■ f-r % -, 
 
 Li^ IXJ 
 
 A55Bf 
 
 'GUSm STEYF^^S 
 
nntt (EaUege of ^Agriculture 
 
 At (JJorneUlntweraitH 
 
 atljata, N. 1. 
 
 Ctbrarg 
 
Cornell University Library 
 PN6120.A5S84 
 
 Dramatized scenes from American history, 
 
 3 1924 014 524 858 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924014524858 
 
DRAMATIZED SCENES 
 
 FROM AMERICAN 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 BY 
 
 AUGUSTA STEVENSON 
 
 TCBUEBLT A TEAOHEB IN THE IKDUHAFOUS FUBLIO BCHOOLB 
 AUTHOB OF oaiLDBEH'S OLAflBIO IH DBAUATIO TOBU 
 
 ILLtTSTEATED BY 
 FJRANK T. MERRILL 
 
 BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO 
 
 HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 
 
COPYRIGHT, I916, BY AUGUSTA STEVENSON 
 AI.L RIGHTS RESERVED 
 
 CAMBRIDGE . MASSACHUSETTS 
 tf . S . A 
 
PREFACE 
 
 These plays are really dramatic pageants, and the 
 various acts are, with few exceptions, episodes, with 
 different characters and representing different peri- 
 ods of time. Many of the episodes are in themselves 
 complete plays, and can be presented for Thanks- 
 giving, Christmas, Flag Day, Washington's Birth- 
 day, and so on. For example, Act I oi A Dream 
 of Gold and Act II of 77ie Man loho bore the Bur- 
 den are suitable for Christmas. Any one of the acts 
 of A Dream of Freedom or of Troubles on Land 
 and Sea could be used for Thanksgiving. For Flag 
 Day, Fourth of July, and other patriotic celebra- 
 tions, there is abundant material in The Boston 
 Tea Party, When Courage was needed, and A 
 Brave Deed by Brave Men. Any one of the epi- 
 sodes in The Man who bore the Burden could be 
 used as a play for February 22. 
 
 Whether these plays are read in class or acted in 
 costume, their influence will be strong. The no- 
 bility and courage of our forefathers, who stood 
 forth so bravely for justice, become, through the 
 medium of dramatic action, vital and real. Nor is 
 it too much to believe that this very nobility and 
 courage will be absorbed unconsciously and help to 
 form the character of the boys and girls who read 
 
iv PREFACE 
 
 and speak their words; Moreover, these plays, by 
 their appeal to the imagination, will awaken a new 
 and lively interest in American history. 
 
 Infinite pains were taken in the preparation of 
 the plays. The research required to gather the ma- 
 terial, with the setting of each scene and its true 
 historic atmosphere, has been great. The best his- 
 torical sources were sought and all facts verified by 
 the highest authorities. For the correctness of the 
 historic data I am indebted to Dr. Allen Johnson, 
 Professor of American history, Yale University. 
 His criticisms were most valuable, and enabled me 
 to place certain characters and scenes in their true 
 proportions. 
 
 A.S. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 A Dbeam op Gold; or, The Settlement at 
 Jamestown 1 
 
 A Dbeam of Freedom; or, The Puritans of 
 SCROOBT 53 
 
 Troubles on Land and Sea; or, The Pilgrims 
 
 AND THEIR JoURNETS 97 
 
 The Boston Tea Party; or, Descendants of 
 THE Pilgrims 145 
 
 When Courage was needed; or. The First 
 Continental Congress 177 
 
 A Brave Deed by Brave Men ; or, The Decla- 
 ration OF Independence 217 
 
 The Man who bore the Burden ; or, General 
 George Washington 263 
 
DRAMATIZED SCENES FROM 
 AMERICAN HISTORY 
 
 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 OB 
 
 THE SETTLEMENT AT JAMESTOWN 
 
 ACT I 
 
 Time : 1606 — December 20th. 
 Place : London, England. The docks. 
 
 Captain John Smith. 
 
 Captain Newport. 
 
 Captain Gosnold. 
 
 Captain Eatcliffe. 
 
 Mate. 
 
 A Mother. 
 
 William. 
 
 MOLLIE. 
 
 Charles. 
 
 TODKLLL. 
 
 Mistress Todkill. 
 Squire Phettiplace. 
 Young Phettiplace. 
 Sir Gilbert Manlove, 
 
 Sir Richard Haklutt. 
 Chaplain Hunt. 
 First Gentleman. 
 Second Gentleman. 
 Third Gentleman. 
 George Percy. 
 Phillips. 
 Walters. 
 Simpson. 
 Henry Spelman. 
 First Gallant. 
 Second Gallant. 
 Third Gallant. 
 
 Fourth Gallant. 
 Lords, Ladies, Sailors, Relatives, Gallants, 
 Artisans, Beggars. 
 
2 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 {Interior of covered dock is seen, with deck of a 
 sailing vessel lying close. Sailors are loading ship 
 with hags, barrels, cases, boxes, etc., now piled high 
 on dock. Groups of passengers — all men — stand 
 about. Other passengers — all men — enter from 
 land. All carry baggage, and all are well dressed. 
 They wear long cloaks and fine hats with plumes, 
 and bear themselves as gentlemen. All are young, 
 none being over thirty. Captains Newport, Gos- 
 NOLD, and Ratoliffe are talking together as they 
 watch loading of ship.) 
 
 Mate {to sailors). These cases of oil to the Sarah 
 Constant ! These barley bags to the Sarah ! 
 
 Sailors. Aye! Aye! 
 
 {Go to ship with freight.) 
 
 Mate {to other sailors). These vinegar barrels to 
 the Goodspeed ! These boxes to the Discovery ! Load 
 these craft across the decks of the Sarah. 
 
 {Sailors go with freight. Other sailors return 
 from ships.) 
 
 Mate {to sailors). These boxes of spice to the 
 Goodspeed ! These barley bags to Discovery ! Vin- 
 egar barrels to Discovery! Oil cases to Good- 
 speed ! 
 
 {Sailors loading ships.) 
 
 GosNOLD. Our passengers are arriving betimes. 
 
 Ratoliffe {looking about). 'T is strange Sir 
 Richard Hakluyt is not here. 'T was he who planned 
 this voyage to America. He helped, too, with the 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 3 
 
 large expenses of sending these men and of settling 
 them in a colony. 
 
 Newport. He hath been summoned to King 
 James to hear who will govern them in Virginia. 
 
 GosNOLD. It hath pleased his Majesty to hold it 
 back till the very last. There will be grumblings all 
 the way over. 
 
 Newport. Nay, these gentlemen are going with 
 the hope of finding gold. They care not who is 
 leader. 
 
 {Enter other passengers of same class as those 
 on deck. Many are accompanied hy relatives.) 
 
 A Mother {to William). Oh, I cannot bear to 
 have you go, my son ! 'T is a wild and fearsome 
 country. 
 
 William {a hrave youth of eighteen). There is 
 naught to fear, dear mother. Just think of the for- 
 tune I '11 make in gold ! I could ne'er make so much 
 in England. And next year this time I '11 be coming 
 back, with presents for you of jewels and gold — 
 as much as I can carry. 
 
 Mother. I truly believe you will, lad. 
 
 {They pass on. A brother and sister approach 
 — MoLLiB and Charles.) 
 
 Mollis. And do you really think you '11 be back 
 in England, brother, just a year from now ? 
 
 Charles. Why, 't is certain, sister ! And you 
 will be wearing strings of pearls, and rings of gold 
 on your fingers. 
 
4 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Mollis. Oh ! how wonderful ! Will you really 
 find jewels and gold there, Charles ? 
 
 Charles. Is it not said so by every one ? I tell 
 you, MoUie, I shall come home rich. 
 
 {They pass on. Master and Mistress Todkill 
 approach. They are young and have been hut re- 
 cently married.) 
 
 Mistress Todkill. Now, John, you must not 
 work too hard. Digging gold is fatiguing. 
 
 Todkill. Methinks I shan't have to dig much, 
 dear. I have beads enough to trade with the Indi- 
 ans for their golden kettles or saucepans. 
 
 Mistress Todkill. You might get both — you 
 can fit them into each other. I daresay they will have 
 golden bowls, too, which you can fit into the kettles. 
 
 Todkill. I will place them together nicely. And 
 you shall have them all next year, dear wife. 
 
 Mistress Todkill. Oh, that will be splendid, 
 John ! Splendid ! 
 
 {They pass on. Phettiplacb and son approach. 
 Phettiplace is a fat country squire; is gayly 
 dressed in a red hunting suit. His son, a youth 
 of twenty, wears a rich velvet suit, velvet cloak, 
 and plumed hat.) 
 
 Phettiplace. Now, son, don't forget to send me 
 gold by the very first ship that returns. 
 
 Son. I '11 not forget, father. So just go on with 
 your hunting. Keep your mansion filled with guests, 
 and give not one thought to your debts. 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 5 
 
 Phettiplacb. Oh, I shan't let debts trouble me 
 now. Methinks I shall borrow some on the gold 
 you will find in Virginia. 
 
 Son. Borrow as much as you choose. I shall come 
 back home worth millions. 
 
 Phettiplaob. I 'm glad America was discovered. 
 It comes in very handy when one is down in- for- 
 tune. 
 
 {They pass on, laughing. Enter Sir Gilbert 
 Manlove. He is seventy-five years old; is ele- 
 gantly dressed; is a dandy of the period.) 
 
 First Gentleman (to his group). Look you — 
 there is Sir Gilbert Manlove of the king's court. 
 Think you he is going? 
 
 {Others looking. Sir Gilbert sees them; joins 
 them hastily.) 
 
 Sir Gilbert. Gentlemen — a boon I crave! A 
 favor I would ask you ! 
 
 First Gentleman. You have only to speak, Sir 
 Gilbert. 
 
 Sir Gilbert. 'T is said you will sail to a land 
 where the rivers flow o'er golden sands. 
 
 Second Gentleman. That is true, my lord. 
 
 Sir Gilbert. 'T is said these rivers feed a foun- 
 tain of marvelous cures — a fountain that will give 
 eternal youth to all who bathe in its waters. 
 
 Third Gentleman. We expect to see this foun- 
 tain, my lord, but know not its location. 
 
 Sir Gilbert. Gentlemen, find this fountain of 
 
6 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 youth for me and you shall have half of my for- 
 tune. I 'U come in a ship of my own, I will ! I '11 
 come as soon as you write me. 
 
 FiBST Geisttleman. We '11 make it our first busi- 
 ness, my lord. 
 
 Otheks. Aye, we will ! 
 
 {They pass on, talking earnestly. Enter from 
 land Henry Spelman, a bright and well-dressed 
 boy of twelve years. He has fine and courteous 
 manners. He carries no baggage; looks about as 
 if half frightened ; joins a group, doffing his cap 
 politely.) 
 
 Henby. I give you good day. Masters. Be that 
 the ship for Virginia? 
 
 Percy. All three are bound for Virginia. 
 
 Henry. Will they be sailing soon? 
 
 Percy. Presently — within the hour. 
 
 Henry {showing disappointment). Hour! 
 
 Young Phettiplace. Is that not soon enough 
 for you ? 
 
 Henry. I want to sail at once. 
 
 Squibb Phettiplace. Bless me ! Be you going, 
 lad? 
 
 Henry. Aye, Master. 
 
 Phillips. Perchance your parents will sail with 
 us? 
 
 Henry. Nay — 
 
 Simpson. Perchance you have relatives going? 
 
 Henry. Nay — 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 7 
 
 Walters. Some older friends or neighbors, then ? 
 
 Henry. Nay, I be alone. 
 
 (Looks about anxiously.) 
 
 Hath Captain John Smith not come ? 'T was said 
 he would sail to America. 
 
 Percy. Oh, ho! So that is what hath brought 
 you! 
 
 (To other Sf laughing.) 
 
 He hath heard of Captain Smith's adventures in 
 foreign lands and looks upon him as a hero. 
 
 Walters. What know you of John Smith, lad ? 
 
 Henry. He is indeed a hero. When he was a 
 boy no older than I, he would not play with other 
 boys, but built him a hut in the forest. And there 
 he studied many books, and did practice much with 
 his horse and lance. 
 
 Squire Phettiplaoe. But how does that make 
 him a hero ? 
 
 Henry. Why, he went away to foreign lands, 
 and fought in their wars, and received great honors 
 from queens and kings for bravery in battle. 
 
 Simpson. Pooh ! So have hundreds of others. 
 
 Henry. But Captain Smith fought for the weaker 
 ones — for those who needed help. My father him- 
 self hath told me. 
 
 Percy. They be only trying to tease you, lad. 
 Captain Smith is indeed a brave man. But you must 
 not follow him to America. Hath your father con- 
 sented to it? 
 
8 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Henby (embarrassed). Nay — not exactly. 
 
 Percy (gravely). Have you run away from home, 
 my boy? 
 
 Henry. I have fallen into displeasure at home. 
 
 Percy. So you will run away to America? 
 (Henry hangs his head ; is silent.) 
 
 That won't do, my lad. Come, we '11 tell Captain 
 Newport about it. 
 
 (He looks about.) 
 
 Where is the Captain ? Do any of you gentlemen 
 see him? 
 
 (As the gentlemen look about, Henry slips away 
 and hides among cases and barrels.) 
 
 Ah, there he is! (Turns to boy.) Why, the lad 
 is gone ! 
 
 (All look about with concern.) 
 
 Sqitire Phettiplacb. He has hidden himself 
 away somewhere. 
 
 Simpson. He 's very likely slipped to the ships. 
 
 Phillips. Oh, well, let him go. He'll have an 
 easy life in Virginia. 
 
 Walters. And he can come back with gold 
 enough to start him up in business. 
 
 (Many passengers now turn toward land waving 
 hats and handkerchiefs.) 
 
 Percy (looking to land). 'Tis Captain Smith 
 who is coming ! 
 
 (Enter Captain John Smith, a handsome young 
 man of twenty-seven. He bears himself as a thor- 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 9 
 
 ough soldier; has a nohle,frank countenance; shows 
 unusual intelligence, shrewdness, and courage; is 
 modest, courteous, friendly. He now removes his 
 plumed hat and hows to all. Newport crosses to 
 him.) 
 
 Newport. Ah, Captain Smith — I feared you 
 would fail us. 
 
 Smith. I never fail when once my promise is 
 given. 
 
 Newport. You be a man of your word, I know; 
 and yet this venture is enough to frighten the stout- 
 est heart. I will return, but you must remain — at 
 least till another ship makes the voyage. 
 
 Smith. So must these others. Captain. 
 
 Newport. What know they of danger? They 
 have never been away from home — they do not 
 know what a wilderness means. But you have 
 traveled far and wide — you know to what you are 
 going. You know, also, that not a single person hath 
 ever returned from that other colony that went to 
 America so long ago. Nor hath any trace of them 
 been found. They have disappeared entirely. 
 
 Smith. I do know, and I mean to hunt for them. 
 That is my chief reason for going. I feel that it is a 
 disgrace to England that one hundred English men, 
 women, and children could disappear so utterly. The 
 others may dig for gold if they choose ; I know a 
 soldier's duty. No painted warrior can frighten me, 
 nor tomahawk, nor arrow that hath been poisoned. 
 
10 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Newport. How can you search among those 
 hordes of savages? We are not taking an army. 
 
 Smith. I shall rely upon honesty in our dealings 
 with them. Have you not beads and trinkets for 
 trading? 
 
 Newport. Aye, a goodly cargo. 
 
 {Other passengers enter — many gallants,in their 
 fine cloaks and hats, and a few workmen and arti- 
 sans, who wear woolen blouses and caps. Smith 
 looks at them, then looks at other groups keenly. 
 He turns to Newport.) 
 
 Why, nearly all do seem to be gallants ! 
 
 Newport. Aye, indeed. 
 
 Smith. Are there no other workmen going than 
 these? 
 
 Newport. Only these few were listed. 
 
 Smith. How many masons are there ? And black- 
 smiths, carpenters, farmers? 
 
 Newport. Some two masons, one blacksmith, four 
 carpenters, and no farmers at all. 
 
 Smith. No farmers ! 
 
 {His indignant iioice attracts attention. The 
 others approach and surround him and Newport.) 
 
 Why, we should have fifty ! These gallants know 
 not how to saw, or hew, or till the soil. Are there 
 no skilled artisans among us ? 
 
 Newport. One — a goldsmith. 
 
 Smith. Ha, ha ! A goldsmith to fashion us ele- 
 gant ornaments from the gold we have n't found ! 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 11 
 
 First Gallant. The gold is there in plenty. And 
 pearls are there, by bushels. 'T would be wisdom to 
 take six goldsmiths, say I. 
 
 Smith. 'T would be wisdom to take six black- 
 smiths. But more than anything else we need farm- 
 ers to teach us how to plant our grain. 
 
 Second Gallant. 'Tis not necessary. The In- 
 dians will furnish us with food. 
 
 Smith. The Indians may not be friendly. 
 
 Thibd Gallant. They are said to be gentle and 
 loving. 
 
 Fourth Gallant. And if they are not, we have 
 our arms — we can compel obedience. 
 
 Others. Aye! 
 
 Smith. We '11 have no time for fighting, men. 
 We must build cabins, and a store room and a fort. 
 
 Charles. Methought we should live in the open. 
 'T is said the air is soft and mild — in winter the 
 same as summer. 
 
 William. And we can sleep upon beds of moss 
 with which the ground is covered. 
 
 Others. Aye ! 
 
 Smith. 'T is all very pretty, and I wish it were 
 true ; but there 's no land where one can live so, not 
 even in the tropics. I knowwe will need cabins. And 
 for these we must cut down trees and hew them into 
 lumber. 
 
 ToDKiLL. Hew them ourselves ? 
 
 Smith. Who else do you think will do it? 
 
12 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Phettiplacb. Why, we '11 make the Indians work 
 for us. 
 
 Othees. Aye ! We will ! Of course ! 
 
 Smith. We must not make slaves of Indians. 
 And unless we treat them fairly, we shall be our- 
 selves undone and perish as did those others. 
 
 ToDKiLL. How know you so much about Vir- 
 ginia, sir ? You have never been there. 
 
 Smith. I have had experience in many lands. 
 
 ToDKiLL. Ah, but Virginia is difEerent. Have not 
 fishermen told us what they saw on fishing trips 
 there ? They beheld luscious fruit hanging from the 
 trees all ready to be eaten. 
 
 YouNO Phettiplaoe. And the beautiful forests 
 were filled with game. The shores were covered with 
 oysters. Why, 'tis a land of plenty, men — a para- 
 dise — a garden of milk and honey ! 
 {Murmurs of assent^ 
 
 Smith. I am sorry for you, gentlemen. Your eyes 
 win have been opened by this time next year. 
 {Turns away ; talks with Newport aside.) 
 
 MoLLiE. I fear I '11 get no pearls after all — 
 
 MiSTKESS ToDKiLL. Nor I my golden kettles — 
 
 Charles. Indeed and you will ! 
 
 ToDKiLL. Of course you will ! 
 
 William. You need not be troubled, mother. We 
 know as much about Virginia as Captain Smith. 
 
 First Gallant {looking to land). Look! Sir 
 Richard Hakluyt comes ! 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 13 
 
 Second Gallant. And our chaplain — 
 
 TmED Gallant. And lords and ladies from the 
 king's court — 
 
 {Enter Sir Richard Hakluyt and Chaplain 
 Hunt, who wears his clerical robes. Sir Eiohard 
 carries a small metal box conspicuously. Enter 
 many lords and ladies in rich attire. Enter many 
 of the poor of London in rags. Newport crosses 
 to Sir Richard and bows.) 
 
 Newport. We have been expecting you, Sir 
 Richard. 
 
 Sir Richard. I was detained at the palace, Gap- 
 tain, by his Majesty, Eling James. 
 
 (Turns to voyagers.) 
 
 Gentlemen, Voyagers to Virginia, his Majesty 
 hath commanded me to bear you his farewells and 
 to wish you God-speed on your voyage. 
 
 Voyagers. King James ! Long live King James ! 
 
 Sir Richard. And, my friends, his Majesty bids 
 you to set claim to all lands you behold, in the name 
 of England's sovereign, King James. His Majesty 
 urges you further to dig diligently for gold and to 
 search for pearls and jewels. 
 
 Voyagers. We will ! We will ! 
 
 Sir Richard. These lords and ladies have all 
 contributed to the setting up of your colony. They 
 also bid you search for gold that you may reward 
 their confidence. 
 
 Voyagers. Aye! Aye! 
 
14 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Sib Richard. Chaplain Hunt will accompany 
 you and will care for your souls in the wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 Chaplain (earnestly). My heart burns to keep 
 you with God and to convert the savages also. I 
 will labor diligently to that end — no trouble will 
 I spare me. 
 
 Sir Richard. And, gentlemen, King James hath 
 chosen a leader for you — a president — to govern 
 you in America. 
 
 (Pauses : all are eagerly expectant.) 
 
 His name, however, I cannot reveal. The king 
 hath placed the name in this box, which must not 
 be opened till your journey is ended. I give it 
 now to the Senior Captain in command. 'Tis his 
 Majesty's explicit order. 
 
 (Giving box to Captain Newport.) 
 
 Newport. I shall see to it, Sir Richard. 
 
 Sir Richard. Be you ready to sail ? 
 
 Newport. Aye, we be. 
 
 Sir Richard. Then just one word more. Let 
 nothing dishearten you, gentlemen — neither storms, 
 nor cold, nor sickness. Remember you go to a land 
 where there is eternal sunshine ; where stately trees 
 spread their branches out over carpets of velvet 
 mosses ; where rivers flow over golden sands ; where 
 jewels lie in profusion ; where a wonderful fountain 
 will keep you young, if you but bathe in its waters. 
 And the people who dwell in this fairy land are said 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 15 
 
 to be gentle and loving. You journey, then, to a 
 Heaven on earth, to a beautiful Garden of Eden. 
 
 Voyagers. Aye ! Aye ! 
 
 Sir Richard. Chaplain, will you bless them ? 
 
 {Chaplain lifts his hand: all how heads. Enter 
 a woman from land, running. She is well dressed 
 and refined ; is excited.) 
 
 Woman. Captain ! Captain Newport ! 
 
 Newport. Why, what is it. Madam ? 
 
 Woman. My nephew hath run away from home ! 
 'T is said he came here ! Find him — I pray you to 
 find him ! He 's only a lad and hath blue eyes and 
 fair hair. 
 
 Newport. Hath any one seen such a boy ? 
 
 Percy. Aye, I did and spake with him. He said 
 he would make this voyage. 
 
 Woman. Oh, but he must not ! His parents are 
 distracted. Indeed, they both are ill now with the 
 shock. 
 
 Newport. What is the boy's name? 
 
 WoMAiT. Henry Spelman. His father is Sir Henry 
 Spelman. 
 
 Sir Richard. Sir Henry ! Why, I know him well. 
 He is an eminent scholar. 
 
 Newport (caZZing'). Henry Spelman! Henry Spel- 
 man ! 
 
 (All looking about.) 
 
 Come hither, Henry Spelman ! 
 
 (Pause. Newport turns to sailors.) 
 
16 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Search the ships! Make haste — we should be 
 sailing ! 
 
 (Sailors go to ships, running.) 
 
 Smith. I '11 help them search for the lad. 
 (£Jxit to ships.) 
 
 Woman. The boy was vexed because his father 
 would not permit him to ride full tilt amongst the 
 young trees in the orchard. 
 
 Squike Phbttiplacb. Ha, ha ! He was trying to 
 imitate Captain Smith ! 
 
 Woman. Aye, he was. And he said he would run 
 away to strange lands, but we didn't think he 
 would do it. 
 
 (Enter sailors from ships. JEnter Smith.) 
 
 A Sailor. We could n't find him, Madam. 
 
 Newport. He very likely came down for a look 
 at the ships. He's no doubt back home by this 
 time. 
 
 Woman. But if he is not? What then. Captain? 
 What then ? 
 
 Chaplain. If he sails with us, I shall care for 
 him as if he were my own son, madam. 
 
 Woman. Oh, bless you for that ! God bless you ! 
 
 Newport (to mate). Give the call for sailing! 
 
 Mate (calling). Now sails the Sarah Constant! 
 The Goodspeed ! The Discovery ! Now sail they to 
 America ! 
 
 (There is great confusion. There are embraces, 
 good-byes, kisses, and tears. Voyagers going to 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 17 
 
 ships with baggage. Friends on dock, waving to 
 them. Henry slips to ship unseen.) 
 
 Sir Richard. A tappy voyage to you all ! 
 
 Others on docks. Farewell ! Farewell ! 
 
 Voyagers. Farewell! Farewell! 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Time : Winter of 1609 — New Tear's weeh. 
 Place: Virginia. Indian Village. 
 
 New Chabactees 
 Powhatan. Second Old Brave. 
 
 Pocahontas. Third Old Brave. 
 
 TocoMocoMO. . First Young Brave. 
 
 Wochinchopunck. Indian Woman. 
 
 First Old Brave. Braves and Warriors. 
 
 (The council room in Chief Powhatan's house 
 is seen. At one end, on a raised platform covered 
 with reed mats, sits Powhatan. He is a slender 
 but powerful man of sixty gears ; has a Jceen find 
 shrewd face; is now sad and thoughtful; stares 
 gloomily into afire which burns on ground before 
 platform. He does not notice entrance of Tocomo- 
 COMO, a young brave, who waits quietly. At last 
 the Chief sees him.) 
 
 Powhatan. Welcome, Tocomocomo ! What news 
 bring you of the white men ? Speak ! 
 
18 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 TocoMOCOMO. I went to their village, Powhatan. 
 I slept in their fort, but ever mine eyes were open, 
 as Powhatan did command. 
 
 Powhatan. What saw you ? 
 
 TocoMocoMO. Little food have they now, Pow- 
 hatan. Only sour barley for all. 
 
 Powhatan. How long will that last ? 
 
 TocoMoooMO. Three days — no more. 
 
 Powhatan {exultantly). And the game hath left 
 the forest ! And the fish lie hidden in ice-covered 
 streams ! 'T is for this time I have waited ! Now, 
 they must depend on us, or starve ! 
 
 ToooMOCOMO. Powhatan hath spoken. 
 
 Powhatan. Watch they still by day and by 
 night ? 
 
 TocoMOCOMO. Their chief hath an eye ever open. 
 
 Powhatan. Which way looks their cannon ? 
 
 TocoMOCOMO. To the forest, Powhatan. 
 
 Powhatan. Call the braves to council. 
 
 {Exit TocoMOCOMO. Enter Pocahontas, a 
 pretty and very small girl of twelve. She carries 
 a basket filled with corn. Powhatan stares into 
 fire.) 
 
 Pocahontas. Father Powhatan, 't is Pocahontas 
 who waits. 
 
 Powhatan {kindly). What will you, Pocahon- 
 tas? 
 
 Pocahontas. I go to the white men with corn. 
 
 Powhatan {sternly). Go no more to Jamestown. 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 19 
 
 Give them no more of your presents — no corn — 
 no fruit — no venison. Nothing give them — noth" 
 ing! 
 
 Pocahontas. Methought them friends — 
 
 Powhatan. No ! Enemies, Pocahontas. 
 
 Pocahontas. Captain Smith is friend — 
 
 Powhatan. No ! Enemy like his men. Speak no 
 more words with him. Powhatan has spoken. 
 
 Pocahontas. I ohey, Father Powhatan. 
 
 (She goes out, frightened. A drum heard off. 
 Enter braves. They form in circle about room. 
 Drum ceases. Silence. Pause.) 
 
 Powhatan. My children, long have we been 
 happy here in the land of our fathers. Many gen- 
 erations of our people have tilled this soil — have 
 hunted in these forests. The neighboring tribes are 
 at peace with us and pay us their yearly tribute. 
 And so it hath been during my lifetime — happi- 
 ness, peace, prosperity. And now behold what hath 
 happened ! Strange men have come unbid to our 
 fair home. They have seized our land which hath 
 come to us from our fathers. They cut our trees, 
 they hunt where they choose, they ask not Pow- 
 hatan for permission. They come to our village — 
 they speak as friends, but they cannot deceive us 
 longer. They said they had landed here to mend 
 their ships and would go when that was finished. 
 But the ships have gone and they have remained. 
 And then, after many moons, came other ships with 
 
20 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 other strange men. And with them came a woman 
 and girl. And their ships have gone and they also 
 remain. Soon others will come, and then others. 
 Do you see now what will happen? We will be 
 driven back to bare mountains while they take our 
 richest valley. Shall we endure this, braves ? Shall 
 we sit by and permit it ? Speak. 
 
 First Old Brave. Long have I wished to war 
 upon them. 
 
 {Murmurs of assent from others.) 
 
 Powhatan. Have you forgot their arms that 
 throw out fire? Have you forgot their cannon? 
 
 Second Old Brave. Hath Powhatan forgot those 
 other strange men who came to our shores ? Were 
 we not victorious? 
 
 Powhatan. We cannot take these by surprise. 
 Their chief is ever watching. We must drive these 
 away by cunning. 
 
 {Murmurs of assent from others.) 
 
 And, my children, our time hath come. They must 
 come to us soon for corn. Well, we will give them 
 corn, but no more trading for beads or bells or any 
 kind of trinkets. For each basket of corn, a musket 
 or sword. Do you hear ? A weapon for every basket ! 
 If they refuse, we will starve them. 
 
 Third Old Brave. It is a shrewd plan, Pow- 
 hatan. 
 
 Powhatan. Should an Indian disobey, death will 
 be the penalty. 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 21 
 
 {To TOCOMOCOMO.) 
 
 Go to all our dependent tribes — tell them what 
 I have spoken. Say Powhatan will war upon them, 
 should they give food to the strangers. 
 
 ToooMOCOMO. I go, great Powhatan. 
 {He goes running.) 
 
 Powhatan {scowling) . Now where is that warrior 
 who played on his pipe when these same white men 
 were landing? Step forth, "Wochinchopunck ? 
 
 {A stalwart hut frightened young brave steps 
 from circle. Powhatan looks at him with scorn.) 
 
 And so — you made sweet music, did you, to wel- 
 come our worst enemy? 
 
 WooHiNCHOPUNOK. I did but go down to the 
 shore, Powhatan, playing upon my reed pipe. 'T is 
 said I play it very well — 
 
 Powhatan. Shall I flay you alive or burn 
 you? 
 
 Wochinchopunck. I knew not they were ene- 
 mies then — 
 
 Powhatan. All white men are enemies ! 
 
 Wochinchopunck. Powhatan had not told me 
 that. 
 
 Powhatan. Well, I tell you now to hate them. 
 
 Wochinchopunck. My heart is bursting to re- 
 venge our wrongs and drive them from our country. 
 Let me live, Powhatan, and you shall see their scalps 
 on my belt ! Let me live, great chief ! I will fight 
 to my death ! No mercy will I show any white man. 
 
22 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Powhatan {after a pause). You may live, but 
 ne more music, mind you. 
 
 {Enter an Indian woman hastily.) 
 
 Woman. Powhatan ! The white men have come ! 
 They are here, at your door ! They say they come 
 for trading, 
 
 Powhatan. Comes their chief with them? 
 
 Woman. He is here, Powhatan. 
 
 Powhatan. Bring them before me here. 
 
 {Exit woman. Powhatan exclaims fiercely.) 
 
 Give them no welcome, braves! Let there be no 
 smiles, no words, no presents! Who di'Bobeys me 
 shall die ! Powhatan hath spoken. 
 
 {Enter Captain Smith and tioelve men. All are 
 heavily armed, wearing swords and carrying mus- 
 kets.) 
 
 Smith. Greetings to you. King Powhatan ! Greet- 
 ings to your warriors ! 
 
 {Pause. Powhatan and braves look at white 
 men coldly. White men show surprise.) 
 
 Why, what is this ! You do not welcome us, 
 Powhatan ! 
 
 Powhatan. Why have you come to Powhatan? 
 
 Smith. What hath come between us ? Are we not 
 friends and brothers? 
 
 Powhatan. Why come you armed to my village? 
 
 Smith. 'Tis our custom to go always armed. 
 Came we not armed on our other visits to you? 
 
 Powhatan. Friends go not so to each other. 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 23 
 
 Smith. Your braves come armed to Jamestown. 
 They enter our fort; they eat with us, yet never 
 without their weapons. 
 
 PowECATAN. 'T is because they fear your firearms. 
 Why brought you arms to this land at all, if you 
 came here as our brothers? 
 
 Smith. We must kill the deer, just as you must ; 
 and we cannot use the arrow. 
 
 Powhatan. You need not cannon for hunting. 
 
 Smith Our cannon was to protect us on the sea 
 from pirate and from Spaniard. 
 
 Powhatan. So you have told me often, but I 
 have seen no pirates here, nor hath any Spaniard 
 sailed this way. You said also you would not remain 
 long — just till your ships were mended. Your ships 
 have gone — twelve moons have paled, but you re- 
 main in my country. And other ships have come 
 and gone, and there are more of you now than ever. 
 
 Smith. Such is our great love for this land, we 
 cannot bear to leave it. And our friends who have 
 come do love it too, and likewise cannot bear to go. 
 
 Powhatan (bluntly). How long do you mean to 
 stay here ? 
 
 Smith. Why should we not remain and continue 
 to live as brothers? For your corn we will g^ve 
 beads — 
 
 Powhatan. No longer will we sell corn for beads ! 
 You shall give a musket or sword for each basket. 
 
 Smith. We cannot do that, Powhatan. We have 
 
24 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 only enough for our own use. Come to our fort, 
 and you can see I do speak the truth. 
 
 Powhatan. No — never will Powhatan bite at 
 such a bait ! 
 
 Smith. You cannot think we would harm you ! 
 Did you not spare my life when I was captured by 
 your braves ? 
 
 Powhatan. 'T was not I. 'T was my daughter 
 Pocahontas. 
 
 Smith. You yielded to her pleadings, even when 
 the club was lifted. 
 
 Powhatan. 'T is our custom to save a prisoner 
 from death when claimed by one of our women. 
 
 Smith. But it hath made friendship between us. 
 And in peace have we lived for more than twelve 
 moons,- and visits have I made you. 
 
 Powhatan. Give me a weapon for each basket 
 of corn. It is that, or no trading with strangers. 
 
 Smith {changing Ms peaceful tone to sternness). 
 Then there will be no trading. But we shall not 
 starve as you think and hope. With our muskets we 
 can get all we need. They can kill while the arrow 
 is flying. Our cannon, too, is ready. Do not forget 
 that, Powhatan. And, Powhatan, what hath become 
 of our young boy, Henry Spelman ? 
 
 Powhatan. How should I know aught of him ? 
 
 Smith. Because your men did seize him, as he 
 was fishing one day in the river. 
 
 Powhatan. Powhatan knows nothing. 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 25 
 
 Smith. He is here in your village — one of my 
 men hath seen him. 
 
 Powhatan. Give boy for musket — and powder. 
 
 Smith. We cannot trade our arms. I tell you that 
 for the last time. 
 
 Powhatan {scowling). Musket for boy — and 
 powder — 
 
 Smith (to his men). Cover them, men ! 
 
 (Men aim muskets at Powhatan and braves.) 
 
 Will you give us the boy and corn ? 
 
 Powhatan (sullenly to braves). Bring corn — 
 basket for each man. 
 
 (Braves go. Men lower guns.) 
 
 Powhatan. Powhatan bring boy — 
 
 Smith. Wait ! What became of those white men 
 who came here many years ago with their wives and 
 children ? 
 
 Powhatan. Many times you ask that. Powhatan 
 knows nothing. They died of fever, perhaps. 
 
 Smith. Or were massacred by Indians — 
 
 Powhatan. Powhatan knows nothing — 
 
 Smith. My king will avenge their murder in 
 time. Many ships will he send, with many soldiers 
 and cannon. 
 
 Powhatan (fiercely). Powhatan king of this 
 land ! Powhatan king — no other ! 
 (Goes out quickly.) 
 
 Smith. Comrades, prepare to defend your lives ! 
 I fear they will surround us. 
 
26 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 ToDKiiiL. We could make a dash for our boats — 
 
 Smith. We dare not go without the corn — 
 't would mean starvation to us. And I will not stir 
 till I have the boy or know he can escape them. 
 
 Charles. Think you they mean to kill us here ? 
 
 Smith. Fear of our muskets may save us. But 
 they hate us bitterly and no longer try to con- 
 ceal it. 
 
 Percy. Can you blame, them, Captain ? We 're 
 taking the best they have in land and food, and 
 giving them naught but trinkets. 
 
 Smith. We are obeying our sovereign's orders. 
 Be on the alert every instant, men ! They may rush 
 in upon us. Guard the door, Simpson. 
 
 {Pause; the men look after their arms. Simp- 
 soK watches at door.) 
 
 Charles. A beautiful New Year's this is, for- 
 sooth ! I thought to be on a visit back home, with 
 pearls and gold for my sister. 
 
 William. I, too, thought to be back, with jewels 
 for ray mother. 
 
 ToDKiLL. And I expected to be giving golden 
 saucepans to my wife, and golden bowls and ket- 
 tles. 
 
 Phettiplace. And look you at the contrast ! 
 We 're all half starved and have naught to eat but 
 sour barley. And not one nugget of gold have we 
 found, nor any pearls or jewels. 
 
 Smith. Too much time was spent in searching for 
 
"COVER THEM, MEN!" 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 29 
 
 them. We should have been planting corn and get- 
 ting stores for the winter. 
 
 ToDKiLL. We can see that clearly now, Captain. 
 But we would not follow your advice ; we have only 
 ourselves to blame. 
 
 Chables. Well, I will blame those in London 
 somewhat. We were told it was summer here 
 throughout the year. 
 
 Phillips. And where is the river that runs over 
 golden sands? 
 
 Walters. And where is the wonderful fountain 
 of youth? 
 
 Phettiplaob. All lies, — spun just to entice us 
 hither. 
 
 Smith. Nay, not that. Such things are ever 
 thought of all lands far away. A halo of romance 
 surrounds them. No one deceived us purposely. 
 
 Percy. But it is unfortunate for us that they con- 
 tinue to believe such things in London. Look at that 
 shipload lately arrived! They had consumed their 
 stores on their voyage and brought not one thing 
 to our larder. 
 
 William. And worst of all they will not work, 
 and they grumble about our barley, even though 
 we divide it with them. 
 
 Smith. It is a serious situation. If the Indians 
 do not help us we cannot survive this winter, my 
 friends. Indeed, we may not survive this day, even. 
 But if any of you live to see England again, I pray 
 
30 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 you to say that I have sought far and wide for the 
 lost Englishmen and have found no trace of ' them 
 anywhere. I now believe that Powhatan did have 
 them killed. 
 
 Percy. 'T is my thought also, Captain. 
 
 Simpson {at door). Pocahontas approaches ! 
 , Smith. Let her enter — I am certain she is 
 friendly to us. She hath come so often to James- 
 town and hath always brought us presents. 
 {Enter Pocahontas, cautiously.) 
 
 Ah, Princess — 
 
 Pocahontas. Sh! Speak not my name! I warn 
 you — Powhatan will kill you all as you load the corn 
 on your canoes — when your backs are bent in the 
 labor. 
 
 Smith. We thank you, little Princess. For the 
 second time you have saved my life, and now the 
 lives of my comrades. Accept this chain of beads, 
 I pray. 
 
 Percy. Here is a ring I would give you. 
 
 Pocahontas. Nay, Powhatan would know — it 
 would be my death. 
 
 Smith. Well, then, we will not press you. But 
 tell us of Henry Spelman, maid. Does he live? Is he 
 well? 
 
 Pocahontas {with a frightened glance at door). 
 He is here — he is well. He takes care of Powhatan's 
 youngest children. 
 
 Smith. Will you not help him to escape? His 
 
A DEEAM OF GOLD 31 
 
 life is in danger with ours. Let him get away to- 
 night. 
 
 Pocahontas. This night I will help him. And 
 you, Captain — I pray you to be watchful; turn not 
 your hack at the loading. 
 
 {Runs out swiftly.) 
 
 Smith. Be ready, men, but fire not till I command. 
 We must avoid bloodshed if possible. 
 
 (Enter several young hraves with baskets of 
 corn, which they place on floor.) 
 
 FiBST Beave. Powhatan no come again — send 
 boy Henry Spelman to Jamestown. 
 
 Smith. Then here are beads, and bells,, and 
 jingles. 
 
 (Indians take trinkets; turn to go.) 
 
 Stay! you will carry the corn to our canoes and 
 load it on them for us. 
 
 First Beave. Powhatan did not command — 
 
 (They start off. Smith and men, by a quick 
 movement, reach door first and face Indians with 
 leveled muskets.) 
 
 Smith. Take the corn to our canoes. Refuse, and 
 our muskets will speak. 
 
 (Indians take up corn and go. Smith and men 
 follow them with leveled muskets.) 
 
32 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Time : Day following — morning. 
 Place: Jamestown, Virginia. 
 
 New Chaeactees 
 Master Fobeest. Fiest Gallant. 
 
 Misteess Foerest. Second Gallant. 
 
 Mastee Bueeas. Thied Gallant. 
 
 Ann Bueeas. Fourth Gallant. 
 
 Fiest Brave. Fifth Gallant. 
 
 Second Brave. Sixth Gallant. 
 
 Other Gallants and Braves. 
 
 (7%e one narrow street is seen with tiny cabins 
 on either side, and fort at one end. Palisades 
 made of logs and saplings surround the town. 
 Through open gate of palisade is seen the woods. 
 In the street are many young gallants playing 
 quoits. Many others are watching or lounging 
 about. Enter Master Forrest from a cabin. He, 
 too, is a young gallant, but carries an axe. He 
 looks at others with displeasure.) 
 
 FoBBBST. Men, men, this idling will not do ! The 
 sun is high ; even now the axe rings in the woods. 
 
 First Gallant. 'T is no axe of ours that rings, 
 Master Forrest. 
 
 (Other gallants laugh.) 
 
 FoRBEST. Nay, 't is the older settlers who have 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 33 
 
 gone to work, and we should be working with them. 
 We are living on their bounty ; on the food they 
 had stored away for their own use this winter. 
 
 Second Gallant. We came to find gold, not to 
 hew and chop in the forest. 
 
 {Murmurs of assent from gallants.) 
 
 Third Gallant. And behold, Captain Smith 
 forbids us to dig ! 
 
 FoBBBST. Those who came with him did nothing 
 else for many months. And they found 't was all in 
 vain. 
 
 Fifth Gallant. That proves nothing ! We might 
 dig in a different place and at once unearth a for- 
 tune. 
 
 Othbes. Of course ; certainly — 
 
 Foebbst. Be that as it may, your duty now is 
 plain. Captain Smith asked us to help the men who 
 are now clearing the ground of timber. He will 
 hold us to account when he returns from Powhatan. 
 
 FouETH Gallant. Out upon Captain Smith ! I 
 can't abide his orders. 
 
 Fifth Gallant. We should refuse to obey him, 
 say I. 
 
 Sixth Gallant. We could depose him easily. 
 We outnumber his supporters. So 't would be merely 
 a matter of seizing him and puttii;>g him in irons. 
 
 Othebs. Yes — yes ! 
 
 {Enter Chaplain Hunt in his clerical robes.) 
 
 Fobbest {angrily). You are doing a most con- 
 
34 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 temptible thing ! You are traitors — every oue of 
 you! 
 
 FiBST Gallant. Use not such words to us, sir ! 
 
 Chaplain. Gentlemen, I pray you, let your quar- 
 rel be done ! 
 
 Forrest. They plan to depose Captain Smith ! 
 
 Chaplain. Why, that is madness ! He hath not 
 harmed you in any way. Indeed he protects your 
 very lives. He stands between us all and the In- 
 dians, over whom he has great power. Have they 
 not given him corn when none of us could get it 
 from any Indian of any tribe? He hath kept us 
 from starvation, time and again. 
 
 First Gallant. I fancy we could control In- 
 dians quite as well as he does. We heard all about 
 them in England. 
 
 Chaplain. But the Captain hath had many deal- 
 ings with them and understands their language. 
 
 Fourth Gallant. We could use signs and ges- 
 tures. 
 
 Chaplain. We cannot risk experiments. We 
 have Mistress Forrest with us now and the little 
 maiden, Ann Burras. 
 
 Third Gallant. We can protect them, Chaplain. 
 {Turns to comrades.) 
 
 I say we seize Smith upon his return ! 
 
 Others. Yes — yes ! Seize him ! Seize him ! 
 
 Forrest. I '11 tell the men in the woods your plan ! 
 {Exit to woods quickly.) 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 35 
 
 Chaplain. Men, I pray you to be discreet and 
 to take no sudden action. We are surrounded by 
 dangers. The Indians have lately become unfriendly 
 to us, and I believe would attack us, did they not 
 stand in awe of Captain Smith. 
 
 Second Gallant. And why are they unfriendly ? 
 They were peaceful enough at first, I hear. Indeed, 
 they fairly bowed down to you as if you were gods 
 come among them'. They gave you food in abun- 
 dance and entertained you in their wigwams. 
 
 Chaplain. That is true, but lately they have 
 changed. 
 
 Sixth Gallant. 'T is my opinion the trouble lies 
 in the Captain's method of trading. He gives them 
 beads and such trumpery stuff. 
 
 Chaplain. They set great value on our beads at 
 first. 
 
 Sixth Gallant. Well, they are refusing them 
 now. I would give them what they want and keep 
 them in a good humor. 
 
 Othees. Of course ! Yes — yes ! 
 
 Chaplain. Do you know what the Indian really 
 wants ? Our swords and muskets and powder. 
 
 First Gallant. And why does Smith refuse 
 them? Suppose they do get a few of our arms. 
 They would n't know how to use them. 
 
 Fifth Gallant. 'T would be a laughable thing, 
 methinks, to see a naked savage vsdth a sword at his 
 side. 
 
36 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 First Gallant. Or carrying a musket forth to 
 the hunt. 
 
 {Other gallants laugh heartily. Enter Ann Buk- 
 RAs /rom the Forrest cabin. She is a sweet-look- 
 ing girl of fourteen. She carries an empty water 
 pail; crosses to woods ; stops.) 
 
 Ann (pointing to forest). Look — look! Indi- 
 ans! 
 
 (Gallants seize muskets. Ann retreats to cabin, 
 where she stands at door. Enter six Indian braves 
 carrying tioelve turkeys and a deer. They lay down 
 their bows and arrows.) 
 
 First Brave (pointing to game). Trade — white 
 men — trade — 
 
 (Gallants put Tnuskets down; show joy ^ 
 
 Fourth Gallant. 'Tis the first game we've 
 seen since we came. We must get it, comrades. 
 
 Other Gallants. Yes — yes — ■ 
 
 First Brave. Turkey for musket — 
 
 Chaplain. No! no! We will not trade our 
 muskets. 
 
 First Brave. Turkey for musket or no trade. 
 
 Second Brave. Game scarce — long, long hunt 
 for these. 
 
 Second Gallant. 'T is fair enough, I say. 
 
 Other Gallants. Yes — yes — 
 
 Second Gallant. I'll get the arms from the 
 storehouse — 
 
 Chaplain. No — no ! You must not — 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 37 
 
 Fifth Gallant. Would you have us live on 
 sour barley:? 
 
