pa I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS I! I' I 014 069 275 A ^ HoUinger pH 8^ MiU Run F03.2193 F 68 .K52 Copy 1 X HE COMING OF THE MAYFLOWER BY ROSAMOND KIMBALL ^1 i^-r^i INTERCHURCH WORLD MOVEMENT OF NORTH AMERICA SALES DEPARTMENT 45 West iKth Street New York, N. Y. Re A full and readable narrative of the adventures of the Pilgrims will be found in THE ARGONAUTS OF FAITH, by Basil Mathews, (cloth $1.50, paper .75) illustrated in colors, and published by the Interchurch World Movement. Best results in use of this pageant can be promoted by reading such a book. Copyright, 1920, hy Intkrchurch World Movement OF North America OCT 30 1920 g)CI,AG0l207 EPISODES OF THE PAGEANT Episode I The Coming of the Pilgrims December 22, 1620 Episode II The First Winter 1620-1621 Episode III The Return of the Mayflower In April, 1621 Episode IV The First Town Meeting A few days later Episode V The First International Treaty in America The same day Episode VI The First Thanksgiving III November^ 1621 The Setting A Clearing in the Forest is the setting for all but Episode IV. Al- though the Pilgrim settlement was really out in the open, the use of small cedar and pine trees at the sides and in the background will form an effective setting for the pageant. For Episode II a rough door should be placed among the trees at the back to suggest the Pilgrims' first cabin. When it is possible to have a more elaborate setting, the addition of the side of a log cabin with a window will add to the effectiveness of the scene. The camp fire may be made by placing several electric lights covered with red tissue paper in the midst of a pile of sticks and hemlock boughs. A fallen log serves for the seat back of the fire. In Episode IV the interior of the cabin may be made as simple as is desired. If it is necessary to conceal the green background, screens covered with brown percaline or paper painted to suggest the log walls may be placed in front of the trees. The spinning-wheel and settle, the old-fashioned table and straight-backed chairs, with a few pewter and old-fashioned china dishes on a shelf will give the atmosphere for the scene. If possible, the one rug on the floor should be homespun, other- wise a rag rug. Place some brass candlesticks on the table and use a homespun curtain to cover the doorway into the inner room. An old- fashioned fire-place with a kettle and crane, would, of course, add much to the scene. In Episode VI a tree trunk is placed in the center of the clearing to be used as the rough pulpit behind which America is concealed. Place some pine boughs on either side of the stump to completely hide her. The scenery should be so planned that it can be changed within two or three minutes, in order that the episodes may follow each other in quick succession, with no intermissions. Music Episode I : Indian dance music. Selection may be made from any collection of Indian ceremonial dances, or from the following.' Melodic Vieivs of Indian Life, by Horace Alden Miller. Navajo War Dance, by Arthur Farwell. Traditional Songs of the Zuni Indians, by Carlos Trayer. These include the "Festive Sun Dance" of the Zunis and "The Coming of Montezuma," with drum vaville. Dawn music to accompany appearance of the Guardian Spirit, Liberty, in Episode I and III, may be the first part of the Over- ture to William Tell. Episode II : Storm music for dance of the Spirits of the Wind and the Tempest may be the second part of the Overture to William Tell. There should be soft music played between the changing of the scenes. * Published by G. Schirmer, 3 East 43d Street, New York City, 5 Characters of the Pageant The Spirit of the Past, a young girl The Spirit of the Wilderness, a yoimg girl The Guardian Spirit of the Pilgrims, Liberty, a beautiful maiden The Spirits of the Wind, from three to six young girls The Spirits of the Storm, from three to six young girls The Spirit of America, a beautiful zvoman The Maidens of Light, from six to tivelve in number Governor Carver Governor Bradford, ivho succeeds hint Elder Brewster Captain Miles Standish Mr. Winslow Dr. Fuller John Alden John Howl and Love Brewster, a boy of eight years Wrastling Brewster, a boy of six years Bartholomew Ai>lerton (called Bartle), a boy of thirteen years M istress Brewster Mistress Carver Priscilla Mullines Elizabeth Tillie A Sailor Samoset Massasoit, Chief of the Wampanoags TiSQUANTUM Twelve Pilgrim men I'ilgrim women and children If a small group is desired, six women, (wo children and two infants, little Perigrine White and Oceanus, are all that are necessary. But as many as twenty-four women and children may be in this group, inasmuch as there were fifty-three Pilgrims left after the mortality of the first winter. Six or more Indians Costumes The Spirit of the Past — A soft purple robe with long, flowing sleeves, over which is worn a short Grecian tunic of a light shade of lav- ender. A fillet of laurel leaves is bound about her brow, and in her hand she carries a victory palm or a spray of laurel. The Spirit of the Wilderness — A short, fawn-colored tunic, Hke that of an Indian maiden. A dull red band with ragged edges hangs across her breast from the left shoulder. A blue-green flowing robe hangs in long streamers at her back. There is a border of leaves on her skirt. Garlands of grape vines with clusters of grapes hang from her shoulders about her arms and in her hair. She wears an Indian head-dress of bright feathers, and moccasins on her feet. The Guardian Spirit of the Pilgrims, Liberty — A soft, flowing robe of white with a golden girdle and golden bands bound across her breast from each shoulder, LIBERTY is written in letters of gold upon her coronet. The Spirits of the Wind — Filmy gray robes, with long gray, veil- like streamers covering heads, faces, and arms. The