Wi ---7t-'n::irtit.:;t:--.- liiPS;: dfacnell Imncraitg ffiiihrarg Qk-.V, \A «^>r»A^!\t>.Ni i.j:^.t. uorneii university Library PS 351S.A514E9 1913 Everywoman's road:A morality of woman, c rywc 1 3 1924 022 459 725 All books are subject to recall after two weeks Olin/Kroch Library 1 i DATE :due / D&rr^ I: , - ) GAYLORD PRINTED IN U.S.A. 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/cu31924022459725 EVERYWOMAN'S ROAD ■/e. 'V/^? EVERYWOMAN'S ROAD A MORALITY OF WOMAN CREATOR • WORKER • WASTER JOY- GIVER AND KEEPER OF THE FLAME BY JOSEPHINE HAMMOND NEW YORK MITCHELL KENNERLEY MCMXIII COPYRIGHT, I9I3» BY JOSEPHINE HAMMOND ALL RIGHTS RESERVED To the memory of MY MOTHER author's note The Author takes pleasure in expressing here her deep gratitude to Mr. John Marshall, who composed the Organ Accompaniments for the Prologue and the Final Chant, and to Miss Irene Stimson, who made the setting for the Song of the Faun Spirit. The Morality is written in free-running iam- bics: no attempt has been made to conform to blank verse structure. Everywoman's Road was produced in Boston, Massachusetts, May, 191 1, and in Nashville, Tennessee, April, 19 12. Applications for the privilege of performing the Morality should be sent to the Author in care of Mitchell Kennerley, New York. The Music composed for the original produc- tion by John Marshall of Boston may be ob- tained, also, upon application to the Author of the Morality. THE ARGUMENT Of this Morality of Woman, wherein she is found to be Creator, Worker, Waster, Joy- Giver, and Keeper of the Flame. THE SCENE Gentles, ye are sitting in the open courtyard of the House of Truth, the terrace whereof overlooks the shores of the River of Life. Throned in the Courtyard are the Spirits of Woman's Creative Work — the Spirit of Moth- erhood, the Spirit of Industrial Creation, and the Spirit of Artistic Creation. About the 5mm- Dial curves the Road of Everywoman, up-up- to the House of Truth, down-down-to the Lit- tle Lanes of Life. THE PROLOGUE Ye shall hear from the heights above the Road the Voice of Cosmos, chanting of the Rhythm of Creation. And, as the light grows, THE ARGUMENT ye shall see the Spirit of the Seeker, standing in the courtyard. Law and Light, Love and Life make up the burden of the Cosmic Song. What of Death? questions the Seeker. And the Voices of the Women Who Have Died answer from the hidden shore — Life-Life — and Not Death — is the Seeker's Problem — Law, Love, and the Light are Her Needs. THE MORALITY Then ye shall hear and see the Flame of Life, who calls Everywoman to awake, to listen to the Voice of Human Truth, toward whose courtyard Everywoman is drawing near. Roused by Truth to make choice of the des- tinies to be lived on her Road, Everywoman contemplates the Worker who upbuilds, the Waster who destroys. Then does she come to understand that Waste retards the toilsome Evolution of Mankind, and she yearns to pro- tect the Child of the Coming Years. The Child must be free to be glad, too. Truth reminds her, and the dancing youth that pass make Every- woman still more eager to build a World- THE ARGUMENT Home girt round with Law, transfused with Love. She has no means with which to build, she says. So Truth calls forth the gleaming heritage of Man and Woman. Then do the Voices of the Women Who Have Died urge Everywoman on her Road. So does she learn that God is within her, and so does she fare forth to nourish her Divinity through worthy Work and Love on the Road of the Hu- manities. CHARACTERS OF THE MORALITY THE SPEAKERS Everywoman Human Truth Art Flame-of-Life THE SINGING VOICES The Voice of Cosmos The Voice of The Seeker The Voice of Pippa The Voice of The Faun Spirit The Voice of The Mother The Voices of The Women Who Have Died THE WOMEN ON LIFE's ROAD The Workers Cave Women Indian Women Chinese Rice Pickers Egyptian Slaves Hebraic Water-Carriers CHARACTERS OF THE MORALITY Greek Spinners Roman Matrons Teutonic Camp-fVomen Mediaval Field Workers Mediaval Sisters of Charity Mediaval Chatelaine and her Train Dutch Laundresses Breton Fishwives Swedish Knitters New England Housewives Colonial Dames American Pioneer Women Turkish Women Italian Fagot-Gatherers Russian Field-Workers {Yoked) English Coal-Workers Negro Slave Women Factory Women Sweat-Shop Workers Mill Children Shop-Girls Waitresses Nurses Maids-of -all-work Clerical Workers CHARACTERS OF THE MORALITY Professional fVomen A Woman of the Streets Anybody's Grandmother THE WASTERS Two Selfish Women THE WASTED ONE A Girl Waif THE JOY-GIVERS {Groups of Dancing Youth) From Everywhere — Flower-Children From Long Ago — Greek Maidens From The East — Japanese Children From The West — Dutch Children From The North — Esquimau Children From The South — Pickaninnies From Anywhere — A Gypsy Girl CHARACTERS OP THE MORALITY From Next Door — "Just Kids" From The Big House — A Happy Maiden From The Slums — A Happy Street Child From Nowhere — Elves THE FLAME-KEEPERS She Who Loved Her Father — Jephthah's Daughter She Who Loved Her Mother — Ruth She Who Loved Her Brother — Antigone She Who Lovid Her Husband — Alcestis She Who Loved Her Race — Boadicea She Who Loved Her Lover — Brunhild She Who Loved Her FaithSt. Agnes She Who Loved Her State — Jeanne d' Arc She Who Loved Her Friend — Beatrice She Who Loved Her Child — Pompilia THE HERITAGE OF EVERYWOMAN The spirit of Motherhood The Spirit of Artistic Creation CHARACTERS OF THE MORALITY The Spirit of Industrial Creation The Faun Spirit The Spirit of Dreams The Spirit of Nature The Spirit of Society The Spirit of The Body Health Beauty The Spirit of The Heart Joy Pain The Spirit of The Mind Wit Will The Spirit of The Hand Skill Solace The Spirit of The Spirit EVERYWOMAN'S ROAD THE PROLOGUE SCENE: The courtyard of the House of Truth. Seven broad marble steps curve from left to right and lead to a broad platform. The marble is yellow in tone. This platform is finished left, rear, and right, by a colonnaded ter- race. Behind the marble columns, left and right, the walls of the wings of the House of Truth are seen. At the rear the River of Life flows by the terrace, and its waters, and the ver- dant hills by which it winds, are seen distantly between the columns. Steps go down rear left and right centre from the terrace to the unseen shore. Entrances hung with tapes- try lead to the House from upper left I everywoman's road Love brooded the Marvel asons untold — Electric the Waking — Outwinged a Soul ! Into the Light Into the Light turned the Earth : Dumb with the wonder Man stared at his Mate — Seaward gleamed Gladness — Skyward glowed Hope — Close to the Jungle Brutes Outbloomed a Rose — Outbloomed a Rose. [As the light grows, the Seeker is discovered, leaning on a pedestal, at the extreme left hand corner of the stage apron. She is robed in rose. She nods her head slowly as the foregoing chant ends. She chants, first in answer to the Voice of Cosmos, then toward the stage, invoking the Women Who Have Died. everywoman's road VOICE OF THE SEEKER [chants] This the Great Rhythm — Light follows the Law, Love follows the Light And Life follows Love. [pauses, sings meditatively} Deep falls the Shadow — Death stalks the Life. Profound the Enigma — What follows Death? Women Creators Come forth from the Ages — Love ye have lavished Life ye have borne: Ye have been vanquished, Ye have known scorn : Still prowls the Jungle Brute, Still blooms the Rose. A Seeker comes seeking The Riddle to read — Are Love and Life burdens? Are Life and Love guerdons? EVERYWOMAN S ROAD Whence pulsed the Breath? What follows Death? Moulders of Miracle Interpret the Law. VOICES OF WOMEN [chanting from behind^ We knew not the Law, We knew not the Law. Caprice was our tablet, Enslavement our share: We were but children, We knew but in part. Vain — vain the cravings. Grim — grim the sorrows. Yet joys did we glean And sweet cherishment; Crowned we have been. Barged rich on Life's tide. Love we have garnered. Life we have given — And died. [The key of their chant changes. "^ everywoman's road Let the Seeker seek Law and the Light- Let her enter her Kingdom of Self In full Sovereignty. Let her chalice her Love as she goes- Let her pass to her Pain and her Night In Tranquillity. Life — Life, and not Death, is her prob- lem — Law, Love, and the Light are her needs. Let the Light come ! Let the Love grow ! Let the Law be revealed ! [ The organ plays as the persons of the Moral- ity, in two lines, enter by the rear steps, cross the terrace and the front stage, and pass in processional left and right through the auditorium exits, front left and right. The processional is led by two Heralds, robed like the Fra Angelica Trumpeters, in green. Everywoman does not appear in the Pro- cessional. At the last The Voices of Women are everywoman's road a^ain heard singing from the hidden shore, 'Let the Seeker ' They continue singing as the last figures of the Prologue enter. These are The Spirits of Creative Work. The Spirit of Industrial Creation is in bronze draperies and carries a distaff. The spirit of Artistic Creation is in bronze also and bears a tablet and stylus; they walk left and right of The Spirit of Motherhood, who is clothed in draperies of violet, and who walks with her hands on the shoulders of two children, a boy and a girl. The girl is five; she is gowned in soft white. The boy is three; he is dressed in a white Russian blouse suit, with socks and sandals. These fig- ures advance down stage. The Flame of Life, in robes of flame color, enters left, and Human Truth, in gold tinged with blue, enters right, after these figures. They pass left and right, along the terrace, and stand watching the tableau. everywoman's road As the singers end their song, the cur- tain falls upon this tableau, and the lights go out. In the darkness the Seeker leaves the stage, and the Voice of Cos- mos leaves the balcony.^ EVERYWOMAN'S ROAD THE MORALITY SCENE: The same. The Spirits of Creative Work are seated in the cut blocks; The Spirit of Artistic Creation right, The Spirit of Industrial Creation left, and The Spirit of Motherhood centre. The children are on the steps at her feet. Enter the Heralds, left and right front auditorium. They sit left and right of the stage. Before the curtain is drawn the strains of a Slumber Song are heard. These are modulated into Fire Music as the scene opens. The stage is dimly lighted. Jets of flame come from the hidden shore. The lights blaze up in stage and au- ditorium as the Flame of Life en- ters. lO EVERYWOMAN S ROAD II Enter the Flame of Life rear left from the River, spiritedly. FLAME OF LIFE [passing through auditorium, calling] EveryTvoman, Everywoman, Awake — awake — Truth Cometh! Awake from thy sleeping, The Living Flame calls, Truth Cometh! She goes out rear auditorium left, repeat- ing the call without; she re-enters rear au- ditorium right, and, still calling, mounts stage. She sinks in a glowing heap at the left of the steps. Human Truth enters from her house en- trance rear right, walking meditatively. One wrist concealed beneath her sleeve is fettered. She is conceived as speaking from a mellowed wisdom, lighted now and then with gleams of humor. She comes down and is advancing to the sun-dial when Everywoman, who has been, unper- 12 everywoman's road ceived, in the audience, speaks to her. Everywoman is in lustrous black; her sleeves and gown show a lining of flame. She too wears a manacle on her left wrist. She is looking curiously about as if newly awakened. She halts while still in the au- ditorium and speaks from there. Truth stands by the sun-dial, on which she leans from time to time, or around which she moves, to introduce some movement in the dialogue which follows. EVERYWOMAN [curiously'] Have I been long asleep? There came Strange crying in my ear — 'Awake, awake!' What called, and What familiar, foreign forms Were those that flitted by me in my dreams? TRUTH {^gentlyl For centuries and centuries and centuries, You have been sleeping, my Everywoman. everywoman's road 13 everywoman [bewildered] What do you mean? Have I not always la- bored hard To turn the wheels that go around — around — TRUTH [interrupting] Ah — ^you have helped to turn So many, many wheels within your caged world. You have wrought well in all the ages past, Impelled by instinct — instinct serving you for brain. But now the time is ripe for you to wake, for you To learn, in conscious toil, the compass and the depth Of that God-given mystery men call Life, Which you have played with, feared, despised, and loved. [fFhimsically.^ Dear one, you sometimes do not know your varied self. The many forms that just now passed you by 14 everywoman's road Were you — you as the world has known you — The mother of its young, the giver of sweet joys, Co-bearer of great burdens— 'Co^waster of great wealth, And keeper of the flame that beacons to the stars. EVERYWOMAN These names stir memories, and yet what can I learn Of Life more wonderful than that loved light That makes a Heaven of my baby's eyes? TRUTH ^compassionately] The way to keep that Heaven inviolate. [^Pausing.] My Everywoman, Nature burdens you To bear the race, but only Wisdom, bred From Love and Truth, can make you fit for Motherhood. EVERYWOMAN S ROAD I 5 EVERYWOMAN [^moved] How often, in the clutch of custom, I have dreamed This might be so. And you — you that limn The truth so boldly yet so graciously, What are you called? TRUTH I am the Truth I speak. EVERYWOMAN And you know all ? TRUTH No — no — I am but Human Truth — Evolved from all the best you and your mate, The Everyman, have lived, divinely sensed. And blindly struggled for. Such Truth cannot Be crystal clear: it needs must show prismatic gleams From tinge of mood and circumstance. I am That part of you which, you have seldom un- derstood. i6 everywoman's road EVERYWOMAN Islowly] Yet dimly I recall a groping — groping — through Vicissitudes untold — toward some harmonic whole — You seem a part of that full harmony — You I have glimpsed, but never really known. TRUTH [quaintly] Alas — I have been tricked in many garbs, Hid in vast tomes of dullness, pinched and pulled, Denied in one aspect — to be accepted In an- other. But always some clear-visioned acolyte has sought My heart, and dressed my body, as you see, in gold. EVERYWOMAN [childishly] And I, no doubt, have helped to pinch and pull? everywoman's road 17 TRUTH [nods grimly] Ay — ^When you wasted much and did invent pretence. EVERYWOMAN [anxiously] But I have v?orked, you said — TRUTH [nodding again] Since first the skin was dressed, And fire lighted in the cave's black gloom. EVERYWOMAN [pleadingly] And carrier of joy? That, too, I've been? TRUTH [tenderly] Ah — ^what had been existence lacking you ! A toddling mite — you laughed in grave men's beards ; 1 8 everywoman's road A girl — ^you trailed a rainbow through the days! To woman grown — ^your hands, your eyes, your breast. Gave sanctuary. How blank the world if you Forgot to laugh, to dance, to bless ! EVERYWOMAN [wistfully] I would that I might always bear these gifts of joy- But Ishudderinff] poignant memories of an- guished loneliness Come back to stab with age-old pain. Whence came this grey woe of the world? TRUTH [sadly 1 World-Builders sometimes quite forget to seek for Truth. They are not always Keepers of the Living Flame. EVERYWOMAN What do you mean? everywoman's road 19 TRUTH Not yet has all mankind The insight and the courage to be free From fear. Sometimes a noble spirit, vibrant to The play of forces in the infinite space, Moves on serenely to an end itself decrees. Your Book of Life, my Everywoman, has