmen,
Be they knights, or hinds, or yeomen,
They shall bite the ground!
Loose the folds asunder,
Flag we conquer under!
The placid sky now bright on high,
Shall launch its bolts in thunder,
Onward! ’tis our country needs us.
He is bravest, he who leads us!
Honor’s self now proudly heads us!
Freedom, God, and Right!

_BRITAIN_:

Canada, youngest of my daughters, ye send each gallant son forth, a
maiden-knight, to earn his spurs. What is thy message?

_CANADA_ (_advancing and saluting_):

“I give my soldier boy a blade,
In fair Damascus fashioned well;
Who first the glittering falchion swayed,
Who first beneath its fury fell,
I know not; but I hope to know,
That for no mean or hireling trade,
To guard no feeling base or low--
I give my soldier boy the blade!

“For country’s claim at honor’s call,
For outraged friend, insulted maid.
At mercy’s voice to bid it fall--
I give my soldier boy the blade!”

_FRANCE_:

The sword unsheathed in such a cause will ne’er be tarnished. It will
return to you, my Sister, laureled with the deeds of thy brave sons. I
know it! I know it!

NO. 8. _CHORUS_: “THE MAPLE LEAF FOREVER!”

On many a hard-fought battle field
Our brave fathers, side by side,
For loved ones, home and freedom dear,
Firmly stood and nobly died.
And those dear rights which they maintained
We swear to yield them never;
God save our land and Heaven bless
The Maple Leaf forever.

The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear,
May we forsake it never;
God save our land and Heaven bless
The Maple Leaf forever!

_BRITAIN_:

India, what message do you bear?

_INDIA_ (_advancing and making native salaam_):

I bring thee the loving homage,
Of a people thy justice has won,
I pledge ye our faith and our service.
Till the day of the despot is done.

_BRITAIN_:

Well spoken, my daughter. I knew I could rely on thy loyalty.
Australia, fair and independent, what word do you bring?

_AUSTRALIA_ (_advancing and saluting_):

My great grey ships are on their way,
Plowing the crested wave,
A precious freight they’re carrying
My gallant sons and brave.

_BRITAIN_:

Aye, gallant and brave and strong are they! New Zealand, what is thy
message?

_NEW ZEALAND_ (_advancing and saluting_):

I heard you calling, Mother,
I bring you of my best,
My splendid men, my Mother,
God guard them in this test.

_BRITAIN AND HER DAUGHTERS_ (_with upraised faces_):

God, guard our men!

NO. 9. _CHORUS_: (_Tune_--“GOD SAVE THE KING”):

“God bless our splendid men,
Send them safe home again,
God bless our men.
Keep them victorious,
Strong, clean and glorious,
They are so dear to us,
God bless our men.”

(_During the singing of the above verse, all stand in an
attitude of supplication._)

_BELGIUM_:

O Britain, well mayest thou be proud! With such loyal daughters and
such gallant sons, thou art invincible.

_FRANCE_:

Lo! one crowned with sorrow approaches. It is Serbia and with her comes
her neighbor, Montenegro. (_Enter_ SERBIA _and_ MONTENEGRO. _Each is
dressed in National costume and carries National flag._)

NO. 10. _CHORUS_: “SERBIAN HYMN”:

Up and arise the Nations call you!
Men of Serbia rise as one,
Honor calls, whate’er befall you,
Up and strike till Freedom’s won!
Though the wrong may seem to conquer,
Truth and Justice will prevail,
Up and onward to the battle,
Freedom’s cause shall never fail.
Up and strike till Freedom’s won!
Strike till Freedom’s won!

_SERBIA_ (_holding forth her hands as begging for sympathy_):

Woe, woe is me, that the deed of one of my weakest sons should be made
the excuse for this world-wide war! Mad was the deed, and mad the
boy--but must the world be set on fire for such a cause?

I would have prevented it if I could. Did I not yield all, all, all I
could and save mine honor? Speak to me! Tell me, my Sisters, that I am
guiltless of this world-agony!

_ALL_ (_stepping forward and extending the right hand to Serbia_):

We pronounce thee guiltless.

(_The last strains of the Russian Hymn are heard and_ RUSSIA
_enters, followed by_ POLAND. RUSSIA _is clad in National
costume and carries the Russian flag_. POLAND _is in
characteristic costume, but carries no flag_.)