 Third Gallant. We do not mean to starve, 
 sir. 
 
 Chaplain. You must not put weapons into their 
 hands ! They will use them against us later. 
 
 First Gallant. Pooh ! We 're not afraid of In- 
 dians. 
 
 {To Second Gallant.) 
 
 Come, I '11 help you get the arms. 
 
 {They go up street. Exit Ann to cabin.) 
 
 Chaplain {to other Gallants) . Gentlemen, I pray 
 you! Do not permit this thing! Can't you see the 
 danger ? 
 
 Third Gallant. We don't agree with you. Chap- 
 lain. 
 
 {Gallants turn away from Chaplain. Enter 
 Mistress Forrest and Ann /rom cabin. Mistress 
 Forrest is about thirty ; is a refined and coura- 
 geous woman. She crosses to Chaplain and speaks 
 with him aside. Aths follows her.) 
 
 Mistress Forrest. Ann told me what they would 
 do. Can't you stop them. Chaplain ? 
 
 Chaplain. I fear only force could stop them now. 
 Mistress Forrest. 
 
 {Enter gallants with weapons. Mistress For- 
 rest runs to them.) 
 
 Mistress Forrest. Do not give them our arms ! 
 I entreat you, men, — I implore you! 
 
38 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 First Gallant. You may trust to us, Mistress. 
 We know how to deal with Indians. 
 
 Chaplain. I command you to put those -weapons 
 down. 
 
 Second Gallant. Nay, Chaplain. We 're taking 
 things into our own hands. 
 
 {2'hey give arms to Indians who give turkeys, 
 hut keep deer; show they will trade that for pow- 
 der.) 
 
 Third Gallant. I understand — they want pow- 
 der for the deer. I 'U fetch it. 
 
 {Starts of to storehouse.) 
 
 Chaplain. Again I forbid you to give powder or 
 arms ! 
 
 Third Gallant. And we will not obey you. 
 {He goes.) 
 
 Chaplain {aside to Mistress Forrest). We 
 must call in the men from the wood. You know the 
 signal. Get your musket. They will not suspect 
 you. 
 
 {Mistress Forrest nods and goes into her cahin. 
 Enter Third Gallant with powder; gives it to In- 
 dian for deer. Indians go. Enter Mistress Forrest 
 with musket ; slips to edge of woods and fires in 
 air. Gallants rush to her.) 
 
 First Gallant. What are you doing, Mistress ? 
 Are you firing at those Indians? 
 
 Mistress Forrest. I am calling our men from 
 work. They will punish you for what you have done. 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 39 
 
 Chaplain. There 's no punishment that will fit 
 such a deed. 'T is a crime unspeakable. 
 
 Fourth Gallant. Do not speak of punishment 
 or crime to us. We outnumber the others. 
 
 Gallants. Aye! 
 
 {Enter men from woods running. They carry 
 axes and muskets. Enter Forrest with them and 
 BuRRAS, the brother ©/"Ann.) 
 
 Forrest. What is it ? What has happened ? 
 
 BuRRAS {to Ann). Sister! You are trembling! 
 
 First Gallant. Mistress Forrest was unduly ex- 
 cited and fired her musket in the air. We were 
 merely trading with Indians. 
 
 Sixth Gallant. And the trading was peaceful 
 and friendly. 
 
 Other Gallants. Of course! Yes — yes — 
 
 Chaplain. Silence! I wiU tell you the truth, 
 friends. 
 
 {Noise heard off.) 
 
 BuRRAS. Hark ! What is that noise ? 
 {All listen intently for a moment.) 
 
 Men are running this way from the river ! 
 
 Mistress Forrest. The Indians come back to 
 attack us ! 
 
 Cha^plain. Seize your muskets, men ! Be ready ! 
 
 {All lift muskets, even Mistress Forrest. The 
 Chaplain unsheaths a sword. Pause. Enter Gap- 
 tain Smith with his men. Others show relief; throuo 
 down arms; cries of welcome from his friends.) 
 
40 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Smith. Why, what is this ? You seem prepared 
 for war. 
 
 Forrest. We thought Indians were upon us. We 
 did not expect you so soon. 
 
 Smith. But we heard a shot as we landed. What 
 is the trouble here? 
 
 Mistress Forrest. Those men have betrayed us 
 to Indians ! 
 
 Chaplain. For this game they gave powder and 
 arms. 
 
 Smith {to gallants). You should be shot down 
 where you stand ! 
 
 First Gallant. Captain Smith, you are under 
 arrest. Seize him, men, and put him in irons 1 
 
 {Gallants rush at Smith, who is instantly sur- 
 rounded by his own men. Forrest and comrades 
 rush to his aid. Gallants fall hack.) 
 
 Smith. Give up your swords ! Refuse, and my 
 men will fire. 
 
 {Gallants give arms to Smith's men.) 
 
 And now, hark — You will be held as prisoners 
 till the next ship arrives. You will then be returned 
 to England. 
 
 First Gallant. We have powerful friends there, 
 sir. 
 
 Smith. Who have sent you here to be rid of you. 
 Oh, I know all about you. You were wild and worth- 
 less in London, but you shall not ruin this colony. 
 In the mean time, until a ship comes, you shall go 
 
A DREAM OP GOLD 41 
 
 to work and clear land like the others. Give them 
 your axes, men. Throw them down here. 
 {Men throw axes in heap.) 
 
 Smith. Take up those axes ! 
 
 {Gallants do not move.) 
 
 Three counts I will give and not one instant over. 
 Cover them with your muskets, men ! 
 
 (Smith's men raise muskets to fire.) 
 
 One — two — 
 
 {Gallants take up axes.) 
 
 Now, then, march to the woods. And he who 
 works not, shall not eat. Nay, not if he be starv- 
 ing ! Go ! 
 
 {Gallants go sullenly. Smith turns to others.) 
 
 I am most anxious, friends, about our arms. 
 'T was all planned by Powhatan methinks. 
 
 Pbboy. He was shrewd enough to send his braves 
 while you were away. 
 
 Smith. Well, we must demand that he return 
 them. To-morrow we will go to his village with 
 more men. And if Henry Spelman be not back by 
 that time, we '11 compel Powhatan to produce him. 
 
 Others. Yes — yes ! To-morrow ! 
 
 Smith. All hands now to bring corn from the 
 boats ! 
 
 {They start to river. Enter Henky /rom woods. 
 ' He is pale and exhausted.) 
 
 Mistress Forrest. Why, 'tis Henry — little 
 Henry ! 
 
42 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 {Running to him. Others gather about him.) 
 
 Fetch water, Ann ! 
 
 (Ann runs to cabin. Mistress Forrest rubs the 
 boy's hands and head. Enter Ann with water. 
 Henry drinks and revives.) 
 
 Henry {feebly). I got away last night — Poca- 
 hontas helped me. It was terrible alone in the woods. 
 I thought I would die of fright. 
 
 Mistress Forrest. Don't think of that, child. 
 You 're at home again and we 're all rejoiced to see 
 you. 
 
 Others. Aye ! 
 
 Henry. Go no more to Powhatan, Captain. He 
 will kill you. Pocahontas told me. She said he 
 meant to kill us all. 
 
 Chaplain. So it has come to war at last ! 
 
 Smith. We have barely escaped it this twelve- 
 month. Can you tell us, Henry, whether Powhatan 
 means to attack Jamestown ? 
 
 Henry. Not now. He will kill us one by one as 
 we work and fish and hunt. 
 
 Smith. We must pursue those Indians at once, 
 comrades, and take our arms by force. We cannot 
 Avait till to-morrow. 
 
 ToDKiLL. I am ready, Captain. 
 
 CpARLBS. I am ready. 
 
 Others, And I ! And I ! And I ! 
 
 Chaplain. It will be a dangerous pursuit. They 
 may lie in wait for you now. 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 43 
 
 Smith. 'T is a chance we must take. Keep a close 
 •watch here, Master Forrest. Close the gate in the 
 palisades, and sleep with your muskets ready. Guard 
 also those worthless gallants in the field, lest the 
 Indians attack them. Are you ready, men ? 
 
 Smith's Men. Aye ! 
 
 Smith. Come, then ! 
 
 {He plunges into the woods. The men follow in 
 single file.) 
 
 ACT IV 
 
 Time: Spring of 1609; early morning. 
 Place: Jamestown. 
 
 New Chakactees 
 Sdb Thomas Gates. Third Sailor. 
 
 First Sailor. Lord Delaware. 
 
 Second Sailor. Sailors and Colonists. 
 
 ( The fort and street in front of it are seen. 
 Cabins and palisades are half torn down. Every- 
 where is ruin and desolation. A miserable fire 
 burns i7i street. By it sits George Percy, sicTc, 
 weak, starved. Pause. Enter Henry Spelman 
 from fort. He also is weak from starvation ; 
 walks feebly.) 
 
 Percy. You should stay in the fort, Henry. 'Tis 
 safer in there. 
 
44 A DREAM OP GOLD 
 
 Henry. I could not bear it; their suffering is 
 terrible. They are starving to death, Master Percy. 
 
 Percy. We can none of us last much longer. 
 
 Henry. And when we are too weak to fire our 
 cannon, the Indians will attack us openly. And that 
 will be the end of us all. 
 
 Percy. Yes, lad, the end of us all. 
 
 Henry. I would we could do something for the 
 women and children. 
 
 Percy. We can do nothing. There is n't a morsel 
 of food, and the Indians will give us nothing. 
 
 Henry. This trouble would not have come had 
 Captain Smith been with us. 
 
 Percy. Nay, and it would not. His strong hand 
 controlled things better than we knew till he was 
 gone from among us. 
 
 Henky. The Indians were afraid of him. They 
 did not dare to destroy our fields while he was here. 
 
 Percy. We can count our misfortunes from the 
 day that he sailed to England. 
 
 Henry. I pray he hath recovered from the wound 
 which made it necessary for him to go. Could I know 
 that, I would die happier. Master. 
 
 Percy. I rejoice you love him so, lad. He is my 
 beloved hero, too. 
 {Long pause. Both sit staring into dying fire.) 
 
 Henry. Will you do me a favor, Master ? 
 
 Percy. I will serve you in any way possible^ 
 lad. 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 45 
 
 Henry. If you survive and get to England again, 
 please go to see my parents. Tell them I am sorry 
 I ran away ; tell them I love them dearly. 
 
 Percy. I will, Henry, I promise you. / 
 
 Henry. I would the chaplain were here to pray 
 for us. 
 
 Percy. He blessed us with his last breath. 
 
 Henry. I know — 
 
 {Pause. They stare into fire as before. Enter 
 Mistress Forrest from fort. She is thin, pale, 
 starved ; walks feehly to woods. Men stagger to 
 their feet.) 
 
 Percy. Mistress Forrest — where are you going ? 
 
 Mistress Forrest. To beg food from the Indians. 
 
 Percy. Nay, you must not ! 
 
 Mistress Forrest. Shall I let my husband starve 
 before min^ eyes? 
 
 Percy. The Indians will give you nothing. 
 
 Mistress Forrest. I '11 kneel in the dust before 
 them ; I '11 beg them for one grain. 
 (Starts to woods.) 
 
 Percy. Madam — stay ! I have something to tell 
 you. 
 
 {Mistress Forrest stops — turns.) 
 
 Other women have gone forth to beg. Do you 
 know what happened to them? 
 
 Mistress Forrest. Nay, I know not. 
 
 Percy. They came back fearfully wounded — • 
 and died. 
 
46 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Henry. They will treat you the same way, Mis- 
 tress. 
 
 Mistress Forrest. What will become of us ! Are 
 we all to perish here in this wilderness? 
 
 Henry. I would I could help you, Mistress. 
 
 Mistress Forrest. Poor child — you are scarce 
 able to stand yourself. Poor little runaway Henry ! 
 
 (Smooths his hair. Pause. Men*s voices are 
 heard off. All start in alarm.) 
 
 Did you hear those voices? 
 
 Others. Aye — 
 
 Percy. Indians ! Come, come to the fort ! 
 
 {They start. Henry stumbles and falls. The 
 others lift him, and assist him to fort ; close door. 
 Voices heard nearer. Pause. Enter Sir Thomas 
 Gates and sailors. They look about in astonish' 
 m,ent.) ' ^ 
 
 Sir Thomas. Why, look you, everything is in 
 ruins ! 
 
 First Sailor. Their cabins are half torn down ! 
 
 Second Sailor. The palisades are almost gone! 
 
 Sir Thomas. 'T is desolation unspeakable ! And 
 they told us in London we would find some two 
 hundred colonists here, busy in their fields and 
 happy. 
 
 First Sailor. The Indians must have killed them 
 all. 
 
 Sir Thomas. I fear it. Oh, 't is a piteous sight ! 
 It fills mine heart with horror. ; 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 47 
 
 Third Sailor. Their fort seems to be still in 
 good condition, Sir Thomas. They may be within, 
 in hiding. 
 
 Sir Thomas. I pray they may ! 
 {Crosses quickly to fort; knocks on door.) 
 
 Open, friends ! I am Sir Thomas Gates of London. 
 Open ! Open ! 
 
 (Door is opened. Percy comes out, followed hy 
 Henry, Todkill, Phettiplaoe, Forrest and his 
 wife, Ann, and others — men, women, children. 
 All are feeble, hut show joy. They hold out their 
 arms in welcom.e.) 
 
 Colonists, Englishmen ! Englishmen ! 
 {Sir Thomas and sailors support them.) 
 
 Sir Thomas. My friends — my friends — what 
 hath happened to you here in Jamestown? 
 
 Percy. Food — food — or we perish ! 
 
 Others. Food — food ! 
 
 Sir Thomas {to sailors). Bring food — quick — 
 quick ! 
 
 , {Sailors go running. Some colonists sink to 
 ground. Others lean against trees weakly.) 
 
 Be of good cheer, friends, we have supplies in our 
 ship for all of you. 
 
 Percy. There are others in the fort who are 
 worse off than we. i 
 
 {Sir Thomas hastens to fort ; looks in; turns 
 away sadly.) 
 
 Sir Thomas. Oh, this does grieve me sadly! 
 
48 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 Only a handful left! Died the others of starva- 
 tion? 
 
 Percy. Mostly, they did. But many were killed 
 9,s they worked in the fields, and many while hunt- 
 ing or fishing. Lately we have not dared to stir 
 from here, not even to get firewood. 
 
 Sib Thomas. So you have used your cabins for 
 firewood, and likewise your palisades ! 
 
 Percy. Dying men are reckless. 
 
 {Enter sailors with food which they give to col- 
 onists.) 
 
 Sir Thomas. Feed those within — assist them 
 with all tenderness. 
 
 (Sailors enter fort with food. Sir Thomas turns 
 to colonists who are slowly reviving.) 
 
 Can you tell me how this hath come upon you ? 
 Captain Smith reported the colony to be in good 
 condition, when he arrived in England six months 
 ago. He said many acres had been cleared, and an 
 abundant harvest was certain. 
 
 ToDKiLL. And so it was. But no sooner was the 
 Captain gone than the Indians lost their fear of us. 
 They destroyed our fields and shot all who tried to 
 replant them. 
 
 Sir Thomas. Shot you ? How can that be ? In- 
 dians have no firearms. 
 
 Young Phettiplacb. They at one time got some 
 of our muskets, which we never could take from 
 them, though Captain Smith did go in pursuit. 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 49 
 
 William. And then, as time went on, there 
 seemed to be always some traitor among us who 
 would secretly give them our muskets in trade. 
 
 Percy. And there were certain other traitors — 
 three Germans who came in the last ship. They left 
 us and went to Powhatan and taught his braves how 
 to use our muskets. 
 
 Sir Thomas. Could anything be meaner! Alas, 
 that I did not come sooner! I expected to arrive 
 three months ago, but was blown out of my course 
 by a hurricane. In this delay we have almost con- 
 sumed our stores, so we cannot supply you for many 
 days. What, then, do you wish me to do ? 
 
 Charles. Take us back to England, sir. 
 
 Ann. Take us home, sir. 
 
 Mistress Forrest. Take us home — home. 
 
 All. Home — home. 
 
 Sir Thomas. It seems the only thing to do, but 
 'twill cause much sorrow in England. The king 
 hath set great store on this colony here. 
 
 Percy. We cannot starve that King James may 
 own Virginia. Leave us here and we die. 
 
 Sir Thomas. Why, I would not leave you. The 
 colony must be abandoned, of course. We will sail 
 for England at once. If you have possessions, please 
 to get them now. 
 {Enter sailors from fort. Colonists return to fort.) 
 
 Go and prepare the ship for them, lads. You 
 others may assist the sick from the fort. 
 
50 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 (Sailors go hastily; some to river, others to 
 fort. Pause. Sailors return from fort supporting 
 the sick colonists.) 
 
 Friends, we- are going back to England. 
 
 (Murmurs of joy from colonists. Enter other 
 colonists with small bundles.) 
 
 Well, are you ready ? 
 
 Colonists. Aye — 
 
 SiK Thomas. Then, come. And look your last on 
 Jamestown. 
 
 {All start off to river. Enter Third Sailor from 
 river hastily.) 
 
 Third Sailor. Hold ! Stay ! 
 
 {All stop, showing surprise.) 
 
 Sir Thomas. Why, what is this? 
 
 Sailor. Lord Delaware hath just landed!^ He 
 hath brought three ships with supplies ! 
 
 Sir Thomas. Lord Delaware ! Why, I can scarce 
 believe mine ears ! Lord Delaware here — here on 
 these shores? 
 
 Sailor. Aye, and spake with me. He said to 
 keep the people here and he would come straight-i 
 way. 
 
 Sir Thomas. This be good news, friends. Lord 
 Delaware is a great and noble man. Besides, he will 
 be able to care for you far better than I could with 
 my one small ship and scanty stores. 
 
 ' Lord Delaware actually met the colonists at the mouth of the 
 
A DREAM OF GOLD 51 
 
 {Enter Lord Djilaware with escort of soldiers. 
 Delaware is handsomely dressed in velvet. The 
 soldiers wear smart uniforms.) 
 
 Sir Thomas (bowing) . Welcome, Lord Delaware ! 
 
 Delaware. Sir Thomas — friends — I greet yoii. 
 The sailors have told me of your sad estate, and it 
 doth grieve me sorely. Praise God, I have come ia 
 time ! Three ships of supplies have I brought, and 
 many men and women. Will you not remain and 
 begin anew ? Will you not try again to make this 
 land a fit abode for Englishmen ? 
 
 Percy. 'T is my desire to live here if conditions 
 can be bettered. 
 
 Delaware. Conditions will be bettered. There 
 will be no more mistakes. Captain Smith hath ad- 
 vised us at every step. 
 
 Henry. Hath Captain Smith recovered ? 
 
 Delaware. He is out of danger, my lad, and 
 will return here as soon as he is able. 
 
 (To others.) One thing more, my friends — the 
 dream of gold is over. The king no longer desires 
 you to search for it. He bids you plant fields and 
 build homes. Indeed, his Majesty hath sent with me 
 many masons, carpenters, and farmers. Not a single 
 gallant was allowed to come. And with each ship 
 other Englishmen will come with their wives and 
 children. And together you will grow in wealth 
 and strength. The Indians will submit to you peace- 
 ably and will no doubt become Christians in time. 
 
52 A DREAM OF GOLD 
 
 So remain, friends. A glorious future awaits you. 
 Out of the ashes of your failures, your tears, and 
 your sorrows, many English colonies will arise in 
 this land. So do not think of to-day. Think of the 
 happy to-morrow. Come, will you not make the sac- 
 rifice ? 
 
 Percy. I will stay. 
 
 Mrs. Forrest. I am willing to remain if my 
 hushand consents. 
 
 Forrest. I do consent and heartily. 
 
 BuRRAS. We will stay — my sister and I. 
 
 Others. I will remain ! And I ! And I ! 
 
 Delaware {lifting hand; all how heads). May 
 God bless you and keep your hearts as courageous 
 in health as they are in this hour of your weakness. 
 May He bless this New Colony of Jamestown till it 
 shall arise in majesty — the majesty of manhood the 
 finest and best, of womanhood the bravest and 
 purest. Again I say, God bless you ! 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 OR 
 
 THE PURITANS OF SCROOBY 
 
 ACT I 
 
 Time : Fall of 1607 — early evening. 
 Place: England. King's Church at Southwell, a 
 village about fifteen miles from Scroohy. 
 
 Judge. 
 
 FlEST COMMISSIONEB. 
 
 Beadt.'r. 
 
 Second Commissionek, 
 
 Bailiff. 
 
 Puritan Spokessian, 
 
 Sib Jasper. 
 
 Puritan Woman. 
 
 COMMISSIONEKS, 
 
 Puritans, Soldiers. 
 
 ( The vestry is seen dimly lighted. A large table 
 is in center. Behind table, and facing it, are seven 
 large chairs. Over center chair is a red velvet 
 canopy. A heavy, barred door at right opens into 
 churchyard. A smaller door at left opens into 
 vestibule. In center chair sits the Beadle, asleep. 
 He is a peaceful-looking old man with gray hair. 
 There is a loud knock at door to yard. Beadle 
 sleeps on. Knocking is repeated vigorously. Beadle 
 wakes.) 
 
 Beabtm (sleepily). Who knocks? Who knocks, 
 I say? 
 
54 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Voice {off). The baillfE knocks ! The bailiff ! 
 
 {Beadle shows alarm; rises; hastens to door 
 walking feebly.) 
 
 Bbadlb. Bailiff, said you ? 
 
 Voice {off). Aye ! Bailiff of the High Court ! 
 
 Beadle {lifting bars). Presently, sir — pres- 
 ently — 
 
 {Opens door. Enter the Bailiff, a large and 
 powerful man. The Beadle trembles before Mm.) 
 
 I crave your pardon, Master Bailiff, — I knew not 
 you would return to-night. It might be I fell into 
 a doze, sir, — it might be I was sleeping, sir. 
 
 Bailiff. Cease your chatter, Beadle. The Court 
 of the High Commission will convene in extra 
 session to-night. 
 
 Beadle. Eh ! Extra session ! To-night ! 
 
 Bailiff. Come, come, the lights ! There 's no 
 time to lose. 
 
 {Beadle scurries about, lighting candles, talking 
 all the while.) 
 
 Beadle. 'T is a strange thing, Master Bailiff, 
 this night session. 
 
 Bailiff. 'T was ordered by the king himself. A 
 special post came from London a half-hour ago. 
 
 Beadle. Why, 't is a thing unheard of ! For 
 twenty years have I been beadle here. For twenty 
 years have I prepared this vestry for the High 
 Courts of the Commission. And not once, sir, hath 
 there been a night session. 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 55 
 
 Bailiff. His Majesty is sending one of his own 
 officers to sit with the Court to-night. 
 
 Beadle {astonished) . His own officer, say you ? 
 
 Bailiff. Aye. Now, then, Hght the chapel and 
 the vestibule. And make haste, Beadle, make haste ! 
 
 Beadle (going). Aye — aye — 
 
 (Exit to chapel. Bailiff removes hat and cloak. 
 Enter Beadle^ 
 
 Beadle. I can't understand it, sir. There must 
 be fresh trouble with the Puritans — 
 
 Bailiff. Isn't there always trouble with them? 
 
 Beadle. It may be the king himself hath turned 
 Puritan. 
 
 Bailiff {scornfully). The king turned Puritan! 
 Ha, ha ! 
 
 Beadle. There be many turning, these days. 
 
 Bailiff {looking directly at Beadle). Aye, even 
 our nearest kin. 
 
 Beadle {starting, showing confusion). Kin? 
 Kin, say you ? 
 
 Bailiff. Come, now; come, now; you know 
 what I mean well enough. 
 
 Beadle {excitedly). No one can question my loy- 
 alty to the king's church, sir, — no one ! / turn 
 Puritan ! Ha, ha ! I detest them ! The king is far 
 too good to them, say I. I 'd give them no trials 
 at all. I 'd hang them from the nearest tree, I 
 would ! 
 
 Bailiff. All of them? 
 
56 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Beadle. Every one iu this land ! 
 
 Bailiff. So — ! You would hang your son, would 
 you? 
 
 {Beadle starts ; clings to table for support. His 
 voice trembles.) 
 
 Beadle. My son! What do you say? My 
 son ! 
 
 Bailiff. Come, now; come, now, Beadle. Your 
 son hath turned Puritan, and you know it. 
 
 Beadle. No — no! Who told you that? Lies, 
 sir, — naught but lies ! 
 
 Bailiff. Why, then, does he go to Scrooby every 
 Sunday ? 
 
 Beadle. Eh? To Scrooby? 
 
 Bailiff. Aye, to Scrooby. 
 
 Beadle. He — he hath friends there. He — he 
 visits them on Sunday. 
 
 Bailiff. And these friends are Puritans. And 
 they are holding secret meetings there in spite of 
 the king's order against it. Why, your son hath 
 gone to Scrooby now ! 
 
 Beadle. He — had business there — 
 
 Bailiff. Business ! Bah ! Why, then, did he 
 walk? His horse is in the stable now. The proof 
 against your son is strong, Beadle, — enough to 
 send him to prison. 
 
 Beadle. Well, what do you want of me ? 
 
 Bailiff. Why did your son go to Scrooby to-day? 
 'Tis a Thursday, and the Puritans meet only on 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 57 
 
 Sunday. And why did he walk the fifteen miles in- 
 stead of riding as he always does ? Tell me what you 
 know, Beadle, and I '11 protect your son. 
 
 Beadle. You'll protect him? Your promise on 
 it, sir ! Give me your promise ! 
 
 Bailiff. I give you my promise. Now, then, — 
 speak. 
 
 Beadle. I didn't know he was a Puritan till 
 to-day, sir. He confessed the truth this morning. 
 He said the Puritan faith was the most beautiful 
 thing in the world, and he hoped I 'd find it out for 
 myself some time. 
 
 Bailiff {impatiently). But what took him to 
 Scrooby to-day? 
 
 Beadle. He said they would meet together to- 
 night. 
 
 Bailiff. To-night, eh ! Where ? 
 
 Beadle. At William Brewster's house, sir. 
 
 Bailiff. This Court forbade William Brewster to 
 hold another Puritan meeting in his house. 
 
 Beadle. I reminded him of that, sir, and I begged 
 him not to go, but he said there was something im- 
 portant to be discussed — something he dared sot 
 tell me. 
 
 Bailiff. 'T is a good chance to get them all ! I '11 
 inform the Court of this meeting. 
 
 Beadle. Remember your promise. Master Bailiff — 
 
 Bailiff. Your son shall go free. 
 
 {A door heard closing, off.) 
 
68 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 'T is the Judge and Commissioners ! Open the 
 door to the vestibule. 
 
 {Beadle opens door at left. Enter Judge and 
 six Commissioners. All wear black robes and 
 white wigs. They cross to chairs; sit, Judge in 
 center under canopy.) 
 
 Jtjdge. Bailiff, bring in the prisoners — those 
 Puritans you arrested in the woods near Scrooby. 
 We '11 try them all together. 
 
 Bailiff. One moment, please your Honor. I have 
 just had important news in regard to the other Pu- 
 ritans of Scrooby. 
 
 Judge. We '11 take that up in good time, Bailiff, — 
 the trial first. Bring in the prisoners. 
 
 (Exit Bailiff to yard. Beadle stands unnoticed in 
 gloom of a dark corner. Judge turns to Commis- 
 sioners.) 
 
 Gentlemen, we may spealr freely, now that we be 
 alone. I confess to be amazed at his Majesty's mes- 
 sage. This Court was created for the sole purpose 
 of crushing Puritans. Therefore I see no reason 
 for the sending of a special officer to sit with us, 
 even though he be Sir Jasper — the king's favorite 
 general. 
 
 First Commissioner. Could there be any dissatis- 
 faction with our findings, your Honor ? 
 
 Judge. We have fined and imprisoned every Pu- 
 ritan we could lay our hands on. And we have spies 
 watching suspected ones constantly. 
 
A DEEAM OF FREEDOM 59 
 
 Second Commissioner. Perhaps Sir Jasper comes 
 to compliment us on the zeal ^e show in crushing 
 them. 
 
 Judge. Well, however it be, we have done our 
 duty, gentlemen. 
 
 {Enter Bailiff with prisoners — several Puritan 
 men and women. They wear the Puritan dress; 
 are guarded by soldiers. 
 
 Judge. Bailiff, what is the charge against these 
 prisoners? 
 
 Bailiff. They are all members of the Puritan 
 church at Scrooby, your Honor, and are therefore 
 disobedient to his Majesty, King James. We found 
 them stealing through the woods last Sunday on 
 their way to their secret meeting-place. 
 
 Judge {to Puritans). Have you a spokesman 
 amongst you ? 
 
 {A young man steps forward.) 
 
 Puritan {firm.ly) . I will act as spokesman, your 
 Honor. 
 
 Judge. Do you plead guilty to the charge against 
 you? 
 
 Puritan. We do. 
 
 Judge. Did you know King James had forbidden 
 the Puritans to meet together ? 
 
 Puritan. We did. 
 
 Judge. Why, then, did you persist ? 
 
 Puritan. We believe wis have the right to wor- 
 ship as we choose, your Honor. 
 
60 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Judge. The law of England makes but one 
 church legal — the church of the king. Do you 
 think you have the right to be lawless? 
 
 Puritan. We are all law-abiding citizens, your 
 Honor. 
 
 Judge. You call it law-abiding to belong to a 
 church prohibited by your king ? 
 
 Puritan. No king can tell us what or what not to 
 believe. We are Englishmen, your Honor, not slaves. 
 
 Judge. Ah ! You defend your Puritan church, 
 do you ? 
 
 Puritan. I will yield up my life for my faith. 
 
 Puritan Woman. The same would 1 1 
 
 Other Puritans. And I ! And I ! 
 
 Judge. To jail with them. Bailiff ! To-morrow 
 take them to the dungeons at the Castle of York. 
 
 {Bailiff goes with Puritans and soldiers. The 
 Puritans walk firmly, and show no fear. Reenter 
 Bailiff.) 
 
 Bailiff. Your Honor, Sir Jasper hath arrived ! 
 
 {Judge and Commissioners rise quickly. Bailiff 
 opens door. Enter Sir Jasper and escort of sol- 
 diers. /Sir 'Jasper is military in voice, manners, 
 and carriage. He wears uniform of an English 
 general. Judge and Commissioners how.) 
 
 Sir Jasper {sharply). Be seated — be seated, 
 gentlemen ! I have no time for ceremony. 
 
 {Advances to table ; stands facing them.) 
 
 Your Honor, I will come to the point at once. 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 61 
 
 The king is displeased with you. He hath granted 
 you absolute power to destroy the Puritan church in 
 this part of England. Have you done this ? Speak. 
 
 Judge. We are doing it, my lord. Scarcely a day 
 passes that some of the heretics are not sent to jail. 
 
 Sib Jasper, Then why does the Scrooby church 
 still exist? The Puritans have been crushed in every 
 other part of England. But word hath come to the 
 king that here they still dare to meet. Explain this, 
 your Honor. 
 
 Judge. I cannot understand it, my lord. We 
 have had them watched and followed, and still they 
 continue to meet ; but every Sunday in a different 
 place. 'And so secretly is this managed that our 
 spies have not been able to find them all together. 
 
 Sir Jasper. You must find them, and speedily. 
 That is his Majesty's command. Bailiff, I halted 
 your prisoners just outside. You may bring them 
 back. I would question them a little. 
 
 {Exit Bailiff. Pause. Enter Bailiff with Puri- 
 tans and guards.) 
 
 Judge. The prisoners are of Scrooby, my lord. 
 
 Sir Jasper {sharply to Puritans). I come from 
 the king who commands you to answer my ques- 
 tions truthfully. Indeed, his Majesty promises free- 
 dom to those of you who will give information con- 
 cerning your places of meeting. You have only to 
 tell me where you have met since the king's procla- 
 mation was issued declaring such meetings illegal. 
 
62 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 And I wish you to consider that, in giving this in- 
 formation, you are merely performing a duty you 
 owe to your sovereign, who holds your fate in his 
 hands. I wish also to remind you that his Majesty's 
 patience with your sect is exhausted. You need ex- 
 pect no further clemency from him. 
 
 Spokesman. We have never received any clem- 
 ency from King James. 
 
 Sib Jaspeb. Silence ! I came not to argue with 
 you. I came for information, which you will give if 
 you value freedom and safety. I await your reply. 
 {Silence. Pause.) 
 
 Freedom, remember, to the one who will inform. 
 (Silence. Pause.) 
 
 I command you to speak. 
 
 {Silence. Pause.) 
 
 I command you to tell me if one William Brewster 
 be not your leader in all things. Doth he not allow 
 you to meet in his house for service every Sunday ? 
 
 Judge. We have stopped that, my lord. There 
 will be no more meetings at Master Brewster's. 
 
 Bailiff. May I speak. Sir Jasper ? 
 
 SiB Jaspeb. Speak. 
 
 Bailiff. I have just had secret information re- 
 garding a Puritan meeting. It will be held at Mas- 
 ter Brewster's house in Scrooby to-night. 
 
 SiB Jaspeb {to Puritans). What know you of 
 this meeting ? 
 
 {Silence. Pause.) 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 63 
 
 Again I command you to speak. 
 (Silence. Pause.) 
 
 Sentence them for five years, your Honor. 
 
 Judge. So be it, my lord. 
 
 SiK Jasper (to Bailiff). Who was your inform- 
 ant? 
 
 Bailiff. The beadle, my lord. 
 
 (Points to corner. Beadle comes down slowly.) 
 
 His son hath turned Puritan. The beadle had it 
 from him about the meeting to-night. 
 
 Sir Jasper. Is that the way of it, Beadle ? 
 
 Beadle. Yes, my lord. But the bailiff did promise 
 to save my son — 
 
 Sir Jasper (to his aides and ignoring the 
 Beadle's remark.) To your saddles, men ! Lead the 
 way, Bailiff ! There 's an extra horse for you. 
 (To Judge.) 
 
 We '11 have them all in prison by morning, your 
 Honor ! 
 
 (Starts off. Beadle follows him.) 
 
 Beadle. The bailiff promised to save my son — 
 
 Sir Jasper. Out of my way ! 
 
 (Pushes Beadle aside and starts off. Judge 
 and Commissioners rise : look after him. Puritan 
 spokesman crosses quickly to Beadle: plucks at 
 his sleeve, Beadle turns. Bailiff and soldiers 
 make ready to depart with Puritan prisoners.) 
 
 Puritan. Sh ! Would you save your son ? 
 
 Beadle. Aye — I would — 
 
64 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Puritan. Go to Scrooby — warn them ! 
 
 Beadle. 'T is too late — 
 
 Puritan. Take your son's horse — ride across the 
 fields. Will you not go ? 
 
 Beadle. Aye, I will ! 
 
 {Puritan slips back to his place. Beadle slips 
 out by chapel door just as last soldier disappears.) 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Time : Same night — midnight. 
 Place : Scrooby. William Brewster's home. 
 
 New Chakacteks 
 William Bkewsteb. Edward Winslow. 
 
 Mistress Brewster. Mistress Winslow. 
 
 Jonathan Brewster. William Bradford. 
 John Robinson. Puritan Girl. 
 
 Mistress Robinson. Puritan Boy. 
 
 John Carver. First Woman. 
 
 Mistress Carver. Second Woman. 
 
 Ralph Wexton. Third Woman. 
 
 First Child. Second Child. 
 
 Puritans. 
 
 {The large living-room is seen well lighted with 
 candles. A heavy barred door at back opens into 
 yard. A smaller door at left leads to inner rooms. 
 The windows are covered with thick curtains. 
 There is a high paneled wainscoting around the 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 65 
 
 walls. There are large chairs, a handsome table, 
 and a picture or two. In fact, the room and its 
 furnishings show the Bkewsteks to be people of 
 culture, with a comfortable income. Many Puri- 
 tans, men and women of all ages, are seen talking 
 earnestly in groups. There are a number of chil- 
 dren, all of whom listen solemnly to their elders. 
 All wear the simple Puritan dress, men, women, 
 and children, and all carry bundles of various 
 sizes. Many pieces of baggage are piled about 
 room. William and Mistress Brewster talk with 
 John Robinson, the pastor, and his wife. Wil- 
 liam Brewster is a fine-looking man of about 
 forty years. lie is educated and cultured; is 
 pleasant and courteous. John Robinson, also, is 
 a cultured gentleman; is gentle and sympathetic; 
 wears clerical garb of Puritans. Mistress Robin- 
 son and Mistress Brewster are refined women of 
 thirty years or so. They show determination and 
 courage. Jonathan Brewster, a boy of fifteen, 
 stands close to door at back. He seems to be lis- 
 tening to a sound without.) 
 
 Robinson. Well, Master Brewster, the time so 
 long looked forward to hath come, and no one 
 seems to regret it. 
 
 Brewster. All do seem calm and courageous. 
 Master Robinson. But they know the danger full 
 well. 
 
 Jonathan (to Brewster). Father! Some one 
 
66 A DREAM OF FKEEDOM 
 
 comes ! I heard steps on the stones at the gate. May 
 I draw the bars? 
 
 Bbewstbb. Wait, Jonathan, till our signal is 
 given. 
 
 Jonathan. 'Tis Master Wexton — the beadle's 
 son. 
 
 Mistress Brbwsteb. How know you that so 
 surely? 
 
 Jonathan. All of our people are come but he. 
 
 Robinson {looking about). 'Tis true — he alone 
 is lacking. 
 
 Bbewstbb. Nevertheless, we must wait for our 
 signal. 'T would be dangerous to open without it. 
 {Pause: all listening for signal.) 
 
 MisTBBSs Bbewstbb. 'T is strange the signal is 
 not given. 
 
 Bbewstbb. Methinks 't was one of our guards he 
 heard. They are watching closely to-night. 
 
 Robinson. 'T is well, for 't is a most important 
 night to us. 
 
 {Master and Mistress Garybb, join group.) 
 
 MisTBBss Robinson. The most important in our 
 lives ! I wonder if we shall get safely away. 
 
 MiSTBBSS Cabteb. That is my thought, too, Mis- 
 tress Robinson. 
 
 Bbewstbb. So far our plans have carried. It all 
 depends now on our boatmen — whether they can get 
 the barge here without being seen by the king's 
 spies. 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 67 
 
 Carver. They were not to come till the night 
 grew dark. 
 
 Brewster. And so they will not, Master Carver. 
 Master Bradford hath the matter in charge. 
 
 Robinson. Then all -will be performed as was 
 planned. William Bradford is a young man to de- 
 pend on. 
 
 {Master and Mistress Wi^si.ow jom group.) 
 
 WiNSLOW. Is it not time for the barge, friends ? 
 
 Mistress Winslow. 'T is after midnight, and the 
 night is dark. 
 (A knock at door, back ; then two short knocks.) 
 
 Jonathan. 'T is our signal, father ! 
 
 (Opens door ; turns to Brewster.) 
 
 'T is not Master "Wexton ! 'T is Master William 
 Bradford ! 
 
 {Miter William Bradford. He is an intelligent, 
 earnest youth of eighteen.) 
 
 Brewster. Ah, Master Bradford ! You bring us 
 news ? 
 
 Bradford. The barge is here, friends ! We have 
 landed just below your orchard, Master Brewster, 
 where the shadows on the river are deepest. 
 
 Brewster {to others). Are you ready? 
 
 Others. Yes — yes — 
 
 Bradford. I '11 call the guards — they are wait- 
 ing without to carry the heaviest baggage. 
 
 Carver. One moment — Is it certain no spies 
 are about ? 
 
68 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Bbadpoed. We have seen no one, Master Carver. 
 Certain of our men are now patrolling the river shore 
 and orchard. Others, the roads and all by-paths. 
 
 WiNSLOw. Every precaution hath been taken, it 
 seems. 
 
 Brewster. "We can do no more than watch. Call 
 the guards, William. Friends, prepare to depart. 
 
 {There is much commotion, all hastening to 
 select bundles. Bradford opening door; six 
 guards entering. Robinson crosses to door; faces 
 others.) 
 
 Robinson (lifting hand). My people — 
 (There is instant silence. He continues.) 
 
 Think again what you are doing ! Reflect, ere it be 
 too late. You are leaving your homes forever. You 
 are going to a foreign land with nothing of your 
 possessions save the little you carry in your hands. 
 You are leaving your lands ; even your means of 
 making a livelihood. No one knows what the future 
 will bring to us in Holland. 'T is like we shall find 
 it hard to make even enough for a few years to 
 provide us with food and shelter. Shall we be able 
 to endure such poverty? Think again on these 
 things, my people. Shall we not remain ? It is not 
 too late. 
 
 Brewster. There is no longer hope for any Pu- 
 ritan in England. The king himself is our most bit- 
 ter enemy. 
 
 WiNSLOW. And he is spreading the net about us 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 69 
 
 rapidly. Soon we shall all be caught and com- 
 manded to renounce our faith. Could we do that? 
 
 Others. No! No! 
 
 Carvbb, I would rather leave my worldly goods 
 than give up my freedom of conscience. 
 
 Bbadfokd. Aye ! To keep a good conscience is a 
 thing to be preferred even before life itself. 
 {Others miirinur assent.) 
 
 Robinson. But think of the danger we run in 
 trying to get away from England. Every port is 
 closed against us. 
 
 Brewster. But we shall sail secretly, at night, 
 and from a place near by, and many miles from the 
 king and his court. Besides, the captain hath been 
 paid double the usual passage, and is willing to take 
 the risk. 
 
 Bradford. And besides, and best of all, we go to 
 Holland, where we shall be free — free to talk — to 
 think, and to worship. 
 
 Others. Yes — yes — to be free — free — 
 
 Robinson — I see you are determined. May God 
 in his mercy guide us. 
 
 (Steps hack.) 
 
 Bradford (to guards). The heavier pieces, men, 
 
 at once. 
 
 Brewster. One moment, please you — 'T is well 
 we should speak of our plans again, lest there be 
 some miscarriage. The guards will load the baggage 
 on and will then return for the women and children, 
 
70 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 ■who will, as you know, go in the barge, with only a 
 boatman or two. We men will walk, and will meet 
 the barge near Boston, You know the place — where 
 a neck of land juts into the sea. 
 
 Others. Aye — we know ! 
 
 Bebwster. Come, then, we must move with dis- 
 patch. 
 
 (Bradford and guards take haggage out. Brew- 
 ster closes and bars door. Jonathan crosses to 
 him; speaks with him aside.) 
 
 Jonathan. 'T is strange about Master Wexton, 
 father. 
 
 Brewster. I fear he has met with trouble. But 
 't were best to say nothing. We must not alarm the 
 others. 
 
 Jonathan (gravely). It might cause them to lose 
 heart. 
 
 (Knock at door — then two shorter knocks.) 
 
 'T is the signal, father ! 
 
 (Opens door. JSnter Ealph Wexton, a sturdy, 
 serious young man: does not wear Puritan dress.) 
 
 'T is Master Wexton ! 
 
 Brewster. I feared you were not coming, Ralph. 
 
 Wexton. A spy followed me from Southwell, 
 sir. 
 
 Cabver. Followed you here ! 'T will be the un- 
 doing of us and our plans. 
 
 Wexton. Nay, I hid in the woods so long a time 
 he lost the scent, and returned whence he came. 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 71 
 
 WiNSLOw. 'T is strange you were followed. You 
 are not wearing the Puritan dress. 
 
 Wbxton. I dared not. The High Court hath be- 
 gun its sessions at Southwell, in the church where 
 my father is beadle. 
 
 Mistress Robinson. Have they tried our people 
 as yet ? 
 
 Wexton. Many of them, Mistress Robinson. 
 
 Mistress Brewster. We need not ask their sen- 
 tences — 
 
 Wexton. Fines and prisons for every one. 
 
 A Girl (anxiously). My father — did he speak 
 of me? 
 
 Wexton. He sent you his love and said he would 
 join you as soon as he was free again. 
 
 A Boy. Did you see my mother, sir? 
 
 Wexton. I did, lad. She was praying to be with 
 you soon. 
 
 {To others.) 
 
 They were all praying to join us in Holland. 
 
 Brewster. And they shall ! Their fines shall be 
 paid, and their passage to Holland shall be ar- 
 ranged as soon as it is possible. I pledge myself 
 to that. 
 
 Robinson. And I. 
 
 Others. And I. And I. And I. 
 
 {Puritan signal heard at door. Brewster opens 
 door. Enter Bradford. Brewster closes door; 
 bars it.) 
 
72 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Bradford. We are ready now for the women and 
 children. The guards wait at the river. 
 
 {Women and children cross to door. Men fall 
 back.) 
 
 Jonathan. Mother, let me go with the men. 
 
 Mistress Brewster. Nay, they have fifty miles 
 to walk. 
 
 Jonathan. I can do it. 
 
 Mistress Brewster. You might be a hindrance 
 to your father. Come with me, Jonathan. 
 
 (Jonathan follows her to door obediently. The 
 pastor crosses ; faces them.) 
 
 Robinson. Sisters, again I would speak. You 
 know well that I am with you heart and soul ; and 
 yet I would not see you walk deliberately into 
 danger. Do you fully realize what it would mean 
 should your barge be discovered as it floats to the 
 sea? You would- be sent straightway to prison. 
 No compassion would be shown you or your chil- 
 dren. 
 
 First Woman. I am not afraid. 
 
 Second Woman. The thought of prison does not 
 frighten me. 
 
 Third Woman. No, nor me. 
 
 First Child. I fear nothing. 
 
 Second Child. Nor I. 
 
 Other Children. Nor I ! Nor I ! 
 
 Mistress Robinson. How could we be afraid 
 when these children show no fear ? 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 73 
 
 Robinson. You are fully prepared then for the 
 worst that may befall? 
 
 All Women. Aye I 
 
 Robinson {stepping aside). So be it. I can say 
 no more. 
 
 (Knock at door. All show surprise.) 
 
 Bbadford. 'T is not our signal. 
 
 Bbbwsteb. Who knocks? 
 
 Voice {off, faintly). Open ! Open I 
 
 Brewster. Who are you? 
 
 Voice {as before). Open — 
 
 Brewster. What is your errand here ? 
 
 Voice. Open — quick — open I 
 
 Brewster. We open to no stranger. Who are 
 you ? Speak your name, sir ! 
 
 V oice ( faintly) . Beadle — beadle — 
 
 Brewster {turning to others). "Beadle," he 
 says. Could he be — 
 
 Wexton {rushing to door). Father I Be it you? 
 
 Voice. Aye — ■ 
 
 (Brewster opens door. Enter Beadle ex- 
 hausted.) 
 
 Beadle. My — fly ! They come I Sir Jasper — the 
 bailiff — soldiers ! 
 
 {Sinks into a chair.) 
 
 Wexton. Where are they? Speak, father, speak ! 
 Are they close upon us ? 
 
 Beadle {faintly) . Aye — close — close — Ralph 
 — your horse — fly — fly — 
 
74 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 (Leans hack almost unconscious. Ralph and 
 Robinson attend him. Women bring water.) 
 
 Brewster. 'T would be foolhardy to go to the 
 barge now. There is only one means of escape, and 
 that is the secret passage. 
 
 Carver. We will be caught like rats in a trap 
 should they by chance discover it. 
 