Spirits of the Storm — White robes with long, black, veil-like streamers covering heads, faces, and arms. The Spirit of America — A white robe with red and white stripes across her breast. She wears a coronet which may be made by pasting stars with their blue background cut from a crepe paper flag upon card- board. The red and white part of the flag may be draped across her breast from the right shoulder under the left arm. The Maidens of Light — Soft rainbow colored robes with flowing sleeves. Gold bands about their hair. Pilgrims — ^The men wear the Puritan costume of knee breeches, full capes, and broad brimmed hats. The women wear the Puritan gray dresses with white kerchiefs and cufifs and little Puritan caps. The children are dressed much like their elders. Captain Standish may wear armor, a morion, or military hat, and a sword. Governor Carver should wear armor when he meets Massasoit. Steel corselets may be made of large pieces of pasteboard painted gray or with silver paint and fastened together by strips over the shoulders and at the sides. If possible, some real armor rented from a costumer will be better. Wooden swords painted steel color are very effective. They are worn at the side, stuck through the leather belt. A Sailor — He wears a red handkerchief, pirate fashion, about his head, brass earrings, a short-sleeved blouse, knee breeches, no shoes or stockings. EPISODE I The Coming of the Pilgrims The audience rises and sings the following hymn*: O God, Beneath Thy Guiding Hand Tune: Duke Street O God, beneath thy guiding hand, Our exiled fathers crossed the sea ; And when they trod the wintry strand, With prayer and psalm they worshiped thee. Thou heard'st, well pleased, the song, the prayer: Thy blessing came ; and still its power Shall onward, through all ages, bear The memory of that holy hour. Laws, freedom, truth, and faith in God Came with those exiles o'er the waves; And where their pilgrim feet have trod, The God they trusted guards their graves. And here thy name, O God of love. Their children's children shall adore. Till these eternal hills remove. And spring adorns the earth no more. At the close of the hymn, the Spirit of the Past ascends the steps in front of the curtain. Prologue Spirit of the Past: We meet to celebrate the day our fathers crossed the sea, Blazing through the wilderness a path of liberty, Which multitudes of pilgrim feet through centuries have trod, Guarding safe their sacred trust — freedom to worship God. The wild young Spirit of the Wilderness, you first shall see Joining her Indian sons in dance and revelry. But hark ! Upon the savage company there breaks a song Heralding far down the forest aisles, the Pilgrim throng. ' This hymn may be found in Hymnal for American Youth, published by Thie Century Company, and in many denominational hymnals, Then comes their Guardian Spirit, Liberty, in garments bright, The Spirit of the Wilderness steals forth to greet the Light. She parts the curtains and witbdrazvs. SCENE: A Clearing in the Forest. The figure of a maiden, the Spirit of the JVildcrness, is dimly seen moving mnong the trees at the back.^ She peeps out, then suddenly darts into the open. She leaps across the field with deerlike hounds, her hair flying, her robe floating out behind. At length she pauses hi the middle of the stage, flinging her wild, young arms above her head. Spirit of the Wilderness : Hail, harvest moon and flashing stars ! Hail, yellow fields of Indian corn ! Hail, clustering grapes and crimson fruit ! Hail, forests, down whose shady aisles The deer and partridge take their way. Hail, mighty rivers with thy hosts Of darting salmon, silver trout, Hail, silent lakes among the hills, Whose age-long sleeping shadowy shores Teem with the furry forest folk. Hail, mighty ocean, thundering on my rocks ! All hail. Great Spirit ! Thou hast given all ! She lifts her arms in barbaric worship and bows to the ground. Ho ! dusky children of the wilderness ! Then puts her hands to her month in a unld call. Yo ! ho ! 0-0-0 ! The Spirit of thy vast, wild open spaces calls, Yo!Ho-o-o ! The gaunt figure of an Indian chief silently stalks out of the forest on the left. He moves stealthily among the shadows of the trees, then beckons. Other Indian figures steal out of the shadows. They beckon to others. The Indians begin to glide in and out. Suddenly the chief gives a whoop and begins to beat time upon a rude drum. The Indians crouch and beat time with their feet, as they begin to move in an Indian dance.- The drum beats faster, the Indians begin to yell and whoop as the dance grows wilder. The Spirit of the Wilderness stands on the right, waving her arms and radiant in her barbaric beauty as she sways ivith the rhythm of the wild music. Suddenly she stands rigid, listening, then leafs forward, one artn upraised in warning. ' Appropriate music should accompany her entrance, and cease when She speaks. 2 See "Music," page 5. 9 The Spirit of the Wilderness: Hark! The Indians stand as if turned to stone. Voices are heard in the distance singing a hymn. The Indians steal noiselessly away into the forest on the left. The Spirit pauses in flight to listen in zconder and ard'e as the hyfmi grows louder. Pilgrim Voices: O God Our Help In Ages Past' Tune : St. Anne. O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home. A band of Pilgrims enters during the singing of the second stanza. Under the shadow of thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure. Sufficient is thine arm alone, And our defense is sure. During the singing of the third and last stanzas the Pilgrims pass across the clearing and pause when the leader has reached the left side of the Held. Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting thou art God, To endless years the same. O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come. Be thou our guide while life shall last. And our eternal home. The pilgrims walk in their customary order : the men first, three abreast, each with his gun or "matchlock" on his shoulder, then follows Governor Carver, with Captain Miles Standish on his left and Elder Brewster on his right; then Mr. Bradford and Mr. Winslow and Dr. Fuller, followed by the Pilgrim women leading their little children by the hand. As the Pilgrims cease singing, Governor Carver steps out from the grouip and turns to them with upraised hand. The men bow their heads, and the women encircle their children with their arms. The Pilgrims did not kneel when they prayed as it "smacked of popery." Gov. Carver : {Lifting his eyes to heaven in prayer) O God, who hast brought us over the vast and furious ocean and delivered us from all the perils and miseries thereof, we do give thee humble thanks that thou hast brought us safe to land and set our feet on the firm and staple earth. * This hymn may be found in Hymnal for American Yotitli, and in many denomina- tional hymnals. 10 And here, with thy guidance, we do covenant to set up in this wilder- ness the Kingdom of Christ, and a state where men shall be free to worship as their conscience doth dictate. So with thy help, by for- titude and patience, the hardships which beset us shall be overcome. And wilt thou, O Lord, in whom we trust, and whom we serve, guide us with thy hand, protect us with thy wing, and show us thy salva- tion iin the end, Amen. I The Pilgrims pass out singing again the first stanza of the hymn, or they I may chant the Seventy-sixth Psalm. As their voices are heard in the distance, the Spirit of the Wilder- ness steps out from the trees. She gases after the Pilgrims in breath- less wonder, her hand at her breast, her eyes wide zmth awe. Siid- denly she points toward the right. Spirit of the Wilderness : Lo, a light is breaking in the east ! A strange new light ! A shaft of light suddenly falls upon her, and soft "Dawn" music is heard :* Behold, it cometh like a spirit, A spirit in shining garments ! The Guardian Spirit of the Pilgrims enters at the farther end of the path of light. The Spirit of the Wilderness: (Taking a fezv steps toward her) And on thy forehead a new name is written, Which no man knoweth— LIBERTY ! Inscribed in shining characters of light ! Holding out her arms to her Come, wondrous spirit ! Thy feet shall rest upon my mountains, Thy light shall bathe my valleys ! The Spirit of the Wilderness Holds wide her arms to welcome thee ! As she speaks the last line, she kneels in the pathway of light, holding out her arms to the Guardian Spirit. The Curtains Are Drawn. Soft music is heard until the Spirit of the Past appears before the cur- tain to give the second prologue. ' See "Music," page 5. 11 EPISODE II The First Winter Prologue. Spirit of the Past: {Before the curtain) O little band of exiles, thy fearful voyage is past, The border of thy promised land safe reached at last. Yet through the fire of trials onward thou must press. Strong in thy dauntless courage in a savage wilderness. Through famine, death, and pestilence, faith triumphs still. In that first winter half were laid beneath the snow-clad hill. See how their Guardian Angel, Liberty, doth guard Each step upon the path their blessed feet have trod. She parts the curtains and withdrazvs. SCENE: A Clearing in the Forest. Elder Brewster, his zvife, and their tzvo little sons, Wrastling and [Love, are seated by p, camp fire over zvhlch a kettle hangs. It is winter, and their cloaks arc drawn tightly about them as they huddle together on a rough log scat. In the background the door of the Pilgrims' first cabin, the C amnion House is seen. As the curtain is drawn. Elder Brezvster is reading the Ninety-first Psalm from a large Bible that is spread out upon his knees. Elder Brewster: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." Love: {Interrupting and pointing toward the forest) Father! I but now saw the dark form of a savage on yonder hill! Elder Brewster : Nay, boy, the sentinel standeth ready to give the alarm if aught of danger threaten us, and with God's help we shall with- stand any attack. Wrastling: Hark! Methought I heard their war cry! A wild cry is heard far azvay. IMrsTRESs Brewster: {Stroking the boy's head) Nay, child, it is the wolves. 12 Elder Brewster : Peace, my sons, it is written here : "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust : his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night ; nor for the arrow that flieth by day ; "Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness ; nor for the destruc- tion that wasteth at noonday." Mistress Brewster: Aye, the pestilence! More than half of our number stricken down ! Ah, my husband, the Lord's hand is heavy upon us ! Elder Brewster : We must not fear, Mary, for it is written : "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. "They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. "Because he hath set his love upon thee, therefore will I deliver Mm : I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. "He shall call upon me and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble " Captain Miles Standish suddenly opens the door and comes out of the house in haste. Standish : Forgive this interruption. Elder Brewster, but we are in sore straits ; and it hath seemed necessary to seek thy aid. Mistress Brew- ster, as loath as I am to break in upon thy hour of rest, — Mistress Brewster: {Hastily rising) Hath the fever increased? Is Mistress Winslow is she worse? Standish: Mistress Winslow is going fast. Mistress Brewster : I will return at once. Standish : Twelve more have been taken down with the fever, but Mis- tress Winslow and Mr. White need a nurse sorely to be with them in their last hours, and I dare not leave the ones that Dr. Fuller hath intrusted to me, who are like to fall from their beds with the tossing of the fever. Mistress Brewster : I will go to my nursing without delay. As she turns toward the house, IVrastling catches hold of her skirts and detains her. Wrastling: (Shivering and half-crying) I am so cold, Mother! Mistress Brewster: (Laying her hand anxiously upon his forehead) My child ! Thy temples are hot and burning ! O, my dear husband ! I fear the fever is coming upon him ! 