_BELGIUM_:

O Russia, dost thou too love Freedom?

_RUSSIA_:

I’ve dreamed a dream--a wondrous dream--
I’ve dreamed it long--aye, long;
And in my dream, my people stand--
Brave _freemen_, true and strong.

No men have longed for Liberty
As Russia’s sons have yearned,
In the hearts that know oppression,
Freedom’s light most fiercely burns.

The day will come--I know not when
But still mine eyes shall see
My dream--my dream of dreams--come true,
And Russia’s sons be free.

NO. 11. _CHORUS_: HYMN TO NEW RUSSIA:

New Russia, rise and proudly stand
Where men and heroes are;
Go forth with Freedom, hand in hand,
Thine eyes upon a star!

Create a land where men are peers,
Where laws, not monarchs, reign,
And take thine heritage of years
Made sacred by thy pain!

_ALL_:

May Russia’s sons be free!

_FRANCE_:

And Poland’s, too. Brave men whose hearts have ever yearned for
Freedom’s crown!

NO. 12. _CHORUS_: POLAND FAIR:

Poland Fair, thou bright and lovely land,
Ne’er to be forsaken;
Loyal sons obey thy proud command:
Ev’ry soul awaken!
Sacred land, we love thee well,
Our hearts unite beneath thy spell;
Take, O Country, all thy sons can give,
Poland fair, thy name shall live!

(_A trumpet call sounds._)

_FRANCE_:

Hark! Another friend approaches from the fair South!

NO. 13. _CHORUS_: GARIBALDI’S HYMN:

All forward to battle! the trumpets are crying,
All forward! all forward! our old flag is flying.
When liberty calls us, we linger no longer.
Ye tyrants, come on! Tho’ a thousand to one!
Hurrah for the banner, the flag of the free!

(_Enter_ ITALY, _dressed in National costume_.)

_FRANCE_:

Now, welcome, Sister Italy. I have looked for thy coming.

_BELGIUM_:

Twice welcome art thou, for I, too, hoped for your aid.

_BRITAIN_:

Thrice welcome art thou. For well I know that in thee still lives the
greatness that was Rome.

_ITALY_:

Yea, and dauntless as Romans of old come my sons to strike for liberty.
Now as then--

The horsemen and the footmen
Are pouring in amain
From many a stately market place,
From many a fruitful plain,
From many a lonely hamlet,
Which, hid by beech and pine,
Like an eagle’s nest, hangs on the crest
Of purple Apennine.

And the same spirit that urged the hero of old to face the foe, fires
the hearts and strengthens the hand of my younger sons, for--

“How can a man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods?”

NO. 14. _CHORUS_: “SOUND! TRUMPET!”

Hark! from the vine-cover’d valley,
Up to the mountains above,
Loud rings the signal to rally
Under the banner we love.
Aloft bright pennons are glancing,
And ev’ry heart beats high;
Proudly the hosts are advancing
To fight and if need be, to die!

_Chorus._

Sound! trumpet, sound! let the battle-cry
Re-echo from mountain to strand!
Sound ye the strain that shall lead us on
To strike for Italia, our land!

God of the fathers who perish’d
Seeking the birthright we claim,
Thine is the flow’r we have cherished,
Ne’er let it wither in shame!
The fires of Freedom are lighted,
With deathless flame they glow;
Forward! in faith all united,
To strike and to vanquish the foe!

_BELGIUM_:

O Italy, thy proud spirit shall again triumph!

(_Music--Japanese National Song--is heard off stage._)

NO. 15. _CHORUS_: JAPANESE NATIONAL SONG:

“Just as leaves by autumn sown
Red and fair to earth are blown,
Just as these never cease
Year by year to shed their peace,
Thus shall be Freedom’s reign to Eternity.”

(_As Chorus sings the last lines_ JAPAN _enters. She is clad
in Japanese costume and carries the Japanese flag. During
the singing of the last line, she makes the National salaam,
remaining with her forehead to the ground until the last note
has died away._)

_BRITAIN_:

We bid you welcome, my Sister. Great indeed is the cause that unites
East and West.

_FRANCE_:

Freedom’s cause alone can work so great a miracle.

_JAPAN_:

To Eastward ringing, to Eastward winging,
Came Freedom’s call to me.
“Send forth thy sons, thy gallant sons,
To guard fair Liberty!”