 Bradford (listening at door). They are crossing 
 the bridge ! They 're coming on the gallop ! 
 
 Brewster. They will be here in a moment 1 
 
 (Crosses; slides hack a panel in wainscoting. 
 A small opening is disclosed.) 
 
 Into the passage — quick ! 'T is your only chance ! 
 Quick, — quick ! 
 
 (Men step hack, allowing women and children 
 to enter first.) 
 
 Bradford. They are dismounting ! Quick ! We 
 dare not keep them waiting. 
 
 (Beadle is led into passage. Enter all hut the 
 Brewster /ami^y and Bradford.) 
 
 Brewster, Master Bradford — come ! 
 
 Bradford. I will stay here with you — 
 
 Brewster. No one but my family must be found 
 here. 'T would excite suspicion. Come. 
 
 (Loud knock at door. Bradford enters passage. 
 Brewster slides panel into place. Mistress Brew- 
 ster throws off wraps and sits. Jonathan stands 
 hy her. Knock repeated. Brewster crosses to 
 door.) 
 
'INTO THE PASSAGE — QUICK! 'TIS YODR ONLY CHANCE!" 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 77 
 
 Who knocks? 
 
 Voice. Open in the name of King James ! 
 
 (Brewster opens door. Enter Sir Jasper, Bail- 
 iff, and soldiers) 
 
 Sir Jasper. Be you William Brewster ? 
 
 Brewster. I am, gentlemen. 
 
 Sir Jasper. William Brewster, I am Sir Jasper 
 of the king's court. 
 
 Brewster (feoiomgr). Well, my lord — 
 
 Sir Jasper. I have been commissioned by his 
 Majesty to make certain accusations against you. 
 
 Brewster. Of what am I guilty, my lord ? 
 
 Sir Jasper. I accuse you of disobedience in mat- 
 ters of religion. I accuse you of permitting Puritans 
 to meet here in your home, in spite of the king's 
 proclamation against such meetings. Finally, I ac- 
 cuse you of harboring Puritans here to-night. What 
 have you to say to that, sir ? 
 
 (Brewster is silent. Pause.) 
 
 Well, do you deny it? 
 
 Brewster. Of what use to deny, my lord ? 
 
 Sir Jasper. Where are these Puritans ? I com- 
 mand you to produce them. 
 
 Brewster. The house is open to you. 
 
 Sir Jasper. Search every room. Bailiff ! 
 
 {Bailiff and soldiers go to interior. Sir Jasper 
 walks about, looking at everything with suspi- 
 cion; thrusts sword up fireplace; looks behind 
 window curtains ; finally halts before panel lead- 
 
78 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 ing to secret passage ; points to Jonathan with his 
 sword ; speaks gruffly.) 
 
 Come here, boy ! 
 
 (Brewster and wife show alarm, hut Jonathan 
 crosses bravely.) 
 
 So you be a Puritan, be you ? 
 
 Jonathan. Aye, sir, I be. 
 
 Sir Jasper. Do you know that I have the power 
 to punish you ? 
 
 Jonathan. Aye, sir. 
 
 Sir Jasper. Do you know that I can take you 
 away from your parents to-night and put you in 
 prison wherever I choose ? 
 
 Jonathan (frightened). Aye, sir. 
 
 (Brewster is alarmed: his wife is trembling 
 with fear.) 
 
 Sir Jasper. Well, then, my boy, I will tell you 
 how to save yourself. You have merely to tell me 
 where these Puritans have gone and you shall go 
 free. And so shall your father and mother. 
 
 (Pause. Jonathan looks at his parents ; then 
 turns to Sir Jasper.) 
 
 Jonathan. My father told you to search the 
 house. 
 
 Sir Jasper (seizing his arm roughly). I com- 
 mand you to tell me — this instant ! 
 
 Jonathan. I will not tell you anything ! 
 
 Sir Jasper (angrily). Oh — ho ! I 've a mind to 
 punish your impudence ! 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 79 
 
 Mistress Bkbwster (rising in alarm). He does 
 not mean to be impudent, my lord. He hath been 
 brought up a Puritan — he knows nothing else. 
 
 Sir Jasper. You had best teach him something 
 else, and quickly. 
 
 Brewster (crossing; taking Jonathan's hand). 
 That, my lord, is a matter that concerns us alone. 
 (Enter Bailiff and soldiers.) 
 
 Bailiff. There 's not a sign of them, my lord. 
 
 Sir Jasper. Did you search the garrets and 
 cellars ? 
 
 Bailiff. Thoroughly, my lord. 
 
 Sir Jasper. We have failed this time. Master 
 Brewster, but we will come again. Your house will 
 be watched. Yourself will be followed whene'er you 
 stir from your door. We will make you conform, or 
 we '11 harry you into a dungeon. You can't escape 
 us, sirrah. Try it at your peril. 
 
 (Starts off; turns at door; shakes finger at 
 Brewster.) 
 
 Try it at your peril, sirrah ! 
 
 (Exit, followed by Bailiff and soldiers. Jona- 
 than slips out after them unnoticed. Brewster 
 closes and bars door ; crosses to panel.) 
 
 Mistress Brewster. You had best wait a little 
 — they might return. 
 
 Brewster. It would be safer — 
 
 (Turns away from panel.) 
 
 Where is Jonathan ? 
 
80 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Mistress Brewstbe. He was here but a moment 
 ago. 
 
 (Crosses to small door, calling.) 
 
 Jonathan ! 
 
 (Pause.) 
 
 Jonathan ! 
 
 (Pause. She is frightened.) 
 
 William ! Could they have taken him ? 
 
 Brewster. Oh, no! That 's impossible. I'll look 
 through the house. 
 
 (Exit. Pause. Mistress Brewster moves about 
 anxiously. Enter Brewster alarmed.) 
 
 Mistress Brewster. You did not find him ! 
 
 Brewster. No, Mary — I cannot understand it. 
 
 Mistress Brewster. Then they have taken him ! 
 Sir Jasper said he would punish him! William — 
 what shall we do ? What shall we do ! 
 
 Brewster (troubled). We '11 find a way to get 
 him back — I '11 go to the king myself — 
 
 (Enoch at door — the Puritan signal.) 
 
 Who can it be ? The guards would not venture 
 here now — I fear Sir Jasper hath returned — 
 
 Mistress Brewster. He may bring us news of 
 Jonathan ! Let him enter, William ! 
 
 Brewster. But what if he hath compelled Jona- 
 than to disclose the secret of that panel? Can we 
 allow our brethren to be discovered and driven off 
 to prison ? 
 
 Mistress Brewster. Jonathan would not tell 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 81 
 
 them. I would stake my life on that. He is a staunch 
 little Puritan. Open ! I beg you to open ! 
 {Knocking is repeated.) 
 
 Bkbwstee. Who knocks? 
 
 Mistress Brewster. Tell them they must g^ve 
 our boy back to us ! 
 
 Brewster. Who knocks, I say? 
 
 Voice. 'TisI — I! Jonathan! 
 
 Mistress Brewster. Open ! Open ! 
 
 (Brewster opens door. Miter Jonathan smil- 
 ing.) 
 
 Jonathan ! Did they take you ? 
 
 Jonathan. Take me ! Ha, ha ! They did n't even 
 know I was there. T hid behind the bushes to see if 
 any should stay to spy. But they all rode away— ■ 
 you can't even hear their horses. 
 
 Brewster. My brave boy ! 
 
 Mistress Brewster. My courageous little Pu- 
 ritan ! 
 
 (Brewster slides hack panel : speaks into opew 
 ing.) 
 
 Brewster. Come, 't is safe now. 
 (Enter Puritans and Beadle from secret passage.) 
 
 The way is clear — go quickly. 
 
 Bradford. Come, I will lead you. We '11 creep 
 down through the orchard. Keep well in the 
 shadows, and go as silently as possible. 
 
 (Puritans go. Beadle lingers.) 
 
 Wbxton. Come, father. 
 
82 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Beadle. I be no Puritan. 
 
 Wbxton. You can't return now to your church. 
 They would clap you into prison. 
 
 Beadle. But I say I be no Puritan. 
 
 RoBmsoN. Come with us — Puritan or no. We '11 
 care for you as if you were, for we owe you a debt 
 of gratitude. Remember you have saved us all this 
 night. 
 
 Beadle. I '11 come, hut 't is only because I must, 
 for I say I he no Puritan. 
 
 {Goes with son. The Beewsteks are last. They 
 turn at door and looh hack into room.) 
 
 MisTBBss Brewster (sadly). Just a last look, 
 William — 
 
 Brewster (sadly). Aye, Mary, just a last 
 look — 
 
 (They go.) 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Time : The next night. 
 Place : On board an English sailing vessel Just off 
 Boston, a village on east coast of England. 
 
 New Characters 
 Captain. Officee. 
 
 First Mate. Puritan Man. 
 
 Second Mate. Magistrate. 
 
 Sailors and Soldiers. 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 83 
 
 {A flaming torch lights deck,. First Mate is seen 
 peering out into darkness. Enter Second 3£ate; 
 looks about cautiously ; crosses quickly.) 
 
 Second Mate. A word with you, Mate ! 
 {First Mate, turning). 
 
 They have changed the course ! Have you 
 marked it? 
 
 First Mate. Aye, we be headed for land now. 
 
 Second Mate. 'T is contrary to agreement. We 
 shipped for Holland direct. 
 
 First Mate. And here we be putting into 
 Boston, 
 
 Second Mate {looking off ; starts). Look you! 
 We'll not be landing at Boston! There's the 
 lights of the town a half-mile below. 
 
 First Mate {looking). 'Tis a neck of land we 
 be making ! 
 
 Second Mate. It looks like a bit of smuggling, 
 I say. 
 
 First Mate. Nay, that's too risky these days. 
 
 Second Mate. Risky ! Pshaw ! That 's naught 
 to me if I get my share of the booty. 
 
 First Mate {looking up deck). Sh! The Cap- 
 tain ! 
 
 {Exit Second Mate quickly. Enter the Captain, 
 a sullen, surly Englishman. First Mate salutes.) 
 
 Captain. Well, have you noticed we 're headed 
 for land, Mate ? 
 
 First Mate. Aye, Captain. 
 
84 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Captain. And you 're suspicious about it, eh ? 
 
 FiEST Mate. I was just wondering, sir — 
 
 Captain. I've made arrangements to take on 
 some passengers here — some Puritans, in fact. 
 
 First Mate (starting). Puritans! That's dan- 
 gerous business, Captain. 
 
 Captain. I 've charged them well for the risk. 
 
 FmsT Mate. But there 's a law against taking 
 the heretics away. 
 
 Captain. I 've arranged against that. 
 
 First Mate. Maybe you can save yourself. Mas- 
 ter, but I am a poor man, and I have no hankerings 
 for prison. Besides, I 've a family to think of. 
 
 Captain. It's all arranged, I tell you. There 
 will be no danger for any one. I have written the 
 Boston magistrate about these Puritans. 
 
 First Mate. You have written the magistrate ! 
 
 Captain. I am only protecting myself. If the 
 officers wish to prevent their escape, they may. It 
 is none of my affairs. So as soon as we land, you 
 will go ashore and report our position to his Honor. 
 
 First Mate. I cannot do that. Captain. 
 
 Captain (angrily). You refuse! You dare to 
 refuse ! 
 
 First Mate. Aye. I be no Puritan, but I '11 not 
 help to betray them and throw the women into 
 prison. 
 
 Captain. Come, come; there'll be a bit of gold 
 for you. I have arranged that with the magistrate. 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 85 
 
 Mate. There 's no gold can make me do it. 
 {Enter sailors dragging rope.) 
 
 Captain. Seize this man ! 
 (Sailors hesitate : look from Captain to Mate.) 
 
 Seize him, I say ! To the cell with him ! If he 
 struggles, put him in irons. 
 
 {Sailors seize and take Mate off. Enter Second 
 Mate. Captain turns to him.) 
 
 Come to my cabin. There 's certain work for you 
 to-night. 
 
 {They go. Enter other sailors: work at ropes. 
 Go, dragging ropes off. Pause. Bells ring. Cap- 
 tain and Second Mate hurry on.) 
 {Enter an Officer.) 
 
 Officer. She 's anchored, sir. 
 
 Captain. Man a boat for Boston at once — get 
 the best oarsmen. Send the other boats to the 
 shore at this point. We 're taking on some passen- 
 gers. 
 
 Officer. Aye, sir. 
 
 {Exit officer. Captain turns to Second Mate.) 
 
 Captain. Go quickly, and keep your boat well 
 away from the shore, lest the Puritans see you. 
 
 Second Mate. What about my share of the 
 spoils? 
 
 Captain. I said nothing about spoils. 
 
 Second Mate. I demand my share — I'll not stir 
 without. 
 
 Captain {Angrily). Name your price. 
 
86 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Second Mate. One tenth of the gold paid to you 
 by the magistrate. 
 
 Captain. 'T is robbery ! 
 
 Second Mate. I '11 not go for less. 
 
 (Pause. Captain glares at Mate, who stands 
 his ground.) 
 
 Captain. I agree. Now, go, and make haste. Tell 
 his Honor I '11 hold the ship for a time. 
 
 (Mate nods; exit. Enter an officer.) 
 
 Officer. The first boat hath returned with pas- 
 sengers. 
 
 Captain. Send it back — keep all the boats go- 
 ing. 
 
 (Exit officer. Enter many Puritans. Captain re- 
 ceives them cordially ; hows to women ; shakes 
 hands with men ; pats children's heads.) 
 
 Welcome — welcome to you all ! Here you be in 
 safety, and the king is none the wiser. Ha, ha ! I 
 said it would happen thus. I told Master Brewster 
 so from the start. 
 
 (Looks about.) 
 
 Where is Master Brewster ? 
 
 A Man. He will come with the last load. 
 
 Captain. That 's the proper spirit for a leader ! 
 The last boat always. And now will it please you to 
 go below ? We must make room for the others. 
 
 (Puritans go. Enter other Puritans, Captain 
 greeting them as before.) 
 
 Welcome — welcome ! Why, this is better luck 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 87 
 
 than e'en I hoped for. No mishaps — everything 
 exactly as we had arranged. 'T is remarkable, I say 
 — remarkable ! 
 
 {Enter other Puritans, including Robinson, Brad- 
 ford, Carver, Winslow, and the Brewster fam- 
 ily.) 
 
 Welcome — welcome — welcome ! Ah, Master 
 Brewster ! I was just asking for you. 
 
 Brewster. Every one is safely on. You can get 
 away at once, Captain. 
 
 Captain. I am sorry. Master, but we shall be de- 
 layed a little. 
 
 Brewster. Delayed! 
 
 Captain. A slight leakage. It won't keep us 
 long — a few minutes at the most. 
 
 Brewster. Every, moment is full of danger 
 to us. 
 
 Captain. Is there not danger for me as well ? 
 
 Brewster. You will suffer with us, of course. 
 
 Captain. Of course. 'T would be prison for me 
 and my officers. 
 
 {To all Puritans.) 
 
 Will you please to go below? I need the deck 
 clear for sailing. 
 
 {Puritans go. Captain at once shows surliness. 
 Enter an Officer.) 
 
 Watch for boat there ! Watch sharp ! 
 
 {Officer peering out into darkness. Captain 
 pacing deck. Long pause. Captain speaks sharply.) 
 
88 A DEEAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 There should be a boat coming out from Boston. 
 Don't you see it ? 
 
 Officer. Nay, I see nothing as yet. 
 
 {Enter Bkewster, Bbadfokd, and Ralph Wbx- 
 
 TON.) 
 
 Brewster. How much longer shall we be delayed, 
 Captain ? 
 
 Captain. The accident was worse than I thought. 
 But within the hour — 
 
 Brewster. Hour ! We must get away at once. 
 The leakage can be stopped at sea. 
 
 Captain. 'T would be most unsafe. 
 
 Brewster. 'T will be safer than staying here. 
 There 's a good breeze. Unfurl your sails quickly. 
 
 Captain. That is impossible — 
 
 Brewster. You must ! 
 
 Captain. Must ? That 's a strong word, sirrah ! 
 
 Brewster. We have the right to use it. We have 
 paid you a large sum of money — in fact, we have 
 overpaid you, as you very well know. We demand 
 you set sail instantly. 
 
 Captain. I am master of this ship. I shall sail 
 whenever it pleases me. 
 
 Brewster (to Bradford owcZWexton). Unfurl 
 the sails ! Come ! 
 
 {Puritans run to sails. Captain draws sword, 
 barring their way.) 
 
 Captain. Back ! You '11 not touch the sails ! Back 
 — back, I say ! , 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 89 
 
 {Officer rushes forward to assist Captain.) 
 
 Officer, bring men ! We '11 put these fellows in 
 irons ! 
 
 Officee. Aye, aye, sir ! 
 
 {Starts offi ; stops.) 
 
 The boat, Master! 'T is here — at the ship's 
 side! 
 
 Captain {sheathing sword). Unfurl the sails, 
 Puritans. Little good 't will do you now. 
 
 Brewster. You have betrayed us ! 
 {Enter Second Mate with Magistrate and soldiers.) 
 
 Captain. Seize these fellows, your Honor ! They 
 are the ringleaders. 
 
 {Magistrate motions to soldiers, who seize Pu- 
 ritans. They struggle in vain.) 
 
 The others are below, your Honor. 
 
 Magistrate {to soldiers). Force them up ! 
 
 {Soldiers go. Pause. Women and children heard 
 screaming off. Brewster, Bradford, and Wexton 
 renew struggles to escape. Miter Puritans driven 
 by soldiers. The men are angry ; women fright- 
 ened ; children cry with fear.) 
 
 Search them ! Tear open their bundles ! 
 
 {Soldiers search men ; take money from, them ; 
 tear hags from, women and open them,finding rings, 
 silver spoons, etc. They open larger bundles, find- 
 ing hooks in many.) 
 
 Throw the books overboard ! 
 
 Robinson. I beg you — let us keep our books ! 
 
90 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 Magistrate. Over with them! We'll have none 
 of their Puritan books in England. 
 
 {Sailors throw book's into sea.) 
 
 Now, then, — to jail with them all ! 
 
 {Soldiers go, driving Puritans along with jeers 
 and sneers.) 
 
 ACT rv 
 
 Time: Spring of 1608. 
 Place : London — Council Chamber in the hinges 
 palace. 
 
 New Chaeacteks 
 King James. Second Councillor. 
 
 ElBST COUNCILLOE. ThIED CoUNCILLOE. 
 
 USHEE. 
 
 {Three Councillors are seen seated at a massive 
 table, busy with papers. Enter Usher.) 
 
 Usher. My lords, Sir Jasper is impatient — he has 
 waited long in the ante-room. 
 
 First Councillor. Say to Sir Jasper that we re- 
 gret this delay, but his Majesty hath not come, nor 
 hath he sent us any word in reply to our request for 
 his presence. Pending that, we cannot admit him, 
 though we be the king's own councillors. 
 
 Usher {bowing). Yes, my lord — 
 
 Second Councillor. You may tell Sir Jasper also 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 91 
 
 that we have read his report with interest, and have 
 discussed the matter among us. 
 
 ( Usher hows. Exit.) 
 
 Thikd Councillor. Perhaps we should have told 
 his Majesty the nature of the matter to be dis- 
 cussed. 
 
 Second Councillor. Nay. 'T would have an- 
 gered him so greatly he would not even counsel 
 with us. 
 
 First Councillor. Aye, it is better to get him 
 here, and then declare the matter. 
 {Enter Usher.) 
 
 UsHEiR. His Majesty, King James ! 
 
 ( Councillors rise. Enter King James — a small 
 man, ugly in face and figure. Councillors how. 
 King crosses ; sits in great chair at head of table ; 
 motions others to sit.) 
 
 King. Well, what business is it that demands my 
 attention at once ? 
 
 First Councillor. Your Majesty, the Puritan 
 question hath come up again. 
 
 King (scowling). Those heretics again ! I thought 
 we had crushed them out of existence. 
 
 First Councillor. Sir Jasper brought the news. 
 He waits without to see you. 
 
 King {to Usher). Admit Sir Jasper. 
 
 ( Usher opens a door ; stands aside. Enter Sir 
 Jasper. He hows to King and Councillors. Exit 
 Usher.) 
 
92 A DREAM OF FREEDOM 
 
 1^0 w, what is this about the Puritans, Sir Jasper? 
 Where are they making trouble this time ? 
 
 Sir Jasper. In Scrooby, Sire. 
 
 King. Scrooby ! How can that be ? We sent every 
 one of those Scrooby heretics to jail last fall — 
 when they tried to run away to Holland. 
 
 Sir Jasper. 'T is true, your Majesty, but they 
 were gradually released until all of them were free 
 again. They managed to pay their fines in some way. 
 
 King. And now they are holding their meetings 
 again, I suppose. Well, I '11 crush them this time. 
 They '11 not dare show their heads again in Eng- 
 land. Proceed against them at once, Sir Jasper. 
 Seize them wherever you find them ; throw them 
 into prison. And this time permit no one to pay a 
 fine — they can be released only at my pleasure. 
 You understand, Sir Jasper ? 
 
 Sir Jasper. Sire, it is useless — 
 
 King. Useless ! What mean you — ? 
 
 Sir Jasper. They have run away again, your 
 Majesty. 
 
 King. Eh ! What is this ? Run away again, you 
 say? 
 
 Sir Jasper. Aye, only last night, your Majesty. 
 They had arranged with a Dutch captain to take 
 them to Holland this time. He was to meet them 
 at — 
 
 King. Did you get them ? That 's all I want to 
 know. 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 93 
 
 SiK Jasper. Only the women and children. 
 
 King. What! "Why— How is that? 
 
 Sib Jaspeb. It seems the men had walked to the 
 coast from Scrooby, while the women and children 
 were sent down the river in a barge — just as they 
 arranged the first time. 
 
 King. Well — well — go on — 
 
 Sib Jasper. The men arrived first, and the cap- 
 tain sent out a boat and took them on to save time. 
 
 King. The rascal ! Go on — 
 
 Sib Jasper. By that time the barge had arrived, 
 and the captain was just sending out a second boat 
 when he saw our soldiers coming. 
 
 King. And then — ! What happened ? 
 
 Sib Jaspeb. Then he sailed away, your Majesty. 
 
 King. Sailed away ! 
 
 Sib Jasper. Aye, Sire — with the men, leaving 
 the women and children on the shore. The soldiers 
 seized them and took them ofE to jail, in spite of 
 their tears and pleadings. And now the magistrates 
 know not what to do with them. 
 
 King. Why, keep them in jaU, of course. 
 
 First Councillor. Your pardon, Sire, but the 
 people will sympathize with these unfortunate 
 women and children. They will say they are not 
 to be blamed because their husbands are Puritans. 
 
 King. Suppose they do say so ? What comes of 
 that? 
 
 Second Councillor. Just this, Sire, — more 
 
94 A DREAM OF FKEEDOM 
 
 Puritans. Their attempt to leave England last fall 
 attracted much attention to them and their cause 
 and made many converts for them. 
 
 KiKG. I would I could be rid of the very name 
 of Puritan ! 
 
 Third Councillok. Then let these women go to 
 Holland, Sire. Let them join their husbands. That 
 will end the trouble for good and all, and they will 
 very soon be forgottien. 
 
 {Pause. King reflects.) 
 
 King. No ! I '11 keep them here and make an ex- 
 ample of them. I '11 have them severely punished. 
 
 First Coxtncillor. And every punishment will 
 make so many new Puritans, your Majesty. 
 
 Secokd Councillor. And besides, their hus- 
 bands who have gone to Holland will be in a posi- 
 tion to harass you. They will flood all England 
 with their petitions for the release of the prisoners. 
 They will soon arouse the whole land with their 
 controversies. 
 
 King {impressed). How does it seem to you, Sir 
 Jasper ? 
 
 Sir Jasper. They can cause unending trouble 
 for your Majesty. 
 
 {Pause. King reflects.) 
 
 King. Well, I suppose I must. There seems to 
 be no other way out of it. 
 
 {To Sir Jasper.) 
 
 Let the women and children go to Holland. 
 {Sir Jasper bows ; exit.) 
 
A DREAM OF FREEDOM 95 
 
 FiKST Tableau 
 
 Puritan men of Scrooby are seen on the docks in 
 Holland. They are looking out to sea and waving hand- 
 kerchiefs joyfully. Many Dutch people stand near by, 
 showing interest. 
 
 Second Tableau 
 
 Puritan women and children of Scrooby are seen on 
 deck of a sailing vessel, waving to their friends on the 
 docks. All show great joy. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 OB 
 
 THE PILGRIMS AND THEIR JOURNEYS 
 
 ACT I 
 
 bukgomastee. 
 
 Seceetary. 
 
 SiE Dudley Caeleton. 
 
 William Bkewsteb. 
 
 Beadle. 
 
 Binder. 
 
 William Bradford. 
 
 John Robinson. 
 
 Ralph Wexton. 
 
 Jonathan Brewster. 
 
 John Carver. 
 
 Master Winslow. 
 
 Miles Standish. 
 
 Mistress Brewster. 
 Mistress Winslow. 
 Mistress Carver. 
 EiRST Man. 
 Second Man. 
 Third Man. 
 Fourth Man. 
 First Woman. 
 Second Woman. 
 Third Woman. 
 Bailiff. 
 First Deputy. 
 Second Deputy. 
 
 Printers, Binders, Puritans. 
 
 Scene I 
 
 Time: 1619 — September — late afternoon. 
 Place : Leyden, Holland. Office of city officials. 
 
 {The Burgomaster is seen writing at a table in 
 his private office. Enter his Secretary.) 
 Sbcretaey. Your Honor — 
 
98 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 BtTRGOMASTER. Yes, Jan — 
 
 Secretaey. Will your Honor receive the English 
 Ambassador ? 
 
 Burgomaster. When does he wish an appoint- 
 ment ? 
 
 Secretary. His lordship is waiting, your Honor. 
 He says his mission is important aud hopes you will 
 see him at once. 
 
 BtTRGOMASTER. Admit him without delay. 
 
 {Exit Secretary. Pause. Reenter Secretary 
 showing in the English Ambassador.) 
 
 Secretary (announcing). Sir Dudley Carleton ! 
 
 Burgomaster (rises; bows). My lord — you 
 honor me. 
 
 Ambassador {bowing). Nay, 't is you who honor 
 me, sir. You receive me without the usual formali- 
 ties of making a fixed appointment. 
 
 Burgomaster. 'Tis a pleasure to receive Eng- 
 land's Ambassador at any time. Please you to be 
 seated, Sir Dudley. 
 
 {Both seat themselves.) 
 
 Ambassador. Your Honor will pardon the abrupt- 
 ness of my call when you know 't was made neces- 
 sary by certain letters received just now from his 
 Majesty, King James of England. 
 
 Burgomaster. I am deeply interested, my lord. 
 
 Ambassador. Briefly, then, the matter is this : 
 It hath recently come to the king's knowledge that 
 certain books are being printed here in Leyden — 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 99 
 
 books whicb offend his Majesty greatly. In fact they 
 are written by Puritans and printed by Puritans and 
 glorify the Puritan faith. 
 
 Btjegomaster. Holland permits the free publica- 
 tion of religious books by any sect or society. 
 
 Ambassadob. But these books are being shipped 
 to England, where the printing and sale of Puritan 
 books hath long ago been prohibited. His Majesty 
 therefore asks that your Honor suppress their pub- 
 lication here in Leyden. 
 
 Burgomaster. We have no jurisdiction over 
 that, Sir Dudley. 
 
 Ambassador. Your Honor, the king requests that 
 the press and type be seized, and the publisher be 
 imprisoned. 
 
 Burgomaster. But, my lord, 'tis beyond my 
 authority ! Besides, this publisher is a man who is 
 much respected here. He is one William Brewster, 
 an Englishman, who hath been here many years. 
 
 Ambassador. But he hath offended King James 
 — and this is not the first time. He was one of those 
 Scrooby Puritans who defied the king and then ran 
 away with his fellows. And so, with all these things, 
 the king is exceedingly wroth and desires you to 
 imprison him. 
 
 Burgomaster. 'T would offend the whole body of 
 Puritans who have all made splendid citizens. For 
 twelve years have they been here, and in all that 
 time not one case of trouble hath arisen amongst 
 
100 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 them or between them and the Dutch people. They 
 are industrious, and so honest that, if any desire 
 credit, he has only to say he is a Puritan. 
 
 Ambassador. Be that as it may, his Majesty de- 
 sires that a way be found to arrest this Brewster, 
 even to the creating of a new law to cover the 
 case. 
 
 BuRGOMASTBE. I have no power to create new 
 laws. That rests with our reigning prince, my 
 lord. 
 
 Ambassador. I have written your prince recently 
 in regard to the matter. 
 
 Burgomaster. I have not heard from his High- 
 ness. 
 
 Ambassador. Then, pending his letter, I ask 
 that you hold this Brewster as a prisoner. 
 
 Burgomaster. Did I consent to that, I would 
 soon have a mob of howling students about me, for 
 the Puritan pastor, Master Robinson, is very popu- 
 lar at the University. He is frequently asked to de- 
 bate with the professors, who hold him in great 
 esteem and declare him to be one of the most intel- 
 lectual men in all Europe. Do you see, then, what a 
 hornet's nest I would be stirring up by the arrest of 
 one of his chief elders? 
 
 Ambassador. Nevertheless, a way must be found. 
 I have never known his Majesty more determined 
 in any matter. Indeed, if Holland does not yield to 
 him in this matter, he threatens to give her no sup- 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 101 
 
 port should Spain declare war against her — a"s does 
 now seem likely. 
 
 BuRGOMASTBB (alarmed). Hath his Majesty said 
 that? 
 
 Ambassador. Aye, and bade me tell you so, 
 should all other arguments fail. Holland cannot 
 afford to lose England's friendship now, your Honor. 
 Spain is a rich and powerful country and could 
 crush you out of existence, if England did not help 
 you. 
 
 Burgomaster. Did you mention this point in 
 your letter to the prince ? 
 
 Ambassador. Yes, your Honor, I made it very 
 clear. 
 
 Burgomaster. There may be by now a letter 
 from his Highness. Your pardon — I will inquire. 
 {Rings hell. Enter Secretary.) 
 
 Have any letters come from the Prince of Orange ? 
 
 Secretary. One has just arrived by special post, 
 your Honor. 
 
 Burgomaster. I would have it now. 
 
 {Exit Secretary : reenters at once with a letter. 
 Exit.) 
 
 Your pardon, my lord. 
 
 {Opens letter: reads: shows grave concern.) ' 
 
 Sir Dudley, the prince hath taken up your matter 
 favorably. He desires me to have the press and type 
 of William Brewster seized, and Brewster himself 
 arrested. Furthermore, he is to be held in prison 
 
102 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 until King James's pleasure be known concerning 
 his disposal. 
 
 Ambassador. I shall report this to King James. 
 His Majesty will take much pleasure in your prince's 
 jourtesy, sir. 
 
 Burgomaster. I will send an ofi&cer to Brewster's 
 print-shop at once. 
 
 Ambassador. I thank your Honor in the name 
 of my king. I wish you now good day. 
 (Bows.) 
 
 Burgomaster {bowing). Good day, my lord. 
 
 {Exit Sir Dudley. Burgomaster sighs as he 
 rings bell. Enter Secretary.) 
 
 Send thebailifE to search William Brewster's house 
 in the Puritan quarter, ^ for a printing-press and 
 type and books, and make out a warrant for the ar- 
 rest of Master Brewster. 
 
 Secretary (astonished). Master Brewster ! 
 
 Burgomaster. 'T was ordered by our prince, Jan. 
 
 Secretary. I '11 see to it, your Honor, at once. 
 But I must say I regret it. 
 
 Burgomaster. Not more than I, Jan — not more 
 than I. 
 
 (Exit Jan.) 
 
 1 The Puritans all lived in a certain part of Leyden. Their houses 
 were clustered about the residence of Mr. Bobinson, their pastor. 
 Their chapel was in this residence. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 103 
 
 Scene II 
 Time : Same morning. 
 Place : Leyden. Home of William Brewster in the 
 Puritan quarter. 
 
 {^The printing-shop is seen. Bkewster sits at a 
 rough table, reading freshly printed sheets. He is 
 now past middle age and shows the effect of twelve 
 years of worry and hardship. Ralph Wexton is 
 printing with a hand-press. Several Puritan boys 
 are setting type. Puritan men are binding loose 
 sheets into books and pamphlets. The old Beadle 
 carries sheets from the press to Beewstee, looking 
 at each sheet with interest and pride ; forgets him- 
 self; stops; reads sheet. Bijewstee waits for him; 
 then speaks pleasantly.) 
 
 Beewstee. Well, Beadle, doth it interest you? 
 
 Beadle (starts; shows chagrin). ■ 
 
 Eh ! Oh ! I crave your pardon, Master Brewster. 
 I forgot myself entirely. 
 
 (Takes sheet to Beewstee.) 
 
 Beewstee. And do you approve what you read ? 
 
 Beadle. I do approve — indeed I do ! Be I not 
 a Puritan now? 
 
 Beewstee. Indeed you be, and a faithful. 
 
 Beadle. Well, 'twas these writings that made 
 me one. 'Twas reading these sheets day by day, as 
 Balph turned them out from the press there. They 
 should convert all who read them, say I. 
 
104 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 Brewster. That is their purpose, Beadle. T re- 
 gret we had not this print-shop long ago, instead of 
 but recently. 
 
 Beadle. And I regret it too, Elder. 'T is said our 
 Puritan friends in England were much pleased with 
 your first batch of books. 
 
 Brewster. They were, indeed, and they are 
 now spreading them secretly among the king's own 
 churchmen. 
 
 Beadle. May they convert all England, say I ! 
 (A binder approaches with pamphlets.) 
 
 BiiTDER. These pamphlets are finished. Master. 
 
 Brewster {examining them). And most skill- 
 fully done, too. Pack them at once. There 's a ship 
 sailing for England to-night. 
 
 Binder. Shall we pack them as we did the others ? 
 
 Brewster. Yes. And conceal them well in the 
 merchandise lest the king's officers find them. Ad- 
 dress the package to Master Cathkin, London, — 
 just as you did the other. Let all the binders assist 
 you, and those who are setting type. 
 
 Binder. It shall be done exactly. 
 
 ( Crosses ; speaks with other workers aside. They 
 all go to a room, off. Ralph and Beadle continue 
 work at press, and Brewster at desk. Enter from 
 street William Bradford, now a man of thirty 
 years. He is grave — anxious.) 
 
 Brewster (rising). Good day to you, Master 
 Bradford ! 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 105 
 
 Good day, Elder! I trust I am not disturbing you, 
 sir, but I have brought you news of great impor- 
 tance. 
 
 Bbewstbk. I do perceive you are troubled — 
 
 Bbadfokd. Our pastor hath just had letters from 
 friends in England ' telling of Master Cathkin's 
 arrest. 
 
 Brewsteb. Master Cathkin's arrest! 
 
 Beadfobd. The king's of&cers found out that 
 Master Cathkin was receiving our books in London 
 and giving them out secretly to others. So he hath 
 been put in prison. 
 
 Bbbwstbe. Oh, it doth grieve me to hear that ! I 
 ■will arrange to pay his fine in some way ! 
 
 Beadfobd. The king would not permit it, even 
 if you could do so. His Majesty hath said openly 
 that Master Cathkin shall suffer for this — and, 
 moreover, that you shall suffer with him. " 
 
 Bbbwstbe. King James cannot touch me here. 
 Holland would not permit it. 
 
 Beadfobd. But Holland hath never as yet been 
 tested. King James hath made no demand on her 
 for the arrest of any Puritan. 
 
 Bebwstee. No, nor is he like to. He knows 
 Holland will not betray us. 
 
 Beadfobd. In spite of that I am troubled, and 
 so is Master Kobinson. Indeed, he would have come 
 to you himself but Captain Standish called. 
 
 Beewsteb. There is no need of alarm for me. 
 
106 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 Our whole thought should be directed now to the 
 saving of Master Cathkin. We must contrive his 
 escape from England. 
 
 Bradfokd. Aye, we might ! I '11 write our friends 
 in Scrooby this night, to see if it can be arranged. 
 
 Bbewstbr. Say that he must come to Holland 
 and that I will bear all expenses. 
 
 Bradford. No, Elder, I will furnish all moneys. 
 You have spent almost all your earnings in caring 
 for our unfortunate brothers — those who could not 
 make a living here in Holland. 
 
 Brewster. We have all helped each other — you 
 as much as any. 
 
 Bradford. Ah, but I have recently inherited 
 property near Scrooby, and am now in a position to 
 help Master Cathkin. 
 
 Brewster. Well, then, William, do what you 
 may. I '11 not deny that I must count the pennies. 
 
 Bradford. It hath been a hard twelve years for 
 us all. 
 
 (Unter Mistress Brewster /rom an inner room. 
 She, too, shows the effect of years of worry and 
 hardship : is now anxious. Bradford hows.) 
 
 Good day to you. Mistress Brewster — > 
 
 Mistress Brewster. Good day to you, Master 
 Bradford ! 
 
 {To Brewster.) 
 
 I regret to interrupt, William, but our pastor has 
 come. He says he must see you at once. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 107 
 
 Brewster. Ask him to come in, certainly. 
 
 (Mistress Brewster opens door to interior.) 
 
 Mistress Brewster. Enter, Master Robinson. 
 
 (Miter John Robinson, gentle and sympathetic 
 as of yore, hut now careworn and anxious; turns 
 quickly to Brewster.) 
 
 Robinson. Hath Master Bradford told you ? 
 
 Brewster (shaking hands withRohinson). Aye, 
 but you are needlessly alarmed, Master Robinson. I 
 will continue to publish our Puritan books, and pub- 
 lish them in safety. 
 
 Robinson. Nay, I am not so sure of that. Cap- 
 tain Standish hath just told me of a certain agree- 
 ment that is now being made between England and 
 Holland — an agreement that wiU afEect the safety 
 of us all. 
 
 Brewster. This be news, indeed ! 
 
 Robinson. It seems there is some danger of a war 
 between Holland and Spain within the next year or 
 two. And England hath ofEered to aid Holland who 
 hath accepted her terms. So now Holland must do 
 aught that England commands — even to the de- 
 livering up of a Puritan. 
 
 Mistress Brewster. I cannot think Holland 
 would give us up. 
 
 Brewster. Nay, nor can I, Mary. 
 
 Robinson. A country will do acts in time of war 
 that it would not do in peace. So we must prepare 
 for the worst. Captain Standish hath gone now to 
 
108 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 acquaint our brethren with these facts and to call 
 them here to a meeting, as soon as they come home 
 from work. 
 
 Brewster. 'T is well. Ralph, bid the binders and 
 packers come and all who do assist them. 
 
 Ralph. Aye, Elder, I will. 
 
 {Exit to room, off. Beadle, who has been listen- 
 ing, turns to Robinson.) 
 
 Beadle. And do you think King James will make 
 me go back to England, sir, and act as beadle in his 
 church again? 
 
 Robinson. He may compel us all to return, Beadle. 
 
 Beadle. Oh, 't is a dreadful state of afEairs ! Is 
 there no country in all the world where we may live 
 in freedom ? 
 
 Robinson. There is no civilized country any- 
 where where we may worship as we choose, saving 
 here in Holland. And that may soon be denied us. 
 
 (Enter Ralph, binders, packers, and hoy as- 
 sistants from packing-room. Enter Jonathan 
 Brewster from street with a dinner pail. He is 
 now a rather delicate young man of twenty-seven.) 
 
 Jonathan. Father — what is this I hear about 
 your being in danger? Captain Miles Standish is 
 telling all the Puritan workers as they come home 
 from the weaving mills. 
 
 Mistress Brewster. I fear sad days are in store 
 for us, son. 
 
 Brewster. Our pastor will explain, Jonathan. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 109 
 
 {Enter fronb street, many Puritan men and 
 women of all ages. Among them are Master and 
 Mistress Cabvbr and Master and Mistress Win- 
 slow. All are grave and quiet. Pause. Robinson 
 faces them.) 
 
 Robinson. My people, Captain Miles Standish 
 hath told you of this new trouble that hath arisen 
 for us in England's recent treaty with Holland, and 
 you understand our danger. If King James sees fit, 
 we may be all taken back to England and thrown 
 into dungeons. Therefore, we must act quickly that 
 we may escape this fate. 
 
 Carver. King James hath most likely forgot us 
 — it hath been twelve years. 
 
 Bradford. He hath only recently declared that 
 Master Brewster should suffer with Master Cathkin 
 because of our Puritan books. 
 
 {Murmurs of alarm from others.) 
 
 Carver, Then there is, indeed, great need of 
 action with us. We cannot remain in Holland. 
 
 WiNSLOW. Unless we renounce our faith. And 
 that, of course, we can never do. 
 
 Brewster. No, never ! 'T was for that we came 
 in poverty here and have endured so many hardships. 
 
 Voices. Aye! 
 
 Robinson. Then we must leave Holland, my peo- 
 ple. We have often spoken of this before, especially 
 in our first years here. But always we gave up the 
 thought. Now necessity compels it. We must go to 
 
110 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 a land where our faith can be preserved from gen- 
 eration to generation. And that land, friends, as you 
 know full well, is America. 
 
 Mistress Winslow. But 't is a wilderness and 
 inhabited by savages! 
 
 Robinson. 'Tis the only place where we may 
 continue to worship as we will. 
 
 Brewster. And, besides, the opportunity is ours 
 of converting the savages there to our belief. 
 
 Carver. To spread our faith is ever our bounden 
 duty. 
 
 {Murmurs of assent from others.) 
 
 Bradford. I favor going to America as soon as 
 ships can be got. 
 
 WiNSLOW. I favor it likewise, and urge it. 
 
 First Man. I oppose it strongly. We have just 
 begun to make fair wages here. We have our homes 
 here — we are able to care for our children. And it 
 hath taken us twelve years to arrive at this point. 
 Shall we leave all this and begin again the fight for 
 merely enough to eat and to wear? I tell you, I 
 oppose it ! 
 
 Second Man. And I, sir, oppose it too! What 
 can we do in a new land? We came very near to 
 making an utter failure here. 
 
 Carver. Ah, but the case is different. We were, 
 nearly all of us, farmers in England, and we found 
 the trade here was weaving. 
 
 Bradford. And we found also, that we could not 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 111 
 
 compete with the skilled weavers here until we 
 had years of experience. But in America we can 
 be farmers again, and teach our sons to be farm- 
 ers. 
 
 Third Man. But suppose they refuse to be farm- 
 ers. They have gotten a taste of the sea here and 
 many of them are sailors. 
 
 Mistress Carver. That is the pity of it ! They 
 are going away from us and forgetting their 
 faith. 
 
 Mistress Winslow. Our children are forgetting 
 they are English. They speak the Dutch language — 
 they play the Dutch games — they are begging to 
 wear the Dutch dress. 
 
 Beadle. And that is not the worst of it ! On the 
 last Sabbath day, I myself saw some of our Puritan 
 boys go forth to join Dutch games. On the Sab- 
 bath, mind you — the Sabbath ! 
 
 First Womaii. My boy ran away in spite of 
 me. 
 
 Second Woman. Many times I have followed 
 and have brought mine home, but 't is a struggle 
 I 'm very weary of. 
 
 Robinson. It hath, indeed, become a grave ques- 
 tion — this bringing up of our children in Puritan 
 ways when customs around us are different. That 
 alone would give us reason for leaving Holland were 
 there not the other matter. 
 
 Fourth Man. But, Master, nothing hath really 
 
112 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 happened as yet. 'T is all conjecture with us. Me- 
 thinks 't would be unwise to leave Holland till we 
 know for a certainty that King James means to 
 oppress us. 
 
 Thibd Woman. So it seems to me — 
 
 Voices. And to me ! To me ! To me ! 
 
 Robinson. But we cannot combat a danger when 
 it hath overthrown us. 
 
 Bradford. No, indeed, we cannot. 
 
 Carver. We should leave Holland as soon as we 
 can make the necessary arrangements, friends. I am 
 convinced of that. 
 
 Voices. And I ! And I ! And I ! 
 
 Voices. No! No! No! 
 
 Robinson. We can scarcely come to a decision so 
 long as we are of such divergent opinions. But con- 
 sider this, my people. The information came to us 
 through Captain Miles Standish, who is known to 
 you all as a man of the highest honor. 
 
 First Man. But he is not a Puritan. 
 
 Robinson. He frequently attends our church and 
 is most friendly to us. Besides, being an English 
 soldier stationed here in Leyden, he hath unusual 
 means of obtaining information. And he hath ad- 
 vised us to leave Holland at once. 
 
 WiNSLOW. We should listen to Captain Standish, 
 friends. He is not the man to speak lightly. 
 
 Voices. Aye! 
 
 Robinson. I note that some of you are silent. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 113 
 
 Third Man. I '11 not agree to leave Holland till 
 war is actually declared. 
 
 Voices. No ! Nor I ! Nor I ! 
 
 {Knock at street door. Jonathan opens door.) 
 
 Jonathan. Enter, Captain Standish ! 
 
 {Enter Captain Miles Standish. He is short of 
 stature hut strongly built and athletic. He shows 
 alarm.) 
 
 Standish. Master Brewster — the bailiff is com- 
 ing this way with his men ! 
 
 {All show surprise.) 
 
 Brewster. Hath he entered this street ? 
 
 Standish. Not as yet, but he is in the Puritan 
 quarter, and that in itself is strange, for no bailiff 
 is ever needed here. I fear it means trouble for some 
 of you. 
 
 Jonathan. I'll watch in the garden and warn 
 you if they enter. 
 
 {Exit quickly.) 
 
 Mistress Brewster. I fear they come for you, 
 William ! 
 
 Standish. I would advise you to escape, sir. 
 
 Mistress Brewster {opening door to a closet). 
 I beg you to hide ! Come, enter this closet ! Quick ! 
 
 Robinson. I beg you to take no chances ! 
 
 Brewster. If they come for me they will search 
 the house, so there is no safety in hiding. 
 {Enter Jonathan.) 
 
 Jonathan. The bailiff hath stopped at our gate ! 
 
114 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 I heard him giving directions to his men. And he 
 spoke your name, father ! I am certain he comes for 
 you. Hide — quick — quick ! 
 
 {Loud knock at door to street.) 
 MisTEBSs Brewster {holding closet door open). 
 Come, William, for my sake ! 
 
 Brewster. Well, then, to please you, I will. 
 {Enters closet. Mistress Brewster closes door: 
 stands in front of it. Knock is repeated. Jonathan 
 opens street door. Enter Bailiff and two Deputies.) 
 Bailiff. Doth not William Brewster reside here ? 
 Jonathan. He doth. 
 
 Bailiff. I have a warrant for his arrest. Step 
 forth, William Brewster! 
 
 {Silence. Pause.) 
 William Brewster, I command you to declare 
 yourself. 
 
 {Silence. Pause.) 
 Then I must take you by force. 
 
 {Puts hand on Ralph's arm.) 
 Come along, Master ! And you need not deny 
 you are Brewster. I knew you from the first, sir. 
 (Ralph stands. Bailiff looks about.) 
 Now, where are your Puritan books and pam- 
 phlets ? I have been ordered to take them, but I see 
 none of them about. 
 (Ralph is silent. Bailiff turns to his Deputies.) 
 Search the house for these books, men, and bring 
 them to me — all you find. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 115 
 
 {Deputies go to packing-room.) 
 