13 Elder Brewster : Here comes Dr. Fuller ! Let him look to the child. Dr. Fuller, entering on the left and hurrying toward the Common House, pauses at Elder Brezvster's words. Dr. Fuller: None other of our number ill, I trust? Mistress Brewster : Wrastling seemeth not himself, Doctor — Dir, Fuller : {Laying his hand on the child's forehead and then feeling his pulse) Aye, he is feverish. He must be gotten to his bed at once. Mistress Brewster: {In great anxiety) Come, my child. Dr. Fuller: Mistress Priscilla Mullines, who, thou knowest, hath been nursing her father and mother and brother, is taken down. I have but come from Mr. and Mrs. Mullines in the other house, and I fear they will not live through till the morning ! I have placed Priscilla under Mistress Carver's nursing in here {Pointing to the Common House) lest she try to rise and go to them. Mistress Brewster: Alas, poor maid! Dr. Fuller: {Looking keenly at her as she lifts the child in her arms) And thou, too. Mistress Brewster, art flushed ! Elder Brewster: Thou art half sick thyself, dear wife, with days and nights of vigil. Let me take the child. {He takes Wrastling from her.) Dr. Fuller: Thou must spare thyself. Madam, else we shall have thee taken down with the rest. God knows we need thy help this night, — and yet — Elder Brewster: I will nurse these poor souls in thy place, wife. Mistress Brewster: Nay, — Dr. Fuller: We had best spare thee now, than later. Do as thy hus- band desires, Mistress Brewster, and take thy rest to-night. Standish : Thy husband and I will tend the sick in thy stead, Madam. Mistress Brewster : But thou too art worn with long vigil. Captain Standish. Day and night thou hast cared for the sick and dying as tenderly as any woman ! Elder Brewster: {Pausing in the doorway) Fully half our number therein tossing with fever and near unto death ! I wish to God that our house were ready, wife, for there will be scant rest for thee in here. Standish : If it had not been for the foul weather, we should have had other houses built ere this grievous pestilence came upon us. Mistress Brewster : Let us thank God that we have at least two houses to protect our sick and dying from the wind and furious storms. 14 Elder Brewster: (To Love) Bring the pot of soup, son; we must not let so much as a mouthful be wasted until we are assured of the harvest next summer. The three enter the Common House, foUoivcd by Miles Standish. Love returns to the fire and unhooks the pot. As he is carrying it to door, he pauses and listens. A long-drazvn-out hozvl is heard, fol- lozved by the soughing of the wind. Love : The wolves again ! And the wind is rising ! I fear there will be another furious storm! (Shaking his head) Father will never be able to get the thatch upon our new home. (He enters the house.) : Storm music' is heard and the Spirits of the Wind glide in and circle about in a dance of the winds. They are presently joined by Spirits of the Storm, who scatter white confetti snow-flakes as they mingle with the winds in a wild dance. Suddenly a shaft of light falls across the scene, and at the end of the pathway of light, the Guardian Spirit appears with one arm uplifted as she speaks. The Spirits of Wind and Storm stand rooted to the ground in awe. Guardian Spirit : Spirits of Wind and Tempest wild ! Lo, I am sent To guard these Pilgrim exiles by One whose will The raging wind and wave obeyed ; And in His name I bid thee, PEACE ! BE STILL ! The Spirits shrink away and vanish among the trees on either side, as the Guardian Spirit still stands in the shaft of light with lifted hand. Suddenly the light and the Guardian Spirit vanish. Enter John Alden, muffled in his Pilgrim cape. He knocks at the door of the Common House. Miles Standish opens it. Alden : I have brought the physic that Dr. Fuller did send for, — (Holding out a bottle). How is Mistress Priscilla? Standish : She is sore beset with the fever. Alden : I have but come from the other house — and her mother hath but now passed to her rest ! Standish : She must not know of it. She is in no condition for such news. Alden : Alas, poor maid ! It doth seem as if my heart would break for her ! — Is the fever very high ? Standish : Aye, but she hath her youth, and Mistress Carver is caring for her. But I must return to the others. Go take thy rest, lad, until thy time of nursing at midnight. (Lie re-enters the house.) John Alden seats himself by the dying embers of the fire and buries his head in his hands in an attitude of despair. Mistress Carver opens the door. She is carrying a large kettle. She moves down the path- zva\ of light shed from the open doortvay toward Alden, looking like an angel in her fragile beauty. Alden raises his head, then starts up. ' See "Music," page 5. 