To Westward winging, to Westward bringing
My dauntless sons so true,
I’ve travelled half way round the earth
To take my stand with you.

(_Martial airs heard off stage._)

_MONTENEGRO_:

Hark! Others come to join us from the South.

(_Enter_ SAN MARINO, PORTUGAL, ROUMANIA, _and_ GREECE. _Each is
dressed in National costume and carries National flag._)

_SAN MARINO_:

As the oldest, though the smallest, Republic in the world I have come
to strike a blow for Freedom.

_PORTUGAL_:

And I will stand by you, my Sister, till

“Freedom’s perils be outbraved,
And Freedom’s flag, wherever waved,
Shall overshadow none enslaved.”

NO. 16. _CHORUS_: OH, COME, ALL YE VALIANT:

(_Tune--Portuguese Hymn_):

Oh, come all ye valiant,
Join our high endeavor,
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye, now in
Freedom’s name.
Oh, come, strike for Freedom
Our country now is calling,
Oh, come and strike for Freedom!
Oh, come and strike for Freedom!
Oh, come and strike for Freedom!
Our God, and Right!

_ROUMANIA_:

“We are they whose firm battalions
Trained to fight, not fly,
Know the cause of good will triumph,
It will triumph though we die!”

NO. 17. _CHORUS_: ROUMANIAN HYMN:

Long live fair Liberty,
Honor and Peace she brings--
Peace to our well-loved land,
Honor to mankind.
Freedom all glorious in God’s own gift to all,
We will fight; we may die,
But right shall ever stand.
O God Almighty, O God of Heaven,
Uphold with mighty hand,
Fair Freedom’s name and cause!

O may the day soon come
When peace on earth is won
All strife and hate be past.
Truth and right defended
Right shall reign glorious--all men shall hear its call.
Truth shall rise; Right prevail
And peace at last shall come.
O God Almighty, O heav’nly Father,
Uphold with mighty hand,
Fair Freedom’s name and cause!

_GREECE_:

Doubt not that my sons will acquit themselves as did their fathers “on
old Plataea’s day.” They are

“True as the steel of their tried blades,
Heroes in heart and hand,
The sons of sires who conquered there,
With arm to strike and soul to dare,
As quick, as far as they.”

_BRITAIN_:

Ah, my Sister, may ye prove to the world that “the glory that was
Greece” still abides with thy sons.

_FRANCE_:

Still others come to join us. From the frozen North, from the sunny
South, and from the far East they come.

_BELGIUM_:

What of the West? What of America--the great, the strong, the free--is
she coming?

_FRANCE_:

Not yet.

_BRITAIN_:

But she will come! Well I know her. Ours are

“Sons of the self-same race.
And blood of the self-same clan.”

_ITALY_:

Yes, she will come. Well is she named Columbia, after my gallant son
Columbus. Can’st see him as he steered his bark to Columbia’s shore,
when

“Pale and worn, he kept his deck,
And peered through darkness. Ah, that night
Of all dark nights! And then a speck--
A light! A light! A light! A light!
It grew--a starlit flag unfurled,
It grew to be Time’s burst of dawn.
He gained a world; he gave that world
Its grandest lesson: ‘On and On.’”

That light became the light of Freedom. That light is still upheld
clear and pure by Columbia. In that light she will press “on and on”
till tyranny be banished from the earth.

_FRANCE_:

Aye, she will come, if but to pay back the debt of gratitude she owes
us for our aid when she won her Independence.

_BELGIUM_:

She must come, for we need her aid.

_BRITAIN_:

America is proud; she will repay her debt of gratitude, France. America
is generous; she will send you aid, Belgium.

NO. 18. MUSIC OF LARGO. (_All look to the rear._ _Enter_--CHARITY,
HOPE, _and_ FAITH; CHARITY _carries large cornucopia_.)

_CHARITY_:

We bear ye greetings and gifts from America.

_BELGIUM_:

Ah, I know you. Ye are Charity.

_CHARITY_:

Call me by my new name, Love, for the love of America sends me and my
Sisters with help and messages of cheer.

_HOPE_:

I am Hope. Never despair. Ye shall triumph. “Be staunch, and valiant,
and free, and strong.”

_FAITH_:

I am Faith. Press on--

“I do not know beneath what sky
Nor on what seas shall be thy fate;
I only know it shall be high,
I only know it shall be great.”