EnscroUed the glories of such master souls. With royal ease they lay their yokes aside. They face the sun and learn life can be glorified : They climb the hills — they feed the fires on the heights : They come, again, to common ways and kin, And drink the bitter-sweet of sacrifice. But always in their eyes the vision lives, And those who look therein forsake futilities And lift their wearied faces to that vastness where The stars swing through the night in rhythmic harmony. Wherever one so lives that some transcendent light 20 everywoman's road Of Love shines through her deeds, there is the Living Flame — The Inspiration that shall whip Mankind From its deep ditch of dull brutality. EVERYWOMAN [wonderinffly] And these are part of me? My eyes have mirrored Love From Love's immortal sphere? How. much one can forget ! I — I have been the flame — again and yet again? TRUTH Yes — yes — my eager-hearted one. Into The little lanes of life uncounted multitudes Have brought their infinite shining love — and passed. Too often have they passed unknown — unsung. Some of the heart-blood they have spilled The poet-seers have chaliced for mankind : Impassioned bards have sculptured gem-set Grails EVERYWOMAn's road 21 And in these glorious cups of beaten gold The precious blood glows red, inviting you And yours to drink communion with eternities. EVERYWOMAN Iwist fully] I would that I might see the vision constantly, And light the little lanes with star-rays from my love. I weary of the weight upon my eyes, I weary of these fetters that dishonor me. [^Holding fettered hand out appealingly.] TRUTH [vehemently] And I, too, hunger for the day when I May walk abroad in open squares, where young And old shall nod to me familiarly And pause to listen when I speak above the crowd. Ah — such reverence would be sweet — sweet ! I am so sad at heart when I must skulk with shame 22 EVERYW^MAN's ROAD All up and down the dusty streets to-day. I, too, am weary of the torn and motley cloak The fools fling round me in the market-place! Your fetters fetter me! You hold your life and mine In those small hands, my Everywoman. EVERYWOMAN What must I do? TRUTH [smiling a little] So many, many things In those full spacious days about to dawn. EVERYWOMAN But first? TRUTH [earnestly] The Vision waits eternally. You need but wish to front the sun — the weights will drop When your soul wills to see. Then you shall understand everywoman's road 23 ''Your needs and man's. Your race develops worth And joy, and peace, as you develop body, mind, And soul to their full, rich capacities. EVERYWOMAN But even if I see aright, how can I grow, thus bound? TRUTH You must demand of Life The space and means through which to grow: this once achieved. With open mind, and wide, deep sympathies, you needs Must learn realities and laws — the universal laws, The grim realities. EVERYWOMAN {^slowly'l For ages I have heard The echo of this call. While I was hardly yet awake 24 everywoman' s road ■I anguished with the woe of women fighting for release — I shivered with the cries of children starved And helpless in the mirk of barren rooms. [7*0 Truth, vehemently .^ You talk of Visions — ^where is food for such as these ? TRUTH [very simply] •I do not know — you have not told me. EVERYWOMAN [after a pause, slowly'] I understand — you mean it is a human task To bring surcease of woe : and I and mine Must find the ways to lift humanity to health. Ah — Truth — I am not wise — I am not learned — TRUTH [interrupting, smiling] But you are often wise in foolishness — What men call folly sometimes is divine. [Everywoman shakes her head, wistfully. Truth waits sympathetically.] everywoman's road i^ TRUTH List yet again to olden memories — What deep-rung melodies resound? The world has known God-like, ecstatic joy — remember that. EVERYWOMAN [light breaking over her face] Yes — yes — I'll not forget! I hear — I hear The throbbing wonder of a thrush's song — The glad, clear call of comrades on the road: I hear the love-tones welling from a heart be- loved. [Turning passionately to Truth.] Tell me — you bear the treasured wisdom from The mysteries of immemorial days — tell me ; The magic that will turn all bitterness and strife And stagnant callousness to splendid life! TRUTH [slowly, impressively] Dear Heart — there is no sudden magic in the long Laborious evolution of the earth and man — 26 everywoman's road And yet — all's miracle ! We do not know The deep intent of God's creative work, But we may read the hoped-for future from the past. The alchemy you must employ — 'tis clear The Vision first! And then, perhaps, a rever- ent love For all created things — and then — more faith — More faith in simple good — more sturdiness in faith — More splendid courage in the soul to conquer fear; More wisdom to foresee — more charity to share — And everywhere pejsistent toil employed to rear, With scientific skill, a state so ample and so rich That all therein may freely breathe and laugh. And learn how best to work and play and love. The task is great. Is it not time you woke ? You who might feed the world with happiness and hope Must part of you be wasted in the mill of greed? everywoman's road 27 Must part of you persist in selling life For vanities to trim an empty day? Dear Victim of an Idol-loving race, When will you climb the open hills with me? EVERYWOMAN Iwith animation] Help me to know myself. I am awake I I seek the Truth of Life I [/f« awakening Song is played behind. Every- woman advances to stage, first boldly, then more slowly. Truth crosses to meet her with outstretched hands. Every- woman stands on the steps hesitantly.] TRUTH Come here and sit beside me where The Spirits of Creative Life are throned. [^Quaintly.] Nay, do not shrink away. E'en closely scanned The Truth is very beautiful 1 28 everywoman's road everywoman Istill drawing back] It is so strange to be thus close to Truth. I grow afraid of what you shall unfold: The future days — TRUTH [interrupting] Are yours to spoil or crown. Be brave of heart — learn patiently, and let Me see you smile as you do learn. To muse With mannered sadness on your ills is wrong. The world's woe lies too deep for tears to freshen it: It needs a singing stimulant to rouse it to rebel. [Voice of Pippa is heard from behind.] Hark. [They listen, Truth with her hand on Everywoman's arm.] PIPPA [singing behind] 'The year's at the spring And day's at the morn; everywoman's road 29 Morning's at seven; The hillside's dew-pearled; The lark's on the wing ; The snail's on the thorn: God's in His heaven — All's right with the world 1' TRUTH That's Pippa, Keeper of the Living Flame. l^Smiling.] The muddiest pool throws back the sunshine when she sings. [The voice is distantly heard as they move to C. and ascend the steps.] [Truth stands beside chair L., on which she sometimes leans. This position brings her a little behind Everywoman, who sits thinking in chair R.] EVERYWOMAN But all Is not right with the world. And knowing that How can I hope, although I am awake And eager for the Truth? 30 everywoman's road TRUTH \_with grave beauty] Dear Child, so far As we may know, God's Universe is right. This wondrous House of Man holds food and force And inspiration for your mate and you. It is supremely beautiful. Ah — Everywoman, When weights drop from your eyes, go stand upon A mountain top some blossomy morn in spring, and watch, In hushed responsiveness, the birth of day. Then, like a homing bird, my voice shall sing to you — 'Naught's ill, all's good, and clean, and sweet, and beautiful. Where life is lived in harmony with Nature's laws.' Where God is immanent. Creation must be right. [^fVith sudden force.] The wrong's in you and in the Everyman. Brute passion, ignorance, and selfishness everywoman's road 31 War in you with your soul's great heritage; Your lust for self robs Nature of her health, And wastes the sustenance of humankind. Waste — waste — there's world-wide waste — a waste of life, Of living power and of living needs, And where there's waste there's wrong! EVERYWOMAN ^musingly] Two natures of One body in locked strife — the one which wastes And that which does upbuild — TRUTH [noddinff] The greatest drama of the world — This conflict of the noble and ignoble in man- kind. EVERYWOMAN \_thinking deeply} Was I not taught to shun all knowledge of the wrong ? 