15 Alden: Mistress Carver! How is Priscilla? Mistress Carver : She sleepeth at last, poor maid, little dreaming that ere the mom she will be an orphan ! Alden: (Eagerly) Hath the fever abated? Mistress Carver: (With a zvan smile) Aye, she is better, lad. Wilt stir up the fire, John, for now that the storm hath abated, we must have more hot water than the kettle within can furnish. Alden : I will get it for thee. Mistress Carver. As he is stirring the fire and hanging the kettle on the crane, Mistress Carver sinks dozvn upon the log and speaks in a trembling voice. Mistress Carver: Four more of our number have found their eternal rest this night, John. Alden : (Looking to heaven, and with a groan, as he kneels beside the fire) Hath God altogether forgotten us ! Mistress Carver: (Quickly pulling herself together upon seeing his despair, and speaking in ringing tones as she lays her hand upon his shoulder, her face suddenly alight unth faith and courage) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the moun- tains be carried into the midst of the sea." As she is speaking these words from the Forty-sixth Psalm, soft and solemn music is heard. As John Alden kneels by the fire looking up into Mjistress Carver's face, while she sits upon the log, her hand resting upon 'his arm, the Guardian Spirit silently steps out from the side and stands just behind the two, with her hand upraised in blessing. The Curtains Are Drawn. Soft music is heard until the Spirit of the Past appears before the cur- tain to give the third prologue. 16 EPISODE III The Return of the Mayflower Prologue The Spirit of the Past: {Before the curtain) Of lovers sweet and brave and true this scene shall tell ; Of Indians, too. Then how the Pilgrims bade farewell And sped the Mayflower with a song across the blue, Cutting the last link 'twixt the Old World and the New. She parts the curtains and zvithdraws. SCENE : A Clearing in the Forest. John Alden is chopping a fallen tree trunk. At length he pauses and leaning on his ax gazes out through the trees at the left. Priscilh softly enters on the right and stands mischievously watching him with dancing eyes. She gives a little laugh; he turns with a start. John : Priscilla! Priscilla: {Clapping her hands, with a laugh) Fie, John! Thou didst start as though I were an Indian ! John : {Putting his arm about her) And indeed, when a maid steals up in this fashion ! Priscilla : And tell me, why art thou gazing, so deep in thought, out yonder ? John : I am but looking at the Mayflower. {Leading her toward the left and pointing) See, her sails are unfurled and there is much stir on board, Priscilla: {Suddenly serious) She doth set sail to-morrow, John. John : Aye. Priscilla: And that is why I have come to thee in the midst of thy work, for I would fain send a letter back to my cousin at Leyden, to advise her of all that hath befallen since I did set sail from Holland with Father and Mother and brother Joseph. {Suddenly turning to him and looking up into his face, znnth a catch of her breath) Alas, John, what hath not befallen us ! All these dear ones now lie yonder on the hill, — and I am left in this wilderness, — alone ! John : {Taking both her hands and looking deep into her eyes) Nay, Pris- cilla, thou knowest that thou art not left alone, for God hath given thee to me, and when our house is ready, for which I do now fell the 17 logs, we shall be wed, sweetheart (Aij^ain putting his arm about her).. And I will care for thee so long as God doth grant me life, and be both husband, father, and brother to thee, all in one {Kissing her forehead as she rests her head upon his breast). Priscilla: (Clinging to him) Aye, John, I did not mean it thus. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. And I do thank him for the great gift of thy love, for without it I could ill have born the burdens of the past year (Brushing the tears from her eyes and turning to hini with her accustomed smile). See! I have brought paper and the inkhorn, and I will hold it while thou dost write here on this log, as I dictate. John : (Seating himself and taking pen and paper) Aye, be it as thou wilt, sweetheart. Priscilla: (Seating herself beside John and dictating with an air of im- portance) The Settlement of New Plymouth. In the year of our Lord 162L — Art ready for the letter, John? John : Aye — Priscilla : My dear and honored Cousin, — Bartle Allerton : (Dashing in) Alden ! John Alden ! John: Here I am, boy; why dost thou rend the air with thy howls? Bartle : I did see twelve savages ! But now, as I lay in the rushes by the pond in the forest waiting for wild fowl, they did silently glide past on the opposite shore ! John : Savages ! Twelve savages ! (He and Priscilla start to their feet.) Bartle: Aye, and they were carrying bows and arrows, and their faces were painted black and red, and they wore feathers stuck in their hair ! John: Whither were they going? Bartle : Easterly toward the town ! John : We must at once give the warning ! (He snatches up his matchlock and takes Priscilla by the Jiand. They all hurry out leaving the ax and the inkhorn by the log.) Suddenly two savages steal into the clearing. They see the ax ; they beckon to others, who enter; they pick up the ax. examine it with grunts of satis- faction, and one sticks it in his lielt. They also examine the inkhorn and paper curiously, finally departin.a: with all of these trophies. The clearing is silent and empty for a space, until a voice is heard in the distance. Voice: Lead on, boy, and if they be about, show us these savages. Miles Standish, Alden, and Bartle enter, followed by several other men, each carrying a matchlock. Bartle; They did glide info the forest east of the duck pond, yonder, 18 Standish : Well, lead on. I would see them with mine own eyes. They arc passiir^ out at the other side of the clearing zvhen Alden stops. Alden : Stay ! Some one hath been here in my absence and taken my good ax ! Standish : Where didst thou leave it? Alden : On this log, in my haste to bring thee word. Standish : And left a blotch of ink in its stead ! Alden : Her inkhorn gone as well. I was writing for Mistress Priscilla when — Standish : Be on thy guard ! There are forms in the forest yonder! Alden: Savages! {.Peering through the trees) Seven or more! Standish: Forward, march! (They march to the edge of the