 Come, Master Brewster, your hat and cloak. 
 
 {Enter Deputies with hooJcs and pamphlets. 
 Ralph getting hat and cloak.) 
 
 FiKST Deputy. We have them, Master Bailiff ! 
 They were packed in merchandise. 
 
 Second Deputy. They '11 make good witnesses. 
 Master. 
 
 Bailiff. Bring them all. Come now. Master 
 Printer ! 
 
 {He goes with Ralph. Deputies follow with 
 hooks. Jonathan closes street door and bolts it. 
 Mistress Brewstek opens door to closet.) 
 
 Mistress Brewster. They have gone, William. 
 (Brewster comes from closet.) 
 
 Beadle (proudly). The hailiff mistook my son 
 for you. 
 
 Brewster. I know. I could hear plainly all that 
 passed. I think he will be discharged as soon as the 
 Burgomaster sees him, but if he is not, I will give 
 myself up, of course. 
 
 Standish. Nothing will be done till morning. The 
 Burgomaster hath left his office now for the night. 
 
 Carver. We must contrive a way to hide Elder 
 Brewster among us, friends. 
 
 Others. Yes — yes! 
 
 Brewster. That might succeed for a time, but 
 it cannot continue indefinitely. The bailiff jyill find 
 me sooner or later. 
 
116 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 EoBiNSOK. I fear he will, Elder. Do you not see 
 now, my people, that the very thing some of you 
 thought unlikely but a moment ago hath come to 
 pass ? The blow hath fallen. We are as completely 
 in King James's power as if we were in England. 
 No one of us is safe. Shall we wait, then, for other 
 calamities to befall ? Speak, all you who objected to 
 our removal from this land. Are you of the same 
 mind still ? 
 
 First Man. I withdraw my objection. I see now 
 that we must, indeed, leave Holland, if we would 
 continue to practice our faith. 
 
 Seco2jd Man. Aye, we must. Mine eyes be opened 
 now. 
 
 Others. And mine ! And mine ! 
 
 Robinson. Do you all, then, consent to go to 
 America ? 
 
 All Others. Aye ! We do ! We do ! 
 
 Robinson. So be it, then, — we will go. It only 
 remains now for us to put our savings together 
 that we may obtain a ship and stores. Then we 
 will again go forth from our homes with little 
 save what we can carry in our hands — just as we 
 did from Scrooby. Again we will become Pilgrims, 
 but ever with the same desires — that we may have 
 freedom in our religion, and that our children, and 
 our children's children, and their descendants in 
 the years to come, may continue our faith and 
 worship in peace and security. My people, let us 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 117 
 
 pray together now that God may bless our new 
 pilgrimage. 
 
 (All kneel.) 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Time : 16 W — November — daybreak. 
 Place : On hoard the ship Mayflower. 
 
 New Chabactees 
 
 Captain Jones. Dk. Fuller. 
 
 Pilot. First Man. 
 
 First Woman. Second Man. 
 
 Second Woman. First Conspirator. 
 
 Third Woman. Second Conspirator. 
 
 First Girl. Third Conspirator. 
 
 Second Girl. Fourth Conspirator. 
 
 First Boy. Fifth Conspirator. 
 
 Second Boy. Sixth Conspirator. 
 
 Third Boy. First Sailor. 
 
 First Mate. Second Sailor. 
 Puritans, Conspirators, Sailors. 
 
 {Captain Jones and the First Mate are seen on 
 deck, looking out into distance.) 
 
 Captain. 'T is land, Mate, or mine eyes do de- 
 ceive me. 
 
 Mate. Aye, Captain, 't is land ! 'T is shadowy as 
 yet, but 't is land. 
 
118 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 Captain. Say naught to the passengers. Wait 
 till it can be clearly seen. 
 
 Mate. Aye, sir. 
 
 Captain. Tell the pilot I would speak with him. 
 You may relieve him at the wheel. 
 
 {Exit Mate. Pause. Enter Pilot.) 
 
 Well, Pilot, here 's land at last. And 't is the 
 shore of America. 
 
 Pilot. There 's no doubt of that, sir. 
 
 Captain. The time hath come, then, to work our 
 plans ; that is, if you be still certain of the matters 
 you but recently told me. 
 
 Pilot. I had my information from fishermen who 
 have sailed this way. And each declared the coun- 
 try here abounded with gold mines, which we 
 could buy from the savages for a string or two 
 of beads. 
 
 Captain. Perhaps gold mines will be found also 
 to the south in Virginia, whither these Puritans are 
 going. 
 
 Pilot. Nay, 't was just here, they said, in exactly 
 this location. 
 
 Captain. 'T is a thought that dazzles my brain ! 
 Gold mines ! Why, 't will make us as rich as King 
 James ! 
 
 Pilot. And forget not the wondrous Indian city, 
 with its streets of gold and its jeweled towers. The 
 fishermen said it was beautiful beyond anything 
 seen by mortals. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 119 
 
 Captain. 'T would be pitiful to pass it by. Are 
 the sailors with us ? 
 
 Pilot. To a tnan. They talk of the gold mines 
 constantly and of the riches they will win. It 
 would be hard to persuade them to sail past this 
 point. 
 
 Captain. We might land these Puritans here 
 whether they would or no. 
 
 Pilot. The sailors are urging that, Captain. 
 
 Captain. But the Puritans are well armed and 
 outnumber our crew. 
 
 Pilot. I believe we can count on certain Puri- 
 tans themselves, sir. 
 
 Captain. Why, how is that? 
 
 Pilot. I have just learned, from one of the crew, 
 that there are at least a dozen men here pretending 
 to be Puritans who are not such at all. They came 
 aboard at the last moment when the ship touched 
 at the English port. And now they are planning to 
 overthrow the Puritans as soon as they have landed, 
 and imprison William Brewster and the other Puri- 
 tan elders. 
 
 Captain. They were, no doubt, sent by certain 
 enemies of the Puritans in England. 
 
 Pilot. No doubt. But we can count on them, sir. 
 Indeed, I have caused reports of gold to be spread 
 secretly among them. And now they be talking 
 among themselves in low tones and whispers. 
 
 Captain. 'T is a good sign. 
 
120 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 Pilot. Then land these Puritans here, Captain. 
 I can complain to them o£ the shoals to the south. 
 Every pilot who ever came to this land hath re- 
 ported them as rough. 
 
 Captain. They could be avoided by sailing out 
 to sea. 
 
 Pilot. 'T is true, but that need not be spoken. 
 These Puritans are not seamen. 
 
 Captain. Well, I will suggest that they land here. 
 If they refuse, we might seem to comply and sail on 
 into the shoals a bit. 
 
 Pilot. And then turn back? 
 
 Captain. Yes, with excuses of the water. Call 
 the passengers now, from below. 
 
 Pilot (calling). Land ho ! Land ho! 
 
 Mate {off). Land ho ! Land ho ! 
 
 {Enter Puritan men, women, children, excited, 
 and calling out joyously.) 
 
 Puritans. Land ! Land ! Land ! 
 
 Captain. America lies before you, friends ! 
 
 First Woman. Oh, it is a welcome sight ! 
 
 First Man. It gladdens mine eyes ! 
 
 Second Man. And mine ! 
 
 Second Woman. I have prayed these many 
 weeks to behold it. 
 
 Third Woman. So have we all, sister. Three 
 long months on the water ! 
 
 Second Man. Three long months of hardship 
 and storm ! 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 121 
 
 Mistress Winslow. We can forget that now in 
 the peace of land. 
 
 Mistress Bkewstbk. 'T -will bring happiness to 
 those who He below ill, and weakened with the 
 voyage. 
 
 Mistress Winslow. Aye, it will. 
 
 ( Women and men talk aside, looking and point- 
 ing to shore.) 
 
 First Girl. It seems a lonesome place to me — 
 't is not like Holland at all. 
 
 Second Girl. I hope the savages will not kill us 
 the moment of our landing. 
 
 First Boy (gravely). No one of us may know 
 that till later. 
 
 Second Boy. 'T is certain to be full of wild 
 beasts. 
 
 Third Boy. So be it. We came here to suffer 
 willingly. 
 
 Children (solemnly). Aye ! 
 
 Brewster. A welcome sight it is, friends, but 
 't is not our destination. 
 
 (To Captain.) 
 
 According to your chart below, we are much to 
 the north of our lands in Virginia. 
 
 Captain. 'T is true, we are to the north. Elder, 
 but the water is deep and quiet here. 'T is a suit- 
 able place for landing. 
 
 Brewster. Nay, 'tis most unsuitable. Here, it 
 is even now cold and wintry. We can plant nothing 
 
122 TEOUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 till next spring. To the south, we may yet plant 
 and harvest a crop. 
 
 Captain. But there are shoals to the south. The 
 pilot was just warning me. 
 
 Pilot. Every pilot who hath sailed this way hath 
 reported them as dangerous. 
 
 Captain. 'T would be cruel to take your sick 
 into such rough seas. 
 
 Brewster. 'T would be more cruel to let all die 
 of starvation here. We have about exhausted our 
 stores from being so long on our voyage. On what, 
 then, are we to subsist this winter? I do not see 
 how we can land here. What say you, brothers? 
 
 Carver. I agree with you, Elder. 
 
 WiNSLOw. And I ! 
 
 Bradford. And I ! 
 
 Others. And I ! And I ! 
 
 Brewster. You will sail on to Virginia, Captain. 
 
 Captain. I like it not, but to please you we '11 
 try the shoals. To the southward, Pilot ! 
 (Aside to Pilot.) 
 
 Explain to the crew that we mean to turn back. 
 
 (Pilot nods and goes. Sailors go with ugly 
 looks at Puritans.) 
 
 Mistress Brewster. How happy 't would make 
 our pastor to know we had crossed the waters 
 safely ! 
 
 Mistress Carver. I would he were with us this 
 day. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 123 
 
 Mistress Winslow. He longed to come, I know, 
 'but he thought it his duty to stay in Leyden with 
 those who were obHged to remain because of sick- 
 ness or poverty. 
 
 Mistress Bradford. But they will all join us 
 later. That is a pleasant thought to hold. 
 {Others murmur assent.) 
 
 Dr. Fuller. Brethren, the wind blows cold. 
 'T would be better to go below, methinks. 
 
 Brewster. It would, Doctor ; so many are weak 
 from illness during the voyage. 
 
 {As they go, the First Conspirator crosses to 
 Second Conspirator and speaks with him aside.) 
 
 First Conspirator. Call our men together. I 
 have a plan to propose. 
 
 Second Conspirator. I '11 whisper them now. 
 
 (-He goes about, whispering to this man and that. 
 All Puritans go but some twelve men, who wear 
 Puritan dress but who seem far below the others 
 in intelligence and worth. They gather around 
 First Conspirator.)' 
 
 First Conspirator. Men — hark ! The time hath 
 come for us to act and take things into our own 
 hands. No longer do we need to keep up this pre- 
 tense of being Puritans like the rest. We can come 
 out boldly now and snap our fingers at them. 
 
 Third Conspirator. Methought we had agreed 
 to wait till we were safely landed and had roofs 
 over our heads. 
 
124 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 FouKTH CoNSPiKATOB. Aye, and 't was agreed to 
 by all. 
 
 rEFTH CoNSPiRATOE. Should -we come out now 
 against them, we would find ourselves in irons. We 
 are only a handful — they have some fifty men. 
 
 First Conspirator. Be patient till I explain. 
 Their grant of land lies to the south in Virginia. 
 Therefore, they cannot set up their Puritan govern- 
 ment here, for here they have no title. 
 
 Sixth Conspirator. Why, and so they have not ! 
 This land belongs to any one ! Any one who will 
 claim it. 
 
 First Conspirator. Aye, indeed ! And so we 
 must force them to land here. Remember we are to 
 have a handsome sum of money from their enemies 
 in England as soon as we succeed in overthrowing 
 them and imprisoning their leaders. 
 
 Second Conspirator. Besides, 't will give us 
 the chance of holding these gold mines for our- 
 selves. 
 
 Fifth Conspirator. That is all very well, but on 
 what shall we live in the mean time? 
 
 First Conspirator. We will compel the Indians 
 to give us food. 
 
 {Murmurs of assent from others^ 
 
 Fourth Conspirator. But how can we force the 
 Puritans to land here ? Have you a plan for that ? 
 
 First Conspirator. Why, we can pretend the 
 shoals to the south are not safe for the sick. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 125 
 
 Second Conspirator. 'Tis a very good plan. 
 We can make a strong case to the Captain. 
 
 First Conspirator. Do you all consent ? 
 
 Others. Aye ! We do ! We do ! 
 
 First Conspirator. Then come. We 'U go to 
 the Captain at once ! 
 
 {They go. Pause. Enter Bbmw^t^-r; paces deck ; 
 shows he is deeply troubled. Enter Dr. Fuller 
 with medicine case ; crosses quickly.) 
 
 Brewster. One moment, Doctor Fuller — I would 
 speak with you. 
 
 Doctor. I have only a minute, Elder — 
 
 Brewster. How be our sick ? Tell me frankly, 
 Doctor. 
 
 Doctor. 'Tis bad with them, Elder. Some lie 
 very low, indeed. 
 
 Brewster. Is there any hope ? 
 
 Doctor. Very little, if this rough voyage con- 
 tinues. 
 
 Brewster. Would it be better for them to land 
 at once ? 
 
 Doctor. If they could be cared for ashore, it 
 would. We are likely to have more storms in these 
 shoals, and then the cabin must be shut tight — no 
 fresh air can enter. And 'tis lack of air during the 
 storms, that hath made them ill in the first place. 
 
 Brewster. 'T is a dreadful situation ! 
 
 Doctor. I will speak with you anon. Elder. I am 
 now on my way to a patient. 
 
 {Exit.) 
 
126 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 {Enter Captain Jones, followed hy conspirators.) 
 
 Captain. Master Brewster, I have sent for all 
 your men. There are certain things I have to say. 
 
 Brewstbb {surprised). Why, what hath hap- 
 pened, Captain? 
 
 {Enter Puritan men. Enter sailors.) 
 
 Captain. Puritans, I feel it my duty to tell you 
 that some of your number are dissatisfied. Indeed, 
 many have come to me privately to complain of this 
 sailing south. They urge the condition of the sick, 
 ■who may not survive the rough waters of the shoals. 
 
 Brewster. Cannot these shoals 'be avoided by 
 sailing out to sea some miles? 
 
 Captain. Well — that might be done, but 't would 
 take too long a time — and my sailors are impatient. 
 
 First Sailor. Land them here. Captain ! Piit 
 them off with their goods and let them shift for 
 themselves. 
 
 Other Sailors. Aye ! Aye ! 
 
 Brewster. That would be outrageous ! You must 
 not leave us till we have built a house, or at least a 
 roof to shelter our sick. 
 
 First Conspirator. Some desire to land here in 
 spite of Master Brewster. 
 
 Brewster. What is that ? You say you desire to 
 land here ! Don't you realize we are likely to starve? 
 
 First Conspirator. We can trade with the In- 
 dians for food. 
 
 Carver. But suppose they are hostile to iis? 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 127 
 
 Captain. That was the risk you took when you 
 came. I tell you, sirs, I will land you here. You can 
 make your plans accordingly. 
 
 (Exit. Sailors go, pleased.) 
 
 Standish. Shall we submit to this. Elder? 
 
 Bbbwstbr. We are so encompassed with difficul- 
 ties, I see nothing else but to yield. 
 
 Cakver. 'T is all we can do, brother. 
 
 First Conspirator. Have you thought of this 
 — that, having no grant to this land, you have no 
 right to set up any laws or government here? 
 {Puritans look at Mm amazed.) 
 
 Brewster. Then, sirs, we will make an agree- 
 ment, which shall serve in place of a grant. This 
 agreement will give to every man a voice in the 
 government of our colony, and will provide that 
 none amongst us shall be supreme, and that all of 
 us are equals. Do you approve of this, brothers? 
 'T is a thing: we have often discussed. 
 
 Puritans. Yes — yes ! I approve ! I approve ! 
 
 {Conspirators are silent. Brewster looks at 
 them keenly.) 
 
 Brewster. Will you draw up this agreement, 
 Master Carver? 
 
 Carver. I will, and gladly. I will prepare the 
 paper at once. 
 
 (Exit.) 
 
 Beadle. I'll sign, I will! Did you hear that, 
 Ealph? All men here are equals — 
 
128 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 Ralph. 'Tis our Puritan belief, father. 
 
 Brewster. The paper will soon be ready to sign. 
 So go you now to the cabin, friends. 
 
 {All go hut Brewster, Standish, and conspiv' 
 ators. Brewster turns to them.) 
 
 Brewster. Why do you not go below to sign? 
 
 First Conspirator. I do not mean to sign it. 
 
 Second Conspirator. No, nor I ! 
 
 Other Conspirators. Nor I ! Nor I ! Nor I ! 
 {Enter Captain Jones.) 
 
 Captain. We have anchored, Masters, and a boat 
 is ready to take any ashore. 
 
 First Conspirator. We '11 go, captain, at once. 
 
 Brewster. Nay, but you will not ! 
 
 First Conspirator. You have no right to give 
 orders here. We '11 go ashore if we choose. 
 
 Other Conspirators. Aye! We will — We will! 
 
 Brewster. Call our men. Captain Standish. 
 
 {Exit Standish. Brewster turns to the conspir- 
 ators.) 
 
 We have suspected you from the first, and are 
 fully prepared to deal with you. You think you 
 can harass and embarrass our plans, but you shall 
 not. Captain Jones, not a man will leave this ship 
 till all have signed the agreement. Furthermore, we 
 will enforce this request. Our men are ready with 
 muskets, and are fully prepared for revolt. 
 
 Captain. 'T is well. No one shall leave till you 
 speak the word. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 129 
 
 {Exit. Enter Puritan men with muskets.) 
 
 Bkbwstbe. Now, will you sign or no ? 
 
 FiEST Conspirator. What if we refuse, sir? 
 
 Brewster. We will seize you and put you in irons. 
 
 (Conspirators go, sullenly, followed hy Puritans 
 with muskets. Brewster is alone. He sighs and 
 stands looking to land. Enter Mistress Brewster ; 
 crosses to him.) 
 
 Mistress Brewster. 'Tis a beautiful land, this 
 America ! 
 
 Brewster. 'T is very beautiful, Mary. 
 
 (Pause. Mistress Brewster Zoo^s at him keenly.) 
 
 Mistress Brewster. You do seem dispirited, 
 William. 
 
 Brewster. Only for the moment. In my heart I 
 rejoice that we came. I feel certain that we shall 
 prosper here and that our faith shall live triumphant. 
 
 Mary. I pray God that it may be so. 
 
 ACT III 
 
 New Chaeacters 
 
 Samoset. Massasoit. 
 
 First Woman. Drummer. 
 
 Second Woman. Trumpeter. 
 Braves. 
 
 Scene I 
 Time : 1621. April — early morning. 
 Place: America. New Plymouth. 
 
130 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 {The narrow street is seen leading to gate of 
 palisade, which is made of saplings. On both sides 
 of street are log houses. A few children play 
 quietly in the small dooryards. Ralph Wexton is 
 on guard at gate which is open, showing the forest 
 beyond. A Puritan woman comes from house on 
 right and crosses to gate. She carries an empty 
 water pail. A second Puritan woman enters gate 
 from forest; carries pail filed with water.) 
 
 First Woman. I give you good morrow, Mis- 
 tress. 
 
 Second Woman. Good morrow to you, Mis- 
 tress. You go to the spring? 
 
 First Woman. Aye, and you have been there 
 before me. I thought to be first, — 't is so early. 
 
 Second Woman. I must rise early these days, — 
 there is so much work to do. "^ 
 
 First Woman. With so many sick, there is double 
 work for us all. 
 
 Second Woman. Doctor Fuller hath just told me 
 that the worst of the sickness is over. I saw him as 
 he passed by this morning, from watching in the 
 hospital house. 
 
 First Woman. He hath been a devoted nurse. 
 
 Second Woman. And so hath Elder Brewster 
 and Captain Standish. No woman could have done 
 better. 
 
 First Woman. 'T is strange all the women were 
 taken so ill. There are scarcely half of us left. 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 131 
 
 Second Woman. And not more than half of the 
 men. 
 
 First "Woman, 'T is God's mercy that any live. 
 It seemed, for a time, that all of us would die of 
 starvation in those terrible winter months. 
 
 Second Woman. And so we would, had it not 
 been for the corn our men found, hidden in the 
 ground by Indians. 
 
 Fdrst Woman. 'Twas that alone that saved us. 
 And now the game hath come back to the woods, 
 and the spring air hath revived us. 
 
 Second Woman. Aye, the worst is surely over. 
 ( Enter Captam Jones from open.) 
 
 Captain {to Guard). I come to see Governor 
 Carver. 
 
 Guard. He hath gone to the fields to work. 
 Captain Jones. 
 
 Captain. Hath Elder Brewster also gone ? 
 
 Guard. Nay, he is nursing the sick. 
 
 Captain. Where will I find him at this hour ? 
 
 Second Woman. I know, Captain. I will tell 
 him you have come. 
 
 Captain. I thank you, Mistress. 
 
 (JEJadt second woman up street. First woman 
 passes through gate into forest. Other women 
 and girls now appear and pass through gate with 
 their water pails. Boys pass through and return 
 with wood for fire. Captain turns to Ralph.) 
 
 How is your good father, the beadle ? 
 
132 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 Guard. He died, Captain, only recently. 
 
 Captain. I am sorry to hear that, Master Wexton. 
 
 GuAED. This climate was too cold for him, after 
 being weakened with the voyage. 
 
 Captain. That hath seemed the trouble with all. 
 And is it not strange that those who plotted to 
 overthrow all law and order were taken among the 
 first! 
 
 Guard. Of them all not one remains. But the 
 good and useful were taken, too. 
 
 Captain. And I have lost almost half of my 
 crew. 
 
 Guard. It hath been a terrible sickness. 
 {Enter Elder Brewster.) 
 
 Brewster. Good morrow. Captain. I have sent 
 your message to Governor Carver, who will no 
 doubt come to see you. 
 
 Captain. I thank you, Master Brewster. 
 
 Brewster. How fare your sick sailors ? 
 
 Captain. Many are well now, and the others are 
 much better. They one and all send their thanks to 
 you and yours for the kindness you have shown 
 them. You have nursed my men and brought many 
 back to life and health. We are all most grateful 
 to you. 
 
 {Enter Governor Garter from forest. He car- 
 ries a musket.) 
 
 Carver. You wished to see me. Captain ? 
 
 Captain. Aye, Governor Carver. I wish your per- 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 133 
 
 mission to return to England with the Mayflower. 
 'T is the first day in all these months I have felt that 
 my crew was able to sail. 
 
 Carver. You have, indeed, had a grievous time, 
 and I would we could grant your request. But we 
 cannot, just at present. Indeed, we may need the 
 ship as a refuge — we fear the Indians will at- 
 tack us. 
 
 Captain. Why — how is that? Methinhs they 
 would have attacked you long ago, if such had been 
 their purpose. 
 
 Carver. We cannot guess their purpose. They 
 come not to trade, nor to hold any discourse with us. 
 Of late they lurk about, but disappear if we ap- 
 proach. Recently, some appeared on yon hill and 
 made threatening gestures to us. So now we go 
 armed to the fields and keep a guard here constantly. 
 
 Captain. They run from my sailors, who have 
 been exploring the coast for gold mines. 
 
 Carver. Have you found any gold ? 
 
 Captain. No, nor any trace. We have given it up 
 entirely. 
 
 {Enter Bradford from forest, running. He 
 carries a musket.) 
 
 Bradford. An Indian comes ! All in the fields 
 did see him. And no other did we see but one. 
 
 Carver. It may be a trick — to put us off our 
 guard. Ralph, give the signal to call all in from the 
 fields and spring. 
 
134 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 (RALPHj/?res into air. Miter women and children 
 from cabins. Enter women and children from 
 forest. Enter men from forest with muskets. Enter 
 Dr. Fuller and Standish /rom a cabin.) 
 
 An Indian comes ! Men, have your muskets ready. 
 'T is the first visitor we have had from them — we 
 must be prepared for treachery. 
 
 Ralph {at gate : looking off) . He comes ! 
 
 {Pause. An Indian brave, Samosbt, appears at 
 gate ; looks about ; enters and lays his bow and 
 arrows upon ground. He then holds out his hands 
 in welcome) 
 
 Samoset. Welcome — Englishmen — 
 {All show surprise.) 
 
 Carver. Why — you speak English! 
 
 Samosbt. English fishermen here before. Me call 
 Samoset. 
 
 Carver. We are your friends, Samoset. We have 
 not come here to harm your people. We wish to be 
 friends with them. 
 
 Samoset. 'T is well. Massasoit come to see you. 
 Massasoit great chief — 
 
 {Indicates great expanse of land.) 
 
 Massasoit near — he come soon — to-day. 
 {Puritans show consternation.) 
 
 Carver. Comes he for peace or war ? 
 
 Samoset. Massasoit come to see white chief — 
 come here to your wigwam. 
 
 Bradford. Come his warriors with him ? 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 135 
 
 Samosbt. Massasoit come with braves. See — 
 {Shows with fingers the number forty.) 
 
 Brewster (aside to Carver). Forty braves ! 
 They could easily overpower us — with so many of 
 our number sick. 
 
 Carver (aside to Brewster). We dare not re- 
 fuse to see them, but we can ask them to enter 
 unarmed. 
 
 Brewster. By all means ! 
 
 Carver (to Samoset). Tell Massasoit that we are 
 his brothers. Tell him we will welcome him and his 
 followers here, and that we will make a treaty with 
 him — a treaty that wiU be just to the Indians. Do 
 you iinderstand, Samoset? 
 
 Samoset. Samoset know — good treaty — Samo- 
 set tell Massasoit. 
 
 Carver. And tell him that we will pay him for 
 the corn we found hidden in a mound. We were 
 starving, and obliged to take it. But we will make 
 amends. 
 
 Samoset. Samoset tell Massasoit — 
 
 Carver. Tell your chief one thing more — If he 
 and his braves will come unarmed, we will lay down 
 our arms likewise. 
 
 Samoset. 'Tis well — Massasoit wait by brook. 
 Englishmen — good-bye. 
 
 (Exit with dignity.) 
 
 Standish. The brook is near. They will be here 
 within a few minutes. 
 
136 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 Dr. Eullbb. We should use every means in our 
 power to make a friend of this chief. Our safety de- 
 pends upon it. 
 
 Bradford. We must make a treaty that will 
 please him. I would suggest that we draw up a set 
 of rules to govern all trading between Indians and 
 whites. 
 
 Others. Yes — yes ! 
 
 Carver. I will appoint you, Masters Bradford, 
 Brewster, and Winslow, to draw up this treaty at 
 once, with rules such as Master Bradford suggested. 
 
 Brewster. Come to my cabin. Masters. - 
 {They go up street.) 
 
 Captain Jones. 'T would be well to present this 
 chief with some finery. Think you not so, Governor ? 
 
 Carver. I do, indeed. 'T will please him mightily. 
 
 Dr. Fuller. I haVe a fancy coat that belonged 
 to an English officer. 'T is bright red, and 't is 
 trimmed with gilt buttons and lace. 
 
 Carver. Fetch it to me, Doctor. I will present it 
 with ceremony. 
 
 {Exit Dr. Fuller.) 
 
 And I, as governor, should appear in state, with 
 drummer and with trumpet. 
 
 {Others laugh.) 
 
 And then we will conduct our guests to the new 
 cabin being built. It lacks only the doors and roof. 
 We can call it our council hall. 
 
 Others. Yes — yes — 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 137 
 
 Mistress Bkbwstek. I '11 fetch a rug and cush- 
 ions for the chief to sit upon. 
 
 Mistress CarVeb. And I will fetch some meat 
 for him. 
 
 Mistress Winslow. And I will fetch some fruit. 
 
 Carver. Why, then, we will have a feast for the 
 chief. But we cannot feed the warriors — there is 
 not enough food in Plymouth. 
 
 ( Women go. Carver becomes grave.) 
 
 Captain Standish, have your men ready. Fire at 
 the first sign of treachery. If, however, they lay 
 down their arms, receive them with military honors. 
 
 Standish. We will watch them. Governor. 
 
 Carver. Come, friends, let us prepare ! 
 
 (All go hut children and Standish and his men. 
 These the Captain forms in two lines on either 
 side of gate.) 
 
 Ralph (looking to forest). They come. Captain ! 
 Look — there at the border of the woods ! 
 
 Standish (looking). Aye! They are laying their 
 bows and arrows down ! Go, Ralph, tell the Gov- 
 ernor ! Stack your muskets, men ! 
 
 (£Jxit Ralph up street. Men stack muskets. 
 Pause. Miter Samoset.) 
 
 Samosbt. Massasoit here — Englishmen ! 
 
 (Pause. Enter Massasoit and forty braves. 
 Standish and men salute them. A drum and a 
 trumpet heard off in village. Enter Governor 
 Carver, preceded by the drummer and trumpeter. 
 
138 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 Puritans follow. Governor Carver hows to Mas- 
 SASoiT, who hears himself with great dignity.) 
 
 Carver. Great Chief, we salute you. We wel- 
 come you with open arms, and present you our love 
 and greetings. 
 
 (Samosbt mutters a few words to Massasoit,zoAo 
 nods head gravely and mutters to Samoset.) 
 
 Samoset. Massasoit say 'tis well — Massasoit 
 greet white chief. 
 
 Carver. Will the great chief come now to our 
 council hall? We would discuss a treaty of peace 
 that shall last as long as we live in this land. 
 
 (Samoset speaks with Massasoit in Indian lan- 
 guage as hefore.) 
 
 Samoset. Massasoit say 't is well — he counsel 
 with white chief. 
 
 (Carver motions to drummer and trumpeter to 
 play, and the procession starts up street ; Carver 
 walking with Massasoit. Others follow.) 
 
 Scene II 
 Time : Two hours later. 
 Place : The same. 
 
 {No one is seen except guard at gate — Ealph 
 Wexton. Pause. Drum and trumpet heard off. 
 Enter Captain Standish and his men marching. 
 They form in two lines on either side of gate. En- 
 
'WILL THE GKEAT CHIEF COME NOW TO OUK COUNCIL HALL?" 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 141 
 
 ter druTnmer and trumpeter playing. Enter Gov- 
 ernor Carver and Massasoit, who wears Ms red 
 coat proudly. Enter leadiny Puritans and Samoset. 
 Enter Indian braves — then all Puritans — men, 
 women, children.) 
 
 Carver (to Samoset). Tell Massasoit we wish 
 him to come again. 
 
 (Samoset and Massasoit speah together.) 
 
 Samoset. Massasoit come again — he pleased — 
 say white chief his brother. 
 (Massasoit speaks to Samoset who continues :) 
 
 Massasoit say he hope treaty last — 
 
 Carver. 'T is our hope, too, Samoset. And we 
 will keep it {pointing to shy), as there is a God iu 
 Heaven. 
 
 (Samoset translates to Massasoit, who nods and 
 speaks, also pointing to sky.) ' 
 
 Samoset. Massasoit say Great Spirit watch over 
 treaty. Massasoit say good-bye. 
 
 (Carver bows to Massasoit, who makes a digni- 
 fied and gracefid motion of farewell. He goes, fol- 
 lowed by Samoset and braves.) 
 
 Brewster. Praise be to God that peace is made ! 
 
 WiNSLOW. Aye, praises and thanksgiving ! 
 (Murmurs of assent from others.) 
 
 Bradford. The treaty is as fair to the Indian as 
 to us, and I believe they realized it. 
 
 Carver. 'T is a thing, I think, to be proud of. 
 And now, brothers, another matter must claim our 
 
142 TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 
 
 attention. Captain Jones wishes to return at once to 
 England. What say you? Now that this peace hath 
 been made, and that all our sick are better, is there 
 any reason why we should keep the Mayflower 
 here? 
 
 Brewster. I know no reason for it. 
 
 Others. Nor I ! Nor I ! 
 
 Captain Jones. Are you all willing, then, to let 
 the ship return ? 
 , All Puritans. Aye ! 
 
 Captain Jones. Your goodness to me hath made 
 me loth to leave you here without the refuge of my 
 ship. But I feel that I must return now. 
 
 Carver. You may set sail, Captain, as soon as it 
 pleases you. And bear our love to our friends at 
 home. 
 
 Captain. I will do so, Governor, and I will sail to- 
 morrow. But 't is with the deepest regret I go. It 
 saddens my heart to leave you here with only sav- 
 ages for neighbors. Do you not wish to return? I '11 
 take any, or all of you gladly. 
 
 Carver. If any wish to go, they may, and with 
 honor. No one of us knows what the future holds in 
 store for us. At present, the Indians are friendly. 
 How long will they remain so ? We know life can- 
 not be easy here. There wiU be both hardships and 
 dangers. So, my friends, you have only to speak, and 
 you shall return to England. 
 
 (Silence. Pause.) 
 
TROUBLES ON LAND AND SEA 143 
 
 Captain. 'T will be a fair journey back at this 
 time of year, with no such storms as accompanied us. 
 (Silence. Pause.) 
 
 Do you realize that the nearest white man is in 
 Virginia — five hundred miles to the south ? 
 
 Beewster. God hath brought us here to do his 
 work. If we live, our faith will live. If we die, un- 
 timely, it may be some poor savage will then have 
 our faith and convert his savage brothers. So, no 
 matter what fate befall, we will give thanks to God 
 with hearts full of joy that He hath permitted us to 
 come to this land. 
 
 Vv^rr ASS (solemnly). Amen! 
 
 Captain. So be it, then. I shall tell all England 
 that I left you singing your songs of joy. And now, 
 farewell, my dear friends ! May God protect and 
 guide you ! Farewell ! 
 
 Puritans. Farewell ! Farewell ! 
 
 (Uxit Captain Jones.) 
 
 Tableau 
 
 On a great sweep of coast, stand a small group of 
 Puritan men, women, and children — not more than sixty 
 in all. They are waving to the Mayflower, which is sail- 
 ing out to sea. 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 OB 
 
 DESCENDANTS OF THE PILGRIMS 
 
 ACT I 
 
 Time: T773 — December 15. Sunday morning. 
 Place: Boston, Colony of Massachusetts. 
 
 Samuel Adams. 
 John Adams. 
 Dr. Waeken. 
 josiah quinct. 
 John Hancock. 
 Young Man. 
 First Girl. 
 Second Girl. 
 Third Girl. 
 Fourth Girl. 
 Old Lady. 
 Boy. 
 Crier. 
 Tory. 
 
 First Citizen. 
 Second Citizen. 
 Third Citizen. 
 Fourth Citizen. 
 Fifth Citizen. 
 Sixth Citizen. 
 Seventh Citizen. 
 Eighth Citizen. 
 Ninth Citizen. 
 Tenth Citizen. 
 Eleventh Citizen. 
 Twelfth Citizen. 
 Tories. 
 Patriots. 
 
 {An open square is seen with many leafless elm 
 trees and shrubs. In center is a large elm that 
 towers above them all. Opening into the square are 
 several narrow streets with houses built close to- 
 
146 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 gether. Men, women, and children pass through 
 square to church. Miter four girls with their Bibles. 
 Enter a young man with placards. He crosses to 
 large elm in center and tacks a placard to it 
 Church-goers stop ; look at him astonished.) 
 
 First Girl. Look ! He is putting up a notice ! 
 
 Second Gebl. Has he forgot it is the Sab- 
 bath? 
 
 Third Girl. He must be a Tory. It is like them 
 to commit such an unseemly act. 
 
 Fourth Girl. They are announcing, perhaps, a 
 parade of the king's troops to-day. 
 
 Third Girl. Who will march past our church to 
 annoy us. 
 
 First Girl. Just as they did recently, when they 
 played Yankee Doodle outside, during an entire 
 service. 
 
 Fourth Girl. Well, we need not read their plac- 
 ard. If we take this path to the right, we will not 
 even pass it. 
 
 {They turn away from tree. Young man with 
 placards has now finished his work: starts off; 
 overtakes girls.) 
 
 Young Man {lifting his hat respectfully). Have 
 you read the placard ? 
 
 Second Girl {stiffly). No, and we do not care to 
 read it. 
 
 Fourth Girl {stiffly). We do not read Tory 
 notices. 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 147 
 
 YoTJWG Mak. It is not a Tory notice ! The tea is 
 coming ! 
 
 Girls {interested). Tea! 
 
 Young Man. Tea. The Patriots are calling a 
 meeting. The placard there on that old elm tree 
 will tell you all about it. 
 
 [Exit. Girls run to tree. Others hasten to tree 
 from all parts of square. All read placard.) 
 
 First Citizen {pointing to placard). Do you see 
 that? It is indeed the hour of our destruction! 
 
 Second Citizen. It is an Insult to every Patriot 
 in this land! 
 
 Third Citizen. We should rise as one man to de- 
 fend our rights ! 
 
 {Cries of " Yes — yes — we should — we 
 should!") 
 
 Old Lady. Will some one please read it for me? 
 I have forgotten my glasses. 
 
 Fourth Citizen {reading aloud from placard). 
 "Friends! Brethren! Countrymen! That worst of 
 plagues, the detested Tea shipped for this port, from 
 England, is about to arrive in the harbor. The hour 
 of Destruction stares you now in the face! Every 
 friend to his Country, to Himself, and to Posterity is 
 now called upon to meet in the square when the town 
 crier shall ring his bell — to make united resistance 
 to this last and worst of the king's oppressions." 
 
 Old Lady. Well, I for one, shall drink none of 
 that tea. 
 
148 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 Fifth Citizen. I doubt if you '11 have a chance, 
 Mistress. Mr. Samuel Adams has declared it shall 
 never be unloaded here in Boston. 
 
 Old Lady. A blessing on Samuel Adams ! He is 
 a Patriot through and through ! 
 
 Sixth Citizebt. A nobler man has never lived. 
 
 Seventh Citizen. No, nor a more intelligent. 
 He is a keen politician, too, — no man in this coun- 
 try is shrewder. 
 
 Eighth Citizen. It is said Governor Hutchinson 
 offered him a large sum of money to forsake us in 
 this quarrel and go over to the Tories. 
 
 Ninth Citizen. It is true. It happened only yes- 
 terday. And Mr. Adams refused him with scorn. 
 
 Tenth Citizen. The governor is a Tory, and is a 
 mere tool Jor King George. He has no sympathy 
 for us. 
 
 Eleventh Citizen. He has said the tea shall be 
 landed. 
 
 Twelfth. Citizen. We shall soon see who will 
 win — the governor or Mr. Adams. The first tea- 
 ship will be in to-day. 
 
 (A hand hell is heard off in distance^ 
 
 A Boy. It is the town crier ! I saw him in an- 
 other place. 
 
 {Bell heard nearer^ 
 
 Old Lady. He comes this way ! 
 
 {Bell heqrd just off. Enter the Crier ringing 
 hand hell. Stops ringing ; calls out — ) 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 149 
 
 Crier. Hark ye, citizens ! The dreaded ships are 
 coming ! One ship has been sighted ! So come you 
 now to the old elm tree ! Come, if you be Patriots ! 
 
 {Exit, ringing hell. Enter many men, women, 
 and young people of all ages and classes.) 
 
 First Citizen. Look you ! Mr. Samuel Adams is 
 coming ! 
 
 (Enter Samuel Adams, jffe is accompanied 
 by Dr. Warren, John Adams, Josiah Qtjincy, 
 and other men of prom,inence. All are men of 
 unusual intelligence, and of nohle and dignified 
 demeanor. They cross to elm in center. Enter 
 other citizens, till square is packed. Samuel 
 Adams steps forward ; lifts hand. There is instant 
 silence.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. Brothers — countrymen ! We 
 have not forgot it is the Sabbath day, but for once 
 we must lay our Puritan scruples aside. As that 
 placard told you — the hour of the destruction of 
 our liberties is indeed at hand. The first ship bear- 
 ing the taxed tea will be in our harbor to-day. Two 
 other such ships will arrive by to-morrow. Is it not 
 time then, that we should come to some agreement, 
 despite this holy day ? 
 
 Voices. Yes — yes ! We should ! We should ! 
 
 Samuel Adams. We must prepare ourselves for 
 action. Long have we talked of this fatal day — 
 when the first tea-ship should come. Many meet- 
 ings have we held, and this committee (indicating 
 
150 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 men with him), appointed by the Patriots of Bos- 
 ton, has waited again upon Governor Hutchinson. 
 And again has his Excellency advised us to receive 
 the tea. 
 
 (Murmurs of indignation.) 
 
 Long ago, when first we knew that a tax had 
 been placed on our tea by King George and his 
 obedient Parliament, we declared such a tax unjust 
 to us. But, despite our protests, England has uot 
 only willfully fixed this tax, but has sent us. tea, as 
 if she would compel us to take it. 
 
 (Murmurs of indignation.) 
 
 His Majesty evidently does not think we can be 
 in earnest when we say we will not pay taxes to the 
 English government unless we can be represented 
 in that government. For many years have we peti- 
 tioned King George to allow us a representative in 
 Parliament, but this the king persistently refuses. 
 Indeed, he has openly declared that his American 
 subjects shall be taxed at his will, and that they 
 shall have nothing to say in regard to their own 
 government. 
 
 (Murmurs of indignation.) 
 
 For many years England has taxed us heavily. 
 Beginning with 1764, we were required to pay, 
 yearly, large sums of money into the royal treasury. 
 And that, in spite of our enfeebled condition brought 
 upon us by England herself, through the long war 
 she waged on this land against her enemy, the 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 151 
 
 French. You know how we came to England's aid 
 in that war. You know how heavily we taxed our- 
 selves, and gave men, money, and provisions. One 
 million pounds were given by this State alone. And 
 the flower of our youth went forth to their death. 
 Does that spell disloyalty to our mother country, 
 friends ? 
 
 Voices. No! No! 
 
 Samuel Adams. No, we were never disloyal. In- 
 deed, I think we pride ourselves on being descend- 
 ants of Englishmen. No one of us forgets that our 
 forefathers were Englishmen, and came here to estab- 
 lish English life in the wilderness. We were brought 
 up with the love of England in our hearts. And 
 how have we been requited? Our free commerce 
 with other lands has been suppressed — we must 
 now trade only with England. Our homes can be 
 entered and searched by her agents at any time, 
 and we have no power to prevent it. Our griev- 
 ances are so many indeed, that I will not attempt 
 to repeat them. You know them all too well. Our 
 courteous petitions asking for a voice in Parliament 
 have been answered by insulting royal orders. His 
 Majesty, who should have been deeply interested in 
 our welfare, commanded us to cease our public 
 meetings. We were prohibited even the right of 
 free speech ! We — free men — were treated as 
 slaves I 
 
 (Murmurs of indignation.) 
 
152 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 English soldiers -were sent here to compel our 
 obedience, and to insult us by their presence. They 
 are a constant reminder that we are only hirelings 
 to fill the king's treasure box. Why, even the Eng- 
 lish chimney-sweeps speak of us as " their subjects." 
 And now comes this last wrong to us ! To be sure 
 the tax is small, and the tea with the tax will not 
 cost us as much as we are paying now for the tea 
 we buy from Holland. But that is not the ques- 
 tion. 
 
 Voices. No ! No ! It is not ! 
 
 Samuel Adams. The question is the principle at 
 stake. Shall we suffer ourselves to be taxed without 
 representation in Parliament? What say you, my 
 countrymen ? What say you? 
 
 People. No ! No ! No ! 
 
 Samuel Adams. Are there any here who disagree 
 with us? 
 
 Toby. We should obey our king, no matter what 
 he orders. 
 
 (Hisses.) 
 
 Voices. Tory! Tory! 
 
 Samuel Adams. And why, pray, should we obey 
 a king so slavishly? No civilized nation does so 
 to-day. England, herself, has her Parliament, which 
 very often opposes the ruling monarch. 
 
 Tory. Ah, but that is different. Parliament is 
 composed of Englishmen. We are only Colonists. 
 (Indignant murmurs from many.) 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 153 
 
 Samuel Adams. I fail to see the difference, sir. 
 We are entitled to the same consideration from 
 King George as his subjects who are living in Eng- 
 land. 
 
 Voices. Yes ! Yes ! We are ! We are ! 
 
 Samuel Adams. Then, friends, we must now, for 
 once and all, stand firm to our principle. This must 
 be the hour of our revolt. Indeed, if we submit now, 
 we need never more raise a voice in protest. That 
 tea must riot be landed ! 
 
 Voices {with applause). No! No! 
 
 FiKST Citizen. But how can we prevent it, Mr. 
 Adams ? Governor Hutchinson has declared he wiU 
 stand by the king and regard the tax as legal. 
 
 Samuel Adams. I will ask the memberp of my 
 committee to answer that and any other question. 
 Dr. Warren — 
 
 Dr. Warren. Our governor now shows a curious 
 desire to be out of this quarrel entirely. He left 
 yesterday for his summer home in the country. And 
 this is the month of December ! 
 {Laughter.) 
 
 Second Citizen. Where are the consignees who 
 were appointed by King George to receive the tea ? 
 Why do they not resign? 
 
 Samuel Adams {turning to John Adams). Will 
 you answer that, Mr. Adams ? 
 
 John Adams. As some of you know, my friends, 
 we have called on these consignees repeatedly, ask- 
 
154 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 ing them to resign. This, they have refused to do, 
 though they know full well that the tea must be 
 sent back to England, if there is no officer here to 
 receive it. 
 
 Thibd Citizen. Force them to resign ! They are 
 all Tories ! 
 
 Voices. Force them ! Force them ! 
 
 John Adams. Nay, we must proceed quietly and 
 legally, as far as possible, friends. Mr. John Han- 
 cock is waiting upon the consignees now to ask 
 them to come to this meeting and resign their com- 
 missions publicly. 
 
 {Applause.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. In the mean time, Mr. Quincy 
 has a matter to report to you. 
 
 Quincy. Friends, be it known to you all, that 
 yesterday, in a great mass meeting, the women of 
 Boston resolved to drink no more tea till the tax be 
 removed. 
 
 {Or eat applause.) 
 
 Fourth Citizen. They are Patriots — those 
 women — Patriots ! 
 
 Voices {with applause). Aye — aye! Patriots! 
 
 {E)iter John Hancock, a refined and educated 
 gentleman of some forty years : crosses to elm.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. And now, friends, Mr. Hancock 
 has come from the consignees. What have you to 
 report, Mr. Hancock? 
 
 Hancock. Mr. Adams, — Gentlemen of the Com- 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 155 
 
 mittee, — Countrymen, — I found the three con- 
 signees in their warehouse, and put the case before 
 them. I told them that it was the earnest desire of 
 every Patriot in Boston that they resign their office. 
 I asked them, with courtesy, to come here to-day, and 
 resign publicly, that our confidence in them might 
 be renewed, and our respect for them increased, but 
 they refused — 
 
 Voices {indignantly). Eefused! 
 
 Hancock. Yes, my friends, they refused with 
 boldness — indeed, I might say with impudence. 
 