32 everywoman's road TRUTH So falsely taught! How can you choose — asleep ? EVERYWOMAN Then all who live must choose between these two? TRUTH Your life is made from what you do elect. EVERYWOMAN But I have been a victim of fell circumstance, Blinded — bound — ^misled — I could not choose. TRUTH Myriads have stumbled in their chains, And yet the myriads could choose in part. As you grow conscious of the age-old laws Of Growth and Change, the better will you un- derstand This obligation laid upon your soul. everywoman's road 33 EVERYWOMAN [wistfully] Why may I not just grow as grasses do? TRUTH [smiling a little] Your living Is a blank unless you seek Divinities in transitory days. One moment's exultation of the soul Outvies long cycles of insensate years. EVERYWOMAN [eagerly] There can be zest of living then, despite the pain? TRUTH The ecstasy of life lies close to numbing pain. But out of pain a keener sense is born — A higher joy — and ever out of struggle 'twixt The joy and pain new life evolves. This life, God's gift, is what you choose to make it, Child- 34 everywoman's road everywoman Teach me, Great Sybil, how to choose aright. TRUTH I'll mirror you as you have been and are. Diverse — opposed — the Worker and the One who Wastes, The Giver of Much Joy, The Keeper of the Flame. Scan well the shadowed show. So may you learn What you must seek when you go forth from here Into the teeming land that needs the best of you. EVERYWOMAN [simply} Dear Wise One, I will mark the show. TRUTH [crossing to sun-dial} The workers first. [Stirring the Flame of Life.} Go, Leaping One, and animate The Women Burden-Bearers of the world. everywoman's road 35 [Flame of Life goes of L. auditorium. Lights dim as she goes out. Truth turns to Everywoman.'\ Since those dim cycles far behind recorded time The woman's hand and back and body have been made To bear a goodly brunt. \_Grimly tender.] So patient you Have been — so toilsome — and so unintelligent In toil — so bound to fosslled lines — so selfishly Unselfish — and so good — so good I O you Divinely foolish and heroic Mother of the World- See what you have : the world kneels down be- fore your shrine, Then quietly goes out and sells you into chains To feed its pampered and most bestial appe- tites. EVERYWOMAN [stirred'] The truth of what you mean beats in me — I begin To see — to know — myself — but tell me, Truth, Is work not good? Is woman's bearing never sweet? 36 everywo man's ROAi) TRUTH Iffravely] Fit labor and sweet bearing are among The choicest gifts God ever gave to you. [As Everywoman is about to speak, looking off auditorium L.J Hush — the firstlings of the race appear — She who wove the mat — who ground the corn — And she who bore the pack. [Truth crosses to L and sits again. The organ plays a slow dragging march. The lights brighten as the Flame of Life re-enters rear auditorium left, followed by the groups of Workers severally. The Flame of Life stands apart near the Herald. The Workers advance slowly to the stage, then cross the stage before Truth and Everywoman and pass down steps right and go off through auditorium to rear exit. Truth watches as if accustomed to the show. Everywoman looks eagerly upon it. The organ plays on as the train passes slowly and heavily. EVERYWOMAN S ROAD 37 In the train are primitive cave women; Indian women; women of the rice fields of China; an Egyptian slave; Hebraic water carriers; a Greek spinner; Teutonic women; Turk- ish women; an Algerian woman; Italian fagot-gatherers; French peasants of the mediaval time returning from the fields; sisters of charity of the mediaval time; a Lady of the castle with her daughter, page, and maids; a Dutch laundress; Breton fishwives; a Swedish knitter; New England housewives of the Colonial period; a Colonial Dame with her child toddling by her; American pioneer women; English factory women; a for- lorn shirt maker; a negro slave girl of the '50's; cotton mill children of the South; German housewife with young child; group of modern women; a tele- phone girl; a nurse; a business woman; a woman in cap and gown; an illustrator in painter's apron; a teacher with chil- dren about her; last, an old Lady. The women carry the jugs, baskets, and so forth, characteristic of their occupations. 38 everywoman's road The old lady who comes last is dressed after Whistler's portrait of his mother. Everywoman rises instinctively as this Avatar of herself passes. The Old Lady pauses in front of the glowing Spirit of Mother- hood. The latter leans down and whis- pers to the Small Girl, who rises briskly, takes the Grandmother' s hand and leads her carefully down the steps. The Grand- mother fumbles in the bag she wears, finds a sweetmeat which she gives to the Small Girl, who is pirouetting. The Old Lady passes and the Small Girl runs back to centre. Everywoman has remained stand- ing, looking off after the line: the line has wakened memories of age-old suffer- ing and weariness — she is deeply stirred. As the last notes of the organ sound, Truth, also looking off R., speaks mus- ingly.] TRUTH They are the burden bearers, They are the doers of deeds, They are the trouble sharers In the Kingdom of Little Needs. everywoman's road 39 everywoman [^with tense emotion] I understand. I now recall so well How many, many times I've worked and watched And waited — ^waited — waited — TRUTH [pityingly] Yes — ^yes — Dear Heart — I know — that Jungle Brute Still makes you bleed : [Looking at her keenly.] You must stir high the flame To keep the Craven far away from you. EVERYWOMAN [breathing quickly] I ^ill — I will — only teach me what to do-^— TRUTH [still looking keenly at Everywoman] Remember — ^you have sometimes cast your yoke aside, 40 everywoman's road And lost your fear, and climbed the heights, where you have drunk An Age's distillation of the Wine of Life ! Do you remember — yes? And then — and then — You drained your own heart's blood to fill the cup again — The glow of it flames now — north — south, and east and west — Flames high and lightens those unsightly slums Where Children toddle in the dirt and die. EVERYWOMAN \_shivering] I have watched them die — TRUTH [rapidly] Ah — Everywoman, You have a labor greater than the sum Of all the work wrought by the workers that have passed. To work is much, but to inflame a world Of smugness, pettiness, and greed — to draw it up teVERYWOMAN's ROAD 41 To live in decency and charity and truth — That is a labor for a queenly soul 1 EVERYWOMAN [deeply moved, speaks quickly] A task for kingly and for queenly souls, The truth you make me taste is bitter-sweet in- deed. Show me the Women that have dared to live Transcendently in this grim strife of light and lust. TRUTH [more quietly] Their histories are locked within their hearts. [Fery quietly.] I do not doubt God knows them — and all's well. [Pauses.] At times some God-like divination in A poet-seer has found their heart's key and un- locked Their mysteries. Dear Child, you can not vitalize 42 everywoman's road The fallow wonders In your soul till you '■ Have visloned your full-statured, noblest self In these Transcendent Ones. [^s if she saw them passing in a noble train.] How beautiful they are As they pass onward, and they are so real — so real — The glorious and rounded bodlment of all Who have so greatly lived and passed — un- sung. EVERYWOMAN Show them to me — I wish to know my highest self. TRUTH It takes the Art that's sister to the Truth To bring these figures forth. [To Flame of Life.] Thou Flaming One, Call from the mountain tops that Art that seeks Immortally to emulate its God. EVERYWOMAN S ROAD 43 FLAME OF LIFE [rising at the right and calling of rear staged Spirit of Beauty — Nourisher of Divinity — Great Art, come forth. [Music is played softly and then siveepingly as, after a pause, the Spirit of Art, clothed in soft gold-green, chapleted, and carry- ing a cluster of waterlilies, comes slowly from the terrace and down the platform steps L. Truth and Everywoman watch her coming. She pauses on the steps be- low these two.] ART [simply] You called, Great Truth? How can I serve your need? TRUTH This Learner, Everywoman, would behold The noblest Women of the World. 