clearing, ivhen Alden stops.) Alden : But now they have fled ! Standish : After them ! If they meditate aught of ill we will have it of them without delay ! ( The men march out on the double quick. After a moinent or tzvo they reenter the clearing.) Gone! And so long as these savages do no more than skulk about us, we will not be the aggressors. But with the first arrow, they shall see that we are ready for an encounter. And I do now propose that we begin to train our valiant army without delay. For we have nineteen men ! And with these and fearless hearts, we can put to flight a wilderness of savages ! They pass out. John Alden lingers, searching the ground. Alden : Her letter too is gone, and the quill ! A noise is Jicard in the hushes. As Alden zvheels about with leveled matchlock, a sailor steps into the open. Sailor: (Raising his hand) Stay! A friend! Why so swift to shoot, man? Alden : The savages have but now stolen my ax, and I did think they had returned for my scalp ! Sailor: Aye, aye, and like enough they'll get it, erelong! Alden: (With a laugh) Nay, Jack, thou art over gloomy with thy fore- boding. Sailor: We sail to-morrow morn, Alden, if the wind be favorable. Alden : Aye, I have been watching the Mayflower all day, yonder through the trees. It doth grieve me to see her go, but our kinsfolk and friends in England and Leyden will be right glad of news of us (Looking out toivard the ship). 19 Sailor: Can no one persuade you to return with us? Alden : Return ! Why, I do chop the logs for my cabin, man ! Sailor: But what doth it profit you to stay? As things have fallen out, naught but evil hath come to the colony. Last winter ! God preserve us ! None of ye can live through another like unto it ! Half are dead. Naught but a handful of you left ! The wilderness filled with savages ! Indeed, I do believe no single man of all the colony will stand upon yonder shore to greet the Mayflower if ever she returns another year ! Alden : (Laying his hand upon the sailor's shoulder) Peace, Jack, you'll find us here and prospering when you sail back. And you'll bring others to fill up our ranks. Sailor: (With a grunt) More! To die of the pestilence and starve and fall by the tomahawk ! Alden : No great thing did ever come to man without a struggle. Sailor: (Seating himself on the log) But what is this great thing ye are striving to attain? Alden : Freedom ! Freedom to do that which our conscience doth direct. Thou knowest that we did have no freedom in the Old World, where a man must do what the king's officer doth bid him do, or else languish in jail. But here I can build me a house where I may wor- ship God as mine own conscience doth dictate. Sailor: Unless the red man prevents you in the midst of it. I'd a deal rather sit down to a flagon of ale in a snug tavern in Merrie England, where I do know my scalp is safe upon my head, and let the king dic- tate my affairs. Alden : Nay, nay ! Freedom is like unto the pearl of great price, the greatest thing a man can struggle to attain. Sailor: (Rising from the log) And none of you'll come back to Merrie England? Not one of you'll return? Alden : Not one of us. We do stay here with our God, to build a temple of freedom here in this wilderness for our children and our children's children. Sailor: Farewell! (Holding out his hand as he rises front the log) And may we still find you here if the Mayflower e'er returns across the perils of that sea! Alden : Farewell, Jack ! I have letters to bring thee, and we shall all be upon the beach to wish you godspeed to-morrow morn. (The sailor departs.) 20 John Alden stands wrapt in thought, leaning upon his matchlock and looking out across the waters at the Mayflower. The Guardian Spirit appears upon the opposite side of the clearing from John Alden and nearer the frodt. Hlis back is turned to her, and he stands gazing across the waters as she speaks. Guardian Spirit: (Looking out over the audience and speaking to the accompaniment of soft music) O, little ship ! Thy God-appointed task is o'er, Thy precious freight safe landed on the wild, stern shore. Through storm and tempest thou didst bear them on, Thy timbers sprung, thy straining bulwarks torn. Till, like a storm-tossed bird thou drove at last Unto the shore, with wind-rent sail and shattered mast. O cradle of a new world's hope, when thy white sails unfurled, God hid within thy fragile shell the freedom of a world ! Now as thy parting sail fades from the Pilgrims' view. Beside their loved ones' graves they stand, brave hearts and true ! Not one returned of all that little band ! Not one sought safety in their native land ! Encompassed by the wilderness, they sing ! Strong and secure beneath the shadow of God's wing. As the Guardian Spirit ceases speaking, a chorus of voices is heard singing the first, second and fourth stanzas of the hynm, "O God our help in ages past." The Guardian Spirit raises her hand in blessing as they sing the first stanza. The curtain is drawn during the singing of the second stanza. And the last stanza is heard behind the curtain. A Psalm may be chanted in place of the hymn, as the Pilgrims sang Psalms instead of hymns. But this hymn, written by Isaac Watts a cenutry later, is so appropriate, that it is given at the expense of historical accuracy. The music continues until the next prologue. 