 Fifth Citizen {excitedly). To their warehouse, 
 men ! 
 
 Voices {angrily). Yes — yes! To their ware- 
 house ! 
 
 Samuel Adams. No, no, friends ! We cannot com- 
 pel the consignees to resign through destruction of 
 their property. Besides, if we would have the respect 
 of our sister Colonies, we must show them that our 
 actions are guided by reason. And it may be that 
 King George and his Ministers will realize that we 
 are sober-minded men with whom they cannot trifle. 
 Let us concentrate our energy on one thing alone 
 — a steady determination to refuse this tea sent by 
 England. Do you all agree to that ? 
 
 All (but a few Tories). "We do! We do! 
 
 Samuel Adams. Then, my countrymen, the pur- 
 pose of this meeting has been accomplished. Your 
 hearty response proves that you will cooperate with 
 
156 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 your committee in any plan they may formulate. 
 And be assured, we will do something. 
 
 {Applause.) 
 So, friends, we will now disperse. But be at the docks 
 when the tea ships come. There may be work for 
 you all. 
 
 {Applause, and cries of assent. All going.) 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Time : The folloioing afternoon. 
 Place : Boston, Governor Hutchinson's office. 
 
 New Chaeactees 
 Governoe's Secbetart. Fiest Consignee. 
 Undee-Seceetaey. Second Consignee. 
 
 Me. Rotch. Thied Consignee. 
 
 Captain Hall. 
 
 {A handsomely furnished office is seen. The Sec- 
 retary paces the floor anxiously. Enter the Under- 
 Secretary, a much younger man than the Secretary.) 
 
 Under-Secretary. Mr. Eotch has come, Mr. 
 Simms. 
 
 Secretary (imto&Zy). Again! This is the third 
 time since noon ! The tea, I suppose — ? 
 
 Under-Secretary. Yes, Mr. Simms. I told him 
 the governor was still out of town, and that nothing 
 could be done in his absence, but he says something 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 157 
 
 must be done. Mr, Eotch is in a towering rage, sir. 
 He insists upon seeing you. 
 
 Secretary. What can I do ? Does n't Mr. Eotch 
 understand that I am only a secretary ? The gov- 
 ernor left no instructions in regard to the tea. 
 
 Uisder-Seoretary. So I told him, but he says 
 he will not leave this office till he has some kind of 
 an order from you. 
 
 Secretary. Orders to whom? Haven't the citizens 
 taken things into their own hands ? Does he think 
 they will obey us ? We are in something of a mess, 
 Mr. Wexton. 
 
 Under-Secretary. So was the governor. He ran 
 away to get out of it. 
 
 Secretary. Mr. Wexton ! I am astonished ! Do 
 you criticise his Excellency? 
 
 Under-Secretary. I beg your pardon, Mr. 
 Simms. 
 
 Secretary. You may show Mr. Rotch in. 
 
 Under-Secretary. The captain of the ship is 
 with him. 
 
 Secretary. I Avill see them both. 
 
 {Exit Under-Secretary. Secretary waits nerv- 
 ously. Enter Rotch and Captain Hall. Rotch is 
 a prosperous-looking American merchant. Hall 
 is an English sea captain. Both are now indignant. 
 Secretary hows.) 
 
 Gentlemen, be seated. 
 
 [Men remain standing.) 
 
158 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 EoTOH. Sir, I am the owner of that ill-fated tea- 
 ship that came in yesterday — 
 
 Secbetaby. I know, Mr. Rotch. I appreciate 
 your position. 
 
 EoTCH. What is to be done about that tea ? 
 
 Secbetaby. I wish I knew, Mr. Rotch. 
 
 Rotch. Do you know that Captain Hall here 
 was told to unload it at the peril of his life? 
 
 Hall. And in no uncertain language. Some 
 twienty-five men boarded my ship the moment. she 
 docked, and served that notice upon me. And they 
 threatened to fire at the first man who attempted to 
 take any of the tea ashore. 
 
 Rotch, And these armed men are now patrolling 
 the docks and shore. And other armed men relieved 
 them last night. 
 
 Secbetaby. I know — I am posted on all that 
 has occurred. It is unfortunate that all this should 
 happen while^he governor is away. 
 
 Rotch {impatiently) . Why is he away ? He knew 
 my ship was coming. And ofE he runs to his coun- 
 try place ! 
 
 Secbetaby. I thought that you were a good 
 Tory, Mr. Rotch. 
 
 Rotch. I am, of course. I am somewhat un- 
 strung just now — I scarce know what I am saying. 
 
 Secbetaby. The sheriff has gone to see the gov- 
 ernor to ask him what to do. 
 
 Rotch. When will he return ? 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 159 
 
 Secbetaey. In about two hours, unless the gov- 
 ernor should detain him. 
 
 (^Enter Under-Secretary.) 
 
 TJndbb-Sbcrbtary. The consignees have come, 
 Mr. Simms. They are asking for instructions. 
 
 Secretary. Tell them the governor left no mes- 
 sage for them. And tell them about the sheriff. 
 {Exit Under-Secretary.) 
 
 RoTOH (foHALL). Two of these consignees are 
 sons-in-law of Governor Hutchinson's. They will 
 be able to settle the matter, I think. 
 
 {Enter Under-Secretary.) 
 
 UndBr-Sbcretary. The consignees insist upon 
 seeing you, Mr. Simms. 
 
 Secretary {wearily). Let them enter — cer- 
 tainly. 
 
 {Exit Under-Secretary. Pause. Enter the three 
 consignees. They are richly dressed and bear 
 themselves with importance. The Secretary bows 
 to them humbly, but they are too excited to notice 
 salutations.) 
 
 First Consignee. You say the governor left no 
 instructions for us ? 
 
 Secretary. No, Mr. Clark, nothing. 
 
 Second Consignee. What are we to do, then? 
 The rebels are calling at us in the streets to resign, 
 and to resign instantly. 
 
 Third Consignee. They will be at our warehouse 
 next, with a mob ! 
 
160 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 First Consignee. Aye, they will ! I tell you, 
 Mr. Simms, this matter has got to be settled at once ! 
 
 Secretary. What can I do, gentlemen ? Here 's 
 Mr. Eotch and Captain Hall who are saying the 
 same. I tell you I can do nothing. No doubt the 
 sheriff will bring some message from the governor. 
 
 First Consignee. He may not return for hours, 
 and in the mean time our property is in danger. 
 You must call out the king's troops, Mr. Simms. 
 
 Sbcrbtaey. I have no power to do that, gentle- 
 men! 
 
 Second Consignee. I '11 stand responsible for 
 you, Mr. Simms. I am related to his Honor. 
 
 Third Consignee. We will all be responsible for 
 you. 
 
 RoTCH. It would settle the matter at once. The 
 ships could be unloaded then without trouble. The 
 people wouldn't face two thousand soldiers with 
 muskets. 
 
 {The Secretary seems to be impressed. Enter 
 Under-Secretary.) 
 
 Under-Secretary. A committee of Patriots to 
 see the governor, Mr. Simms — 
 
 Second Consignee {sneering). Patriots! They 
 are nothing but rabble. 
 
 Under-Secretary {indignantly). These gentle- 
 men are the leading citizens of Boston, sir. You 
 cannot call them rabble. 
 
 Secretary. Mr. Wexton ! 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 161 
 
 Undbb-Secbbtary (not heeding). Your Tory 
 governor ran away from them — they were far too 
 clever for him. 
 
 First Consignee, Mr. Wexton, you will be dis- 
 missed when the governor returns, if my influence 
 counts for anything. 
 
 UNDER-SECRBTAKr. I wiU go now ! My ancestors 
 came over in the Mayflower, sirs, and I '11 not dis- 
 grace them by staying. 
 
 {Exit indignantly.) 
 
 Sbobbtary. Gentlemen, I apologize. We thought 
 Mr. Wexton a Tory. 
 
 Third Consignee. Oh, we meet that now on every 
 side. They are going mad with their patriotism. 
 
 First Consignee. Admit the committee, Mr. 
 Simms. They may be ready to compromise. 
 {Secretary crosses; opens door.) 
 
 Secretary {speaking off). Gentlemen, will you 
 enter ? 
 
 {Miter Samuel Adams, Hancock, and Quincy. 
 They are dignified and calm ; how formally to 
 consignees and others.) 
 
 Hancock {to Secretary). We have called to see 
 the governor, thinking he may have returned. 
 
 Secretary. He has not come as yet, gentlemen. 
 May I not deliver your message to him ? 
 
 Hancock. You may tell his Excellency that we 
 have found a way out of this trouble. We desire him 
 to send the ships back to England at once with the tea. 
 
162 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 RoTCH. No, I. object to that, sir, I might be 
 held responsible for the loss of the tea to the com- 
 pany. 
 
 Samuel Adams. You will not lose a penny, Mr. 
 Rotch. The citizens of Boston will pay you for any 
 loss you may sustain. We are willing, also, to pay 
 the company for the tea. 
 
 Rotch. In that case, I am willing to have the 
 ships return. 
 
 FiKSX Consignee. The matter cannot be settled 
 so easily. Before the ships can set sail, they must 
 have papers for clearing the harbor, and the consent 
 of the consignees. 
 
 Rotch. Then, gentlemen, I ask you for your con- 
 sent. With that, I can easily obtain my papers from 
 the custom-house. 
 
 First Consignee. Mr. Rotch, we are responsible 
 to King George for the proper care of this business. 
 Therefore, it is my opinion that we cannot give our 
 consent. 
 
 Third Consignee {to first). I agree with you, sir. 
 
 Second Consignee. It would be the same as re- 
 signing. 
 
 QuiNCY {to Consignees). Then, since you will do 
 nothing to help us out of this trouble, you would 
 do well to seek safety at once. 
 
 Third Consignee. Seek safety ! What do you 
 mean, Mr. Quincy? 
 
 QuiNCY. I mean that the wrath of our people has 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 163 
 
 been aroused. We may not be able to control them. 
 They look upon you as traitors. 
 
 Consignees {alarmed). Traitors! 
 
 QuiNCY. What else could we call you ? You were 
 born in this country ; you went to our schools ; you 
 have made your living among us. The people have 
 not forgotten these things. 
 
 First Consignee. We will call out the troops'! 
 
 Hancock. We are fully prepared for that, sir. 
 For months, Boston men have drilled in secret. And 
 the near-by towns have drilled, and will come to our 
 aid if necessary. 
 
 Second Consignee. I am astonished that you 
 leaders should be willing to bring bloodshed upon 
 your fellow townsmen. 
 
 Samuel Adams. We are all willing, sir, to die 
 for our rights. 
 
 RoTCH. I think I know a way out of the trouble, 
 gentlemen. I will, myself, go to the governor and 
 ask for a passport for sailing. I can make the trip in 
 about three hours. 
 
 Samuel Adams. We will be glad to have you go, 
 Mr. Rotch. Will you bring the governor's answer 
 to the Old South Meeting-House? The Patriots are 
 in assembly there now, and will wait there for your 
 return. 
 
 Rotch. I will be there by eight o'clock. 
 
 (RoTCH and Hall how to others and go out 
 quickly.) 
 
164 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 Third Consignee. But, Mr. Adams, what if the 
 governor refuses to let the tea go back ? 
 
 Samuel Adams. Seven thousand Patriots are, at 
 this moment, in and about the Old South Meeting- 
 House. And these people are all of one mind, and 
 hold the king's troops in disdain. That is your an- 
 swer, gentlemen. 
 
 First Consignee {to other consignees). Perhaps 
 we should flee to the barracks, and claim General 
 Gage's protection — 
 
 Samuel Adams. I would strongly advise you to 
 go there. 
 
 First Consignee. Come then, without delay. 
 {Consignees go out hurriedly.) 
 
 Samuel Adams {to Secretary). Please remind 
 Mr. Rotch of the Old South Meeting-House. We 
 will be there, waiting. 
 
 {Secretary hows. The Patriots bow in return 
 and go out.) 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Time : Three hours later. 
 Place : Old South Meeting-House. 
 
 New Chaeacters 
 Paul Reverb. Samuel Spragub. 
 
 Lendall Pitts. Accomplices. 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 165 
 
 (A small room hack of the auditorium is seen. 
 Room is now dark. Enter Lbndall Pitts with a 
 lantern. Pitts is a serious man of about thirty 
 years. He lights candles on table and wall. A knock 
 is heard at a door back, which opens into church' 
 yard. Pitts crosses to door quickly.) 
 
 Pitts. Who knocks ? 
 
 Voice. Paul Revere. 
 
 (Pitts opens door. Enter Paul Revere, a re- 
 sponsible business man of Boston. He is of mid- 
 dle age: is also serious.) 
 
 Pitts. You are here in good time, Mr. Revere. 
 Are the other men about ? 
 
 Revere. The men with muskets wait in the shade 
 of the belfry. 
 
 Pitts. Tell them to come quietly, and to keep 
 their arms well hidden. 
 
 Revere. I '11 caution them, Mr. Pitts. 
 
 (Exit to yard. Pitts lights other candles. Enter 
 B,KsrERE followed by some twenty men; each wears 
 a long cloak.) 
 
 Pitts. Stack your muskets, comrades, but quietly 
 — quietly — Remember there 's a meeting in the 
 church there — 
 
 {Indicating room at right.) 
 
 We must not disturb the speakers. 
 
 (Men produce muskets from cloaks; stack them 
 quietly.) 
 
 Did you see the others, Mr. Revere ? 
 
166 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 Kevebe. Some of them, but they were in the 
 crowd waiting about the church doors. 
 
 Pitts. It was so arranged, to avoid attracting at- 
 tention. They are waiting for the signal ^ — two taps 
 on the arm. For this, I commission you, Joseph 
 Shed, Isaac Simpson, Samuel Sprague, Benjamin 
 Clarke, Moses Grant, Peter Slater, James Brewer, 
 John Carver, and Nathansel Greene. 
 
 ( These men start off. Vitts follows them to door 
 and continues.) 
 
 Be cautious, gentlemen — there are ever Tories 
 hanging about. 
 
 (Me7i go out quietly. Pitts turns to Eeveee.) 
 
 You have your horse ready ? 
 
 Reveee. Yes, Mr. Pitts, — there in the church 
 yard — well within the shadows. 
 
 Pitts. Ride at once to the outskirts and watch 
 the road for Mr. Rotch. The instant you see him 
 coming, return post haste to tell us. 
 
 Revere. You may depend on me, sir. 
 
 (Goes out quickly. Enter men who went out with 
 some twenty other men. They enter in small groups. 
 All wear long cloaks, and all are serious and silent.) 
 
 Pitts. Have you brought your blankets and 
 hatchets? 
 
 (Murmurs of assent from late arrivals who pro- 
 duce,from beneath cloaks, Indian blankets, Indian 
 head coverings of feathers, and hatchets. They put 
 them on table quietly. Pitts continues.) 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 167 
 
 Attention all — comrades ! 
 
 {There is instant quiet.) 
 
 It is fitting that we should again speak of our 
 plans, lest there be some misunderstanding. As you 
 know, Mr. Samuel Adams is with us heart and soul, 
 as are also the other leaders. But they caution us to 
 be discreet and to rely on the surprise of our plot 
 rather than the force of arms. Nevertheless, if the 
 sailors attempt to fight, you are to fire immediately. 
 Be careful not to argue. Indeed, no word should be 
 spoken, lest they recognize our voices. 
 (Murmurs of assent.) 
 
 There is bound to be much excitement, but do not 
 
 forget to open each and every case and throw the 
 
 tea in the water. Should the crews try to prevent 
 
 you, force them below and lock them in the cabins. 
 
 (Murmurs of assent.) 
 
 I will take charge of the first ship, Benjamin 
 Clarke of the second, and Nathanael Greene of the 
 third. The other details you know full well, so I will 
 not repeat them. There is, however, one last matter 
 — the governor will seek to punish us for this night's 
 work. That is certain, and has been often discussed 
 by us. However, his Honor can make no arrests 
 unless he knows the offenders. Therefore, we must 
 exercise the greatest care to keep his Excellency in 
 ignorance. No name must be spoken, and no word 
 uttered that would give any clew to any eaves- 
 dropping Tory. Indeed, I think we should solemnly 
 
168 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 promise never to reveal the name of any man here 
 present. 
 
 Others. Yes — yes — we should ! 
 
 Pitts. Then hold up your right hands and repeat 
 these words after me — I promise — 
 
 Others {holding up right hand), I promise — 
 
 Pitts. Never to reveal — 
 
 Others. Never to reveal — 
 
 Pitts. The name of any one here present. 
 
 Others. The name of any one here present. 
 
 Pitts. 'T is well. It only remains, then, for us to 
 wait till we hear the governor's answer to Mr. Kotch. 
 In the mean time, shall we not open the door to the 
 church a little, and listen to the speakers ? 
 
 (Murmurs of assent. Samuel Spragtjb opens 
 door to church; holds it slightly ajar. A commo- 
 tion is heard.) 
 
 What is it, Samuel? What is the cause of the 
 commotion ? 
 
 (Samuel peeps into church ; listens for a mo- 
 m,ent ; turns ; shows excitement.) 
 
 Samuel. The sheriff has come ! He is ordering 
 them to dishand ! 
 
 (Murmurs of indignation.) 
 
 Pitts. Look again — What are they doing now ? 
 
 Samuel (after looking). They are hissing the 
 sheriff — And Mr. Samuel Adams has just risen to 
 speak. 
 
 (Enter Paul Revere /rom yard hastily.) 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 169 
 
 Reveeb. Botch has come from the governor ! He 
 will be here in five minutes ! 
 
 Pitts. Then enter the church and wait till you 
 hear the message he brings. If the governor has re- 
 fused to let the ships return, give us our signal in- 
 stantly — the Mohawk Indian war-whoop. 
 
 Bevebe. I '11 give it to you instantly. 
 {Slips quietly into church, closing door.) 
 
 Pitts. Now, then, comrades — your blankets — 
 hatchets — muskets ! 
 
 (All put on Indian hlanJcets and feather head- 
 dresses ; take up muskets and hatchets. They work 
 swiftly and silently.) 
 
 ACT IV 
 
 Time : Same evening — eight o^ clock. 
 Place : Old South Meeting-House — Auditorium. 
 
 New Chaeacteks 
 Sheeipf. 
 Messenger. 
 A Man. 
 
 {The large room is well lighted with candles. 
 Every seat is taken, and people are standing 
 around the walls. On the pulpit platform sit 
 Samuel Adams, who is in the chair pr-esiding, 
 John Adams, Dr. Wabeen, and John Hancock. 
 
170 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 JosiAH QuiNCY stands on platform addressing the 
 crowded audience.) 
 
 QuiNOY {continuing). No, no, my countrymen, 
 we can no longer hope that resolves, orations, and 
 acclamations will vanquish our foes. Did we not re- 
 solve, orate, and acclaim in former days, when other 
 unjust taxes were put upon us hy King George and 
 his obedient Parliament? It is true these taxes were 
 finally repealed, but the king will not g^ve up his 
 fondest dream — that of taxing American Colonists. 
 Do not be deceived into thinking it is the revenue 
 that the king desires this time. It is not. The tax 
 is small and will not yield more than three hundred 
 pounds a year. No, it is simply a question of op- 
 pression. The king means to show us for once and 
 all that we must obey him. Do you hear that word 
 — you free men of America ? Obey ! and obey like 
 galley slaves chained to their seats, with his royal 
 governors for task-masters. Is this to be borne? 
 No ! The blood of free-born Englishmen is in our 
 veins. The spirit of our Puritan fathers is in our 
 breasts. They would not be forced by King James. 
 We will not be forced by King George. 
 {Applause.) 
 
 They came as Pilgrims to an unknown land. They 
 faced starvation and savages. Shall we be less 
 brave than they? Shall we sit calmly by and fold 
 our hands while this last insult is being heaped 
 upon us? 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 171 
 
 Audience. No ! No ! 
 
 QuiNOY. Then rise as one man to your own de- 
 fense ! Rise to make this beloved land a fit abode 
 for our children ! Rise because you are women and 
 men ! Rise because it is your duty ! 
 
 (QuiNCY sits amid long and loud applause. A 
 man passes up aisle to pulpit ; hands several let- 
 ters to Samuel Adams, who looks at them, rises, 
 and lifts his hand. Applause stops instantly.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. A messenger has just arrived 
 with letters from other Colonies. If it is your pleas- 
 ure, I will briefly state their contents. 
 
 Audience. Read ! Read ! 
 
 Samuel Adams (glancing at letters). Virginia 
 bids us refuse the tea. She will send us troops if 
 we need them. 
 
 (Applause. ) 
 
 Rhode Island bids us send the tea whence it came, 
 back to John Bull and his tea-pot. 
 
 (Applause : laughter.) 
 
 New York asks us to defy our governor boldly. 
 She will send soldiers if necessary. 
 (Applause.) 
 
 Connecticut also asks us to be firm. She is drill- 
 ing her troops that she may be ready to help us. 
 (Applause.) 
 
 Both the Carolinas pray us to defy the king. 
 Likewise do Georgia and all the Southern Colonies. 
 In fact, they all, both South and North, offer us 
 
172 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 their support and tell us not to submit to this last 
 great injustice from England. 
 
 {Enthusiastic applause.) 
 
 {A man hurries up aisle to pulpit ; whispers for 
 a moment with Samuel Adams, who seems pleased 
 to see him.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. Friends, this gentleman has just 
 arrived from Philadelphia. He brings us a message 
 from our brother Patriots there. 
 
 Messenger (bowing). Mr. President — 
 (Turns to audience.) 
 
 Patriots — brothers — I bear to you the affection 
 of the men of Philadelphia. I bear to you also the 
 unanimous resolution of a great mass meeting held 
 as soon as we received the news of your refusal to ac- 
 cept the tea. It was declared that the Patriots of 
 Philadelphia would come to your aid with an army. 
 (Applause.) 
 
 They bade me also to say that their only fear 
 was lest you might shrink at the last moment. 
 And they pray that God may give you the courage 
 to save the liberties, not only of Boston, but of all 
 the Colonies of America. 
 
 (Great applause. Messenger steps hack.) 
 
 Sabiuel Adams (to messenger). Sir, we thank 
 our Philadelphia brothers. Say to them that we will 
 not shrink. We have made our final stand, and we 
 mean to keep it, come what may. 
 (Applause.) 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PAETY 173 
 
 John Adams (rising). Mr. President, I propose 
 that a rising vote be taken to prove again the temper 
 of our patriotism. 
 
 Db. Warren (rising). I second the motion, Mr. 
 President. 
 
 Samuel Adams. Friends, you have heard the mo- 
 tion — 
 
 (There is a commotion at hack of church. Enter 
 the sheriff. He comes up aisle quickly, and mounts 
 platform.) 
 
 Sheriff. Mr. Adams, I am the sheriff of this 
 county. By the power of my office, I bid you to dis- 
 band this meeting and sends these rebels home. 
 (A storm of hisses from audience.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. That is your answer, Mr. Sheriff. 
 
 Sheriff (angrily to audience). I come direct 
 from your governor, who has bidden me order you 
 to disperse, in the name of his Majesty, King George 
 of England. Here is his Excellency's order. 
 
 ( Waves paper aloft. Another storm of hisses 
 from audience.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. Is that not sufficient, sheriff? 
 
 Sheriff. You '11 pay for this dearly, I warn you ! 
 All of you — leaders and people ! 
 
 (Leaves platform and church.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. Will you please state the ques- 
 tion again, Mr. Adams ? 
 
 John Adams. Will this audience abide by its 
 former resolutions to reject this tea. 
 
174 THE BOSTON TEA PARTY 
 
 Samuel Adams. Patriots, you have heard the 
 question. All in favor will signify by a rising vote. 
 
 Audience (rising to a man). Aye! 
 
 Samuel Adams. Unanimous! 
 
 (As they sit, Paul Revere enters from a small 
 door at right of platform ; remains standing hy 
 door. Samuel Adams continues:) 
 
 And now, my friends, the time draws near when 
 we must be prepared to meet determined resistance. 
 Mr. Rotch will soon return. What if he brings the 
 governor's refusal to send back the tea to Eng- 
 land? 
 
 A Man {in audience). Mr. Chairman, we are not 
 afraid of bloodshed ! 
 
 Voices. No! No! 
 
 Samuel Adams. I pray it will not come to that. 
 Indeed, I think it will not. There is, in fact, a cer- 
 tain plan I may speak of now, but I cannot divulge 
 the details. I can only give you the password, as it 
 were. It is this — Follow the Mohawh Indians! 
 
 ( There are murmurs of surprise throughout au- 
 dience. Enter Rotch.) 
 
 Friends, Mr. Rotch has come. We will now hear 
 the governor's answer. 
 
 (Rotch hurries up aisle to platform. There is 
 death-like silence.) 
 
 Rotch. Mr. Adams, Governor Hutchinson de- 
 clares he will not permit the tea to be sent back. He 
 says it must be landed. 
 
THE BOSTON TEA PAETY 175 
 
 Samuel Adams {quickly). Friends, you have 
 heard the governor's answer. Our time has come ! 
 The hour of hberty has struck for us ! Remember 
 my words — Follow the Mohawk Indians ! 
 
 (Paul Revere at once opens small door at hack 
 and gives an Indian war-whoop. Enter from hack, 
 forty men disgidsed as Indians. They pass quickly 
 down aisle, giving the war-whoop. Leaders and 
 people follow them from church.) 
 
 Tableau 
 Scene I 
 
 A vast crowd is seen on a wharf, looking out upon three 
 ships anchored close by. A full moon discloses Mohawk 
 Indians on decks of each ship. Some are opening chests 
 with hatchets ; some are throwing tea into sea and others 
 are hoisting chests from hold. On one ship, in foreground, 
 Captain Hall is motioning to his frightened sailors to 
 stop them. 
 
 Scene II 
 
 Wharf and ships, as before. Indians hold muskets raised 
 to fire. Sailors in retreat. People on wharf waving hats 
 and handkerchiefs with joy. 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 OB 
 
 THE FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 
 
 ACT I 
 
 Time : 177 Ji- — August — night. 
 Place : London, England. Residence of the Honor- 
 able Mrs. Howe. 
 
 Db. Benjamin Franklin. 
 Lord Howe. Honorable Mrs. Howe. 
 
 First Lady. First Gentleman. 
 
 Second Lady. Second Gentleman. 
 
 Third Lady. Third Gentleman. 
 
 Fourth Lady. Butler. 
 
 Ladies and Gentlemen. 
 
 {In a handsomely furnished drawing-room are 
 many ladies and gentlemen in elegant evening at- 
 tire. They talk together in groups with animation 
 and laughter. Enter two richly dressed ladiesfrom 
 room off. They are unobserved hy others.) 
 
 First Lady (looking over company). There are 
 more guests than I expected. 
 
 Second Lady. Yes, there are more than usual, 
 but it is easily explained, Madam. It was well known 
 
178 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 that Dr. Franklin was to be here. Every one is curi- 
 ous to see him since he was insulted so deeply by 
 Parliament. 
 
 First Lady. Oh, to be sure, that is it ! I venture 
 to say every invitation was accepted. Everywhere I 
 go, I hear talk of this American. 
 
 Second Lady. Have you spoken with him to- 
 night ? 
 
 First Lady. Not as yet. He is deep in chess with 
 our hostess. 
 
 Second Lady. I would not have you repeat me. 
 Madam, but I do think it strange that Mrs. Howe 
 has the Doctor here to-night. 
 
 First Lady. I think it strange she has him here 
 at all. Oh, I know he is a wonderful chess player, 
 and I know that Mrs. Howe is devoted to the game, 
 but even that does not seem sufficient reason for the 
 attention she shows him — especially now, since he 
 has been cut by the king. But of course you will not 
 repeat me ? 
 
 Second Lady. You may trust me. Madam. I 
 would not mention it for worlds. 
 
 {First Gentleman leaves a group and crosses to 
 ladies.) 
 
 First Gentleman {bowing deeply). I salute you, 
 ladies. 
 
 Ladies {curtsying). My lord — 
 
 First Gentleman. I hesitated to interrupt you 
 — you were so deep in conversation. 
 
WHEN COUEAGE WAS NEEDED 179 
 
 First Lady. Oh, we were only remarking upon 
 Dr. Franklin's presence here. 
 
 Second Lady. Don't you think it strange, my 
 lord? 
 
 First Gentleman. I do, indeed. He has been 
 snubbed by almost every one of consequence since 
 that fatal day in Parliament. 
 
 Second Lady. What was the straight of that 
 matter, my lord ? You were present, I believe. 
 
 First Gentleman. I was. Madam, and I assure 
 you that I would not have missed it for anything. 
 You see, Dr. Franklin, as the Colonial agent here 
 in England, had presented to Parliament the com- 
 plaint of Massachusetts against her royal governors, 
 Hutchinson and Oliver, and this was the day ap- 
 pointed for discussion of the case. The Solicitor- 
 General made a most bitter attack upon Franklin. 
 He insulted him openly and also his countrymen, 
 whom he called rascals and knaves. 
 
 First Lady. They say the Doctor stood it all 
 unflinchingly. 
 
 First Gentleman. He did, Madam. He faced the 
 Solicitor immovable as a statue, though he must 
 have been cruelly hurt. 
 
 Second Lady. But there are certain members of 
 Parliament who are favorable to the cause of the 
 Colonies. I cannot understand why they did not 
 arise to defend him. 
 
 First Gentleman. Two of them did, Madam, 
 
180 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 but they were both poor speakers and made no im- 
 pression. Their voices were soon lost in the torrent 
 of abuse from the eloquent Solicitor-General, and 
 in the applause of the judges and members, who 
 roared with laughter throughout the assault. Oh, it 
 was most amusing ! 
 
 Second Lady. I would I had heard it myself ! 
 
 FmsT Lady. Is it true that the king has ignored 
 the petition presented by Dr. Franklin in regard to 
 the Colonial tea tax? 
 
 First Gentleman. He has ignored it completely, 
 except, as you know, to send additional regiments 
 to Boston and warships to close their port and 
 starve them into submission. 
 
 FmsT Lady. Small wonder, then, that Dr. Frank- 
 lin is no longer invited to court, nor to the levees 
 of the king's ministers. He represents an unpopu- 
 lar cause. 
 
 First Gentleman. His career is ended here in 
 Eifgland, at least so long as he espouses his coun- 
 trymen's contentions. 
 
 Second Lady. Then why is he still invited here? 
 There is no more proper house in London, nor a 
 more particular hostess. Besides, Mrs. Howe is 
 connected with the court through her brother, 
 Lord Howe, who is in close touch with his Ma- 
 jesty. 
 
 First Gentleman. Oh, it is only because he 
 plays a good game of chess. And that to the Hon- 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 181 
 
 orable Mrs. Howe is far more important than quar- 
 rels between England and her Colonies. 
 
 {They laugh. Several other ladies and gentle' 
 men hear, and cross to them.) 
 
 Thied Lady. And what is the cause of your 
 merriment, friends ? Tell us so we may laugh with 
 you. 
 
 First Gentleman (lightly). We were merely 
 speaking of our subjects in America. 
 
 Second Gentleman. No wonder you laughed. 
 Those poor souls are fast becoming a joke over 
 here, with their petitions for this, and that, and 
 everything. 
 
 (All laugh.) 
 
 Third Gentleman. They seem to think they are 
 on an equal footing with us and deserve just as 
 much of the king's favor and protection. 
 
 Third Lady. And they are nothing but half- 
 breed Indians, too. I understand there are few 
 white men among them. 
 
 Fourth Lady. I have heard that their leader in 
 Boston is a terrible desperado. They say he goes 
 armed everywhere, and shoots on the least provoca- 
 tion. 
 
 Second Gentleman. That is true. Madam. He 
 is an out-and-out highwayman. His name is Samuel 
 Adams. 
 
 First Lady. Why, I understood that it was he 
 who wrote that last petition from Boston concern- 
 
182 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 ing the tea tax. It is said to be a very remarkable 
 paper. 
 
 First Gentleman. It was no doubt composed by 
 some Englishman here in London. 
 
 {Murmurs of approval from others.) 
 
 First Lady. But Dr. Franklin is an American, 
 and he is counted one of the most brilliant men of 
 the age. You know that he ranks with our greatest 
 scientists in England, or in all Europe for that 
 matter. 
 
 Seconp Lady. And he does not in the least re- 
 semble an Indian. 
 
 Third Gentleman. But, Madam, he has been,, 
 here for many years, and that has changed him 
 completely. He worked here as a boy. 
 
 {Nods and murmurs of approval. Enter Butler.) 
 
 Butler {to group). Eefreshments are being 
 served on the balcony. 
 
 {Crosses to the different groups and speaks with 
 each aside. All go out, talking and laughing to- 
 gether. Exit Butler, last. Pause. Enter Butler 
 showing in Lord Howe who wears his cloak and 
 hat. He removes these ; Butler taking them. Lord 
 Howe is a distinguished-looking man of middle 
 age. He is elegantly dressed, hut not in evening 
 attire.) 
 
 Howe. Is my sister engaged ? 
 
 Butler. Madam is playing chess, Lord Howe. 
 
 Howe. With whom? 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 183 
 
 Butler. With Dr. Franklin, my lord. 
 
 Howe. Where are the other guests ? 
 
 Butler. Some are watching the game and others 
 are on the terrace. 
 
 Howe. Speak with my sister privately and say 
 that I must see her at once. 
 
 {Butler hows ; starts off.) 
 
 Stay ! tell no one else of my presence here. Let 
 this room be closed to the guests for the remainder 
 of the evening. 
 
 BuTLiip. I 'II see to it, my lord. 
 
 {Exit. Pause. Lord Howe waits, lost in deep 
 thought. Miter the Honorable Mrs. Howe, a stately 
 and charming woman^ 
 
 Mrs. Howe. Ah, brother — 
 
 {Gives her hand to Lord Howe, who kisses it.) 
 
 Howe. I am sorry to interrupt your beloved 
 game, but business, my dear sister, before pleasure. 
 
 Mrs. Howe. It is nothing unpleasant, I hope — 
 
 Howe. Letters have just come from America 
 bringing news of a serious nature. 
 
 Mrs. Howe {starting). Ah! Then it is some- 
 thing unpleasant ! 
 
 Howe.' The American Colonies have defied the 
 king. They have arranged to hold a Parliament of 
 their own ! 
 
 Mrs. Howe {gravely). It has come to that ! 
 
 Howe. Aye, it has come to that. So the time is 
 now ripe tc make our secret proposal to Dr. Franklin. 
 
184 WHEN COURAGE "WAS NEEDED 
 
 Mrs. Howe. It will require skillful handling. 
 
 Howe. What do you mean? Does he suspect 
 us? 
 
 Mrs. Howe. Oh, no — he believes he has been 
 invited here for the sole purpose of playing chess 
 with me. 
 
 Howe. He has no idea that it was a pre-arranged 
 plan? 
 
 Mrs. Howe. I am positive he has not. Indeed, I 
 flatter myself that I have managed the matter very 
 well. Through meeting Dr. Franklin here at my 
 parties, you have been able to hold various friendly 
 talks with him and establish yourself in his confi- 
 dence. He admires you, I know. 
 
 Howe. Then it will seem quite natural that I 
 should ask him to accompany me to America and 
 influence his^ countrymen to obey the king's com- 
 mands. ' 
 
 Mrs. Howe. But suppose he refuses to do this? 
 
 Howe. In that case I am empowered to offer him 
 a handsome sum of money. 
 
 Mrs. Howe. I fear you will have your hands full 
 when it comes to a bribe. Dr. Franklin seems to have 
 as fine a sense of honor as an Englishman. 
 
 Howe. Pshaw ! He will take a bribe as readily as 
 any of his tribe. Will you please tell him that I wish 
 to speak with him? 
 
 Mrs. Howe. Shall I remain for your interview? 
 
 Howe. By no means ! I want him to feel that the 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 185 
 
 matter is between him and me alone. He will take 
 the bribe much quicker. 
 
 Mrs. Howe. I will make some excuse then for 
 withdrawing. 
 
 {Exit, Lord Howe waits anxiously. Enter 
 Mrs. Howe with Dr. Fbakklin. He is now sixty- 
 eight years of age, hut shows undiminished vigor 
 both physically and mentally. The men how cor- 
 dially.) 
 
 Howe. It is a pleasure to find you here in my 
 sister's home, Dr. Franklin. 
 
 Feajs^klin. Your sister has been kind enough to 
 give me some very charming evenings, Lord Howe. 
 
 Howe. I regret to bring business into this one, 
 but I would confer with you upon certain Colonial 
 matters. 
 
 Mrs. Howe. Then, gentlemen, I will withdraw. 
 
 Franklin. No, Madam, I beg you to stay. I have 
 no secret in any business of this nature' that I can- 
 not confide to your prudence. 
 
 Mrs. Howe. I thank you, Doctor, for the compli- 
 ment, but my other guests will notice my absence, 
 and may remark upon it. 
 
 HowTB. And I prefer this conference to remain 
 unknown to them. 
 
 Franklin. I would not embarrass you, Madam, 
 nor you, my lord. 
 
 {Mrs. Howe curtsies : exit. Men sit.) 
 
 Howe. I have just had information that certain 
 
186 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 letters arrived to-day from America with news o£ 
 grave importance. ButI presume you have heard — ? 
 
 Fkanklin. To what news do you refer? 
 
 Howe. To the proposed meeting of a Colonial 
 Congress next month in Philadelphia. 
 
 Franklin. Yes, I have had that news. 
 
 Howe. Then you know, of course, that the plan 
 originated in the Massachusetts Assembly in June, 
 and that it has been taken up with enthusiasm by 
 the other Colonies. In fact, they have all held as- 
 semblies and elected delegates to this Congress. 
 
 Franklin. So I was informed, my lord. 
 
 Howe. Then you must be prepared to agree 
 with me that the time has come for a reconcilia- 
 tion. 
 
 Franklin. I agree with you heartily in that. Lord 
 Howe, but I am at a loss to know how peace and 
 union can be restored. Various Colonies have sent 
 to bis Majesty a respectful statement of abuses, and 
 a humble prayer for their redress, but even this, it 
 seems, is regarded by the king and his ministers as 
 a form of treason, and is utterly ignored. 
 
 Howe. His Majesty believes he has the right to 
 govern his subjects as he thinks fit and proper. 
 
 Franklin. His Majesty's subjects in America 
 think it impossible for any man or body of men, 
 living so far away, to know their peculiar business 
 and political needs. 
 
 Howe. But his Majesty has placed royal govern- 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 187 
 
 ors over every Colony. Certainly they should know 
 what are America's needs. 
 
 Feanklin. No, my lord, they do not. They are, 
 with few exceptions. Englishmen, and have come to 
 us with that strange idea that seems to prevail over 
 here — that American Colonists are of a lower order 
 of beings and should therefore be treated as slaves. 
 And also that we are all knaves, rascals, and out- 
 laws. 
 
 Howe {embarrassed). I must confess. Dr. Frank- 
 lin, that that idea does seem to be held by some — 
 
 Franklin {with warmth). Many of your pubKc 
 men have been in America and know full well the 
 culture and elegance of our leading citizens. They 
 know that a large number of them have been edu- 
 cated in English colleges, and that our colleges in 
 America are of high standing. I cannot understand 
 why the opposite opinion prevails, even in Parlia- 
 ment. 
 
 Howe. I am sensible. Doctor, that you and your 
 countrymen have been ill treated by Parliament. But 
 I can assure you that ample satisfaction will one day 
 or other be made you. However, I do not think that 
 it was meant to be personal. 
 
 Franklin. As to the matter of its being personal, 
 I do not think it worth mentioning. I am concerned 
 only with the injuries done my country in the So- 
 licitor's attack. 
 
 Howe. I believe the violence of his speech was 
 
188 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 due to the troubles that have arisen over the tea tax. 
 Boston refused to pay it or even receive the tea, thus 
 defying his Majesty and Parhament openly. Then 
 the other Colonies followed her example. Wherever 
 the tea was sent, it was either destroyed or allowed 
 to rot in some warehouse. Naturally, the king and 
 his ministers are indignant. 
 
 Fkanklin. And my countrymen are indignant — 
 indignant that Boston is now being punished so 
 cruelly. I tell you, my Lord Howe, that the king and 
 his ministers may read the temper of the American 
 Colonists in their call for an American Congress. 
 Only desperate men would have the courage to for- 
 mulate such a plan, and only desperate men would 
 accept it. They know full well that they may be 
 seized as traitors. 
 
 Howe. They do not understand England's mo- 
 tives, Doctor. That is the real basis of their.discon- 
 tent. 
 
 Franklin. Have you any plan to propose whereby 
 England's motives can be made clear to us? 
 
 Howe. Yes, I have such a plan. What do you 
 think of sending some person over to inquire into 
 the grievances of America; converse witib the lead- 
 ing people, and endeavor, with them, to agree upon 
 some means of settling our differences? 
 
 Franklin. The right person might be of great 
 use in such service. 
 
 Howe. I have just learned that I am being thought 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 189 
 
 of as this commissioner. But I would not undertake 
 it unless you would consent to accompany me, Doc- 
 tor. Your influence over your people is wonderful. 
 You can, if any man can, persuade them to listen 
 to reasonable propositions. 
 
 Fbankliit. I thank you, my lord, but I wish to 
 know what propositions are intended for America. 
 If they are reasonable, I may be able to make them 
 appear such to my countrymen. If they are unrea- 
 sonable, I would not think of undertaking such a 
 mission. 
 
 Howe. I would not expect your assistance with- 
 out a proper consideration. I am, in fact, empow- 
 ered to make you a firm promise of rewards. 
 
 Franklin. My lord, drop all thoughts of rewards 
 for me. They would be considered as so many 
 bribes to betray the interests of my country, and 
 thus would be destroyed the very influence you 
 hope to make use of. 
 
 Howe. But, my dear Doctor, no one need know 
 of it but ourselves. 
 
 Fbanklin. I will not accept a reward under any 
 circumstances. Only let me know your propositions 
 for America, and if I approve of them, I will be 
 ready to accompany you at any time you may appoint. 
 
 Howe. First of all — the tea tax must be paid — 
 
 Feanklin. Your mission to America will be a 
 failure, my lord. My people will pay no more taxes 
 until they can have a voice in Parliament. 
 
190 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 Howe. You must influence them to give up that 
 idea, Doctor, for the king will never consent to it. 
 They must also give up this Continental Congress. 
 The leaders would be hung and the lesser members 
 imprisoned. 
 
 Fbanklin. First catch your hare to eat him, my 
 lord. 
 
 Howe. How can they possibly escape ? They will 
 be arrested by the royal governors before they can 
 reach Philadelphia. 
 
 Fbakklin. No man on earth can prevent them 
 from holding this Congress. And if I could, I 
 would not — I am wholly in sympathy with them. 
 
 Howe. Be careful not to express such sentiments 
 here in England, Doctor. It might be construed as 
 treason. 
 
 Franklin. I thank you for the hint, my lord. 
 
 Howe. And now I will tell you privately, that 
 you will be in constant danger of arrest if you do 
 not make an attempt to prevent this Congress from 
 meeting. 
 
 Franklin. I am ready, then, for prison. 
 
 Howe. Shall I tell his Majesty that? 
 
 Franklin. If you will, my lord. 
 
 Howe. Allow me to suggest. Doctor, that you 
 leave England at once. 
 
 Franklin. Again I thank you, my lord, but I 
 will be needed here now more than ever, to present 
 the resolutions of our American Congress to Parlia- 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 191 
 
 ment and King George. I shall remain in London 
 indefinitely. 
 
 (Bises to depart.) 
 
 Howe. I trust we part as friends, Doctor? 
 
 FBANKLiiir. We do, my lord. And if, at any 
 future time, a game of chess is likely, I am at your 
 sister's service. I wish you good-night, Lord Howe. 
 
 (Men bow. Exit Frakklin, unruffied and with 
 dignity.) 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Time : Night of September 4, 1774. 
 Place : Philadelphia. A city inn. 
 
 New Chaeactees. 
 First Tory. Fourth Tort. 
 
 Second Tort. Landlord. 
 
 Third Tort. Waiter. 
 
 (A small dining-room is seen with open doors 
 hack, leading into a hall. The room is lighted 
 only by light from hall. Enter Landlord, fol- 
 lowed by Waiter bearing a candelabrum, which 
 is blazing with lighted candles.) 
 
 Landlord. Place the candelabrum on the table 
 there — in the center. And use my best linen and 
 silver and china. 
 
 ( Waiter sets table, getting articles from side- 
 hoard. Landlord watches critically.) 
 
192 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 Waiter. How many plates shall I lay, Master ? 
 
 Landlord. Four. And see to it that the serv- 
 ice is perfect. The gentlemen are all wealthy and 
 among the prominent citizens of Philadelphia. 
 
 Waiter. Is a regular dinner to be served ? 
 
 Landlord. No, a supper only. "A slight but 
 elegant repast," was the order. 
 
 Waiter. They are coming here to talk, then < — 
 to discuss some private matter — 
 
 Landlord. Without doubt. A private room was 
 desired. And, by the way, it might be well if you 
 could manage to overhear a word or two. I am 
 curious to know what these rich men say. 
 
 Waiter. Leave it to me, Master. The gentlemen 
 are Tories? 
 
 Landlord. Of course. Else they would not be 
 coming here. This inn is known far and wide as a 
 Tory gathering place. 
 
 Waiter. But you yourself are a Patriot. 
 
 Landlord (starting). How dare you! I'll dis- 
 charge you at once ! Come, out of my house, you 
 rascal ! 
 
 Waiter (calmly). Softly, Master, softly. I saw 
 you last night as you crept forth from your door 
 and met a strange man in your barn. I followed you 
 and listened. 
 
 Landlord. How dared you! 
 
 Waiter. Because these are troublesome times, sir, 
 and no man trusts another. 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 193 
 
 Landlord. You say you Kstened — ? 
 
 Waiter. Yes. And I heard you telling your fel- 
 low what your Tory guests had been saying about 
 this Continental Congress, and the plans they had 
 made to destroy it. 
 
 Landlord. You will not betray me ? 
 
 Waiter. Why, I am a Patriot myself! I came 
 here for work that I might watch your Tories. Of 
 course I will not betray you. Here 's my hand 
 upon it. 
 
 {Landlord relieved, grasps his hand.) 
 
 Landlord. You say you came here to watch. 
 Were you sent by any one — by any of our Com- 
 mittee of Safety? 
 
 Waiter. No, it was just a plan I formed for my- 
 self. Every Patriot should help who can, is my motto. 
 
 Landlord. Right, my boy, right ! The Tories are 
 rich and do not feel the burden of paying the 
 heavy taxes levied by our royal governors. It falls 
 upon us — the working class and the poor. So we 
 must do our part, or we will never be freed from 
 oppression. 
 
 Waiter. That 's the spirit. Master ! 
 
 Landlord. I consider it my duty to keep the 
 Committee informed. The Tories often come here to 
 plot over a supper in a private room. And the door 
 is not always closed tight. 
 
 Waiter (laughing). Of course not! Who gives 
 this supper to-night? 
 
194 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 Landlord. The rich Mr. Shippen who is a bitter 
 Tory. He has been here often of late with small 
 parties of his Tory friends. I am certain they are 
 planning some harm to our Congress, from words I 
 have overheard. 
 