44 EVERYWOMAN S ROAD ART Has she The grace to see ? TRUTH It has grown in her since she woke. ART [to Everywoman] Cleanse from your heart all envy, falseness, and all shame. Look up — look up — the Keepers of the Flame are passing by. [The lights go suddenly out: flames play from behind the Mother. A red light shines on the figures that enter singly right au- ditorium front, pass in front of Truth and Everywoman, and pass slowly off left front auditorium. The organ plays quietly when Art speaks, triumphantly as each figure comes stately from th^ shadows. \ EVERYWOMAN S ROAD 45 ART Once lived a maid who honored honor in such wise That she gave up her sweet young life to keep The sacred vow her father made — that day He overthrew his foe. Jephthah's daughter — come, Come as you came to greet the king — elate — Pass as you passed from life, undaunted, brave. Self-sacrificed to thy clear-burning Flame of Love. [Jephthah's Daughter passes over.] ART And once there lived a maid so filial in love She wandered where her mother led, and gleaned In stranger fields — although her eyes yearned achingly To see again the lift of hills about her home. Ruth — nourisher of constancy — pass by; [Ruth with her sheaves passes over.] 4-6 everywoman's road ART This august line brings close to us the grim And tragic mysteries the woman soul has lived When swept with fires of transcendent Love: Come, come, Antigone, who, for a brother's sake, Upbore thy haughty will to bury him, Until the shameful noose cut off thy life mag- nificent. [Antigone passes over.] ART And come, thou Sweet Alcestis, from the same Blue-spanned and God-inspired Grecian World; Alcestis with the sunny locks Admetus loved so well — You died that he might live eternally — Pure-hearted wife — the Flame burns higher as you pass. \^Alcestis passes over.] ART Once was there one who loved her Race so well She fought in mortal combat with its foe — everywoman's road 47 Boadicea — most valiant in arm and heart — pass by. \_Boadicea passes over.] ART Brunhild! and will you for a moment leave That sphere of Deathless Love you won so gloriously — When out of pain you soared with Siegfried past The Morning Star to your Eternity? [Brunhild passes over.] ART The Love of Woman spends Itself in divers ways : So often it has run in crystal streams back to its Source ; Sometimes the Jungle Brute has tasted of its purity, And followed it and won to Manhood by its side; In every age great hearts have bled to keep a faith — 48 everywoman's road One passes now — St. Agnes — martyred Child So young — so pure of soul — so strong in faitb [St. Agnes passes over.] ART Another Maid there lived, young, pure, and strong, Whose saintly passion for her State achieved A miracle. She left a sheltered peace To lead her France to victory: h^r blood has dyed The field where grow the lilies she so loved. Pass by, Jeanne d'Arc, the lilies are the whitest where you bled. [Jeanne d'Arc passes over.] ART And thou, most human and most lovely Beatrice, Pass by. Thy Master dowered thee with wit, A wholesome wit: he crowned thee with thy loyalty To womanhood. An outraged woman was thy friend everywoman's road 49 And you did love her more than you loved Self In that great moment when you trumpeted be- lief Across the sodden field of circumstantial doubt. Pass on — Reality can learn from thee. [^Beatrice passes over.} ART Dear Learner — seek these Women when the Flame burns low — Myself and what is mine are dedicate to thee. And chief — the woman-child I summon now — The loveliest flower ever reared from common soil — Pompilia, pass by — a woman bartered thee, A fiend oppressed thee — but thy soul swung free. Thou dared defy thy world to shield the Liv- ing Flame — O Peerless rose of womanhood — ^pass by I [^Pompilia passes over.] [The organ notes end in triumphant chords and the lights go out. Art mounts to right terrace where she sits in meditation. The lights come up slowly.\ 50 EVERYWOMAN S ROAD EVERYWOMAN Imoved, conscious of her kinship with these passing ones] How inextinguishable the spirit-life Of such rare souls — how warm their pulsing blood! Ah, Truth, how wise you were — one needs but see Such bravery of womanhood and quick Desire for the best in dream and deed awakes. TRUTH [nodding] The air is vibrant yet with haunting melodies Swept from their heart strings; melodies of love That other hearts must hear or atrophy to death. EVERYWOMAN l_mystically'\ I seem to see them moving in effulgent light — And they passed so serenely — y?t they bore, everywoman's road 51 So Art did say, the grievous pain of martyr- dom — Where got they that sure splendor of the soul? TRUTH They lived integrities and so were strong. They built imperishable ideals which have Outlasted monument and state and men's de- crees. Lovers all — they spent their largesse lavishly, And it flowed back, to make them richer than before : They did not waste — they spent — they did not waste ! EVERYWOMAN This waste you do rebuke in me e'en while You shrine my highest self so lovesomely. This waste destroys not only harmonies of life But wrecks the waster, too ? TRUTH [noddinff'\ The Common Good Expands from single worthiness. Until you learn how best 52 EVERYWOMAN S ROAD To serve yourself, Society will be enchained. And you, my Child, will stay the stunted thing you are. EVERYWOMAN Show me more plainly what you mean: if I Must choose my Way of Life, I must know all I am. TRUTH [/o Flame of Life] Thou Quickener of Breath, go out into the streets And bring us any Women Wasters you may find. And if, perchance, you come upon a Wasted One Bring her in, too. [Flame of Life goes out right auditorium rear.] It would be wearisome To body forth the Wasters and the Wasted of the Past: Innumerable as motes in shafts of light they are. For centuries Society has fed its Life everywoman's road 53 From toil of slaves in field, or home, or shop : For centuries Society has waged its Wars With no more reverence for its Human Stock Than you have for a bruised and broken weed. For centuries the binding coils of Caste Have dwarfed your growth — nor have we yet outgrown This sacrilegious desecration of the God in Man. For centuries the Rich have wasted wealth, The Poor have wasted time, the Ignorant Have wasted the achievements of the Wise. Ah — Everywoman — You — of all God's creatures — have been wasted most! And will you now, with hooded soul, make Waste your aim? I grow prolix — here comes a bit of life More potent in effect than all my words. [Music, with the yearning of the world-pain in its tones, is played behind.