21 EPISODE IV The First Town Meeting Prologue. The Spirit of the Past : {Before the curtain) "The word of the Lord by night To the watching Pilgrims came. As they sat by the seaside, And filled their hearts with flame. "God said, I am tired of kings, I sufifer them no more; Up to my ear the morning brings The outrage of the poor. "Think ye I made this ball A iield of havoc and war, \ Where tyrants great and tyrants small Might harry the weak and poor? "My angel, — his name is Freedom, — Choose him to be your king ; He shall cut pathways east and west. And fend you with his wing. "I will have never a noble. No lineage counted great ; Fishers and choppers antl ploughmen Shall constitute a state, "Go, cut down trees in the forest, And trim the straightest boughs; Cut down trees in the forest And build me a wooden house. "Call the people together. The young men and the sires. The digger in the harvest field. Hireling and him that hires ; "And here in a pine state-house They shall choose men to rule In every needful faculty, In church and state and school. 22 "I break yoar bonds and masterships, And I unchain the slave: Free be his heart and hand henceforth As wind and wandering wave."* The Spirit steps back and parts the curtains as she says: See now their first town meeting In their cabin by the sea Where democracy's seed was planted, The birthplace of liberty ! SCENE: The Interior of Governor Carver's House. Mistress Carver is sitting at her spinning-zvhccl on one side of the fireplace, and on the other side, John Alden is seated on the settle cleaning his matchlock. On the opposite side of the room Friscilla is rem^oving some pezvter plates from a large table and placing them in order upon a rough shelf. Priscilla: {Pausing in her ivork) Have an end to the polishing of thy matchlock, John, or 'twill dazzle the savages' eyes with its shining! John : Aye, and there may be grave need for its shining erelong ! Priscilla: Nay, but thou'lt have no matchlock left, if thou dost scrub it more. Mistress Carver: How many savages think you there were? John : 'Twas but a handful, which fled at the Captain's approach. Mayhap they were scouts sent by their chief to spy out the land. Mistress Carver: 'Tis time for the meeting which the Governor hath called. Priscilla : Aye, and the table is cleared and ready for the assembly. And if that lusty lad yonder can pause from the scrubbing of his hrearms and help move it to the center of the room — John: (Springing np and laying hold of the table) Where wilt thou have it? Mistress Carver: Here {Indicating the place). Priscilla: And Governor Carver's chair here. Mistress Carver: {Looking out of the windozv) Here comes Captain Standish and other of the men. I will call my husband. {She enters the adjoining room.) Enter Miles Standish followed by nineteen other men. Mistress Priscilla stands at the door, greeting them as they enter. The door at the other end of the room opens and Governor Carver and his wife enter. After an exchange ' A part of "The Boston Hymn" by Ralph Waldo Emerson. 23 of greetings the men seat themselves about the table, stacking their gims beside the fireplace. Many of the Pilgrim women have followed the men to the meeting and stand about the sides of the room or seat themselves beside Mistress Carver upon the settle. Governor Carver: Will some one bring ink and paper for Master How- land, that he may inscribe the proceedings of this, our first town meeting, and place them thereby upon the town records of Plymouth? {Mistress Carver takes ivriting material from the mantel-shelf and hands it to John Alden, who places it before John Howland, zuho is seated at the Governor's left. The room is silent as the Governor sloivly rises.) In view of the danger from the Indians which doth threaten us, I have summoned the freemen of this colony, that we may take counsel together for our mutual defense. For inas- much as the Mayflower hath set sail, the Indians, thinking that we are now left alone in the wilderness, have been skulking about, and it is therefore imperative that we be prepared for a sudden attack. I shall first call upon Captain Miles Standish to speak to us, and then the meeting will be open for any who may have further suggestions to make. Captain Standish. Miles Standish : (Rising) Governor Carver and freemen of the town of Plymouth : Since the Indians were seen skulking in the forest close to the town, I have made the following preparations for an attack: Our arms, which have suft'ered from exposure and neglect during the winter when the business of constructing sufficient shelter from the storms and caring for our sick demanded all our effort, have been cleaned and put into condition for use; fresh bullets have been molded, and we have a good supply of ammunition in readiness ; and lastly, all the men who are old enough to bear arms have been re- solved into a military body and are being properly exercised in methods of defense during a daily period of training. We shall have a well-trained army of nineteen men. During the month before the sailing of the Mayflower, our fort on Burying Hill was completed and our five cannon mounted thereon. The two largest command the approaches from the forest — Governor Carver starts suddenly to his feet with an exclamation of horror as he looks past Standish toward the open door. Standish wheels about and confronts an Indian who is standing silently in the doorway, tall and erect, his three eagle fcatliers touching the ceiling, and a bow nearly as tall as himself in one hand. At the same moment Alden cries, "To arms!" There is a cry from some of the women as the men spring for their guns. But the Indian checks the confusion by lifting one hand above his head in salutation. In the tense moment of silence, his voice rings out. Indian : Welcome ! Several Voices : English ! He speaks English ! 