 Waiter. Some harm to our delegates? 
 
 Landlord. I fear so. I would give all I own to 
 know. 
 
 Waiter. I '11 Hsten all I 'm able. You may de- 
 pend on that. 
 
 Landlord {listening to a noise off). Hist! Is 
 not that a carriage stopping? 
 
 Waiter {listening). It is, sir. Shall I go? 
 
 Landlord. No — no — I '11 go myself. With 
 guests of such distinction, I cannot be too attentive. 
 
 {Exit hastily. Waiter places chairs at table, then 
 waits hy open door. Pause. Enter Landlord, bow- 
 ing in four gentlemen — richly dressed men of 
 middle age.) 
 
 Landlord. This is the room reserved for you and 
 your party, Mr. Shippen. I trust it meets with your 
 approval. 
 
 First Tory. It will do very well, landlord. 
 {To his companions.) 
 
 Be seated, gentlemen. 
 
 {They sit at table. Waiter and Landlord assist- 
 ing. First Tory turns to Landlord.) 
 
 Have the dishes been prepared that I ordered? 
 
 Landlord. Yes, Mr. Shippen, everything is ready. 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 195 
 
 First Toky. We do not wish to be served just 
 now — 
 
 Landlord. As you please, sir. You have only 
 to call. I will station a man at your door. 
 
 {Bows himself out. Waiter lingers, arranging 
 silver on sideboard. Guests look at him. Pause.) 
 
 First Tory {to waiter). Will you be good enough 
 to withdraw, sir? 
 
 Waiter. Oh ! I beg your pardon, gentlemen ! 
 {Exit, leaving door slightly ajar.) 
 
 First Tory. Now let us talk freely, friends. 
 If we mean to stop the rebel Congress from meet- 
 ing, we must form some plan to-night. 
 
 Second Tory. I confess I am discouraged, Mr. 
 Shippen. We have formed many plans, but all have 
 come to nothing. 
 
 Third Tory. It seems quite hopeless to me. The 
 delegates have all come, and Congress will convene 
 to-morrow. , 
 
 First Tory. It is most vexatious. There are more 
 Tories here than in any other part of the country. 
 Are we to allow them to meet under our very 
 noses ? 
 
 Fourth Tory. I can scarcely endure the thought 
 of it. How dare they so defy our king ! How dare 
 they set up their own Parliament ! 
 
 First Tory. Well, they do dare. Here are those 
 arch traitors, Samuel Adams and John Adams, come 
 all the way from Massachusetts. And everywhere 
 
196 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 on theit passage, bells were ringing, cannon firing, 
 and men, women, and children crowding to see them 
 as if to a coronation. New York would not let them 
 depart till they had devoted six days to the princely 
 entertainments provided for them. 
 
 Third Toby. And Philadelphia has been no whit 
 behind in her reception of these rebels. They arrived 
 on the twentieth of August, and have been feasted 
 with magnificence ever since. Last night a young 
 Quaker and his wife had a costly repast for them. 
 The night before, a Roman Catholic. And always 
 toasts are given to the success of the Congress. 
 
 Secoistd Tort. Their boldness exceeds anything 
 I ever knew, except that of their rebel supporters. 
 
 First Tory. We should take some bold step our- 
 selves. His Majesty will reward us richly, if we suc- 
 ceed in dispersing these delegates. 
 
 Fourth Tory. How can we accomplish what the 
 royal governors have tried with such ill success ? 
 The different assemblies, called by the rebels to elect 
 delegates, were ordered to dissolve. In Virginia they 
 were especially bold, and met just around the corner. 
 
 Second Toby. And in Massachusetts, the gov- 
 ernor sent his sheriff to dissolve them, but Samuel 
 Adams had locked the door and had put the key in his 
 pocket. The sheriff was not even allowed to enter. 
 
 Third Tory. And that happened with the Brit- 
 ish general close by ! 
 
 Fourth Tory. It is strange General Gage did 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 197 
 
 not arrest this Samuel Adams. The king ordered it 
 some time ago. 
 
 Third Tory. It is evident he has not dared to. 
 So what can we do, gentlemen ? The rebels have 
 the populace with them. Let us make one move, 
 and we would soon have a mob upon us. 
 
 First Tory. I would not dream of open opposi- 
 tion. But why not kidnap their ringleaders, John 
 and Samuel Adams ? It could be done by our men 
 to-night. Congress would hardly convene without 
 them, or, if it did, it would dissolve in confusion — ■ 
 so dependent are they all upon this brace of Adamses. 
 
 Second Tory. You forget Patrick Henry, of Vir- 
 ginia, sir. He took a prominent part in the Virginia 
 Assembly of rebels, and is said to be a marvelous 
 speaker. He could easily lead this Congress. And 
 so could Peyton Randolph or Colonel George Wash- 
 ington, also delegates from Virginia. 
 
 Third Tory. And so could Christopher Gadsden, 
 of South Carolina, James Kinsey, of New Jersey, 
 Roger Sherman, of Connecticut, Thomas Mifflin, of 
 Pennsylvania, or Caesar Rodney, of Delaware. They 
 are all leaders in their own Colonies. 
 
 Fourth Tory. And so are John Jay, James 
 Duane, and Philip Livingston, of New York, Nathan- 
 iel Folsom, of New Hampshire, Stephen Hopkins, of 
 Rhode Island, Samuel Chase, of Maryland, and Wil- 
 liam Hooper, of North Carolina. Can we kidnap 
 them all? 
 
198 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 First Toky. I see that my suggestion is futile 
 — even foolish under the circumstances. We must 
 depend upon Tories in Congress. 
 
 {Others show surprise.) 
 
 Third Tory. Tories in Congress ! The delegates 
 all call themselves Patriots. 
 
 First Tory. True. But some of them will be 
 found to have Torj sympathies, especially men with 
 property. They know they will lose their possessions 
 if it comes to war with England. For that reason 
 they will be conservative and will hold down such 
 rampant rebels as those men from Massachusetts. 
 
 Secomd Tory. I believe you are right, Mr. Ship- 
 pen. I would not be surprised if Mr. Washington 
 were not at heart a Tory. He is one of the richest 
 men in Virginia. 
 
 Third Tory. I believe we can count also on 
 Mr. Joseph Galloway, a delegate from Pennsylvania. 
 He also has large property-holdings and visits Tory 
 families socially. 
 
 First Tory. I know Mr. Galloway very well, so 
 I will talk with him to-morrow. Indeed, we must 
 make it our business to talk privately with several 
 delegates and bring every influence in our power to 
 bear upon them. We must prevent this Congress 
 from declaring its united support of Boston. 
 
 Fourth Tory. But that is the real purpose of its 
 meeting. 
 
 First Toby. I know, but we must find members 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 199 
 
 wlio will defeat it. We must tell them that such a 
 resolution would mean war with England, and the 
 utter confusion of all business here in America. We 
 must frighten these delegates, gentlemen, and cause 
 them to see clearly their own financial ruin. 
 
 Second Tory. It is a good plan, Mr. Shippen, 
 and I believe it will work. Men may rant about pa- 
 triotism, but when it comes to a question of their 
 own possessions, it is a horse of another color. 
 
 Fourth Tory {laughing). Indeed it is! It will 
 make them dissolve in one week. 
 
 First Tory. It certainly cannot last a month. 
 We will need to influence only two or three impor- 
 tant men, like Washington and Galloway. The timid 
 ones will fSllow like sheep. For there will be timid 
 ones, gentlemen. Even some of the leaders you have 
 just mentioned will become confused when faced 
 with the responsibility of bringing a war on this 
 country. And these we can rely on to make a unified 
 action imjjossible. 
 
 {Nods and murmurs of consent. First Tory 
 rising.) 
 
 And now I will order supper and we can discuss 
 our plans at length, but not before our waiter — we 
 must watch our words closely, friends. 
 
 {Eings bell on table. Enter Waiter.) 
 
200 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Time : T774- — October 8 — afternoon. 
 Place: Philadelphia — Carpenters' Hail. 
 
 New Chabactebs 
 Honorable Peyton Randolph, President ( Virginia). 
 Chables Thomson, Secretary (^Philadelphia). 
 Honorable James Duane (New York). 
 Honorable Patrick Henbt (Virginia). 
 HoNOBABLE Georgb WASHINGTON (Virginia). 
 Honorable John Adams (Massachusetts). 
 HoNOBABLE Samuel Adams (Massachusetts). 
 Honorable Joseph Gallowat (Pennsylvania). 
 Honorable Philip Livingston (New York). 
 Honorable Thomas Mifflin (Pennsylvania). 
 Honorable Cheistopher Gadsden (South Carolina). 
 Honorable James Kinsey (New Jersey). 
 Honorable Edward Kutledge (South Carolina), 
 Paul Revere. 
 Doorkeeper. 
 Congressmen. 
 
 {The assembly room is seen with the Congress 
 in session. On a slightly raised platform sits the 
 President — the Honorable Peyton Randolph. 
 77ie Secretary, Mr. Charles Thomson, sits near 
 by at a table. The fifty-four delegates sit on plain 
 wooden benches.) 
 
 President (rising). Are you ready for the ques- 
 tion, gentlemen ? 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 201 
 
 Voices. Question ! Question ! 
 
 President. Will the secretary please read the 
 resolution ? 
 
 Secretary (rising and reading). Be it resolved 
 that from and after the 10th day of September, 
 1775, the exportation of the merchandise and every 
 commodity whatsoever to Great Britain ought to 
 cease, unless the grievances of America are redressed 
 before that time. 
 
 President. You have heard the question. Are 
 there any remarks ? 
 
 Galloway (rising). Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Galloway — 
 
 Galloway. I have waited with great patience to 
 hear some resolution which should tend to produce 
 harmony between England and the Colonies. But 
 to my mortification and distress, a month has been 
 spent in debates on propositions which tend to in- 
 flame rather than reconcile — to produce war instead 
 of peace. The motion just read is manifestly of that 
 order. It is more — it is undutif ul and illegal. It is 
 an insult to Parliament, and it cannot fail to draw 
 on the Colonies the resentment of our mother coun- 
 try. If we will not trade with Great Britain, she 
 will not suffer us to trade at all. In proof of that, 
 see what has happened in Boston ! Her people re- 
 fused to pay the tea tax and destroyed the tea, but 
 her act was resented quickly. Bills were passed by 
 Parliament and signed by his Majesty, to curtail 
 
202 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 the freedom of Boston. And then in enforcement 
 of these new laws, battleships were sent to block her 
 port, and four new regiments to patrol her streets, 
 and now her business is utterly ruined. Is it th^n 
 incredible that other English men-of-war will block 
 all our other ports, and that other English troops 
 will reduce us all to obedience? You know well 
 what that will mean. The produce of labor will 
 perish on our hands : labor itself will soon cease, 
 and then will come absolute ruin to each and every 
 Colony. I therefore reject this motion as being 
 dangerous to the welfare of all our American inter- 
 ests. 
 
 {Sits. Several delegates stand quickly. James 
 DuANE is first.) 
 
 DuANE AND Others. Mr. President — Mr. Presi- 
 dent! 
 
 President. Mr. Duane, of New York, has the 
 floor. 
 
 {Others sit.) 
 
 Duane. Mr. President, I agree with Mr. Gallo- 
 way. If we vote to cut off all trade with Great 
 Britain, we are virtually voting to throw off our 
 allegiance to our king. Are we ready to do that, 
 gentlemen ? It would mean war of the most horrible 
 kind, for it would be between friends and kindred. 
 {Sits. Patrick Henry rises.) 
 
 Henry. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Henry — 
 
WHEN COURAGE "WAS NEEDED 203 
 
 " Henry. I should like to refresh the memories of 
 the gentlemen who have just spoken. Have they 
 forgotten that a state of war already exists in Mas- 
 sachusetts? Why, the war has come ! It is here in 
 our midst. Our Colonial agent in England, Dr. Ben- 
 jamin Franklin, has done all any mortal man could 
 to plead our cause. But our petitions have either 
 been ignored or laughed at. And now our distin- 
 guished countryman is himself in constant danger 
 of arrest. So why do you say, Mr. Galloway, that 
 you fear a war will come? I tell you that it has 
 come ! It began when those infamous Bills against 
 the liberties of Boston were signed by his Majesty. 
 What, then, are we to do ? Shall we bow humbly 
 to our royal king while he uses his lash on Boston ? 
 Shall we kiss the royal mantle while the royal hand 
 aims his cannon at the very hearts of our country- 
 men ? No ! We will not ! We must show that we 
 resent England's policy in this land. Therefore has 
 this motion been made, and therefore must it be 
 carried. 
 
 (Sits. CoZo«e? Geoege Washington stoneZs. He 
 is a handsome man of forty-two.) 
 
 Washington. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Colonel Washington — 
 
 Washington. Mr. Henry has voiced the senti- 
 ments of all the delegates from Virginia. We must 
 indeed show England that we resent her cruel laws 
 against Boston. We are not threatening independ- 
 
204 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 ence. It is the wish of us all to create even stronger 
 ties to bind us to our mother country. But it can- 
 not be done at the price of liberty to any one of 
 our Colonies. Therefore, I favor the motion as be- 
 ing the united sentiment of Virginia. 
 
 Galloway. Mr. President — 
 
 President, Mr. Galloway — 
 
 Galloway. I fail to understand Colonel Wash- 
 ington's logic. Nor do I comprehend the strange 
 ideas of another delegate from Virginia, the Honor- 
 able Patrick Henry. Why should Virginia, forsooth, 
 take it upon herself to support Boston in this quar- 
 rel ? Why should Virginia try to influence the other 
 Colonies ? 
 
 Henry. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Henry — 
 
 Henry. I will explain to Mr. Galloway a thing 
 that should not need explanation to any Patriot. At 
 this time, we are not Virginians — we are Amer- 
 icans ! 
 
 {Loud applause. President raps for order. 
 Doorkeeper crosses to platform : whispers to Sec- 
 retary, who in turn whispers to President.) 
 
 President. Gentlemen, an express has just ar- 
 rived from Boston with an important letter. What 
 is your pleasure in regard to this ? Shall we admit 
 the messenger ? 
 
 Livingston. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Livingston — 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 205 
 
 Livingston. I move we lay all other matters 
 aside for the moment. 
 
 Mifflin. I second the motion, Mr. President. 
 
 President. You have heard the motion. All in 
 favor will signify in the usual way. 
 
 All Members. Aye ! 
 
 President. Carried. 
 
 {To Doorkeeper.) 
 
 Admit Mr. Revere. 
 
 {Exit Doorkeeper. Short pause. Enter Paul 
 Revere ; crosses to platform ; hows to President ; 
 gives a legal-looking letter to Secretary, who breaks 
 the seals and reads. Revere turns to go.) 
 
 Please remain, Mr. Revere. We may need your 
 testimony as a citizen of Boston. 
 
 (Revere hows assent; remains standing hy 
 platform.) 
 
 Will you read the letter, Mr. Thomson ? 
 
 Secretary (reaf^Migf aloud). " To the Delegates 
 of the Continental Congress, 
 
 " Dear Sirs : Be it known to you that General 
 Gage is fortifying Boston as if we were declared 
 enemies. The entrenchments upon the neck are 
 nearly completed. Cannon are mounted at the en- 
 trance of the town. It is reported that strong forti- 
 fications are to be erected on the surrounding hills, 
 so that these, with the ships of war in the harbor, 
 may absolutely command every avenue to the town, 
 both by sea and land. When the city is thus en- 
 
206 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 closed, it is feared the inhabitants will be at the 
 mercy of brutal soldiers, who are even now harass- 
 ing us in many ways. We therefore apply to the 
 Congress for adAace. If you advise us to leave our 
 homes and abandon the town, we obey. If it is 
 judged that, by holding our ground, we can better 
 serve the public cause, we will not shrink from 
 hardship and danger. 
 
 " (Signed) The Committee of Safety, 
 
 "Joseph Warren, President." 
 
 {There are murmurs of indignation and sym- 
 pathy.) 
 
 President, Gentlemen, you have heard the let- 
 ter. Shall we take action concerning it ? Our dis- 
 cussion may become informal. 
 
 Galloway. How can we take action, Mr, Presi- 
 dent? Boston has rebelled against our king. We 
 cannot assist a rebel. 
 
 Voices. Shame! Shame! 
 
 {President raps for order.) 
 
 Washington, Mr. President, I offer to equip one 
 thousand men at my own expense and march at 
 their head to relieve Boston. 
 
 {Enthusiastic applause.) 
 
 President {rising). Members of Congress, with 
 your approval, I will ask Mr. Revere to speak to us 
 concerning conditions in Boston. 
 
 Many Voices. Hear ! Hear ! 
 
 Eevere. Mr. President — Honorable Members 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 207 
 
 of Congress. There is great suffering in Boston. 
 The new laws passed by Parliament are being en- 
 forced with rigor. Not a vessel of any kind is al- 
 lowed to leave the harbor. Not a pound of hay, 
 nor a sheep, nor a chick, can be brought in a boat 
 from the islands. Nor can a stick of lumber or any 
 package of merchandise be taken by water — even 
 from wharf to wharf. In fact, business of every 
 kind is paralyzed, and the people are utterly help- 
 less. 
 
 DuANE. I understood that the other Colonies had 
 sent relief in the way of money, grain, flour, and 
 live-stock. 
 
 Revere. All the Colonies have sent something. 
 But these supplies are almost exhausted ; and with 
 the completion of the land fortifications, no more 
 can enter Boston. 
 
 Washington. Is General Gage pushing these 
 fortifications ? 
 
 Revere. As fast as possible — with his soldiers 
 for workmen. He ordered the carpenters of Boston 
 to build them ; but they refused the work at any 
 price, though suffering from lack of employment. 
 {Loud applause.) 
 
 Galloway. Mr. President, I cannot understand 
 this applause. Those carpenters disobeyed an officer 
 of our king. No wonder there are riots in Boston. 
 
 John Adams. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. John Adams — j 
 
208 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 John Adams. I appeal to Mr. Revere to know if 
 there has been re'cently any riot in Boston. 
 
 Reverb. Mr. President — 
 
 Peesident. Mr. Revere — 
 
 Reverb. The people are indignant, but no one 
 has as yet disobeyed the law. 
 
 Galloway. Mr. President, I would call it diso- 
 bedience. They have declared in a public conven- 
 tion that they would not deliver up an American 
 citizen to be tried in the courts of England ; that, 
 in case any citizen were so seized, they would seize 
 and keep^as hostages any of the king's officers who 
 might fall in their way. In fact they have refused 
 to obey every one of those bills so lately signed by 
 his Majesty. Is that obedience, gentlemen ? I call 
 it treason ! And yet some of you applaud it ! 
 
 Samuel Adams. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Samuel Adams — 
 
 Samxjel Adams. Since I was among those Patriots 
 to be seized and carried off to England for trial, I 
 must continue to applaud this treason. And I do 
 applaud — with the halter fairly about my neck, I 
 applaud. 
 
 (Applause and laughter.) 
 
 DuANE. Mr. President, I fear we are forgetting 
 what will befall Boston if she continues to resist the 
 king. She will be utterly destroyed. 
 
 Gadsden. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Gadsden — 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 209 
 
 Gadsden. Boston is built of wood and brick. If 
 tbey are burned, she can rebuild them. But liberty 
 once lost is gone forever. 
 
 Voices (with applause). Yes — yes ! 
 
 Washington. Mr. President — 
 
 Pbesident. Colonel "Washington — 
 
 Washington. I move that this Congress approve 
 of the opposition by the inhabitants of Boston, to 
 the execution of the late acts of Parliament, and 
 that if the same shall be attempted to be carried 
 into execution by force, all Americans ought to sup- 
 port the people of Boston in their opposition. 
 
 Livingston. I second the motion, Mr. President. 
 
 President. It has been moved and seconded that 
 this Congress shall approve of the opposition of 
 Boston to the late acts of Parliament, and shall sup- 
 port them in their opposition. Are there any re- 
 marks ? 
 
 Galloway. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Galloway — 
 
 Galloway. England has the right to govern her 
 Colonies as she thinks fit, and she will fight for 
 that right to the end. Boston has rebelled. Let 
 Boston pay the penalty. 
 
 (Murmurs of indignation.) 
 
 Henry. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Henry — 
 
 Henry. Mr. Galloway errs in thinking that Bos- 
 ton is alone in this quarrel. The whole country is 
 
210 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 inflamed. Prom every Colony come reports of in- 
 justice at the hands of the king's governors. In 
 North Carolina excessive fees have been extorted, 
 and the governor's sheriffs have collected taxes of 
 which they have rendered no account. The people 
 rebelled and were shot by the governor's royal 
 troops. In Rhode Island there has been trouble 
 with the king's revenue officers for a long time. 
 They have seized whatever they pleased from un- 
 offending citizens ; they have fired upon market 
 boats and behaved with unbearable insolence. Mas- 
 sachusetts has been oppressed with taxes from which 
 the king's officers were exempted. So it is not Bos- 
 ton's cause alone. It is the cause of all America. 
 (Applause.) 
 
 Gadsden. Mr. President/I propose that we make 
 immediate war upon England ! 
 
 Samuel Adams. Mr. President, I would say to 
 Mr. Gadsden that we should first exhaust every 
 means for obtaining justice peacefully. I believe 
 that was Mr. Washington's idea as expressed in 
 his motion. 
 
 Washington. Mr. President, that was my idea. 
 But if England is determined to attack Boston, we 
 must stand by Boston and spill our blood in her 
 defense. 
 
 Voices (with applause). Yes — yes — we must! 
 
 KiNSEY. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Kinsey. 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 211 
 
 KiNSEY. There is a way out of the trouble — 
 Boston could pay for the tea. 
 
 Gadsden {shouting indignantly). She should n't 
 pay for an ounce of that tea ! 
 
 Many Voices. No ! No ! 
 
 Voices {a few). Yes! She should ! She should! 
 {President raps for order.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. Mr. President, as a matter of 
 fact, Boston has offered to pay for the tea she de- 
 stroyed. Rut how does that settle the matter ? She 
 will never pay the tea-tax because of the vital prin- 
 ciple behind it — taxation without representation. 
 That is the thing Boston is fighting. If she fails, 
 all America is doomed. Doomed to pay any tax to 
 any cruel or foolish king ; doomed to obey any 
 cruel or foolish royal governor ; doomed, in fact, to 
 slavery. Are we men to endure such things ? 
 
 Voices. No ! No ! We will not ! 
 
 John Adams. Mr. President — Boston could not 
 endure them. Hers is the spirit of those brave Pu- 
 ritans of Scrooby, who left comfortable homes and 
 faced the hardships and terrors of a wilderness filled 
 with savages. Shall we, their sons, be less brave 
 than they ? Shall we love less the sweet cause of 
 liberty ? Why, we could not ! Liberty we will have ! 
 Liberty to impose our own taxes — liberty to pro- 
 tect our own citizens. Shall we renounce these rights 
 because this King George says we must ? Another 
 king might not say it. Certain English statesmen do 
 
212 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 not say it now but defend our action boldly. Shall 
 we, then, tamely obey this king? 
 
 (Edwabd RtJTLBDGE Springs to his feet excitedly. 
 He is much younger than the others, about thirty.) 
 
 RuTLBDGE. No ! We will not obey him ! Who is 
 he any way that he should give us commands ! I 
 have no regard for him ! 
 
 Few Voices. Shame I Shame ! 
 
 (Applause from others. President raps for 
 order.) 
 
 John Adams (continuing). I tell you, friends, 
 that Boston faces the king's cannon for all the 
 Colonies. Will you then desert her? She calls to 
 you now in the hour of her need. Hear her, men, 
 and respond ! Come to her aid, my brothers ! 
 
 (Sits. Great enthusiasm, cheers, and prolonged 
 applause.) 
 
 President (rapping for order). Are you ready 
 for the question ? 
 
 Many Voices. Question ! Question ! 
 
 Few Voices. No ! No ! 
 
 Galloway. Mr. President, if this motion is car- 
 ried, it will be considered treason. You know the 
 fate of a traitor, gentlemen. Your property will be 
 seized, you yourselves will be hung, and your fami- 
 lies will be disgraced. Are you then so ignoble that 
 you will deliberately vote to bring all this upon in- 
 nocent women and children ? 
 
 Henry. Mr. President, did I not believe Mr. Gal- 
 
WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 213 
 
 loway a good Patriot, I should suspect him of being 
 a Tory. 
 
 Galloway {springing to his feet). Sir! How 
 dare you ! I am as ardent a Patriot as any ! 
 
 President {rapping for order). The gentleman 
 is out of order. 
 
 (Galloway sits.) 
 
 Henry {continuing). But since he is not a Tory, 
 how can he forget a fundamental truth that has 
 come down to us through the ages? It is this — 
 lAherty has ever been gained by sacrifice. 
 {Applause. Henry continues — ) 
 
 We men are not here to consider ourselves, nor 
 our wives, nor even our children. We are here to 
 make this land a safe and free abode for three mil- 
 lions of men and women and children, and also for 
 their descendants. 
 
 {Sits. Loud applause and cries of " Tes — 
 Yes.") 
 
 President {rapping gavel). Are you ready for 
 the question ? 
 
 Voices {a majority) . Question ! Question ! 
 
 President {to Secretary). Please read the motion 
 offered by Colonel Washington of Virginia. 
 
 Secretary {reading aloud). Be it resolved that 
 this Congress approve of the opposition by the in- 
 habitants of Boston to the execution of the late 
 acts of Parliament. And that, if the same shall 
 be carried into execution by force, in such case all 
 
214 WHEN COURAGE WAS NEEDED 
 
 America ought to support the people of Boston in 
 their opposition. 
 
 President. All in favor of this resolution will 
 signify by the usual sign. 
 
 Voices {majority). Aye! 
 
 Pbesidbnt. Those opposed — 
 
 Galloway and Duanb. Nay ! 
 
 Peesidbnt. Carried ! 
 
 {There is great enthusiasm. Men shake hands^ 
 wave handkerchiefs, and shout with joy. After a 
 moment, President raps for order.) 
 
 Pbesidbnt. Mr. Revere, you will please return to 
 Boston at once with a copy of this resolution. 
 
 {Secretary gives a paper to Revere, who goes 
 out quickly.) 
 
 Galloway. Mr. President, I move that my pro- 
 test against that resolution be recorded by the sec- 
 retary. 
 
 Dfanb. I second the motion, Mr. President. 
 
 President. Are there any remarks ? 
 
 John Adams. Why, Mr. President, does the 
 Honorable Mr. Galloway — the ardent Patriot — 
 wish his protest to be recorded ? Does he think to^ 
 be on the safe side when his right royal Majesty 
 shall punish us for this day's work? 
 
 Samuel Adams. Mr. President, I think the hon- 
 orable gentleman is a little too certain of that kingly 
 punishment. I would remind him, too, that you must 
 first catch your man to hang him. 
 
 {Laughter and applause.) 
 
WHEN COUBAGE WAS NEEDED 215 
 
 Pkesidbnt. The question is — Shall Mr. Gallo- 
 way's vote be recorded ? 
 
 Voices {all hut Galloway and Dttane). Nay ! 
 
 President. The motion is lost. Gentlemen, I wish 
 to congratulate you. You have passed a glorious 
 resolution ! If this Congress passes no other, its 
 convening will have been worth while. Gentlemen, I 
 believe this day of October eighth will go down in 
 history. Again I say, I congratulate you. 
 {Great applause.) 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 OB 
 
 THE DECLAEATION OF INDEPENDENCE 
 
 ACT I 
 
 Time : 11175 — April 18 — night — nine o* clock. 
 Place: Boston, Massachusetts. Rooms of the Citizen^ 
 Committee of Safety. 
 
 De. "Wareen. Paul Ebveee. 
 
 FiEST Citizen. Lendall Pitts. 
 
 Second Citizen. Samuel Speague. 
 
 Thied Citizen. Nathaniel Munson. 
 
 {An office is seen, with Lendall Pitts in charge. 
 He is writing at a table. So, too, is his assistant, 
 Samuel Spbagub, a young Patriot of twenty years. 
 Pause.) 
 
 SPBAauE. I have finished the letters to the South- 
 ern Colonies, Mr. Pitts. 
 
 Pitts. Did you make it plain that the Massachu- 
 setts delegates would attend the Second Continen- 
 tal Congress in spite of the British occupation of 
 Boston ? 
 
 Spbagub. I flatter myself that I made it strong. 
 I '11 read you this letter to Georgia. 
 
218 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 {Reading aloud with pride.) 
 "To our beloved fellow Patriots of Georgia — 
 greetings ! 
 
 " Be it known to you herewith, that we — the 
 free-born men of Massachusetts, have, this present 
 week, in solemn assembly in the town of Cambridge, 
 elected the Honorable Samuel Adams, the Honor- 
 able John Adams, the Honorable John Hancock, 
 the Honorable Thomas Gushing, and the Honorable 
 Robert Treat Paine delegates to the Second Con- 
 tinental Congress. 
 
 " (Signed) The Committee op Safbtt, 
 
 " Dr. Waeren, President. 
 " P. S. And this was done, gentlemen, over the 
 heads of the British General Tom Gage and his 
 thousands of British soldiers. They came here to 
 suppress our town meetings forsooth ! Mark you 
 how they have done it! We snap our fingers at 
 them and meet just as we have always done since 
 the day the Mayflower landed. And General Gage 
 does nothing ! Even with his forces increased by 
 two thousand men, the brave English Tom does 
 nothing. His troops annoy us in many ways, but 
 they do not dare to attack us. Why, Gage has not 
 even tried to afrest our Patriot leaders, Samuel 
 Adams and John Hancock, whose heads the king 
 has wanted for a year or more. Nor can he make us 
 drink any English tea or pay the tax upon it. Nor 
 can he ever make us pay any tax of England's, unless, 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 219 
 
 indeed, they will let us sit in Parliament. No ! Never ! 
 Never! Never!" 
 
 (Puts letter down, beaming with satisfaction.) 
 
 There ! There 'II be no question in Georgia as to 
 what is happening in Boston. 
 
 Pitts. None whatever, Samuel. But you may omit 
 your postscript, please. 
 
 Speague (disappointed). Oh, now — Mr. Pitts — 
 
 Pitts. It is very patriotic, but limit yourself to 
 one fact — the election of our delegates. The Com- 
 mittee of Safety would disapprove of other details. 
 
 Samuel (looJcing toward closed door, back). I 
 might ask Dr. Warren. 
 
 Pitts. He is busy with his committee. It is an 
 important meeting, too, for the Doctor said he must 
 not be disturbed. 
 
 Samuel. Perhaps they have n't gotten down to 
 work yet. Mr. Revere went in only a fev? minutes 
 ago. 
 
 Pitts. Change your letter, Samuel. Asheadsecrc 
 tary of the Patriots' Committee of Safety, I muse 
 insist. We are not here to originate plans and pre- 
 sent our own ideas. 
 
 Samuel (sighing). I didn't think of that, Mr. 
 Pitts. I '11 make another copy. 
 
 (Sits; writes. Enter, from door, back, Paul 
 Revere. He crosses to Pitts.) 
 
 Revere. The Committee desires you to write a let- 
 ter, Mr. Pitts, at once. I am to tell you its contents. 
 
220 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Pitts (taking a fresh sheet and quill) . I am ready, 
 Mr. Revere. 
 
 Revere. You will write to the Honorable Samuel 
 Adams and the Honorable John Hancock, who are 
 on their way home from our recent convention at 
 Cambridge. They are now at the home of the Rev- 
 erend Jonas Clark in Lexington. Tell them the Com- 
 mittee of Safety thinks it dangerous for them to 
 return to Boston — it is believed that General Gage 
 is preparing to seize them upon their return. Cer- 
 tain hints dropped by certain British officers have 
 led the committee to tbis belief. And so it prays 
 them to go on to Philadelphia at once and wait there 
 for the meeting of the Congress. 
 
 (Pauses. Pitts continues taking notes. Revere 
 continues :) 
 
 Sign the letter — The Committee of Safety — Dr. 
 Warren, President. And send it by special messen- 
 ger to-night, with instructions to ride swiftly. 
 
 Pitts. I '11 see to it at once, Mr. Revere.^ 
 (Uxit Reverb to room, back.) 
 
 Sprague (excitedly). Do you think Gage would 
 dare to arrest them? 
 
 Pitts. Gage must obey his master. And his Maj- 
 esty, no doubt, has become impatient and has or- 
 dered him to act. 
 
 Sprague. Just let Gage dare to seize them ! Just 
 let him dare, I say ! 
 
 Pitts. That 's what I say, too, Samuel. But we '11 
 talk of that anon. 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 221 
 
 ( Writes. Spragub, still indignant, resumes work. 
 Pause. Door to street is opened suddenly, and 
 young Nathaniel Munson rushes in, greatly ex- 
 cited. Pitts and Spbague rise quickly.) 
 
 Spragub. Nathaniel ! 
 
 Pitts. What has happened? 
 
 MuifSON. Where is Dr. Warren ? 
 
 Pitts {indicating room, hack). With the Com- 
 mittee of Safety. 
 
 MuNSON. Tell them the English troops are mov- 
 ing! 
 
 Pitts (astonished). The regulars — ! 
 
 MuisrsoN. Yes — They have just left the barracks ! 
 (Pitts rushes to room, back.) 
 
 Speagtje {excitedly). Did you see them yourself, 
 Nathaniel ? 
 
 MuNSON. I did. You see, it was my time to watch 
 the barracks. I had been there for an hour or more 
 and all was as quiet as usual. Then, suddenly, with- 
 out any warning whatever, the gates were opened, 
 and out they came ! And so quiet they were, you 
 would scarce know soldiers were passing. 
 
 {Enter Dr. Warren, Revere, and three citizens. 
 YiTTS follows them.) 
 
 Warren. What is this? You say the English 
 troops are moving ? 
 
 MuNSON. Yes, Dr. Warren — about one thousand 
 men left the barracks a half-hour ago. 
 
 Warren. Where did they go? 
 
222 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 MuNSON. North, to a warehouse on the river. I 
 followed them to see. They entered the warehouse 
 and the doors were immediately closed, and all was 
 as quiet as ever. 
 
 Wakben. There is some plan back of this — 
 
 MuNSON. Their captain explained to some citizens 
 about, that they were teaching the soldiers some 
 new military movements. 
 
 Warren. A mere excuse — and a poor one, too. 
 
 Spbagub. Do you think they mean to attack 
 Boston, sir? 
 
 Warren. Do they not already hold Boston? 
 English soldiers guard every approach by land, and 
 English war-ships block our harbor. 
 
 First Citizen. What can be their motive then.? 
 
 Warren. It is my opinion that these troops will 
 leave Boston secretly to-night and go straightway to 
 Lexington to arrest Mr. Hancock and Mr. Adams. 
 
 Second Citizen. It is most likely ! Gates has 
 been afraid of an uprising of the city, should he at- 
 tempt to arrest them here. In a village it will be 
 easier. 
 
 Second Citizen. It is well we have warned the 
 gentlemen. 
 
 Warren {turning to Pitts). Why, the letter can- 
 not have gone as yet — 
 
 Pitts. I have not finished writing it. 
 
 Warren. A messenger must be sent to Lexing- 
 ton at once. What was merely a surmise, has now 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 223 
 
 become a certainty, and a question of life and 
 death. 
 
 First Citizen. Where can we find a messenger 
 we can depend on, Doctor ? It will be a dangerous 
 ride, for if the troops are really going with that in- 
 tent, they will have sentinels posted along the way. 
 
 Thibd Citizen. It will be a question of life and 
 death for the messenger as well as for our dele- 
 gates. 
 
 Reveke. I will warn them, gentlemen. 
 
 Wabren. Do you realize your risk, Mr. Revere ? 
 You may never get out of Boston. 
 
 Revere. I will not ride from Boston. I will cross 
 the river to Charlestown, and go by that road to 
 Lexington. 
 
 Warren. Can you arrange for a horse in Charles- 
 town? 
 
 Reverb. Easily. I have many Patriot friends there 
 who will do all they can for our cause. 
 
 Second Citizen. But, Mr. Revere, you must 
 needs pass under the very guns of the British 
 battleships. 
 
 Revere. I know — but I will try it ! 
 {Turns to Warren.) 
 
 It would be well for the sexton of the North 
 Church to signal me from the belfry which way 
 the troops are going. He might show one lighted 
 lantern if they go by land, and two if they go up 
 the river. 
 
224 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Warren. A very good plan ! Nathaniel, go you 
 and tell the sexton how to make his signals. 
 
 Reverb {to Munson). One, remember, if they go 
 by land, but two if they go up the river. 
 
 MuNSON. I '11 remember, and I 'U stay with him 
 till he makes them, to be sure there is no mistake. 
 {Exit MuNsoN.) 
 
 War,rbn. Mr. Pitts, you and Samuel may watch 
 the warehouse. If the soldiers leave Boston to-night, 
 hasten at once to the North Church and tell the 
 news to the sexton. Then return to inform us. 
 
 Pitts. We will watch closely. Doctor. 
 
 Spragtjb. You can depend on us, gentlemen ! 
 
 (Pitts and Spragub go, hastily. Revere has 
 gotten cloak and hat from a table at side; is now 
 ready to start.) 
 
 Reverb. I shall be waiting for the signal — 
 
 Warren. Shout the news as you go along ! Tell 
 them the regulars are coming ! 
 
 Reverb. At every house ! And shall I not go on 
 — to the towns beyond Lexington ? 
 
 Warren. Go on to Concord by all means, and 
 tell the minutemen there to hide our store of am- 
 munition. The regulars will, without doubt, pro- 
 ceed there from Lexington, and make an attempt to 
 destroy it. 
 
 Others. Yes — they will — they will ! 
 
 Warren. Let the citizens remove these stores to 
 the woods and conceal them under branches. They 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 225 
 
 must work with great haste for the troops will arrive 
 almost as soon as you. 
 
 Rbveeb. I can easily outride them, unless I am 
 forced to take a roundabout way to avoid them, or 
 unless I am captured. 
 
 {Turns to go.) 
 
 Farewell, gentlemen — 
 
 First Citizen. Wait! If Mr. Adams and Mr. 
 Hancock show any desire to stay and fight, tell 
 them that the Committee of Safety wishes them to 
 escape. 
 
 Wabebn. Tell them that we command them to 
 escape, so that they may serve their country in Con- 
 gress. 
 
 Revebb {going). I'll tell them, sir! Farewell, 
 gentlemen ! 
 
 Waerbn. Good luck to you Paul ! 
 
 Others. Good luck ! Good luck ! 
 {Exit Revere, hastily.) 
 
 Third CmzBisr. If that brave gentleman suc- 
 ceeds, the regulars will have the surprise of their 
 lives before they reach Lexington, even. 
 
 SECOJiTD CiTiZBif. Indeed they will ! The ringing 
 church bells in every village, and the bonfires on 
 every hill, will tell the story pointedly. 
 
 Warren. Our signals of alarm have been well 
 planned, but remember, there are only a few min- 
 utemen in Lexington — perhaps not more than a 
 hundred. Will they be able to stem the attack of 
 
226 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 a thousand well-trained soldiers until reinforcements 
 reach them? It is a serious situation, gentlemen. 
 
 FiKST Citizen. It is a critical situation. Our peo- 
 ple have been most patient : they have endured for 
 a long time now the insults of the regulars. But if 
 our leaders are arrested, their patience will be at 
 an end — the trouble will begin in earnest. 
 
 {Expressions of approval from others. Enter 
 Pitts — excited.) 
 
 Pitts.. Gentlemen — the troops have gone ! 
 
 Warren. By land or water ? 
 
 Pitts. By water. They are being rowed across 
 the river now. 
 
 Warren. Has the sexton been told? 
 
 Pitts. Yes — he knows by now, and should be 
 placing his lights. We can see the belfry from here. 
 
 (Crosses to window ; draws back curtain. Others 
 cross; look out.) 
 
 Warren. It is all dark as yet — 
 (Pause — all looking.) 
 
 Second Citizen. I hope there has been no mis- 
 take — 
 
 Warren. We can trust Nathaniel to remember 
 about the lights. 
 
 Pitts. And Samuel ran to tell them the moment 
 the soldiers embarked. 
 
 First Citizen. But suppose the English have 
 suspected that we will signal, and have placed their 
 men in the belfry? 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 227 
 
 "Warren. Such a thing might be possible. We 
 can only pray it has not happened. 
 
 Others. Aye ! 
 
 {Pause — all watching. Suddenly they start.) 
 
 All. The lights ! The lights ! 
 
 "Warren. Yes — two lights shine in the belfry! 
 God grant Paul Kevere may arrive in time ! 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Time : Same night — midnight. 
 Place : Lexington, Massachusetts. Some of the 
 Reverend Jonas Clark. 
 
 New Chaeacters , , 
 
 Honorable John Hancock. Mrs. Jonas Clark. 
 Honorable Samuel Adams. Polly Clark. 
 Eeverend Jonas Clark. Ann Clark. 
 
 Captain Parker. 
 
 {In the living-room are Mr. and Mrs. Clark, 
 their two daughters, Polly and Ann, of sixteen 
 and twelve years, and their guests, Mr. Adams 
 and Mr. Hancock. There is a dying fire in the 
 fireplace; the candles have hurneji low, hut this is 
 unnoticed by occupants of room, who are listening 
 eagerly to Adams.) 
 
 Adams {continuing). It was indeed a wonderful 
 convention at Cambridge. Every one was full of 
 
228 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 enthusiasm and hailed with delight the meeting of 
 another Continental Congress. 
 
 Clark. But, Mr. Adams, are you so certain that 
 another Congress can meet ? King George has for- 
 bidden it. 
 
 Adams. It will meet despite the king's orders. 
 
 Hancock. The king will find that we are not 
 puppets to dance whenever he pulls the strings. 
 
 Mrs. Clark. But every delegate will be in con- 
 stant danger of arrest. 
 
 Hancock. It is more than a year since our first 
 Congress, and no one has been molested. 
 
 Adams. The royal governors are finding out that 
 America is a huge country inhabited mostly by 
 Patriots. 
 
 {Others laugh) 
 
 Clark (seriously). You must confess, gentle- 
 men, that this year conditions are different. Con- 
 gress passed laws that were most obnoxious to Eng- 
 land, particularly those forbidding any trade with 
 Great Britain. And these laws have been put in 
 force by the other Colonies and adhered to by them 
 with such fidelity that England has felt the loss in 
 her revenue. 
 
 Mrs. Clark. And the royal governors are better 
 prepared to act. More troops have been sent over ; 
 indeed, there are thousands of British regulars 
 here. 
 
 Adams. We have our minutemen, who have 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BEAVE MEN 229 
 
 been secretly drilled this long time, in anticipation 
 of trouble. 
 
 Clark. But they are not as "well trained as the 
 regulars who have made a profession of warfare. 
 Nor have we any considerable supply of ammunition 
 as yet. You do run a great risk, gentlemen. 
 
 Adams. It is a risk we must take, friends, or this 
 land will never be free from oppression. We are all 
 willing to give up our lives. 
 
 Hancock. That was a settled conviction with us 
 when we first planned to hold a Congress. We ex- 
 pected our property to be seized by England's agents, 
 and ourselves to be taken to England for trial. 
 
 Adams. Where they would treat us as criminals 
 and hang us as swiftly as possible. But that did 
 not deter us then, and will not deter us now. We 
 are determined to better conditions in this land. 
 
 Mks. Clark. You are all noble men ! No wonder 
 the whole country worships you, and gives you pro- 
 cessions and feasts as you make your journey to 
 Congress. 
 
 Hancock. We but do our duty, madam. 
 
 Clark. I should like to ask you one more ques- 
 tion — 
 
 Mrs. Clark (rising). Nay, Jonas, the hour grows 
 late. It is now after midnight. 
 
 Clark (looking at clock and rising). Why, so it 
 is ! You must pardon me, friends. The evening has 
 passed so pleasantly, I q[uite forgot the time. 
 
230 A BEAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Adams. That does not matter, Mr. Clark. There 
 is nothing of greater interest to us than the present 
 a£Eairs of our country. 
 
 Haiicock. I can assure you of that, madam. 
 
 Mks. Clabk. But you must have rest if you are 
 to go on to Boston in the morning. 
 
 Hancock {smiling). We are still young men, 
 madam. 
 
 Adams. And equal to any emergency. 
 (Mrs. Claek yields; sits. Clark sits^ 
 
 Now, then, what was that question, Mr. Clark ? 
 
 CiiABK. What has become of that Tory who be- 
 trayed every secret of the Congress last year? I 
 speak of Joseph Galloway. 
 
 Adams. His Tory sympathies are now known to 
 us all and he has lost his former influence com- 
 pletely. 
 
 Polly. Oh, I am so glad! 
 
 Ann. So am I ! I don't like Tories at all ! 
 
 Adams (laughing). I see you young ladies are 
 good Patriots. 
 
 Mrs. Clark. 'Tis said Dr. Franklin has left Eng- 
 land. Will he arrive in time for Congress ? 
 
 Adams. We are expecting him. I hope he will 
 denounce England's unjust treatment of us as 
 strongly in Congress as he does in all his let- 
 ters. 
 
 Hancock. If he does, he will fan the flame into 
 war. Boston is now a smouldering fire. Any mo- 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 231 
 
 ment the first shot may be fired — and then the 
 conflagration ! 
 
 Adams. The first shot will never be fired by us. 
 So if open rupture comes, Congress cannot blame 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 Polly. When does Congress meet again, Mr. 
 Adams ? 
 
 Adams. In just about one month from.now — 
 May tenth, in the city of Philadelphia. 
 
 Ann (shyly). Couldn't you stay here with us 
 till then, — you and Mr. Hancock ? 
 
 Adams. Bless you, child, I wish we could ! But 
 we must get back to Boston and prepare our work 
 for Congress. 
 
 Mks. Clabk. At least, you need not go to-mor- 
 row — 
 
 Hancock. We must, dear madam, in spite of 
 your kind insistence. 
 
 Polly. Must you go bright and early ? 
 
 Hancock (rising) . Bright and early, little maid, 
 before you are out of bed even. 
 (All rise.) 
 
 Clark (looking at clock). It is near morning 
 now. I '11 show you to your rooms, friends. 
 (Takes a lighted candle; starts off.) 
 
 Guests (bowing to women). Good-night — 
 
 Mrs. Clark and Girls (curtsying). Good- 
 night — 
 
 (Clark, Adams, and Hancock go out.) 
 
232 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Mrs. Clark. Come, daughters, snuff the can- 
 dles. 
 
 {Girls snuff candles. Mrs. Clark locks doors 
 and windows. She takes last lighted candle and 
 starts off; girls follow.) 
 
 Now, mind, you don't lie awake to talk. We must 
 be up for an early breakfast. 
 
 (They go to hall. Room is now dark, except for 
 firelight. Pause. Clock strikes one. Long pause. 
 A horse is heard galloping in distance. Sound 
 heard nearer and nearer. At last it is just with- 
 out.) 
 
 Voice {shouting, off). Awake you! Awake! 
 Awake ! 
 
 ( Vigorous pounding at door.) 
 
 The British soldiers are coming! Look out for 
 the British regulars ! 
 
 (Enter Clark, Adams, Hakcock, Mrs. Clark, 
 and girls, alarmed. Knocking repeated.) 
 