^ [Enter Flame of Life rear auditorium right, followed by a forlorn girl waif, stagger- ing under a heavy bundle of basted sweat- shop clothing. The Flame of Life pauses 54 everywoman's road at the foot of the steps leading to the stage and speaks to Truth.] FLAME OF LIFE [chanting] Here passeth one The Wasted one Whose life has been A blank — a blank Of all save pain. [The Flame of Life stands aside to allow the child to pass. The child limps across the stage and sits wearily on the stone seat; here she gnaws, with a famished wolfish- ness, a black crust of bread which she takes from her blouse. It gives small comfort. She sinks dejectedly back on the bench. [The music becomes expressive of weariness and cynicism. Enter rear auditorium right two extravagantly dressed women of the period: they are nonchalant and very much bored. The Flame of Life speaks again to Truth.] everywoman's road 55 flame of life [chanting] Great Truth My flame Burns feebly In these two — They eat dead fruits By dead — dead seas And waste — and waste — [Everywoman scans the two as they approach and looks with puzzled interest from them to the Waif. The two women mount the stage and pause by the sun-dial. One yawns; the other examines a small silver tablet. The Flame of Life sits on the stage steps with head bowed. [They trail of left. The child looks up, rises, plucks the skirt of the second Woman, and then holds out her hands imploringly. [The women draw back from the child and pass off left front auditorium exit without heeding her. Everywoman with strug- gling emotion watches the scene. The 56 everywoman's road child looks wistfully around, her lip quiv- ers, and she sobs convulsively. Every- woman instinctively reaches out her arms. The music modulates into minor chords again, hut now a major strain of hope is woven with them. The Mother-Spirit leans to the Small Boy and whispers to him: he rises and goes to the JVaif, pats her face, takes her hand forcefully and draws her hack to the centre. When she turns in slow astonishment, she finds the Mother's arms outstretched. The Small Girl looks at the Mother with sudden question; and the Mother nods; the Small Girl rises and stands on tip-toe to get a small basket on the pedestal. With care she lifts of the napkin and takes out a large slice of bread, butter and sugar. This she hands to the Waif, as the latter comes tremblingly to the steps. The Waif sits in wondering happiness between the Small Boy and Small Girl who smile at her, and at last she bites greedily into the slice. Everywoman's eyes are wet. She tries to conceal her emotion. Truth feVERYVVOMAN^S ROAD ^7 watches her tenderly. Truth leans for- ward and is about to speak. The music ends in haunting joyousness.] TRUTH Child— EVERYWOMAN \_quickly] No — No — don't speak to me — I had not Remembered I was ever cruel to the little ones — TRUTH [her eyes flashing although she speaks quietly] But Truth must speak! The gift of God has Godly rights — You cannot rob your children with impunity. [Everywoman cowers in her chair. Truth goes on feelingly.] Dear Child — believe the Truth I tell to you : I learned it from the wisest souls in which God's love Has lain — learned it here [gesturing to the sun-dial] through long elapse of years. 58 everywoman's road Until Mankind grows reverent of its OWN Divinity Sublime Creative Forces will be subject TO Caprice And unloved Youth will suffer and will SIN, Unconscious of the beatings of the Spirit's wings. Life grows to God through slow devel- opment Of God in Man. So only love akin to God's Should dare create a Child, and only Love should nurture it. everywoman \raising her head} You told me I must choose. My Way is clear. The pain of all the strange unkindliness That children, rich and poor, endure assails me; I know I must seek endlessly to build A Home girt round with Law — transfused with Love. {^Starting suddenly and turning to Truth.] everywoman's road 59 Can this be answer to the Quest — leads all Caprice To Death, but Love, fulfilled, to Life and yet more Life? TRUTH [^watching her closely'\ I do not know. But, whatever is the goal. The young are always here. EVERYWOMAN lalert] Yes — ^Yes— I'll not forget. [^Shaking her head and smiling.'] The merest sun-ray makes them all aquiver with delight. TRUTH [noddingl Their stream of joy is never deep, and yet No parching drought in all the devastating years Has ever stilled this rippling joyance of the World. 6o everywoman's road You once were part of it — its sparkling way- wardness Lives in you now — so many are the joys you give! [With great enjoyment.'] How often weary Pan, astray in wastes Of Commonness, has sought this skipping stream. And drawn its fresh'ning waters through his reeds, And piped it on to follow him to where The sunlight flickers through the beechen wood, And on and on — to dim sweet twilights where The fairy folk hold revel with the fire-flies. And Watchers in the skies bend down and smile. EVERYWOMAN [^eagerly'\ But Pan could pipe the little ones away. TRUTH [shaking her head] When you were wise you walked beside the gleaming stream, everywoman's road 6i And when it wearied of its play it rippled to Your feet, and you laved in its lovesomeness, And soothed it into slumber on your breast, And so you gave and gained the happiness That now must help you teach this Waif the Joy of Life. IPan is heard piping without.^ {^Truth listens.^ Hark — Pan is calling — ^you shall hear and see The gladsome rout: [with sudden wistfulness] and it may be — that you Will wish all children to be free and safe. [The Voice of the Faun-Spirit is heard singing without the auditorium front right — she enters the doorway, repeating the song. Then she turns and goes out and the song is heard distantly. She re-enters rear left, passes up the aisle, singing, and withdraws front left.] 62 everywoman's road THE VOICE OF THE FAUN-SPIRIT [^singing'] The fire-flies are glinting O'er meadow, marsh, and hollow — Follow — Follow — Only those whose hearts are young Sense the song that Pan has sung — Follow fire — follow flame — Make of life a magic game: Fancy calls to those that tire Follow flame and follow fire — Follow — Follow — There's shelter in the forest For those that faint with sorrow — Follow — Follow — Follow — Follow — Follow — \^The last note merges into the Pipe-call of the Faun-Spirit. Enter the Faun-Spirit rear auditorium left, playing the pipes. He leaps to the stage and dances in happy abandon. Presently, growing weary of dancing alone, he pipes to the Happy Ones to come to play with him. Truth everywoman's road 63 and Everywoman watch the frolic with keen enjoyment. [Enter rear auditorium left the following groups, dancing, frolicking. The Faun- Spirit is sometimes the centre of the group that swings about him, sometimes he looks on at the merry rout with mirth- ful appreciation. [_The scene is in sunlight. \Enter — severally — a group of small maidens in the yellow and green of spring, with flowers: they skip to the stage, make merry with the Faun-Spirit, dance about him, and pelt him with the flowers. He dextrously dances away from them, laughingly throws the flowers at the chil- dren and drives them of right stage: they exit dancing and laughing through right auditorium. [The Faun-Spirit calls again. [Enter two Greek maidens, dancing through the left auditorium aisle. They carry garlands for the altar. They circle Pan and dance of right auditorium aisle. 