(_Enter_ MERCY, _a Red Cross nurse_, CHARITY _takes her by the
hand and leads her forward_.)

_MERCY_:

Thy Sister, America, has heard thy call for help, and sends me. I am
ready for service.

NO. 19. _CHORUS_: THE RED CROSS:

(_Tune--Battle Hymn of the Republic_):

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the Red Cross on the White;
It carries ease and comfort to the soldiers in the fight,
It strengthens their endeavors in the battle for the right,
Its mercy never fails!
Hail the Red Cross then forever,
Its mercy never fails!

At the call of suffering thousands it now flies across the sea,
The homeless hosts of Belgium know its mercy kind and free,
In prison camps in Europe it breathes hope and liberty,
Its mercy never fails!
Hail the Red Cross then forever,
Its mercy never fails!

_FRANCE_:

Your gifts and messages bring comfort and inspiration, but why does
America wait?

_CHARITY_:

“With malice toward none, with charity for all,” America has sought to
live at peace with all men. “With firmness in the right as God gives
her to see the right,” she will act when the time comes.

_BRITAIN_ (_to_ FRANCE _and_ BELGIUM):

Said I not so? (_Turning toward West with outstretched arms_):

“Columbia, Sister of the West,
With all of Nature’s gifts endowed,
With all of Heaven’s mercies blessed,
Nor of thy power unduly proud,
Peerless in courage, force, and skill,
And godlike in thy strength of will,--

“Before thy feet the ways divide;
One path leads up to heights sublime;
Downward the other slopes, where bide
The refuse and the wreck of Time.
Choose, then, nor falter at the start,
O choose the nobler path and part!”

_FRANCE_ (_stepping to_ BRITAIN’S _side, continues_):

“Be thou the guardian of the weak,
Of the unfriended, thou the friend;
No guerdon for thy valor seek.
No end beyond the avowèd end.
Wouldst thou thy godlike power preserve,
Be godlike in the will to serve.”

(_Others join_ BRITAIN _and_ FRANCE _in silent supplication.
Music softly, first lines of “Star-Spangled Banner.” While
music sounds, the American Flag is unfurled from above over
stage. Immediately_ AMERICA _enters. She is dressed like_
COLUMBIA _and carries a lighted torch. While she stands a
moment in the center at the rear, music changes to “Hail
Columbia,” while all on stage salute her._)

_ALL_:

Hail! Hail! Columbia!

_AMERICA_:

“Prince of Light, or Prince of Darkness!
I have chosen for the world,
On the side of deathless freedom
I my banner have unfurled.”

_AMERICA_ (_to Belgium_):

“Little Belgium, crushed and bleeding,
Martyred by the cruel horde,
Crowned with thorns, yet bravely fighting,
Thou shalt live to be restored!”

(_to France_):

“France, the fair, with face uplifted,
Radiant courage on you waits,
Thou shalt beat the hordes of Prussia,
Seeking entrance at thy gates.”

_FRANCE_:

They shall not pass! They shall not pass!

_AMERICA_ (_to Britain_):

“Britons, ye
Who guard the sacred outpost, not in vain
Hold your proud peril! Freemen undefiled
Keep watch and ward! Let battlements be piled
Around your cliffs; fleets marshalled, till the main
Sink under them; and if your courage wane,
Through force or fraud, look westward to your child.”

_BRITAIN_:

“Now fling them out to the breeze,
Shamrock, Thistle and Rose,
And the Star-Spangled Banner unfurl with these--
A message to friends and to foes
Wherever the sails of peace are seen, and wherever
The war wind blows--

“A message to bond and thrall to wake,
For whenever we come, we twain,
The throne of the tyrant shall rock and quake,
And his menace be void and vain,
For you are lords of a strong land,
And we are lords of the main.”

(_While_ BRITAIN _speaks_, IRELAND, SCOTLAND, _and_ ENGLAND
_group flags beside Stars and Stripes_.)

_AMERICA_ (_to Canada_):

“Valiant neighbor of my home land,
The flower of thy Canadian youth;
At the front where danger gathers
Bravely stand for God and Truth.”

(_to Italy_):

“In the bright and sunny Southland,
Where thy sons are fighting sore,
Garibaldi’s spirit liveth
As the wine of life they pour.”

(_to All_):

“Noble Sisterhood of Nations,
I have joined thy vanguard, too;
Freedom’s torch is brightly burning,
And I pass it on to you.”