 The regulars ! Open ! Open ! Open ! 
 
 (Clark opens door hastily. Enter Paul Reveri:, 
 dusty and tired.) 
 
 Adams. "Why, 't is Paul Revere ! 
 
 Revere. British troops are coming to seize you, 
 Mr. Adams ! And you, Mr. Hancock ! 
 
 Clark. Have they left Boston ? 
 
 Revere. Yes — when I did. To avoid them, I 
 was forced to come in a roundabout way. So they 
 may arrive any minute — fully one thousand men. 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 233 
 
 I gave the alarm as I came, along. Listen ! Do you 
 hear those church bells ? 
 
 {Through ofen door come sounds of ringing 
 hells in distance. Then a hell rings close hy.) 
 
 Mbs. Clabk. They ring the alarm to the people ! 
 
 Revere. And the troops will hear them and 
 hasten their march. You should go at once, gentle- 
 men. 
 
 Mrs. Clark. Go — go — this instant 1 
 
 Clark. Quick ! There is not a moment to lose ! 
 
 Hancock. I will stay and fight. 
 
 Adams. And so will I ! 
 
 Revere. The Committee of Safety wishes you to 
 escape — 
 
 Adams. I should feel I were a coward to run 
 away at such a time as this. 
 
 Hancock. I should not think of going. 
 
 Reverb. But the Committee wishes you to go to 
 Philadelphia, gentlemen, and wait there for the 
 meeting of Congress. 
 
 Clark. Let other men fire muskets — you are 
 needed in Congress. Your duty lies there — to in- 
 fluence the other Colonies to take up Boston's fight 
 for liberty — to influence them to come to her aid 
 if needs be ! Go friends ! Go — go — I beseech 
 you ! 
 
 Reverb. The Committee commands it, gentle- 
 men. 
 
 Adams. Then we must obey, Mr. Hancock. 
 
234 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE. MEN 
 
 Hancock. Yes, Mr. Adams, we must. The Com- 
 uiittee is the Patriots' government. 
 
 (Claek brings their hats and cloaks. They take 
 them and prepare to go.) 
 
 Revekb. Hasten across the fields to Woburn and 
 thence to Philadelphia by stage. 
 
 Clabk. May God protect and keep you ! 
 
 Hancock. Farewell, my friends ! 
 
 Mrs. Clark {from doorway). Go! Go! I hear 
 the sound of marching in the distance ! 
 
 Revere. The regulars are upon us ! Go ! Go ! 
 There is no time for farewells ! 
 
 (Adams and Hancock go.) 
 - Reverb (going) . I must hasten now to alarm Con- 
 cord ! 
 
 {Exit Rbvbrb, hastily. Others cross to door to 
 look after him. An instant only, and his horse is 
 heard galloping away. ) 
 
 Clark. It will be a miracle if he escapes capture. 
 
 Mrs. Clark. Polly — Ann — if the British sol- 
 diers come here, we must not tell them which way 
 our friends have gone. 
 
 Clark. We must be very careful. You had bet- 
 ter say nothing at all, girls. 
 
 Polly. I shall not speak if they question me. 
 
 Ann. No, nor shall I. I promise you that, father. 
 
 Mrs. Clark (listening at open door). Listen! 
 Now you can hear them plainly 1 
 
 (Sound of marching heard in distance.) 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 235 
 
 Claek. They are coming this way ! 
 
 {Sound of marching heard nearer. Pause — all 
 listening — marching heard nearer and nearer.) 
 
 Mbs. Clark. They are almost here! Close the 
 door, Jonas ! 
 
 (Mr. Claek closes door.) 
 
 They will enter our house and search it. Eemem* 
 ber, girls, you must not say one word ! 
 (JPause.) 
 
 Voice (of). Halt! 
 
 (Knock at door.) 
 
 Clark. Who knocks "? 
 
 Voice. Parker ! Captain Parker in command of 
 the Lexington minutemen ! 
 
 Mrs. Clark. Why, it is our own soldiers ! 
 
 Clark (crossing) . Yes — our minutemen ! 
 (Opens door.) 
 
 Enter, Captain Parker ! 
 
 (Miter Captain Parker, a strong and stern 
 veteran warrior of the French and Indian 
 Wars.) 
 
 How can I aid yon. Captain ? 
 
 Parker. How far away are the regulars? Did 
 the messenger say ? 
 
 Claek. He thought they were near — he said 
 they might come any minute. 
 
 Parker. I shall assemble my men on the Green, 
 then . 
 
 (Exit hastily . Others cross ; look out open door. 
 
236 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Sounds of marching men heard off, gradually grow- 
 ing fainter.) 
 
 Mrs. Clabk. How many men has he ? 
 
 Clark. Not more than a hundred. But they ■will 
 soon have reinforcements. Even now, hundreds are 
 coming from every direction, alai'med by our sig- 
 nals and Paul Revere. 
 
 Mrs. Clark. If our men can only hold the regu- 
 lars back for a time ! 
 
 Clark. I doubt if they attack our men. There is 
 scarce a British officer who would deliberately fire 
 upon us — they know it would mean war, and would 
 hesitate to begin it. 
 
 Mrs. Clark. Oh, I pray they will not! Mr. 
 Hancock said that only one shot was needed. 
 
 Clark. Listen! The sounds of marching have 
 ceased — 
 
 Mrs. Clark. They have reached the Green and 
 have halted there — They are waiting for the 
 British. 
 
 {Pause — all listening. Suddenly a volley is 
 heard. The girls scream. Mrs. Clark covers her 
 face.) 
 
 Clark {solemnly). The war has begun! 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 237 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Scene I^ 
 
 Time: 1776 — July 2. 
 Place : Philadelphia — State House. 
 
 New Charactees 
 Charles Thomson, Secretary (^Philadelphia'). 
 Honorable Benjamin Harrison (Virginia'). 
 Honorable Thomas Jefferson ( Virginia). 
 Honorable Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania). 
 Honorable John Dickinson (Pennsylvania). 
 Honorable Robert Livingston (New York). 
 Honorable John Adams (Massachusetts). 
 Honorable George Read (Delaware). 
 Honorable Edward Rutledge (South Carolina). 
 Honorable Charles Humphreys (Pennsylvania). 
 Honorable Ltman Hall (Georgia). 
 Honorable Stephen Hopkins (Rhode Island). 
 Honorable Roger ^sebmas (Connecticut). 
 Honorable John Witherspoon (New Jersey). 
 Honorable John Penn (North Carolina). 
 Honorable Thomas Willing (Pennsylvania). 
 Congressmen and Doorkeeper. 
 
 {The Continental Congress is seen in session. 
 This is the continuation of the Second Continental 
 
 ' The events of both July 1 and 2 are nsed in this Scene, in order 
 to make the story complete. Strict parliamentary proceedings are 
 not followed because of their complications. 
 
238 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Congress. The Honorable John Hancock occupies 
 the President's chair. Chaklbs Thomson, Secre- 
 tary, is seated at one side of the platform. The 
 thirteen Colonies are represented hy some ffty 
 delegates.) 
 
 Harrison {rising). Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Harrison — 
 
 Harrison. I have the honor to report that the 
 committee appointed to draw up a declaration of 
 independence has accepted a declaration drawn by 
 the Honorable Thomas Jefferson, and is now ready 
 to submit this paper to Congress. 
 {Great applause.) 
 
 Voices. No! No! 
 
 {President raps for order.) 
 
 Dickinson. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Dickinson — 
 
 Dickinson. I object to the reading of this dec- 
 laration until a vote has been taken on the resolution 
 now before the House. 
 
 President. Your objection is sustained, Mr. Dick- 
 inson. Will the secretary please read the resolution ? 
 
 Secretary {rising and reading). Be it resolved : 
 That these United Colonies are, and of right ought 
 to be, free and independent States; and that all 
 political connection between them and the State of 
 Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. 
 
 President. To the delegates from New Jersey 
 who have but recently taken their seats, I will ex- 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 239 
 
 plain that this resolution was introduced in Congress 
 this year on the day of June seventh by the Hon- 
 orable Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia. It war 
 seconded by the Honorable John Adams, of Massa- 
 chusetts. Are you ready for the question, gentlemen? 
 
 Dickinson. Mr. President — 
 
 Pebsidbnt. Mr. Dickinson — 
 
 Dickinson. I consider that resolution dangerous 
 to the best welfare of this country. If it is once 
 passed it will cut oflE all hope of reconciliation with 
 England. She will resist to the utmost, with all the 
 strength of her powerful army and navy. Are we 
 prepared to meet her attacks ? You know we cannot. 
 Gentlemen, that resolution is dangerous and must 
 be defeated. 
 
 EuTLEDGE. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Rutledge — 
 
 RuTLBDGE. I heard the same questions asked by 
 the same gentleman in Congress last year. " We dare 
 not war with England," he cried. " We are far too 
 weak to resist her." And so on until he had almost 
 frightened us. But let me ask you, gentlemen, 
 whether recent events have proved these things to 
 be true? What happened in Massachusetts in the 
 early morning of April 19, 1775 ? You know that 
 story well. British troops shot with deadly aim at 
 our minutemen in Lexington, and soon put them to 
 flight, for they were only a hundred and faced one 
 thousand regulars. But soon came reinforcements — 
 
240 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 our splendid militia of Patriots. They swarmed from 
 every country road — they seemed to drop from the 
 clouds even. The British could not withstand them 
 and retreated in full run to Boston. 
 {Loud applause.) 
 
 Then in May came English reinforcements. And 
 in May, also, Congress chose Colonel George Wash- 
 ington, of Virginia, as commander-in-chief of our 
 Continental army. That was one year ago. Have the 
 events of that time distressed any Patriot as to the 
 efficiency of our American troops ? General Wash- 
 ington has driven the British soldiers from Boston — 
 from Massachusetts — from all New England, in 
 fact. They have embarked on their ships-of-war and 
 have sailed away to Halifax. Does that show weak- 
 ness, gentlemen ? Does that prove our inability to 
 meet the British troops ? 
 
 Voices {with applause). No! No! 
 {President raps for order.) 
 
 Read. Mr. President — 
 
 Pbbsidbnt. Mr. Read — 
 
 Read. Does the honorable delegate from South 
 Carolina think the British will remain in Halifax ? 
 They will descend upon us later on and in greatly 
 augmented numbers. I agree with Mr. Dickinson 
 that we are far too weak to fight such a powerful 
 enemy. We must make peace with England. It will 
 not be difficult. I believe she will show us justice if 
 we but yield a Uttle. 
 
A BBAVE DEED BY BEAVE MEN 241 
 
 WlTHEKSPOON. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Witherspoon — 
 
 WiTHBRSPOON. I should like to remind the gen- 
 tlemen that for ten years we have yielded — for ten 
 years we have whined our petitions at the foot of 
 the throne, to be answered only with insolent scorn. 
 Why, then, do these gentlemen hope for a recon- 
 ciliation? Do those recent battles of Lexington, 
 Concord, and Bunker Hill with their heaps of dead 
 Patriots, give them this hope ? Does the burning of 
 our coast towns give it ? Or perhaps they find it in 
 his Majesty's legislation here in this land — perhaps 
 in the cutting-off of our trade with all parts of the 
 world — or in the seizure of our citizens for pre- 
 tended offenses — or in the forcing of our citizens, 
 seized upon the high seas, to bear arms against their 
 country and to become the executioners of their 
 friends and relations. I will cite no more instances. 
 It seems that the mere relating of these few would 
 prove them the acts of a tyrant, with whom an hon- 
 orable reconciliation is not possible. 
 {Great applause.) 
 
 Humphreys. Mr. President — 
 
 Prestdent. Mr. Humphreys — 
 
 Humphreys. Gentlemen, in spite of those facts 
 just cited, I believe our petitions will be heard in 
 time. His Majesty does not understand us. He does 
 not as yet comprehend that we have outgrown Colo- 
 nial conditions, and need special legislation. But the 
 
242 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 time will come when his Majesty will understand. 
 And then will our petitions be answered favorably, 
 and a reconciliation will follow. I believe that firmly, 
 gentlemen. 
 
 Frankliit. Mr. President — 
 
 Pbbsidbnt. Mr. Franklin — 
 
 Franklin. I hesitate to spoil Mr. Humphreys's 
 childlike faith in his Majesty, but I happen to 
 know the king's feeling toward us. I had many con- 
 versations with him in London, and I assure you, 
 gentlemen, that he will never answer our petitions 
 favorably — he will not answer them at all. He 
 looks upon us as rebels who must be severely pun- 
 ished. And he will never give in, for it has become 
 a point of pride with him. Then, if that were not 
 sufficient reason, there are others which would still 
 make peace impossible. It is no secret that certain 
 English lords, who are favorites at court, have found 
 all honest resources insufficient to supply their love 
 of excessive luxury. They plundered the East and 
 now they have turned to the West and have begun 
 to rob us openly. They have seized our estates ; they 
 have taken our property on the high seas, and Par- 
 liament covers their acts by special laws. Parliament 
 has even dared to declare that thefts, burnings of 
 houses and towns, and murders of innocent people 
 committed by British soldiers, previous to the war, 
 were just actions. Why, such acts are contrary to all 
 principles of right, and all ideas of justice enter- 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 243 
 
 tallied heretofore by every other nation, savage as 
 well as civilized. Do you, then, desire peace under 
 such intolerable conditions? It is impossible, gen- 
 tlemen, if we be men of honor. 
 
 {Great applause.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Samuel Adams — 
 
 Samuel Adams. I question whether any man in 
 this House desires peace so long as our citizens are 
 arrested on flimsy pretexts and taken to England for 
 trial. They are compelled by English law to prove 
 their own innocence, but how are they to do this? 
 They are removed from their homes, and are taken 
 far away from the witnesses who might be able to 
 clear them. Many of these men are poor and unable 
 to employ counsel. But they are straightway thrown 
 into prison, and speedily forgotten. Can anything 
 be more unjust? It is monstrous! It is infamous I 
 And we will not endure it ! Were there no other 
 cause for our separation from England, this would 
 be sufficient. No man should be declared guilty 
 until his guilt is proven in a fair trial. Until then, 
 that man must be held innocent ! 
 {Applause.) 
 
 That is our American principle, and a principle we 
 should be willing to uphold with our lives ! 
 {Applause.) 
 
 It is greater even than unjust taxation, because it 
 deals directly with the lives of human beings. Shall 
 
244 A BKAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 ■we, then, rest content in the hope that some day 
 in the far-off future this infamous law shall be re- 
 pealed? In the meantime American citizens are 
 "^dying in English cells, miserable and undefended. 
 We cannot wait, gentlemen ! Humanity forbids it ! 
 We must declare for independence — here — now — 
 to-day ! 
 
 (Sits. Great applause.) 
 
 Read. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Read — 
 
 Read. We must find another way out of our 
 trouble. How can we dream of separation from Eng- 
 land! We are bound to her by ties we can never 
 break. She is our mother country, gentlemen. 
 
 Sherman. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Sherman — 
 
 Sherman. I, for one, am sick unto death of hear- 
 ing that eternal reminder — " mother country." It is 
 meant to be pathetic, but it is fast becoming a joke. 
 England is not the mother country of the America 
 of to-day. Not more than a third of our people are 
 of English descent. The mother country of America 
 is Europe ! 
 
 {Applause and laughter.) 
 
 Dickinson. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Dickinson — 
 
 Dickinson. I would beg these gentlemen who are 
 trying to thrust independence upon us, to remember 
 that connection with England is a continual source 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 245 
 
 of security to our Colonies. No other nation dares to 
 attack us — all know that England will come to our 
 aid. She will furnish her armies, her fleets, her sup- 
 plies and great wealth to protect us from every 
 enemy. Is that nothing, gentlemen ? Why, it is 
 everything ! It is life itself to us ! Let her strong arm 
 be removed and we would be instantly seized by 
 other nations, and quickly enslaved by them. Can 
 there be any choice, gentlemen? Who would not 
 rather yield to England's claims — unjust as some 
 of them are ? We cannot expect to have her protec- 
 tion without due return on our part. Let us, then, 
 meet her demands. Let us make some sacrifice. That 
 is the way to gain peace and everlasting security. 
 That is the way and no other. , 
 
 {Sits. Applause from many.) 
 
 Hopkins. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Hopkins — 
 
 Hopkins. I question Mr. Dickinson's idea : that 
 connection with England will bring us peace and 
 security. It is far more likely to ketep us at war eter- 
 nally — and to ruin us financially. Europe will never 
 be long at peace ; she has too many kingdoms. So 
 whenever there is a war between England and any 
 foreign power, that foreign power may invade our 
 land as a dependency of England's. And if that does 
 not happen, our commerce will go to ruin in any war 
 of Great Britain's, because of our connection with 
 her. In fact we gain nothing by submitting to her 
 
246 A BEAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 rule. We should declare our independence that we 
 may be secure. 
 
 (Sits. Continued applause and cries of "Yes 
 -yes.") 
 
 Willing. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Willing — 
 
 Willing. I should Uke to ask, Mr. President, 
 whether any of those gentlemen who applauded just 
 now so heartily can tell us how we are to fight our 
 battles alone ? We have only a small army and no 
 battleships at all. We have no arms, ammunition, or 
 clothing. And still some of you shout for independ- 
 ence! Independence, with such conditions as now 
 exist, would be our ruin ! 
 
 (Many applaud heartily.) 
 
 John Adams. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. John Adams — 
 
 John Adams. We will not need to fight alone so 
 long as France is England's enemy. She will come 
 to our aid as another thrust to England. But she 
 must first be satisfied that we mean to separate 
 — she must see our declaration of independence be- 
 come a living fact, and then she will furnish us with 
 arms, ammunition, and supplies. Her king will send 
 his fleets and armies to help us fight our battles. I 
 predict that, gentlemen. 
 
 (Cheers and great applause.) 
 
 And then, gentlemen, we will not only gain inde- 
 pendence, but we will take our place among the 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 247 
 
 nations of this earth — our own masters in every- 
 thing ! 
 
 {Cheers and applause as hefore.) 
 
 Samuel Adams. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Samuel Adams — 
 
 Samuel Adams. Independence is now within our 
 reach — we have only to declare it. Why, then, do 
 we delay ? Do we mean to submit to laws recently 
 passed by Parliament? Do we mean to give up the 
 war or to carry it on ? And what shall we do about 
 a certain matter of honor? One year ago we prom- 
 ised to support General Washington, and sent him 
 forth to the danger of war. Shall we, then, desert 
 him? Can we be so base, gentlemen? 
 
 Voices. No ! No ! We cannot ! 
 
 Samuel Adams. Then the war must go on — 
 that is a settled conviction. So why put off longer a 
 declaration of independence? I tell you we must de- 
 clare for it — here — now — to-day ! 
 [Sits. Great applause.) 
 
 Dickinson. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Dickinson — 
 
 Dickinson. Suppose, Mr. President, that we do 
 declare our independence to-day, afad by so doing 
 continue our war — can we count upon success? 
 Consider, then, the result of our failure. We would be 
 a conquered people and must needs take whatever 
 punishment is given. It is an ugly prospect, gentle- 
 men. I pray you to consider it carefully. 
 {Many applaud.) 
 
248 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Livingston. Mr. President — 
 
 Pkbsidbnt. Mr. Livingston — 
 
 Livingston. Gentlemen, Mr. Dickinson is right. 
 We cannot be sure of success. And defeat would 
 make conditions a thousand times worse than they 
 are. We should have to pay dearly for our weak 
 little flight of freedom. We must wait till we are 
 stronger. Then — if our grievances be not redressed 
 — then let America proclaim her independence and 
 assume her station among the powers of the world. 
 
 Voices {with applause). Yes ! Yes ! That is it ! 
 Wait! 
 
 {President confers with Secretary. Members 
 talk together.) 
 
 Samuel Adams {aside to John Adams and 
 Franklin). They are getting the best of us, I fear. 
 Their arguments appeal to the timid ones — even to 
 Mr. Livingston. I confess I am alarmed. 
 
 Franklin. We must prevent the resolution from 
 coming to a vote to-day. 
 
 John Adams. I seconded the resolution, so I will 
 demand my right to withdraw it for the present. 
 
 Samuel Adams. You will be opposed fiercely, 
 Mr. Adams. 
 
 Franklin. Try it, sir, and without delay, for un- 
 less something unforeseen should occur to enlist 
 the sympathies of all, Mr. Lee's resolution is doomed 
 to defeat. 
 
 {President raps for order.) 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 249 
 
 John Adams. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Adams — 
 
 John Adams. The hour grows late, and our dis- 
 cussion would seem to be endless — as well as fruit- 
 less. Therefore, inasmuch as I did second the reso- 
 lution, I claim my right to withdraw it for a time 
 — until we have heard the report of Mr. Harrison's 
 committee — the paper prepared by the Honorable 
 Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, on the subject of 
 independence. 
 
 (A dozen congressmen spring up instantly.) 
 
 Congressmen. Mr. President ! Mr. President ! 
 
 President. Mr. Read, of Delaware, has the 
 floor. 
 
 Read. I object to the withdrawal of that resolu- 
 tion now ! We are ready for the question ! 
 
 Voices. Question ! Question ! 
 
 {^President rises; is about to speah when the 
 Doorkeeper hastens to him; gives him a letter and 
 speaks with him aside. The President at once be- 
 comes very grave. He reads the letter hurriedly; 
 rises. Exit Doorkeeper.) 
 
 President. Gentlemen — a messenger has just 
 arrived from New York with news of the greatest 
 import ! I shall, therefore, for the moment, waive 
 every rule . of order. The British are advancing 
 upon New York ! 
 
 {All show consternation.) 
 
 Their fleet has appeared off Sandy Hook. And, 
 
250 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 gentlemen, their army has been increased by thou- 
 sands of hired Hessians ! 
 
 Yoic:es (indignantly). Hessians! 
 
 President (indignantly). Yes ! The king has 
 hired foreigners to fire upon English subjects ! 
 
 Voices. Shame! Shame! 
 
 Franklin. It is just -what one might expect of 
 King George. Do his admirers still defend him ? 
 
 Read. No ! I condemn the king for this act ! 
 'T is unparalleled in history ! 
 
 Dickinson. It is no doubt a great exaggeration. 
 We should wait a little — till we know the facts — 
 before we condemn his Majesty. 
 
 President (waving open letter). This note from 
 General Washington confirms the report. His Ex- 
 cellency is most indignant. He asks us to be assured 
 that he will protect New York to the best of his 
 ability. 
 
 John Pbnn. Then New York will be saved if 
 saving her is possible ! 
 
 Voices (with applause). Yes! Yes! It will! It 
 will ! 
 
 President. And now, gentlemen, I have even 
 worse news for you ! An attempt has been made 
 upon the life of our beloved General Washington ! 
 (Exclamations of horror. President continues :) 
 
 The general is safe, I am happy and thankful to 
 tell you, but the conspiracy was discovered none too 
 soon. The plot was hatched by the Tory governor 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 251 
 
 of New York who has escaped to an English battle- 
 ship. 
 
 Samuel Adams. The Tory governor need have 
 no fear, Mr. President, — England will protect him. 
 In the light of these late and ugly facts, can any 
 man here proclaim allegiance to King George? 
 Loyalty to him has now become treasoii to America ! 
 {Loud applause.) 
 
 John Adams. It is high time, then, to declare 
 our independence. Mr. President, I call for Mr. 
 JefPerson's paper — his declaration of independence! 
 
 Voices. JeflFerson ! Hear ! Hear ! Jefferson ! 
 
 Read. Mr. President, I withdraw my former ob- 
 jection to the reading of this paper. In the last few 
 minutes, I have been turned from a loyalist to a most 
 ardent rebel. 
 
 {Applause.) 
 
 Willing. Mr. President, I, too, have been changed 
 in a moment. You may add my name, gentlemen, 
 to the list of rebels in this House. 
 
 {Laughter and applause.) 
 
 And I, too, call for Mr. Jefferson's paper. 
 
 Pbbsedent. Let us make it unanimous, gentle- 
 men ! Let us hang together ! 
 
 Franklin. If we do not, we shall hang sepa- 
 rately. 
 
 {Laughter and applause^ 
 
 Dickinson. Gentlemen — you are precipitate — 
 
 Voices. Jefferson ! Jefferson ! Hear ! Hear ! 
 
252 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Hall. Mr. President — 
 
 President. Mr. Hall — 
 
 Hall. I move that Congress at once resolve it- 
 self into a committee of the whole to consider the 
 Declaration of Independence drawn up by Mr. Jef- 
 ferson. 
 
 (Several delegates spring up.) 
 
 Delegates. Second the motion ! Second the mo- 
 tion ! 
 
 President. You have heard the motion. Are 
 there any remarks? 
 
 Dickinson. Mr. President, I consider the reading 
 of that declaration at this time a most unwise pro- 
 ceedinof. We are in a fever heat of excitement over 
 the news we have heard — and in no frame of mind 
 to judge calmly. Will this declaration help us in any 
 way ? No ! It will simply excite to further wrath 
 — to war, perchance. And victory is too uncertain. 
 
 Franklin. Life is uncertain, but we make the 
 best of it while here. 
 
 {Laughter and applause.) 
 
 Voices. Question ! Question ! 
 
 President. All in favor will signify in the usual 
 way — 
 
 Voices {majority). Aye! 
 
 President. Those opposed ? 
 
 Voices {few). Nay! 
 
 President. The motion is carried. Mr. Jefferson, 
 we are ready to hear your paper. 
 
"WHEN, IN THE COUBSE OF HUMAN EVENTS" 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 255 
 
 ( There is great applause as Mr. Jeffbbson rises 
 and crosses to platform. He is an intellectual man 
 of some thirty-two years; is unpretentious, but ele- 
 gant and dignified.) 
 
 Jefferson. Mr. President — Honorables Members 
 of Congress — 
 
 (Beading from manuscript in a clear and beau- 
 tiful voice — ) 
 
 "When, in the course of human events, it be- 
 comes necessary for one people to dissolve the polit- 
 ical bands which have connected them with another, 
 and to assume among the powers of the earth, the 
 separate and equal station to which the laws of na- 
 ture and of nature's God entitle them, — a decent re- 
 spect to the opinions of mankind requires that they 
 should declare the causes which impel them to the 
 separation. 
 
 " We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all 
 men are created equal ; that they are endowed by 
 their Creator with certain inalienable rights ; that 
 among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of 
 Happiness. — That to secure these rights. Govern- 
 ments are instituted among Men, deriving their just 
 powers from the consent of the governed. — That 
 whenever any form of Government becomes destruc- 
 tive of these ends, it is the right of the people to 
 alter or to abolish it." 
 
 Voices (with great applause). Yes! Yes! 
 
 (President raps for order. Curtain falls for a 
 
256 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 minute to show lapse of time — som,e twenty minutes, 
 perhaps. It rises to show Jefferson still reading.) 
 
 Jefferson. " We, therefore, the representatives 
 of the United States of America in general Congress 
 assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the 
 world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the 
 name and by the authority of the good people of 
 these colonies, solemnly publish and declare that 
 these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, 
 free and independent states; that they are absolved 
 from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all 
 political connection between them and the state of 
 Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved ; 
 and that, as free and independent states, they have 
 full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alli- 
 ances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts 
 and things which independent states may of right 
 do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a 
 firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, 
 we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our for- 
 tunes, and our sacred honor." 
 
 {Sits. Long and enthusiastic applause.) 
 
 President. You have heard the Declaration. 
 What have you to say, gentlemen ? 
 
 Dickinson. Mr. President, the charm of Mr. Jef- 
 ferson's paper has not escaped me. It has a fine lit- 
 erary quality — its language is pleasing and musical. 
 Its beauty of word and form have impressed each 
 one of us deeply. But do not be misled by this. 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 257 
 
 gentlemen. Let not your senses be tricked by its 
 musical notes — let not your ears be soothed by its 
 rhythm. Analyze its sentiments. Analyze them 
 coldly. Consider what its adoption would mean ! It 
 would plunge the people of this land into utter and 
 abject misery. Our towns would be burned, our 
 fields laid bare, and we ourselves would be most like 
 to die upon the scaffold. 
 
 John Adams. Then let us die on the scaffold ! 
 But let us die free men, and not cringing slaves to 
 England ! 
 
 {Applause.) 
 
 As for the people — they will not shrink from 
 misery, nor from any sacrifice that will help to free 
 them from the hated royal governors. This declara- 
 tion wiU give them fresh hope — it will inspire them 
 with courage. They will rejoice when they hear the 
 glorious news and declare this day blessed. They 
 will set it apart from other days, and celebrate it 
 with rejoicing. And when we and they are in our 
 graves, this day will be remembered and hailed as 
 the day of all days — a sacred day for Americans ! 
 Sirs, before God, I believe the hour has come ! I 
 beseech you to cast your votes for independence, 
 gentlemen ! Independence now — and independence 
 forever ! 
 
 {Prolonged applause and great enthusiasm.) 
 
 Pkbsident {after rapping for order). Are you 
 ready for the vote, gentlemen ? 
 
25S A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Voices (majority). Aye! 
 
 President. Will the secretary please take thfl 
 ballot ? Gentlemen, we will vote on Mr. Lee's resolu- 
 tion first. All those in favor, then, of these Colonies 
 declaring themselves as free and independent states 
 will signify by rising. 
 
 (Many stand; many remain seated.) 
 
 Scene II 
 
 Time : July 4 — afternoon — 
 
 - two 6'dock. 
 
 'lace : Street in front of /State House, Philadelph 
 
 New Chaeactebo 
 
 Bellman. 
 
 Quaker Girl. 
 
 First Bot. 
 
 Quaker Son. 
 
 Second Bot. 
 
 First Youth. 
 
 Gentleman. 
 
 Second Youth. 
 
 Ladt. 
 
 Third Youth. 
 
 First Tory Woman. 
 
 Professor. 
 
 Second Tory Woman. 
 
 Lawyer. 
 
 Third Tory Woman, 
 
 DOCTOU. 
 
 First Tory Man. 
 
 Doctor's Wife. 
 
 Second Tory Man. 
 
 Lawyer's Wife. 
 
 Quaker Father. 
 
 Professor's Wife, 
 
 Quaker Mother. 
 
 Grandson. 
 
 People 
 
 !• 
 
 (Street is crowded with people who gaze up at 
 bellman in helfry of State House. Enter two hoys.) 
 
 First Boy. Look ! Look I There 's the bellman, 
 sure enough ! 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 259 
 
 Second Boy. I wonder how long he has been 
 there — 
 
 Gentleman {overhearing). Since half-past nine 
 this morning, boys. He took his place in the belfry 
 soon after Congress convened. 
 
 Second Boy. Why, he has waited for hours ! It 
 is almost two o'clock now ! 
 
 FiKST Boy. Do you think he will ring the bell 
 to-day, sir? 
 
 Gentleman. No one can tell that as yet, but it 
 is rumored that Congress is taking its final vote 
 now. 
 
 Second Boy. I wonder why it takes them so long 
 to decide. It would n't take me long to declare our 
 independence. 
 
 First Boy. I 'd do it in a jiffy ! 
 
 Gentleman {laughing). You little Patriots ought 
 to get close to the State House door, so you can be 
 the first to see the messenger who will give the sig- 
 nal to the bellman. 
 
 Lady {overhearing). The bellman has placed his 
 grandson at the door, so the very instant the door- 
 keeper opens the doors, the boy will run out and 
 signal. 
 
 PiKST Boy {excitedly). Come on, Silas! Come 
 on to the door ! 
 
 {Boys disappear in crowd. A group of Tory 
 men and women enter.) 
 
 Lady {to gentleman). Do you see those people 
 
260 A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 who have just come ? They are Tories, every one of 
 them. 
 
 Gentleman. Then we will move on. I might say 
 something unpleasant. 
 
 {They disappear in crowd.) 
 
 First Toby Woman. It will be settled soon, I 
 suppose — one way or another. 
 
 Second Tory Woman. They will never declare 
 for independence. There are too many delegates 
 against it. 
 
 First Tory Man. Dickinson would never vote 
 for it. Neither would Read, nor Willing, nor Hum- 
 phreys. And they are all influential -men in Con- 
 gress. 
 
 Second Tory Man. You forget those shrewd 
 Adamses and Dr. Franklin. They are wonderful 
 politicians. 
 
 First Tory Man. But there are many members 
 who are afraid of consequences. Something very 
 unusual would have to occur to persuade them to 
 vote for independence. 
 
 Third Tory Woman. And nothing unusual has 
 occured — 
 
 First Toby Man. I tell you they won't dare cut 
 off this country from England ! They will think too 
 much of their own necks when it comes to the final 
 vote. 
 
 {Others murmur assent. They all pass on. Enter 
 some Quakers, father, mother, daughter, and son.) 
 
A BRAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 261 
 
 Quaker Girl. Thee must look, mother, father! 
 The bellman is in the belfry ! 
 
 Mother. Why, so he is ! Dost thee indeed think 
 Congress will declare for independence, Jeremiah ? 
 
 Father. I hope not. It would mean war — and 
 war is forbidden by our Quaker faith. 
 
 Son (a manly boy of sixteen). But if we must 
 defend ourselves, I would be wiUing to enlist, father. 
 
 Father. No, thee shalt not enlist. No Quaker 
 can bear arms and kill. 
 
 Son. General Washington will need us all i£ the 
 British come back to attack us. 
 
 Father. We will give him money and food per- 
 haps, but thee canst not go to war, son. 
 
 {They pass on. Some young men enter.) 
 
 First Youth. The report is true ! There 's the 
 bellman, waiting ! 
 
 Second Youth. I hope with all my heart that 
 the bell will ring to-day! 
 
 FmsT Youth. And so do I ! But it wiQ mean 
 war as well as independence. 
 
 Third Youth. I am ready for war ! I would en- 
 list under General Washington at once. 
 
 Second Youth. And so would I ! 
 
 Others. And I ! And I ! 
 
 ( They pass on. Enter a group of distinguished 
 professional men with their wives.) 
 
 Professor. What a glorious day this will be 
 when that bell rings ! 
 
262 A BKAVE DEED BY BRAVE MEN 
 
 Lawyer. Glorious for all America ! 
 
 Doctor. Glorious for ever and ever ! 
 
 Others. Yes — yes ! Forever ! 
 
 Doctor's Wife. Look ! Look ! The doors to the 
 State House are opening ! 
 
 Lawyer's Wife. A boy is running out — 
 
 Professor's Wife. It is the bellman's grandson ! 
 Look ! He is waving his arms ! 
 
 (A boy runs from State House to point in street 
 where Bellman can see him. He is waving his arms 
 excitedly.) 
 
 Boy {shouting). Ring! Ring! Ring! 
 
 {Bellman rings hell. Crowd shouts, cheers, waves 
 hats and handkerchiefs — wild with delight. Soon 
 the roar of cannon is heard; bells ring in all parts 
 of city, but above all is heard the cry of the joyous 
 people.) 
 
 People. Independence ! Independence ! Hurrah ! 
 Hurrah! Hurrah! 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 OR 
 
 GENEEAL GEOEGE WASHINGTON 
 
 ACT I 
 
 Scene I 
 
 Time : December 25, 1776 — dusk. 
 Place: Log house at McConkey's Ferry, Delaware 
 River, on Pennsylvania side. 
 
 General George Washington. General Stephen. 
 
 General Sullivan. Orderly. 
 
 General Greene. First Boatman. 
 
 General Knox. Second Boatman. 
 
 General Stirling. Third Boatman. 
 
 General Mercer. Fourth Boatman. 
 
 {A room devoid of any furniture is seen. 
 Through a small window is seen falling snow. 
 Enter four boatmen — young Continental soldiers. 
 They shake snow from hats and cloaks.) 
 
 FiBST Boatman. We '11 never be able to cross the 
 river this night, boys. The current is running too 
 strong. 
 
 Second Boatman. And ice is forming rapidly. 
 The river is full of it now. 
 
264 THE MAN WHO BOEE THE BURDEN 
 
 Thikd Boatman. Yes, and the wind is rising! 
 Think of getting the artillery across, will you, in 
 such a storm as this ! 
 
 FouBTH Boatman. It 's out of the question, I 
 say. We could n't see to steer. 
 
 First Boatman. General Washington will have 
 to postpone his attack on the British. 
 
 Fourth Boatman. Indeed he will! He can't 
 fight the elements. 
 
 Second Boatman {looking out window). It has 
 begun to sleet now. It 's regular Christmas weather. 
 
 Third Boatman. It's fine for Santa Glaus! 
 {Others laugh.) 
 
 Second Boatman. We might hang up our stock- 
 ings to-night. 
 
 First Boatman. The British will fill them by 
 morning, if it keeps on freezing like this. 
 {Others laugh.) 
 
 Fourth Boatman. All they need is a bridge of 
 ice, and they '11 have us — stockings and all. 
 
 {Enter Orderly, covered with snow. Boatmen 
 salute.) 
 
 Orderly. An order from General Washington! 
 The boats are to be made ready at once! 
 
 First Boatman. We can't cross in this storm, 
 Officer. The current is too strong — the boats would 
 be crushed by the ice. 
 
 Orderly. You are certain you could not manage 
 tbem ? 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 265 
 
 First Boatman. It would be very dangerous. I 
 should advise against it. 
 
 Obderly. I will report to General Washington. 
 {Exit hastily.) 
 
 First Boatman. The general will be disappointed. 
 He has been planning this long time to attack the 
 British on Christmas night. 
 
 Fourth Boatman. Everything seems to beagainst 
 him of late. If it is n't the weather, it 's some o£ 
 his own ofBcers. I guess you know what I mean, 
 boys. 
 
 Third Boatman. We know well enough — it's 
 the talk of the whole camp. Here 's General Gates 
 who. ought to assist General Washington in this at- 
 tack, pretending he is sick and going off somewhere 
 to rest. 
 
 First Boatman. He 's not sick any more than I 
 am! 
 
 Others. Certainly not ! Of course he is n't ! 
 
 Second Boatman. And why isn't General Charles 
 Lee with General Washington now? I know for a 
 fact that his Excellency has sent for him repeatedly, 
 but he stays away oli some pretext or another. 
 
 FotTETH Boatman. It's my opinion that Gates 
 and Lee think General Washington will be beaten 
 in this attack, and so they have planned to be out 
 of it. They don't want their names connected with 
 a failure. 
 
 First Boatman. They ought to stay with him no 
 
266 THE MAN WHO BORE THE, BURDEN 
 
 matter what comes, and win or lose with him to the 
 end. 
 
 Others. That 's it ! Of course they should ! Of 
 course 1 Of course ! 
 
 {Reenter Orderly. Boatmen salute.) 
 
 Orderly. General Washington repeats his first 
 order ; you will have all the boats launched at once. 
 
 First Boatman (astonished). In spite of the 
 storm ? 
 
 Orderly. In spite of everything ! The general is 
 coming with his officers to watch the boats put off. 
 He himself will cross in the last boat. So make 
 ready, boys ! Make ready ! 
 
 First Boatman. We '11 do our best, Officer. 
 
 Others. Aye ! We will ! We will ! 
 
 {They go. Pause. Orderly shakes snow from his 
 clothing. Enter General Washington and Gen- 
 erals Sullivan, Greene, Knox, Stirling, Mercer, 
 and Stephen. All wear cloaks over their uni- 
 forms. General Washington is a noble and hand- 
 some man of forty-four years ; carries himself 
 gracefully and with dignity; is quiet and reserved, 
 hut courteous and kind ; treats his officers with def- 
 erence. They show great respect and affection for 
 him.) 
 
 Orderly {saluting). The boats will be ready 
 presently. General Washington. 
 
 Washington. Let me know the instant they are 
 launched. The troops are waiting now to embark. 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 267 
 
 {Orderly salutes. Exit, Washington turns to 
 officers.) 
 
 Gentlemen, I realize that I am taking a great risk 
 to cross in this floating ice, and I shall no doubt 
 be bitterly criticized for it if we are defeated. But 
 I shall bear all the blame. 
 
 Gbbbne. You need not do so, General Washing- 
 ton ; we are with you heart and soul. 
 
 Others. Yes ! We are ! We are 1 
 
 Washington. I thank you, gentlemen, for your 
 support. And I believe you feel with me that there 
 is no other course possible, unless we wait in our 
 tents to be captured by the British. 
 
 Stirling. They would have had us by now, if 
 your Excellency had not ordered all the boats de- 
 stroyed for miles up and down the river. 
 
 Sullivan. They will be certain to attack us as 
 soon as the river freezes over. 
 
 Stirling. And that will not be long from pres- 
 ent indications. 
 
 Washington. In two days, or less, they would 
 be upon us with all their troops in New Jersey. The 
 British and Hessians at Trenton would be joined 
 by all the other detachments, and defense would be 
 useless ; they would so far exceed us in numbers. 
 And then would come our surrender, and the end of 
 our hopes for independence. 
 
 Merger. We might retreat again — 
 
 Washington. True, we might, General Mercer, 
 
268 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 but that would be as fatal to our cause as surrender. 
 The people have lost confidence in us. Six months 
 ago, after our victory at Boston, they hailed us as 
 their deliverers from the hated yoke of England. 
 Now they weep in despair. They have seen us de- 
 feated time after time by the British. They have 
 seen us retreat from New York and from town to 
 town in New Jersey — ever fleeing before the enemy 
 as if we feared to meet them. 
 
 Knox. Do they expect our little army of sick and 
 half-starved men to face a powerful British force of 
 able-bodied soldiers ? 
 
 Washingtok. They do not understand the con- 
 ditions, General Knox. The newspapers are full of 
 criticisms against me, and Congress, even, asks why 
 we retreat. In vain have I explained that we must 
 save what men we have. In vain have I asked for 
 more men. They will not enlist — their former con- 
 fidence is gone. And until it is restored, there will 
 be no more enlistments. So we must attack the 
 enemy, gentlemen, or the cause of liberty, which is 
 so dear to us all, is lost and gone forever. 
 
 Stirling. I agree with you, General Washington^ 
 
 Gbeenb. I endorse your plans most heartUy. 
 
 Others; And I ! And I ! And I ! 
 
 Stephen. We could never have a better time 
 than this Christmas night. The British and Hessians 
 will no doubt be making merry until morning. 
 
 Washington. For that reason I hope to reach 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 269 
 
 Trenton veiy soon after midnight, while they are 
 still celebrating. To be sure we will have nine miles 
 to march after we cross the river, but I think we 
 can make it. 
 
 Sullivan. They hold us and our ragged men in 
 such contempt there will probably be but few guards 
 posted. 
 
 Knox. They do not understand that one Patriot 
 fighting for his country and home is worth a dozen 
 paid Hessians. 
 
 Greene. I believe we will so take them by sur- 
 prise they will become bewildered, and imagine they 
 are attacked by thousands upon thousands. 
 {Others laugh.) 
 
 Washington. Yes, gentlemen, we can be of good 
 cheer. We will miss the services of General Gates 
 and General Charles Lee, who are constrained to be 
 absent, but we must succeed without them. If we 
 win this fight the tide will be turned in our favor, 
 and the cause of the revolution will be saved for a 
 time. What better Christmas gift could we make to 
 our friends? What better to all America? We must 
 win victory — it is a glorious opportunity ! 
 
 O'SWEBS (enthusiastically) . Yes — yes! We must! 
 We must ! 
 
 {Enter Orderly.) 
 
 Okdee.lt {saluting). The boats are ready. Gen- 
 eral Washington, and the troops have come from 
 the camp. 
 
270 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 Washington. Come, gentlemen ! 
 {Officers stand aside and salute General Wash- 
 ington as he passes out. They follow, quickly.) 
 
 Scene II 
 
 Time : Christmas night — midnight. 
 Place: Trenton, JVew Jersey. Headquarters of Brit- 
 ish officer in command in a handsome Tory 
 residence. 
 
 New Chakactees 
 Colonel Eall. Third Man. 
 
 Fikst Officer. First Woman. 
 
 Second Officer. Second Woman. 
 
 Third Officer. Third Woman. 
 
 Fourth Officer. Fourth Woman. 
 
 First Man. Fifth Woman. 
 
 Second Man. Hessian Soldier. 
 
 Tories, Officers, Continental Soldiers. 
 
 {A Christmas party is in full swing in the large 
 and handsomely furnished dining-room. TTiere is 
 a Christmas tree gay with lighted candles and 
 British flags. Around a long table blazing with 
 candles, sit a number of British officers in their 
 scarlet uniforms, and several Tory men and 
 women. They are richly dressed, women wearing 
 jewels. All are talking and laughing gayly.) 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 271 
 
 Rall (rising; lifting glass). And now, ladies 
 and gentlemen, I drink to your health, and wish 
 you all a very merry Christmas ! 
 
 Othebs. Merry Christmas ! Merry Christmas ! 
 (Drink to toast sitting.) 
 
 First Officer (rising; lifting glass). Brother 
 Officers, I propose a toast to the friends who wel- 
 comed us when we arrived ■ — the friends who have 
 taken us into their homes — who have treated us so 
 royally — the friends who are patterned so after our 
 own hearts — in other words, good Tories ! 
 
 (Applause and laughter. Officers rise and drink 
 to toast; they sit.) 
 
 First Man" (rising; lifting glass). Good Tories, 
 a toast to the king's own officers ! Let us drink to 
 the health and wealth of our gallant Colonel Rall 
 and his gallant brother officers ! May they receive 
 as a belated Christmas gift the entire Continental 
 army ! 
 (Applause and laughter. Tories drink sitting.) 
 
 Rall (rising ; lifting glass). And now the chief 
 toast of the evening — To the health and happiness 
 of his Majesty King George, Monarch of Great 
 Britain and America ! 
 
 (All stand and drink to toast.) 
 
 Come now, friends, to the Christmas tree ! There 's 
 a British flag for every one ! 
 
 (All cross to tree. Officers give British flags to 
 Tories who wave them aloft.) 
 
272 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 First Womait. I would that George Washington 
 could be forced to wave a British flag with us to- 
 night ! 
 
 Rall {lightly). I should like to oblige you, 
 Madam, but we can't very well bring him over to- 
 nigrht — the weather is too inclement. It shall be 
 done to-morrow. 
 
 Second Woman. Will you in truth attack him 
 to-morrow ? 
 
 Eall. Perhaps. It all depends on the weather. 
 If the river freezes over we shall cross, but there is 
 no hurry. They can't get away from us this time. 
 We have them at our mercy. 
 
 First Man. It is to be hoped you will rout them 
 completely. 
 
 Rall. We will crush them out of existence. 
 Why, this revolution is really at an end now. Our 
 commander, Lord Cornwallis, has arranged to go to 
 England. So you can see by that what he thinks 
 about it. 
 
 Third Woman. Do you think Washington will 
 surrender, Colonel Rail? 
 
 Rall. He must. We have more men and are bet- 
 ter prepared for war. His Continentals are not real 
 soldiers — they are nothing but farmers and fisher- 
 men — we hold them in contempt. I fully expect 
 them to run away as soon as we cross the river. 
 
 Fourth Woman. Then, of course, you have only 
 to take them when you see fit. 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 273 
 
 Rall. Precisely. And then on to Philadelphia to 
 capture that Continental Congress — that wonderful 
 American Parliament! 
 
 {Others laugh) 
 
 Fifth Woman. Will you imprison the Congress- 
 men? 
 