64 everywoman's road [Enter, as before, two Greek girls playing handball. They play with great merri- ment, dodging about the Faun-Spirit and running quickly of right auditorium. The Faun-Spirit calls again. [Enter left auditorium aisle, more sedately, six Japanese children, who play a game and move quaintly off. [The Faun-Spirit calls again. [A small Dutch girl appears left auditorium aisle, followed by her dog. She is making him beg, when eight of her friends come in. They are dressed in delft blue and white. They form a circle, dance with zest, and then the First Child runs off with her dog, followed by the rest through right auditorium aisle. [The Faun-Spirit calls again. [Six Esquimau children enter as before and play a game and are chased away by Pan. [The Faun-Spirit calls again. everywoman's road 65 [_Enter, as before, twelve pickaninnies who dance a folk dance, singing as they dance. The Faun-Spirit looks on with huge en- joyment. They go of right auditorium aisle. [ The Faun-Spirit calls again. [Enter, as before, a Gypsy Girl. She hums and dances in natural, happy abandon. Exit as before. [The Faun-Spirit calls again. [Enter, as before, six children who dance and sing the age-old ditty — 'London Bridge is Falling Down' — they scamper off right auditorium. [The Faun-Spirit calls again. [Enter, as before, a young girl with a basket of flowers singing softly. Pan pursues her, slips, sits in discomfiture. She dances off as if life were sweet to her. "[The Faun-Spirit calls again. A street violin- ist is heard from without. 66 everywoman's road [A Child of the Streets enters as before and dances in joyful abandon to the music of the violin. The Faun-Spirit lies on the bench watching her. As she dances of the lights fade slowly into twilight. [The Faun-Spirit calls. [Enter, as before, skipping, six Elves in brown and green. They gather round the Faun- Spirit on the bench, pinch and pull him — skip gayly of and return to tug him of the seat. He suddenly jumps up, eludes them, and runs piping away, followed by the Elves, through right auditorium aisle. [The children on the centre steps have watched the show with keen interest. They start as the Elves run of. Hand in hand they too skip after the alluring piping. Around they skip, the Waif pulled eagerly by the Small Boy and Small Girl. They near the stage steps. Then, from behind the Spirit of Motherhood the Voice of the Mother is heard, singing a 'Lullaby. Her white draperies are dimly seen. The children everywoman's road 67 listen, turn back and steal softly to their places by the Mother's knee. The Lul- laby dies away. The Spirit of Dreams drifts in through the left auditorium aisle and dances softly about the children. She winds herself in her rainbow scarf; slowly she sinks beside the steps and the lights go out. IThe lights come up slowly. Everywoman, with a new sweet dignity of bearing, moves slowly to the sun-dial. Truth fol- lows her.] EVERYWOMAN [nodding without turning around, and smiling] I do believe I know what you would say — We wander far afield in search of Paradise When we might build its Door-step in a home. TRUTH [sviiling too] Yet, if you never wandered, never dreamed, Never sought fulfillment, never failed, You would mistake the dullness of well-fed content 68 everywoman's koad For that divine existence where the soul Grows ever, through extremities of pain and joy, Toward some perfected State no mind has compassed yet. EVERYWOMAN {^thinking deeply'^ More precious than our Homes and States and all established things Is just — the Man — the Woman — or the Child? TRUTH Who else? The Home and State must feed the single soul That it, In turn, may build more noble homes and states To breed more splendid souls. Yes — yes — Dear Heart, The world is growing richer every year In clean and God-inspired lives that win Some share of happiness. And richer still the world must grow. And more and more must you — one-half this world — everywoman's road 69 Upbuild, in Home and State, the agencies whereby Divinity in Man may be revealed — not cruci- fied. EVERYWOMAN [rapt'\ It is a dream — majestic — beautiful — But — I have no means to make it real. TRUTH [^simply] You have all God endowed you with — when He evolved You from His Love and you possess all you and man Imperishably have built since life began. EVERYWOMAN What are these doweries? TRUTH Attend them well. They do await to help you in your Quest. [Everywoman looks around expectantly. Truth turns quickly to Flame of Life.} 70 EVERYWOMAN S ROAD TRUTH Flame — Flame 1 [Flame leaps up.] Call forth my Everywoman's heritage. [Everywoman turns to face the oncoming fig- ures, standing with her back to the sun- dial. Truth faces her, leaning on chair left.} FLAME [chanting off rear stage left} Spirit of the Earth Fostering Mother of Man, Come forth — Come forth — ^ And come thou too, Spirit of Society Engenderer of rich Companionship. [Music. Enter the Spirit of Nature, rear stage left, and the Spirit of Society rear stage right. The Spirit of Nature is in ample draperies of russet and green and carries a great red rose. The Spirit of Society is in old rose draperies and carries a ring everywoman's road 71 of gold. They come down the steps and pause on the lowest tread while Truth speaks.] TRUTH These two have treasures manifold for you: Lean to the breast of Nature — rhythmic ebb and flow Of life-tides in her heart will lull you to serenity, And forces pulsing from infinity will wake Intenser life. Moreover, in the zest and bond Of human comradeship, you may amass Those noble recompenses minted ever where Earth's children labor, love, and laugh to- gether. [Gesturing to figures.] Society shall bind you with a golden ring To humankind, and Nature, with a rose. Shall hint the beauty of her mysteries. [Soft airs are played again. The two figures cross to Everywoman: The Spirit of So- ciety slips the ring on Everywoman' s fin- ger, and the Spirit of Nature fastens the 72 EVERYWOMAN S ROAD rose in the bosom of her gown. Nature then crosses to left and stands by the left pedestal: Society crosses to right and stands by the right pedestal.^ , EVERYWOMAN [^turning about and lifting her head] Treasured memories awake — ^but now I realize, As I have never realized before, that I Am one with Nature — one with all the teem- ing life Out in the streets — and one [Turning quickly half about to C. and gestur- ing to Waif.] With this dumb, helpless Waif! [She pauses and turns to face rear of stage again.] What more — what more, my Sage? TRUTH [to Flame of Life] Flame, call again. everyWoman^s road 73 FLAME {^chanting, calls of rear stage] Spirit of Body Wonder frame Come forth — And bring with thee Thy bounteous gifts Beauty and Good Health. \_Music. The Spirit of the Body in draperies of peach-blow pink, attended by Beauty, and Good-Health, in deeper tones of the same color, enters from the House of Truth rear right entrance, comes down steps right, and pauses facing Truth and Everywoman.] TRUTH This casket, priceless gift to you, contains The vital life. Be heedful of your care of it. It must be strong to bear, so nourish it With air and sun and food and exercise. Make it a thing of grace and loveliness. And let it know the sweets of cherishment. 74 everywoman's road Despise it never, nor exalt it out Of balance with the rounded Scheme of Things. And do not hold it lightly, Dear — Death lies that way. EVERYWOMAN I understand. TRUTH [to the ffroups} Pass on. IMusic. The three cross to the left, where they range themselves on the steps near the Spirit of Industrial Creation.^ FLAME OF LIFE [chanting'] Spirit of the Heart That throbs in ecstasy Or bleeds with pain Come forth — come forth- And bring with thee Thy radiant Pain and Joy. everywoman's road 75 [Music. Enter, as before, The Spirit of the Heart with Joy and Pain. The Spirit of the Heart is in crimson: Joy in gold with cape of crimson: Pain in palest silver with cape of crimson. They pause before Truth and Everywoman.'\ TRUTH lquietly'\ Words are not needed to expound this rich be- quest To you. Your heart has lived — lived regally — \^smiling'\ It holds deep mysteries, hid e'en from me. List ever as you go to its sure counselling: Unless the Heart is vibrant to the human calls Nor you nor yours shall live abundantly, So learn to love immeasurably — Life lies that way. EVERYWOMAN I understand — I understand. TRUTH [to group] Pass on. 76 everywoman's road [Music. They cross to left and range them- selves between the First Group and the Central Figure.