(_Waves torch and all light electric torches which have been
concealed; these they raise aloft as_ AMERICA _continues_):

“Bear aloft its sacred message
To all nations of the earth,
Till a world-wide peace forever
Comes to bless us with new birth.”

NO. 20. _CHORUS_: HAIL, COLUMBIA:

Firm, united let us be,
Rallying around our Liberty,
As a band of brothers joined,
Peace and safety we shall find.

(_Bugles heard off stage._)

_AMERICA_:

They come! my gallant sons! All are with me. (_Unfurls service flag._)
See my service flag--a star for every state and none missing.

NO. 21. MEDLEY OF PATRIOTIC AIRS.

(AMERICAN SOLDIERS _and_ SAILORS _march in; a line of_ RED
CROSS MEN _in the van. When all are in places at the rear of
the stage their leader approaches and salutes_ COLUMBIA. _She
hands him the service flag which he passes to a soldier who
holds it at the right of the large American flag. A_ RED CROSS
MAN _holds the flag of the Red Cross at the left_. COLUMBIA
_and the leader of the soldiers stand before the large flag_.)

_LEADER_: THE AMERICAN FLAG:

Stars of the early dawning, set in a field of blue;
Stripes of the sunrise splendor, crimson and white of hue;
Flag of our fathers’ fathers, born on the field of strife,
Phoenix of fiery battle, risen from human life;
Given for God and Freedom, sacred, indeed the trust
Left by the countless thousands returned to the silent dust.

Flag of a mighty nation waving aloft unfurled;
Kissed by the sun of heaven, caressed by the winds of the world.
Greater than kingly power, greater than all mankind;
Conceived in the need of the hour, inspired by the Master Mind;
Over the living children, over the laureled grave,
Streaming on high in the cloudless sky, banner our fathers gave.
Under thy spangled folds thy children await to give
All that they have or are that the flag they love shall live.

NO. 22. _CHORUS_: UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES:

High on the world did our fathers of old,
Under the stars and stripes,
Blazon the name that we now must uphold,
Under the stars and stripes.
Vast in the past they have builded an arch
Over which Freedom has lighted her torch.
Follow it! Follow it! Come, let us march
Under the stars and stripes!

_Chorus._

Under the stars and stripes,
Under the stars and stripes!
Follow it, follow it, come, let us march
Under the stars and stripes!
Follow it, follow it, come, let us march
Under the stars and stripes!

We in whose bodies the blood of them runs,
Under the stars and stripes,
We will acquit us as sons of their sons,
Under the stars and stripes.
Ever for justice, our heel upon wrong,
We in the light of our vengeance thrice strong
Rally together! Come tramping along
Under the stars and stripes!

_SOLDIERS AND SAILORS_ (_with hands at salute_):

“I pledge allegiance to my Flag, and to the Republic for which it
stands--one Nation, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

_AMERICA_:

“Freedom for all, forever!”

FINALE: (_Last stanza of_--STAR-SPANGLED BANNER):

_CHORUS_: _ALL_:

“Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation,
Blessed with victory and peace, may the heaven rescued land
Praise the power that has made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust,’
And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

_CURTAIN_

The quotations used have been selected from the following:

READY, AYE, READY _Herman C. Merivale_
I GIVE MY SOLDIER BOY A BLADE _William Maginn_
HORATIUS AT THE BRIDGE _Thomas B. Macaulay_
COLUMBUS _Joaquin Miller_
UNMANIFEST DESTINY _Henry Holcomb Bennett_
THE PARTING OF THE WAYS _Joseph B. Gilder_
(_To fit the context the first line of this poem has been
slightly changed. The original reads, “Untrammelled Giant of
the West.”_)
A SONG OF THE ALLIES _Irene Brush_
TO ENGLAND _George Henry Boker_
TO AMERICA _Alfred Austin_
THE AMERICAN FLAG _Charles G. Crellin_
ARMAGEDDON _Edwin Arnold_
MARCO BOZZARIUS _Fitz-Greene Halleck_

NOTES ON MUSIC

_To fit the context the last line of the Japanese National Song has
been slightly altered._

Transcriber’s Notes

Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected. Variations
in hyphenation and accents have been standardised but all other
spelling and punctuation remains unchanged.

Italics are represented thus _italic_.

*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "To arms for liberty: A pageant of the war for schools and societies" ***

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