 Ball. No, Madam, we will hang them. 
 
 Second Man. It is severe, but they richly deserve 
 it for their disobedience to King George. 
 
 Second Oppicer. What a queer idea they have of 
 wanting to sit in our Parliament ! They do not seem 
 to understand that they are nothing but Colonists. 
 
 Third Officer. And now their souls are pos- 
 sessed with another queer thought. They think they 
 can set up an independent nation here — a sort of 
 United States of America. The very idea is laughable. 
 
 Fourth Officer. It is most absurd ! 
 
 Third Man. It can never be accomplished. We 
 Tories wiU fight against that with every means in 
 our power. 
 
 Eall. King George will reward you richly. The 
 highest offices will be given to you, and you can have 
 your choice of the rebel estates, their houses and all 
 their belongings. 
 
 First Woman. It is said General Washington 
 owns a beautiful place in Virginia on the banks of 
 the Potomac. 
 
 First Man. It is magnificent — I have seen it. 
 There are acres upon acres of fertile land and a 
 
274 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 house that is a mansion. The place is called Mount 
 Vernon. 
 
 Kall. It would be a rich prize for some English 
 officer. But we will divide up their estates later — 
 after this party is over. 
 
 {Others laugh. Enter musicians playing dance 
 music. Rall bows to First Lady.) 
 
 May I have the pleasure, Madam ? 
 
 {All take partners, and dance Virginia Seel 
 with much laughter and merriment. Suddenly a 
 shot is heard, followed by a volley. A door is 
 opened violently, and a Hessian soldier rushes in, 
 frightened.) 
 
 Soldier. To arms ! To arms ! The enemy ! 
 ( Officers and Tories stand stupefied.) 
 
 Eall. What ! The enemy — 
 
 SoLDiBK. They are here — here in the town! 
 
 There are thousands upon thousands of them ! 
 They crept upon us unawares — the pickets did not 
 see them. 
 
 Ball. To arms ! To arms ! 
 
 {Officers draw swords and rush forth, followed 
 by soldier. Another volley is heard, then the boom 
 of cannon. Tories huddle in corners, frightened. 
 Pause. First Officer rushes in.) 
 
 First Officer. Fly ! Fly for your lives ! The 
 enemy is everywhere ! 
 
 {Bushes out. Second Woman starts to door. 
 First Man seizes her.) 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 275 
 
 First Man. We can't escape now — we should be 
 caught between their fires. 
 
 {Boom of cannon heard — then volley after vol- 
 ley. Then silence — an intense silence.) 
 
 Third Woman. Tell me — what does this silence 
 mean ! 
 
 Second Man. It must be that one side has sur- 
 rendered. 
 
 Fourth Woman. I pray it is not the British ! 
 
 Fifth Woman. The rebels would send us to prison. 
 
 {Enter Kall, wounded. He is supported hy two 
 of his officers, and followed hy others. Enter Gen- 
 eral Washington and his generals, Orderly, and a 
 guard of soldiers.) 
 
 Washington. Gentlemen, you are our prisoners! 
 
 Rall {with feeble voice). We surrender — 
 
 {Sands his sword to Washington, who takes 
 it and then returns it to him. Rall shows surprise 
 and delight. Other British officers give up their 
 arms to Orderly, who hands them to soldiers.) 
 
 Washington. Colonel Rail, you are suffering, so 
 I will not detain you. Only give me your word of 
 honor to come to my camp as soon as you have re- 
 covered. 
 
 Rall. I give you my word of honor. 
 
 Washington {to Orderly). Attend him, please, 
 and do not leave him till he has a surgeon. Colonel 
 Rall, I hope you will soon be well. 
 
 {Offers his hand. Rall grasps it.) 
 
276 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 Ball. I thank you, General Washington. You 
 have treated me with a kindness I shall never forget. 
 {Exit, leaning upon Orderly.) 
 
 Washington [to British officers). You will go to 
 our camp, gentlemen, on the other side of the river. 
 Attend to it. General Sullivan. 
 
 (Sullivan motions to soldiers. They cross to 
 prisoners and stand on guard.) 
 
 You may depart at once, General. 
 
 (Sullivan goes with prisoners and guard. 
 Washington turns to Tories.) 
 
 As for you who should be loyal to your country, 
 but who are her worst enemies, I have no words for 
 my contempt. I give you thirty days to renounce 
 your allegiance to King George and to proclaim your 
 loyalty to these United States of America. If, upon 
 the expiration of that time, you have not obeyed, you 
 shall be considered as enemies; your property shall 
 be seized, and you shall be tried for treason. Go I 
 
 ( Tories get wraps hurriedly and go out. Wash- 
 ington turns to his officers.) 
 
 This is a glorious day, gentlemen ! The tide is 
 turned — the cause of the revolution is saved ! 
 
 Officers. Aye ! It is ! It is ! 
 
 Washington. You have supported me bravely, 
 officers. My heart is overflowing with gratitude. But 
 I will speak of this anon. Now we must depart. 
 
 {Officers step aside, saluting Washington as he 
 passes out. They follow.) 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 277 
 
 ACT II 
 Time: 1778 — New Fear's Day. 
 Place : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania — twenty miles 
 from Philadelphia. General Washington's 
 headquarters in camp of Continental army. 
 
 New Chabacters 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton. 
 Bbigadiee-Genebal Wayne. 
 Beigadieb-Genebal Scott. 
 Bbigameb-Genebal Pooe. 
 Majoe-Geneeal Lafatette. 
 John Ceaig. 
 Genebal Vaenum. 
 General Huntington. 
 Genebal McIntosh. 
 Genebal Chaeles Lee. 
 F1E8T Oedebly. 
 Second Oedeely. 
 
 Mes. Hugh Ferguson. 
 
 (Interior of a large field tent is seen. A fire 
 burns in a small stove, but the tent seems cold and 
 cheerless. Inhere is a cot, a table, and several camp 
 chairs. Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton is writing at 
 table. He is twenty-one years of age ; is brilliant; 
 impetuous. Enter an orderly.) 
 
 Obderly (saluting). Colonel Hamilton — 
 'H.AMiL'so^ (continuing work). Well — 
 
278 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 Orderly. A man wishes to see General Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 Hamilton. The General is engaged. 
 
 {Exit Orderly. Pause. Hamilton writes. Enter 
 Orderly, salutes.) 
 
 Orderly. The man insists, Colonel. He says he 
 has an important message. 
 
 Hamilton. Who is he ? 
 
 Orderly. He says his name is Craig — John 
 Craig. 
 
 Hamilton (interested). Ah ! Admit him, Orderly. 
 
 {Exit Orderly. Pause. Enter John Craig, a 
 keen-looking young man of twenty-five. He wears 
 citizen dress. Hamilton rises ; hows. Craig bows.) 
 
 Craig. I expected to see General Washington. 
 
 Hamilton. He is going through the soldiers' 
 quarters to see if the men are comfortable this bitter 
 day. Can you not give your message to me ? I am 
 the General's aide-de-camp. 
 
 Craig. The message is for General Washington 
 alone. I will wait. 
 
 {Crosses to stove.) 
 
 It is indeed a bitter day, Colonel. The winter is 
 unusu^ally severe. 
 
 Hamilton. 'T is especially hard on one of your 
 profession. 
 
 Craig {calmly and undisturbed). My profession ! 
 What mean you by that? 
 
 Hamilton {smiling). I knew you the moment I 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 279 
 
 saw you, though you have changed your name in 
 the mean time. 
 
 Craig {as before). You speak in riddles, Colonel. 
 
 Hamilton. Your name is Thomas Dart, and you 
 are a spy in the General's service. In fact, you have 
 just come from Philadelphia, whither General Wash- 
 ington sent you to find out what you could ahout 
 the British force. 
 
 Craig (smiling) . I confess, Colonel, I am guilty. 
 
 Hamilton. What is the latest news from Phila- 
 delphia and Congress ? 
 
 Craig. There is still much talk over the surrender 
 of the British army in the north to General Gates. 
 He is being hailed as a hero, even by members of 
 Congress. 
 
 Hamilton {indignantly). They shoxild be re- 
 proving him for his insulting treatment of General 
 Washington after his victory was won. He reported 
 his triumph to Congress, forsooth, instead of his 
 commander-in-chief. It makes my blood boil to re- 
 call it. 
 
 Craig. He takes every opportunity to make him- 
 self seem a hero. 
 
 Hamilton, And General Washington is being 
 discredited ! 
 
 Craig. I regret to say it. Colonel, but the gen- 
 eral is being openly condemned for allowing the 
 British to occupy Philadelphia. 
 
 Hamilton [hotly). And how was he to prevent 
 
280 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 it? Is he not hampered at every step by lack of men 
 and provisions ? To be sure, the victory at Trenton 
 raised men's hopes for a time, and there were many 
 enlistments. But a few reverses brought things 
 back to where they were. And now conditions are 
 worse than ever. But you know that for yourself, sir. 
 
 Cbaio. I do. Colonel. I was indignant beyond all 
 words when I found that Congress was being told 
 that your men were in splendid condition and that 
 your force equaled that of the British. 
 
 Hamilton. Could anything be falser ? Splendid 
 condition, indeed ! When we came to this camp two 
 weeks ago, you could trace our path by the blood- 
 stained snow. Three thousand men marched with 
 naked feet, and with scarce a coat among them. 
 
 Craig. It is pitiful. No other man could have 
 kept an army together under such circumstances. 
 But they are saying that the war would have ended 
 long ago had Gates been commander-in-chief. 
 
 Hamilton. It was General Washington who 
 planned Gates's campaign in the north. He sent 
 Gates his own best troops and officers, and urged 
 men to enlist. And this is the way he is rewarded. 
 
 Cbaio. And that is not all. Colonel. General 
 Charles Lee has been complimented by Congress 
 and is on his way to Valley Forge. 
 
 Hamilton {astonished and indignant). What! 
 Charles Lee coming here — ! Now does my wrath 
 explode, indeed ! Congress knew that Charles Lee 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 281 
 
 failed to appear at Trenton, though commanded by 
 General Washington to come. 
 
 Cbaio. It seems that he pleaded his capture by 
 the British, prior to the fight. 
 
 Hamilton. He allowed himself to be captured ! 
 He was three miles away from his men accompanied 
 only by an orderly. He hoped to weaken Wash- 
 ington's force and make victory impossible. And 
 Gates pleaded ill-health and the General excused 
 him. We found out afterwards that he went straight- 
 way to Congress to complain of something or other. 
 
 Cbaig. Gates and Lee are both Englishmen, and 
 are impatient at being outranked by General Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 Hamilton. And each one is thirsting for the 
 General's place at the head of the army. That is 
 known to all our officers. 
 
 Ceaig. Does General Washington suspect them ? 
 
 Hamilton. If he does he says nothing. But he 
 is very despondent of late. He talks little and never 
 smiles. He is weighted down with the grave re- 
 sponsibilities of these sad times. He is making a 
 sacrifice of his life and it is n't appreciated. 
 
 Cbaig. I should think the fact that he pledged 
 his entire estate to pay the soldiers would prove his 
 patriotism beyond all doubt. 
 
 Hamilton. Aye, it should ! And at the very be- 
 ginning of the war he refused to accept pay for his 
 services. 
 
282 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 {Enter General Washington, unobserved. Ham- 
 ilton continues indignantly:) 
 
 But it seems that it is not enough that he should 
 have the British to fight — he must be assailed by 
 enemies within ! 
 
 Washington. Why, what has happened, Colonel? 
 You seem to be indignant. 
 
 (Hamilton and Craig how.) 
 
 Hamilton. I beg your pardon, General, I have 
 heard unwelcome news. General Lee is returning. 
 
 Washington. I have just received a letter from 
 Congress saying General Lee would arrive to-day. 
 Please ask the officers to come for a council, Colonel. 
 Ask them to come at once. 
 
 (Hamilton hows assent. Exit. Washington 
 offers his hand to Ceaig.) 
 
 I am glad to see you, Mr. Dart, — I am glad to 
 see you safely back. You went on a dangerous jour- 
 ney. 
 
 Craig. I was willing to take the risk. General. 
 
 Washington. Come, be seated and tell me what 
 you have learned. 
 
 {They sit hy stove.) 
 
 Craig. The British army in Philadelphia is 
 stronger than ever. General. They have now nine- 
 teen thousand men. 
 
 Washington. You are certain of that number ? 
 
 Craig. Absolutely. 
 
 Washington. What about their fortifications? 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 283 
 
 Ceaig. They are exceedingly strong. The river is 
 protected by batteries and ships of war. The city is 
 surrounded by at least ten redoubts, connected by 
 strong palisades. 
 
 Washington. Are all the approaches guarded ? 
 
 Ceaig. They are, General, and the discipline is 
 strict. 
 
 Washington. It would be impossible to surprise 
 them, then ? 
 
 Ceaig. You would lead your men to destruction. 
 I am so certain of all my statements. General, that 
 you may discredit any one who advises you to attack. 
 
 Washington. I thank you, Mr. Dart. You have 
 been a faithful agent — I have complete confidence 
 in you. Now take some rest and refreshment. You 
 may then begin a watch upon the farmers in this 
 vicinity. They refuse to sell us their corn though 
 they know my men are half starved. I suspect them 
 of being Tories and of selling their corn to the 
 British. 
 
 Craig. I '11 find out. General. I know a mill I 
 can watch to-night. I have suspected the miller my- 
 self. 
 
 Washington. Be cautious, Mr. Dart, and do not 
 expose yourself needlessly. 
 
 Ceaig. Thank you. General Washington. 
 
 {Bows. Exit. Pause. Washington shows he is 
 troubled. Enter Hamilton.) 
 
 Hamilton. General Washington, I must tell you 
 
284 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 frankly that the officers are furious that Charles Lee 
 is coming among us again. 
 
 Washington. I feared they would be. But we 
 must avoid trouble in our military family, my boy, 
 even at the expense of our private feelings and dis- 
 likes. 
 
 {Enter officers. They how to the General with 
 respect, hut show indignation.) 
 
 Gentlemen, be seated, please. 
 
 ( Officers sit. Washington sits at table facing 
 them.) 
 
 My friends, it would be folly to pretend I did not 
 see or understand the feeling your faces so plainly 
 express. You have not forgotten Trenton. But, 
 gentlemen, Congress has accepted General Lee's ex- 
 planation of his absence, and we must accept the 
 decision. It is to our interest to do so. General Lee 
 is a capable officer and is valuable to our cause. I 
 ask you, then, to be generous in your thoughts of 
 him, and courteous in your actions. Think not one 
 instant of any slight to me. I ask it as a favor, 
 friends. 
 
 Vabnum. I promise you. General Washington, 
 to receive General Lee with civility. 
 
 McIntosh. It will go 'gainst the grain, but I will 
 treat him with courtesy. 
 
 Others. And I! And I! 
 
 Washington. I thank you, gentlemen. General 
 Lee arrived a half -hour ago. I have talked with him. 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 285 
 
 and I assure you that he was profuse in his apolo- 
 gies for failing us at Trenton. Orderly, ask General 
 Lee to come. You will find him in the adjutant's of&ce. 
 
 {Uxit First Orderly. Enter Second Orderly.) 
 
 Second Orderly (saluting Washington). A 
 messenger has just arrived from York with this 
 letter from Congress, General. 
 
 Washington {taking letter; opening it). Ex- 
 cuse me, please, gentlemen. 
 
 {Reads — looks troubled.) 
 
 This letter is serious, officers — 
 
 {Enter General Lee — a brilliant but bold-look- 
 ing man of forty-seven years.) 
 
 General Lee, you are welcome to Valley Forge. 
 
 Lee {bowing). I thank you, General Washington. 
 
 {Turns and bows to officers, who rise and bow 
 formally.) 
 
 Washington. You are in good time for our 
 council. I pray you to be seated. 
 
 (Lee sits with officers.) 
 
 This letter has just come from Congress, General 
 Lee. I was about to tell the officers its contents. 
 Gentlemen, I am censured severely for not attack- 
 ing Philadelphia and driving the enemy out. 
 
 Hamilton. It is outrageous ! 
 
 {Indignant expressions from many.) 
 
 Washington {lifting hand) . Gentlemen — please 
 — Congress complains of being obliged to flee from 
 Philadelphia to hold their sittings at York. They 
 
286 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 ask why the capital city should fall into the hands 
 of the enemy when I have an army to defend it. 
 Finally, they insist that I attack the British at once. 
 
 Scott. I agree with Colonel Hamilton — it is 
 outrageous ! 
 
 HiTNTiNGTON, Does not Congress know the con- 
 dition of our army ? 
 
 Washington. I have reported it frequently. In- 
 deed, only last week I wrote them of our pitiable 
 condition here. I told them that scarce half our men 
 were able ,even to build their huts for the winter, 
 and that that half had to borrow clothing from the 
 others to cover their naked bodies. 
 
 Lafayette. Do they know that there is now little 
 less than a famine here ? Do they know that our 
 men are living on food commonly given to horses ? 
 
 Poor. And that they are growing weak from this 
 steadily? And the of&cerg fare little better. 
 
 Vabnum. Do they know that half our men are 
 obliged to sit up all night by the fire because they 
 have no blankets to cover them? 
 
 WAsmNGTON. I have kept nothing from them. 
 
 Wayne. I tell you, General Washington, that the 
 great men who sat in the First and Second Congress 
 are no longer there. They are either serving in the 
 army or they have accepted civil o£B.ces in their own 
 States. These Congressmen at York are inferior in 
 ability. 
 
 {Applause from all officers hut Lee.) 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 287 
 
 Washington {gravely). We must be careful not 
 to abuse our government. I think I know where the 
 trouble lies — these Congressmen are not military 
 men and so do not realize our necessity. When they 
 once understand, they will change their attitude. 
 
 Hamilton. How is Congress to understand when 
 it is constantly being told a far different story, 
 General? 
 
 Washington. Different? What do yon mean, 
 Colonel? 
 
 Hamilton. They are told that we have a force 
 equal to that of the British and in splendid condi- 
 tion to fight. 
 
 Washington. My enemies take an ungenerous 
 advantage of me. They know that I cannot publish 
 to the world the actual number of our soldiers. That 
 is a secret we must conceal, or the British will soon 
 have us at their feet. 
 
 Lafayette. But it is unfair that you should be 
 thus deprived of a word in your own defense. 
 {Murmurs of ajfyproval.) 
 
 Washington. Nevertheless, General Lafayette, I 
 must continue to be silent, but I shall request an 
 investigation by Congress. I shall ask them to send 
 a committee here at once. 
 
 Hamilton. One look at our camp will end all 
 talk of attacking. 
 
 All OpFJPERS (but Lee) . Yes — yes — it will — 
 it will! 
 
288 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 Washington. You do not speak, General Lee, 
 What is your opinion? 
 
 Lee. I do not agree with your other generals, your 
 Excellency. I favor an attack. 
 
 {Officers look at Lee with indignation.) 
 
 Washington. Bnt, General Lee, we have only 
 eleven thousand men, with at least three thousand 
 unfit for duty. The British have nineteen thousand 
 and all in' fine condition. 
 
 Lee. I mean a night attack — a surprise that 
 would rout them completely. 
 
 Washington. My spies report the British forti- 
 fications so strong and so well guarded that I would 
 not risk the lives of our men against such odds. 
 
 Lee. You will be censured if you do not. 
 
 Washington. And condemned if it prove a failure. 
 
 Hamilton. Perhaps that is what your enemies 
 wish. General. They will urge you on to an attack 
 they know will be disastrous. 
 
 Lee {jumping up, angrily). Do you mean to in- 
 sinuate that I am doing that, sir ? 
 
 Washington {lifting hand). Gentlemen — I will 
 not countenance quarrels. 
 
 (Hamilton rises; bows to Washington and 
 Lee; sits. Lee bows to Washington and Hamil- 
 ton ; sits. Washington continues :) 
 
 It matters not what the public says — we must be 
 governed by conditions. If we can only keep an 
 army together this winter, we shall do well. And 
 
THE MAN WHO BOKE THE BURDEN 289 
 
 ■we will not be idle. We will attack the small troops 
 of British that leave Philadelphia for forage. We 
 must prevent Tory farmers from taking food in to 
 them. In fact, we can harass them in many ways. 
 And then, when spring comes, the British General 
 will still find an American army upon his heels — 
 still ready to pursue and annoy him. He will find 
 he has gained nothing by seizing Philadelphia; 
 whereas we shall have gained everything. We will 
 have had time to strengthen our army and obtain 
 supplies — a thing far more necessary to us just 
 now than a victory. 
 
 Lee. But, General, how can we hope to obtain 
 supplies for the winter? Congress cannot borrow 
 money enough now to care for the few men you have. 
 
 Washington. We must get loans from individu- 
 als. It is my plan to write prominent and wealthy 
 men in every State for money. Indeed, I have al- 
 ready sent many letters, and others must go out to- 
 day. So I pray you to excuse me, gentlemen. Col- 
 onel Hamilton, please remain to assist me with these 
 letters. 
 
 {Officers how and go out. Hamilton crosses to 
 table ; prepares to write. Washington stands lost 
 in deep thought. At last he turns to Hamilton — 
 speaks sadly — ) 
 
 Well, my boy, I am being assailed by my own 
 countrymen. I have been wounded in the house of 
 my friends. 
 
290 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 Hamilton. It is all because of certain men who 
 are jealous of you, General. They are trying to 
 force you to resign. 
 
 Washington. It may be — 
 
 {Enter First Orderly,) 
 
 Orderly (saluting). General Lee desires to see 
 you at once, your Excellency. He asks for a private 
 interview. 
 
 Washington. Admit General Lee, Orderly. 
 
 {Exit Orderly. Pause. Enter Lee. He stops 
 upon seeing Hamilton.) 
 
 Lbb. I should like a private interview, Gen- 
 eral. 
 
 Washington. Colonel Hamilton is in my confi- 
 dence in all military matters. 
 
 Leb. But this is of personal interest to you. 
 
 Washington. I prefer him to be present. 
 
 Lbb {controlling his anger) . As you please, Gen- 
 eral. My errand here is due" entirely to my consid- 
 eration for you. 
 
 Washington {sitting). Be seated, General. 
 
 Lbb {sitting). I have lately had private informa- 
 tion as to a certain action Congress contemplates in 
 regard to your Excellency — 
 
 {Pause ; looks at Hamilton.) 
 
 Washington {not heeding his glance). Are you 
 at liberty to give me this information ? 
 
 Lee. I am, General, though I regret to be the 
 bearer of such news — 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 291 
 
 Washington (calmly). Proceed, General Lee. I 
 wish Colonel Hamilton to hear. 
 
 Lee. To be brief, then, — Congress means to 
 •withdraw your command of the army unless you 
 attack Philadelphia soon. 
 
 Washington {calmly). I thank you, General, for 
 telling me. Whenever Congress wishes to relieve me, 
 I shall go, and gladly. Domestic life would be sweet, 
 indeed, after the discomforts we are enduring here. 
 And the business of my plantation is far more attrac- 
 tive than the horrors of war. So I repeat — I shall 
 go and gladly. 
 
 Lee. But, sir, it would be a disgrace unspeakable ! 
 
 Washington. Do you think, then, that I should 
 resign to spare myself this disgrace ? 
 
 Lee. By no means ! I advise you to attack the 
 enemy. If defeat comes, you cannot be blamed, for 
 you have been urged thereto by Congress. 
 
 Washington. It is your opinion, then, that I 
 should allow half of my men to be slain to save my- 
 self from dismissal ? 
 
 Lee. It is not so certain they will be slain. 
 
 Washington. It is as certain as night and day. 
 All of my officers agree with me but you. 
 
 Lee. I would save you from disgrace. 
 
 Hamilton {angrily). Do you think we are chil- 
 dren, sir, that we cannot see through your designs ? 
 You are trying to force General Washington into 
 disgrace ! You want his position for yourself, sir I 
 
292 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 Lee {angrily). How dare you! Retract your 
 words, this instant ! 
 
 {Both draw their swords. Washington steps 
 between them.) 
 
 Washington {sharply). Come — let us have 
 done with quarrels! Sheathe your swords, I pray 
 you! 
 
 {The men hesitate. Enter Second Orderly.) 
 
 Orderly {saluting Washington). A lady is wait- 
 ing to see you, General — a Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, 
 of Philadelphia. 
 
 Washington. What is her errand here ? 
 
 Orderly. She would not say. 
 
 Washington. Then I refuse to see her. 
 
 {Enter Mrs. Ferguson ^wsi as Orderly is turn- 
 ing to go. She is a woman of refinement ; is hand- 
 somely dressed, wearing costly furs.) 
 
 Mrs. Ferguson. I heg your pardon, General 
 Washington, for entering in this way, but I must 
 see you. It is most important — 
 
 (Lee and Hamilton sheathe swords. Washing- 
 ton bows formally to Mrs. Ferguson j waits for 
 her to proceed.) 
 
 I am Mrs. Ferguson, General. You have no doubt 
 heard of my family. My father is Dr. Thomas 
 Graeme, of Philadelphia. 
 
 Washington {nodding slightly). And your hus- 
 band is Hugh Ferguson, an officer in the British 
 service. And you are much in the company of Tories. 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 293 
 
 Mrs. Ferguson (quickly). But I myself am a 
 Patriot. I am devoted to my country. Indeed, it is 
 my devotion that has brought me here. I come with 
 a letter for your Excellency from Mr. Duch^. 
 
 WASHHiTGTOBr. The Mr. Duche who was chaplain 
 of our First Congress ? 
 
 Mrs. Ferguson. Yes, General, — the Reverend 
 Jacob Duch^, of Philadelphia. 
 
 Washington. He has become a Tory. He can 
 have nothing to say to me. 
 
 Mrs. Ferguson {offering letter). Only read his 
 letter ! I promised him I would deliver it into your 
 hands. I pray you to take the letter ! The contents 
 are of the greatest importance. 
 
 Washington {taking letter). Be seated, Madam. 
 
 {Mrs. Ferguson sits. Washington reads letter ; 
 shows increasing indignation.) 
 
 Had I but known what this letter contained, I 
 would not have read it. Madam. 
 (To Hamilton.) 
 
 This Jacob Duche informs me that we can never 
 be victorious. So he bids me abandon the dearest 
 hope of this country and reject the Declaration of 
 Independence. He tells me it is our duty to submit 
 to England's King and all his royal orders. And 
 finally he calls upon me to surrender at once to the 
 British. 
 
 {Throws letter on table, his eyes blazing with 
 wrath.) 
 
294 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 Colonel Hamilton, send that letter to Congress at 
 once ! Say I advise the arrest of Mr. Duche ; say 
 also that Mrs. Hugh Ferguson should he watched, 
 as she is no douht a spy in the British service. 
 (Hamilton writes letter.) 
 
 Mrs. Ferguson. No ! No ! I am a Patriot ! I 
 protest I am a Patriot ! I did not know what that 
 letter contained. I thought it a plan for making 
 peace. 
 
 Washington. Return to Philadelphia, Madam, and 
 tell Mr. Duche that I shall not surrender. Tell him 
 there will he some kind of American army so long as 
 there is a British soldier upon this soil. Tell him if we 
 are beaten here, we will retire to the AUeghanies, and 
 thence to the Mississippi. But surrender — never! 
 And tell him also I will not resign. My enemies may 
 insult me and heap slight upon slight. No personal 
 thrust shall harm me. My heart tells me that ithas been 
 my constant aim to do the best that circumstances 
 would permit. I am in this war because I believe it 
 is right and just, and with God's help I mean to 
 conquer. Tell Mr. Duch^ that. Madam, and come 
 no more to my camp. 
 
 Mrs. Ferguson. I did not know — I am a Pat- 
 riot — I protest I am a Patriot — 
 
 (Washington points to door. Exit Mrs. 'F^s.- 
 GV^Q^ frightened. Washington turns to Lee.) 
 
 You have heard my message to Mr. Duch^. In 
 that, you have had your answer. I shall not resign. 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 295 
 
 Neither shall I attack the British now. Allow me to 
 bid you good-day, sir. 
 
 {Bows to Lee, who is thus compelled to retire, 
 vexed and baffled.) 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Scene I 
 
 Time: December 23, 1783. 
 Place : Armapolia, Maryland — State House. 
 
 New Chabacters 
 
 Mrs. Geobge Washington. First Young Ladt. 
 
 Governor of Maryland. Second Young Lady. 
 
 Governor's Wife. Third Young Lady. 
 
 Girl. First Youth. 
 
 Mother. Second Youth. 
 
 First Man. Third Youth. 
 
 Second Man. First Woman. 
 
 Third Man. Second Woman. 
 
 Fourth Man. Third Woman. 
 Governor's Suite, People. 
 
 (State House is surrounded by an immense 
 crowd of people. Enter others constantly.) 
 
 GiBL {at edge of crowd). Do you think we can 
 see him from here, mother? 
 
 Mother. Yes — he will pass this way. He must, 
 to enter the State House. 
 
296 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 Gerl. There are thousands waiting to see him. 
 
 Mother. Every one wants to see General Wash- 
 ington, now that he has been victorious. 
 {They talk aside.) 
 
 FiKST Man {to his companions). It was a glori- 
 ous victory at Yorktown, friends ! The flower of the 
 British army surrendered to General Washington. 
 
 Secosd Mas. And England has been forced to 
 make peace with us at last, and acknowledge our 
 independence. 
 
 Third Man. No wonder General Washington is 
 a hero. The people seem to worship him. 
 
 Fourth Man. They should. No man has made 
 more sacrifices for our cause. For eight years he has 
 carried the burden of the war upon his shoulders. 
 And much of that time envious men were secretly 
 trying to blacken his name and take his command 
 from him. 
 
 Second Man. And where are those men to-day! 
 Congress finally saw Charles Lee in his true light 
 and dismissed him from the service. Gates faded 
 into insignificance, as did all the others. 
 
 First Man. Their very names will soon be for- 
 gotten, but Washington's will last forever. 
 {They pass on. Enter three young ladies^ 
 
 First Young Lady. Oh, I am so anxious to see 
 him ! He is a wonderful hero ! 
 
 Second Young Lady. Everybody loves him! 
 [^hey say his officers all wept when the war was over 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 297 
 
 and he told them good-bye. And the General himself 
 was so moved he could not speak, but embraced the 
 officers and wept with them. 
 
 Third Young Lady. And great crowds followed 
 him wherever he went ! And there were many ban- 
 quets in his honor. 
 
 First Young Lady. I believe we can see him bet- 
 ter over there. 
 
 {They pass on. Enter three youths.) 
 
 First Youth {Looking at his watch). It is about 
 time for the General, boys. He was to appear before 
 Congi-ess at noon. 
 
 Second Youth. I wonder if they will offer to 
 make him king of America. 
 
 Third Youth. Certainly they will not! Did n't 
 he refuse to accept the crown when it was offered 
 him by Colonel Nicola last year? And the Colonel 
 was supported by a large number of prominent 
 men. 
 
 Second Youth. Yes, but they were not the Con- 
 gress. The General might listen now. 
 
 Third Youth. Congress wouldn't dare — they 
 know what the General wrote to Colonel Nicola. He 
 said that the mere suggestion of being made king 
 was hateful to him. 
 
 Fifth Youth. And I believe it was, too ! He 's 
 not that kind of a man. 
 
 {They pass on. Several fashionably dressed 
 women approach.) 
 
298 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 First Woman. Is it true that Mrs. Washington 
 is with him? 
 
 Second Woman. Oh, yes ! She will have a place 
 in the gallery while the General is resigning his 
 commission. 
 
 Third Woman. They wiU go to Mount Vernon 
 just as soon as the ceremony is over. The Governor 
 of Maryland and his suite will accompany them part 
 of the way, and show them every honor. 
 {Cheers heard, off.) 
 
 First Woman {looking off). He is' coming! 
 There is General Washington ! 
 
 Second Woman {looking off). He is walking 
 with the Governor ! 
 
 {People cheer and wave handkerchiefs.) 
 
 Third Woman. Do you see Mrs. Washington? 
 She is with the Governor's wife. 
 
 {Cheers continue. Enter General Washington 
 with the Governor of Maryland. They are followed 
 hy Mrs. Washington and the Governor's wife. 
 Then comes the Governor's suite. Washington 
 smiles and lifts his hat to people generally. He 
 enters State House, followed by his party. Cheers 
 continue.) 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 299 
 
 Scene II 
 
 Time: Immediately following. 
 Place : Senate Chamber in State House. 
 
 New Characters 
 General Mifflin, President of Congress. 
 Charles Thompson, Secretary of Congress. 
 Congressmen, Spectators, Ladies. 
 
 (The floor of the chamher is filled with Con- 
 gressmen who are seated, and with spectators who 
 are standing at back. Gallery is filled with ladies. 
 Enter General Washington, accompanied by the 
 Governor. President Mifflin and Congressmen 
 rise. The Secretary crosses to meet Washington 
 and escorts him to platform. Mrs. Washington 
 appears in gallery and is given a place in front row 
 in center. The Governor's wife accompanies her.) 
 
 Mifflin. General Washington, the United States, 
 in Congress assembled, are prepared to receive your 
 communications. 
 
 Washington.* Mr. President, — The great events 
 on which my resignation depended, having at length 
 taken place, I now have the honor of offering my 
 sincere congratulation to Congress, and of present- 
 ing myself before them, to surrender into their 
 hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the 
 indulgence of retiring from the service of my coun- 
 
 > Washington's actual speech, shortened. 
 
300 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 try. Happy in our new state of independence, and 
 pleased with the opportunity a£Eorded the United 
 States of becoming a respected nation, I resign with 
 satisfaction. Having now finished the work as- 
 signed me, I retire from the great theater of action. 
 And, bidding an affectionate farewell to this august 
 body, I here offer my commission, and take my 
 leave of all the employments of public life. 
 
 {Hands his commission to President, who re- 
 ceives it,) 
 
 MiPPLiN.* Sir, — The United States, in Congress" 
 assembled, receive with profound emotion the solemn 
 resignation of the commission under which you 
 have led their troops through a perilous and doubt- 
 ful war. Called upon by your country to defend 
 its invaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge 
 while it was without funds or a government to sup- 
 port you. You have conducted the great war with 
 wisdom. You have persevered, until these United 
 States, aided by the generous King of France, have 
 been enabled to close the war in freedom, safety 
 and independence. And now you retire from mih- 
 tary command. But the glory of your virtues will 
 not terminate ; it will continue to remotest ages. 
 We pray to Almighty God to foster your life with 
 all his care; to keep your days as happy as they 
 have been illustrious ; and to finally give you the 
 reward that this world cannot give. 
 
 ^ MifQin's actual speech, shortened. 
 
THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 301 
 
 Tableaux 
 
 I 
 
 In the parlor at Mount Vernon stands General George 
 Washington receiving, from three members of Congress, 
 the o£&cial notice of his election as President of the United 
 States. Standing near by is Mrs. George Washington, 
 happy and proud. 
 
 n 
 
 General Washington is seen riding a spirited horse, ac< 
 companied by a large number of United States cavalry. 
 They are approaching a triumphal arch in the city of 
 Philadelphia. On the arch is the inscription — 
 President George Washington. 
 
 ni 
 
 General Washington is seen walking in the main street 
 of Trenton, New Jersey. He is accompanied by many dig- 
 nitaries. Preceding him are a number of young girls, 
 dressed in white and strewing flowers along his path. Two 
 carry a white silk banner upon which in letters of gold are 
 the words — 
 
 Our President. 
 
 IV 
 
 General Washington is seen arriving in New York City. 
 He stands on a barge which is manned by thirteen oars- 
 men dressed in white. On the dock, waiting to receive 
 him, stands the Mayor of New York, accompanied by all 
 officers of state. The shore is crowded with a great mass 
 of cheering and waving people. 
 
302 THE MAN WHO BORE THE BURDEN 
 
 V 
 
 The Senate Chamber is seen filled with United States 
 Senators and Congressmen. The gallery is packed with 
 spectators. On the platform stands General Washington. 
 He faces Chancellor Livingston who is giving the oath of 
 of&ce. The Chancellor holds the Bible before Washing- 
 ton, who bows and reverently kisses the book. Immedi- 
 ately the people shout and cheer, bells ring, and the 
 boom of cannon is heard. 
 
CHILDREN'S CLASSICS IN 
 DRAMATIC FORM 
 
 BOOK. ONE — Fot First and Second Grades. 
 BOOK TWO — For Second and Third Grades. 
 BOOK THREE — For Tliird and Fourth Grade*. 
 BOOK FOUR — For Fifth and Sixth Grades. 
 BOOK FIVE — For Seventh and Eighth Grades. 
 
 DRAMATIZED SCENES FROM AMERICAN HISTORY 
 For Sixth to Eighth Grades. 
 
 By AUGUSTA STEVENSON 
 
 Fonnrrly a Teacher in the Indianapolis Public Schools 
 
 These books accomplish three important functions : — first, 
 they arouse a greater interest in oral reading; second, they 
 develop an expressive voice; and third, they give freedom 
 and grace in the bodily attitudes and movements involved 
 in reading and speaking. 
 
 The use of these hooks will greatly improve the oral 
 reading in your schools. In these days, when so many books 
 are hastily read in school, there is a tendency to sacrifice ex- 
 pression to the mechanics and interpretation of reading. 
 Those acquainted with school work know too well the resulting 
 monotonous, indistinct speech and the self-conscious, listless 
 attitude which characterize so much of the reading of pupilf 
 in grades above the third. The dramatic appeal of the stories 
 in this book will cause the child to lose himself in the char- 
 acter he is impersonating, and to read with a naturalness and 
 expressiveness unknown to him before; and this improvement 
 will be evident in all his oral reading and even in his speecb- 
 
 HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 
 BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO 
 
The Boys^ and Girls' Readers 
 
 By EMMA MILLER BOLENIUS 
 ** Train your Pupils in Silent Reading** 
 
 Fourth Reader Sixth Reader 
 
 Fifth Reader Teachers' Manual 
 
 C A series of basal readers for the Fourth, Fifth, and 
 Sixth Grades — the crucial years in gaining skill in silent 
 reading, and fluency in oral reading. 
 
 C Miss Bolenius, widely recognized as an expert, has been 
 guided by her study of the most authoritative and up-to-date 
 reports, investigations, courses of study, and surveys. 
 
 C In the three Readers there is full study equipment 
 with each article, story, or poem. Into this equipment, 
 the editor has succeeded in bringing her own personal toucL 
 She makes reading a delight for both pupil and teacher. 
 
 C Four major objects of the Bolenius Readers are: 
 
 (l) To direct silent reading, (2) To motivate oral reading, 
 (3) To develop the reading habit in children, and (4) Tc 
 broaden the child's outlook on life. 
 
 H. Practical everyday reading of various kinds is stressed. 
 The illustrations are full of teaching value and appeal. 
 Typographical aids make reading easier for the child. How 
 to study is given special attention, and supervised study 
 has been developed in an entirely new way. 
 
 C In the Teachers' Manual there is help so concrete that 
 even inexperienced teachers will secure results. It presents 
 a practical methodology for silent reading. 
 
 HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 
 BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO 
 
THE TAPPAN-KENDALL HISTORIES 
 
 By EVA MARCH TAPPAN. Ph.D.> and CALVIN N. KENDALL. LLJ}. 
 Book I. American Hero Stories. {For Grades IV-V.) • 
 
 By Eva March Tapfan. 
 A logical introduction to MissTappan's /4 k Eltmtntarii Hiriory ef Our Cmmtiy. 
 The stories are dironologically arranged and appealingly told. 
 
 Book II. An Elementary History of Our Country. (For Crada 
 
 y-yi.) 
 
 By Eva March Tappan. 
 A short, connected, and interesting story of the coarse of events in our history since 
 the discovery of America. The narrative is simple, and makes a social appeal through itt 
 anecdotes ox great men. There are numerous stimulating suggestions for written work. 
 
 Book III. Our European Ancestors. (For Grade VI.) 
 By Eva March Tappan. 
 The historical bond of union between Europe and America is adeouately developed is 
 this book. In evei^ detail the book follows the course in history laid down for the sixth 
 grade by the Committee of Eight of the American Historical Association. 
 
 Book IV. History of the United States for Grammar Schools. 
 
 {For Grades VII-VIII.) 
 
 By Reuben Gold Thwaitbs, LL.D., and Calvin N. Kendall, LL.D. 
 
 There is an adequate and up-to-date account of our social and industrial development, 
 and authoritative chapters on the Great War. This history combines accurate scholarship, 
 •nusual interest, and a most complete and helpful teaching equipment 
 
 TIMELY BOOKS OF PATRIOTIC INTEREST 
 
 I Am An American. (For Grades V-VI.) 
 
 By Sara Cone Bryant (Mrs. Theodore F. Borst) 
 
 Stories of Patriotism. {For Grades V-VI.) 
 
 Compiled by Norma H. Dbming and Katharine I. Bbhis 
 
 The Patriotic Reader. (For Grades VII-VIII and Junior High Schools.) 
 Compiled by K. I. Bemis, M. E. Holtz, and H, L. Smith, Ph.D. 
 
 The Little Book of the Flag. (For Grades VI, VII, VIII.) 
 By Eva March Tappan 
 
 The Little Book of the War. (For Grades VII-VIII and Junior High 
 Schools.) By Eva March Tappan 
 
 American Ideals. (For High Schools.) 
 
 Edited by Norman Fobrstsr and W. W. Pibrson, Jr. 
 
 Uberty, Peace, and Justice. (For High Schools.) 
 
 Speeches and Addresses on Democracy and Patriotism, I776>i9i8. Ittreiw 
 side Literature Series, No. a6i 
 
 A Treasury of War Poetry. {For High Schools.) 
 
 British and American Poems of the World War. Edited by Gbokgb Hb>. 
 bbrt Clarke. Riverade Literature Series, No. a6a 
 
 Americanization and Citizenship. 
 
 Lessons in Community and National Ideals for New Americans. By 
 Hanson Hart Webster 
 
 HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 
 
 «9»4 
 
Books on Patriotic Subjects 
 
 I AM AN AMERICAN 
 
 By Sara Conb Bryant (Mrs, Theodore P. Sorst). 
 
 " Americanism," says Mrs. Borst, " needs to be taught as definiteljl 
 as do geography and arithmetic. The grade teachers are doing 
 splendid work for patriotism, with songs and recitations, story- 
 telling, and talks on civic virtues. I have tried to give them some- 
 thing more definite and coordinated, something that will serve as a 
 real textbook on ' Being an American.' " 
 
 STORIES OF PATRIOTISM. 
 
 Edited by Norma H. Dbming, and Katharine L Bemis. 
 
 A series of stirring tales of patriotic deeds by Americans from the 
 time of the colonists to the present. There are also stories about 
 famous heroes of our Allies in the Great War. 
 
 THE PATRIOTIC READER. 
 Edited by Katharine I. Bemis, Mathildb E. Holtz, and Hbnrv 
 L. Smith. 
 
 The selections cover the history of bur country from Colonial 
 times. A distinguishing feature is the freshness of material and the 
 admirable arrangement. The book gives one a familiarity with 
 literature that presents the highest ideals of freedom, justice, and 
 liberty. 
 
 THE LITTLE BOOK OF THE FLAG. 
 
 By Eva March Tappan. 
 
 In her ovm entertaining style. Miss Tappan has written the story 
 of Our Flag. She tells children how to behave toward the flag, in» 
 fashion that malces such behavior a sacred duty. There are selec- 
 tions for Reading and Memorizing, 
 
 A COURSE IN cmZENSHIP AND PATRIOTISM. 
 Edited by E. L. Cabot, F. F. Andrews, F. E. Cob, M. Hill, and 11 
 McSkimmon. 
 
 Good citizenship grows out of love of country and in turn pro. 
 motes the spirit of internationalism. This book teaches how to de- 
 velop these qualities most effectually. 
 
 AMERICANIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP. 
 
 By Hanson Hart Webster. 
 
 " Well calculated to inculcate love for America, especially among 
 the foreign born. This is to be desired at this time more than ever 
 before." — /ft> Eminence, fames Cardinal Gibbons. 
 
 HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 
 
GEOGRAPHICAL READERS 
 
 Home Life Around the World. 
 
 By George A. Mirick. With illustrations from photographs by 
 Burton Holmes. 
 
 The Twins Series of Geographical Readers. 
 
 By Lucy Fitch Perkins. Illustrated by the author. 
 
 The Dutch Twins Primer. — The Eskimo Twins. — The 
 Dutch Twins. — The Japanese Twins. — The Irish Twins. — 
 The Mexican Twins. — The Belgian Twins. — The French 
 Twins. 
 
 Representative Cities of the United States. 
 
 By Caroline W. Hotchkiss. Grades VH and VIII. Illus- 
 trated. 
 
 The British Isles. 
 
 By Everett T. Tomlinson. Grades VII and VIII. Illostrated. 
 
 INDUSTRIAL READERS 
 
 America at Work. 
 
 By Joseph Husband. 
 
 The Industrial Readers. 
 
 By Eva March Tappan. Illustrated. 
 
 The Farmer and His Friends. — Diggers in the Earth.— 
 Makers of Many Things. — Travelers and Traveling. 
 
 HISTORICAL READERS 
 
 The Twins Series of Historical Readers. . 
 
 By Lucy Fitch Perkins. Illustrated by the author. 
 The Cave Twins. — The Spartan Twins. 
 
 History Readers. 
 
 By Eva March Tappan. Illustrated. 
 
 The Story of the Greek People. — The Story of the Roman 
 People. — Old World Hero Stories. — Our European Ances- 
 tors. — Letters from Colonial Children. — American HerP 
 Stories. — The Little Book of the War. 
 
 Heroes Every Child Should Know. 
 
 Edited by Hamilton Wright Mabie. Illustrated. 
 
 Dramatized Scenes from American History. 
 
 By Augusta Stevenson. Grades VI-VIII. Illustratedi 
 
 HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 
 
 1906 
 
THE INDUSTRIAL READERS 
 
 By EVA MARCH TAPPAN 
 
 The Farmer and his Friends 
 Digfgfers in the Earth 
 Makers of Many Thingfs 
 [Travelers and Traveling 
 
 These books meet the general school demand for reading 
 which gives the child an elementary'knowledge of the origin 
 of common things. 
 
 The Industrial Readers show the basic value of farming 
 and mining, the ways in wliich the products of the earth are 
 made usable, and the importance of means of transportation. 
 Through this discussion of "everyday" labor the pupil 
 comes to see the interdependence and value of all forms of 
 the world's work, and gains valuable knowledge that no other 
 set of readers on the market can supply — an understanding 
 of the economic and industrial background of his life. 
 
 HOW TO MAKE THE 
 GARDEN PAY 
 
 A Manual for the Intensive Cultivation of Small 
 Vegetable Gardens 
 
 By EDWARD MORRISON AND 
 CHARLES THOMAS BRUES 
 
 This book is written in simple, clear English that children 
 in the grammar grades may read easily. The authors have had 
 long experience with intensive home gardening and here pre- 
 sent the essential information that will enable those unfamiliar 
 with gardening to plan for a garden that will utilize the avail- 
 able space to the greatest possible advantage, to raise vegeta- 
 bles that will prove most serviceable for home use, and to 
 make the garden increasingly valuable, year after year. 
 
 HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY 
 
 1939