^ FLAME OF LIFE [chanting'l Spirit of the Mind Light of the World Come forth — come forth — And bring with thee The Wit that makes Truth shine, The Will that makes Truth strong ! [Music. Enter, as before, The Spirit of the Mind, in steel blue, accompanied by Wit in blue shot with flame, and Will in blue shot with bronze. They pause before Truth and Everywoman.] TRUTH More brain, more brain, the woman needs — to comprehend True values where the shifting calcium lights Of sham opinion play. You need the Will To strengthen you to stand serene amid EVERYWOMAN S ROAD 77 The Fantasies and Frauds. You need the Wit To build the Cosmic whole from parts incon- gruous : So labor hard to open windows in your mind Through which the Light of the Divine Intel- ligence May gleam — but never deem mere knowledge All in All. EVERYW^OMAN Again I understand. TRUTH \_to group] Pass on. \_Music. They cross to right front and range themselves near the Spirit of Artistic Creation.] FLAME OF LIFE [^chanting] Spirit of the Hand That toils and soothes Come forth — come forth — . And bring with thee Thy Skill and Solace. 78 everywoman's road [Music. Enter, as before, the Spirit of the Hand in bronze, Skill in bronze shot with blue, and Solace in bronze with shadings of violet. \ TRUTH Here is a marvel for your dowery. [Smiling grimly.^ And you have sometimes scorned it, unaware Of its high lineage. Ah, Child, accept this gift In reverence. If trained in skillful ways And married to your mind and heart, your hands Can execute enduring artistries, and soothe, If bred to serve, a restless world to rest. EVERYW^OMAN I shall remember, Truth. [The group remains where it is standing, and Everywoman crosses to The Spirit of the Hand, lifts the latter's right hand to her forehead and returns to the sun-dial.] everywoman's road 79 flame of life [chanting very reverently"} Spirit of the Spirit Source of all Life Container of All Wilt thou approach — \_Music. The Spirit of the Spirit, robed in white overlaid with silver, veiled, and carrying an antique silver lamp lit with a pure-burning flame, rises slowly from be- hind the Spirit of Motherhood.'} TRUTH [slowly, rapt in contemplation"] Elusive Mystery — with voice now soft As those faint harp-tones stirring in the pines, Now clarion as summons trumpeted from crags, Undying Emanation of a Force We cannot comprehend, — through what vast reaches of This finite world you yet must toil with man Until the God in man stands free ! [Turning to Everywoman] Ah, Child, Child, 8o everywoman's road Watch for the pure, keen lightnings of the Spirit Flame: Illumed and glorious vistas shall be opened unto you, Pulsations of the Over-Heart shall bring you vivifying joy — Entranced to Oneness with your God, your soul shall yearn To be drawn back into the shelter of His Peace and Light. [With sudden sweeping gesture to the gleam- ing groups.^ Your Road leads up and up — through Nature — ^Art — Society — through Body, Mind, and Heart and Hand [Gesturing to the Spirit.] To this great Grail, container of them all. [Shaking her head.] The Road is rough — the Road is very steep — But — the Adventure is divinely fair 1 [Everywoman, rapt, crosses slowly to the centre, where she stands with head bent before the flame the Spirit carries. She turns slowly about. everywoman's road 8 1 [There is a new decision in her manner, a new light in her eyes. Her head is up- thrown. Truth and the Spirits watch her tenderly. [The Flame of Life goes quietly off rear stage left.] EVERYWOMAN [flinging her arms wide exultantly] And these are mine — mine ! I may keep step With Everyman, my mate, and glory in My work and his, and know past all dispute Our Road is one and not diverse? I have An equal heritage of goal with him? I may possess my body, mind, and soul. And yet may freely give, and give, and give To feed the ever-burning flame — the Life of Worlds? [Truth nods affirmingly.] EVERYWOMAN [continuing with a sudden sweet humility] God grant I may be strong to choose the best — ^the best — 82 everywoman's road [Stretching out her hands to Truth who crosses to her.'\ Ah — ^Truth, I am indeed awake and eager for the Road, A Road no longer circumscribed for me. Thanks to the glorious truth revealed by you, My eyes have clearer vision, and my soul more hope: Horizons melt and merge to spheres illimit- able — [Pausing.] 'Tis passing strange I am not awed to inac- tivity — But ever in my ears the children call — My heavy burdens fret my back — my parasitic past Assails me with its uselessness — thank God That you have made me see its uselessness — Never fear for me — you've made new light To shine within me — courage floods my soul — I go with open arms- to clasp humanities — Joy — Pain — and Work and Love — for now I know That Woman is a Queen among her Kin When she fills up her life with Work and Love, everywoman's road 83 TRUTH [^nodding gravely] Work everywhere — in Home and State — arid everywhere The rich and tender love of comrades on the Road: IPausing, then with gathered force.] Everywhere the great determinating Choice And everywhere the gallant facing of extrem- est odds — [Suddenly tender, as if conscious of the JVom- an's frailty.] Yes — yes — these make for Happiness — and Happiness Is just untutored prayer to God, my Child. EVERYWOMAN [again looking intently at her gleaming herit- age and nodding] A noble fighting for a noble peace. FLAME OF LIFE [chanting from rear auditorium left] Everywoman — Everywoman Come forth — Come forth — 84 everywoman's road The Living Flame Hath need of thee — Need of thee — Everywoman, Everywoman, Come forth. EVERYWOMAN [to Truth] I go — and r am rich in knowledge and in hope — God grant I may not fall too sadly on the Road. [The organ has been playing softly and now, as if in answer to Everywoman's words, the Voices of the Women break forth in triumphant chords. The Flame of Life comes to the stage steps.] VOICES OF THE WOMEN FROM THE UNSEEN SHORE BRAVELY FARE FORTH LIFE CALLS TO THEE STRONG MUST THOU LABOR SURE OF THY DESTINY frOMAN TRIUMPHANT CROWNED SHALT THOU BE! everywoman's road 85 BERTH'S MIGHTY FORCES VIBRATE WITHIN THEE STAR-FIRES BEACON TRUTH SETS THEE FREE! ENTER THY MYSTERIES HOLILY—HOLILY DEEP IN THY SPIRIT DWELLS THE DIVINITY DIVINE IS THE MIRACLE REBORN ETERNALLY- LIFE HOLDETH LOVE LOVE GIVETH LIFE LOVE GIVETH LIEE IMMOR TALL Y—IMMOR TALL Y! [During the Chant, Everywoman stands with head upraised, listening: Truth stands apart, brooding over her. The Spirit of Nature, followed by the Spirits of the Body and Heart and the Spirit of the Spirit, goes stately from the stage left and out through left auditorium aisle. In like manner the Spirit of Society, followed by the Spirits of the Mind and Hand and the Spirit of Art, goes out through right audi- torium aisle. At the last, the groups pause, and turn to the stage, waiting for Everywoman. The Flame of Life stands at the foot of the left auditorium steps. 86 everywoman's road Still listening, Everywoman crosses to left steps, and descends two steps, where she stands, her face aglow with the feeling stirred by the Chant. When the last chords die away, she turns to Truth, who is watching her with a beautiful steadfast serenity.] EVERYWOMAN [_to Truth with great passion and great dignity] Your Everywoman goes to make Truth mani- fest In all the little lanes : she goes to win her world To harmony through Law and Light and Love. [The triumphant chorus swells forth again. Truth raises her left arm high in blessing; Everywoman turns, the Flame of Life throws her arms about her shoulders, and the Processional moves away. As the fig- ures withdraw, the Heralds pass out left and right, the lights go out, and the cur- tain falls.] on I- I' s f Ku|!|i ' \