24 Indian : (Advancing a fciv steps) Me Samoset. Friend of Englishmen ! Welcome ! Gov. Carver: {Extending his hand) Welcome, Samoset! Standish : {Grasping his matchlock) Have a care! There may be treach- ery! Indian : {Advancing towards Carver) Samoset, sachem of Mohegan {pointing). Gov. Carver : Whence came you ? Live you near at hand ? Samoset : No ! Mohegan nearer Sunrise. This place Patucxet. Gov. Carver: Patucxet! Samoset : Massasoit, sachem, of Wampanoags, rule here ! Standish: {Advancing) Massasoit? Where does he live? Samoset: Sowans, by setting sun {.Pointing to the ivest). Massasoit here now. Come to see white men! Standish: {Grasping his gun more firmly) Where? Samoset : Just beyond running water. White chief go meet him ! Standish: {To Gov. Carver) I fear this is treachery! Gov. Carver: Methinks he speaketh in good faith. WiNSLOw: {Stepping forzvard) Governor Carver, I will go out and meet this chief. Standish : Not so, Mr. Winslovv ! I will go. It is fitting that the danger be mine. Gov. Carver: Nay, Captain Standish! We need thee here with the colony till danger be past. If Mr. Winslow hath volunteered to act as our ambassador, we will accept his offer. Mr. Bradford: .Methinks it is fraught with grave peril. Should we not send an escort of soldiers with him? Samoset : Englishman safe ! Samoset friend of white man. Mr. Winslow : Farewell ! I will return anon ! {He departs tmth the Indian as all stand in silence watching them pass out of viezu.) Gov. Carver : Let us make ready to meet this chief with fitting ceremony. The Curtains Are Drawn. Soft Indian music is heard until the next prologue. 25 EPISODE V The First International Treaty Prologue. The Spirit of the Past: (Before the curtain) When Massasoit with the Pilgrims met, Tlie peril from the Indians and their fears Were turned to friendship ; and through thirty years This covenant of peace and faith was kept. (She parts the curtains.) At the Chief of the Wampanoags be not afraid, For here you shall see how in Plymouth town America's first International Treaty was made ! She withdraws. SCENE: A Clearing in the Forest. Miles Standish and a group of men arc standing outside the door of the Common House. Governor Carver: (Coming out from the house) Bring the settle from the house and place it here. (Two men go to do his bidding.) Hath seen any sign of their approach. Captain? Standish : No sign, and it is now well past an hour since yon wily savage departed into the forest with Master Winslow. Governor Carver: If he doth not return soon, thou and thy army shall go for him. Standish : Aye, methinks it were better had we gone in the first place ! Bartle: (Rushing in) I see Master Winslow surrounded by savages ap- proaching down the trail beyond the brook ! Governor Carver: All is well ! Captain Standish, do thou meet them with a few soldiers and give them military escort to the town. I will go and make ready. (He reenters the house.) Captain Standish selects six men, calls for drum and fife, and with a few sharp military orders they march out. The women and other men stand in groups al)out the house watching them. Mistress Carver: (In the doorway) The settle is not enough! We must bring out the rug to spread before it. Priscilla : Come, make haste, else they will be here before we are ready ! 26 She hurries into the house with two youths, and they immediately appear again bearing the rug. As Mistress Carver directs where they shall place it, the men lay it on the ground and Priscilla straig'htens the corners. Governor Carver : (Coming out from the house in armor and wearing his szi'Drd) Let six soldiers follow me toward the fort, that we may make a more stately approach to meet the chief when he doth arrive. (They pass out on the left.) The drum and fife are heard in the distance; the members of the colony draw back, grouping themselves about the doorway of the house and at the sides of the scene as the musicians, followed by Captain Standish and his guard of honor, enter on the right. The Chief, Massasoit, with Winslow by his side march in behind the soldiers. They are followed by Samoset and the other Indians, who stalk in a silent procession. The chief wears many strings of shell beads and a more elaborate headdress than the other Indians. When Standish reaches the rug before the settle, he turns and, giving the order, the six soldiers, marching in pairs, part and present arms, thus form- ing an aisle to the chair of state, down which the Chief, after a moment's hesitation, walks. He pauses beside the settle. Winslow: {To Samoset) Tell the Chief to seat himself upon the chair of state and let his Indian escort take their places on either side, here and here. Samoset explains this to Massasoit in his language. The Chief sits down very slowly on one end of the settle, while Winslow takes his stand beside him, with Samoset standing next and a few steps toward the front, as interpreter. The Indians silently group themselves on both sides of the settle. Another trumpet and drum are heard and Governor Carver enters on the left, preceded by the music and followed by his escort of six soldiers. Massa- soit rises with great dignity. Carver approaches the Chief and extends his hand in welcome. Massasoit gravely lays his hand in the outstretched palm of the Governor. Governor Carver: {To Samoset) Tell the Chief Massasoit that the Governor of the Colony of Plymouth salutes him in the name of King James the First of England. And that he desires to make a treaty of peace and friendship with bim. Samoset repeats this to Massasoit, who replies in a feio guttural sounds to him,, at the same time lifting one hand above his head in a stately gesture. Samoset: {To Governor Carver) The Chief Massasoit say he smoke peace-pipe and be friend of English Chief. Governor Carver bozus low in acknowledgment and indicates to the Chief that they shall both scat themselves upon the settle. When they are seated, Governor Carver turns to Master Hoivland, who is standing at his side as a sort of aide. Governor Carver: Bring the silver cup of strong waters, that we may pledge one another in this new compact. I Howland goes to the door of the house where Mistress Carver hands him a I large loving cup of silver, which he presents to the Governor with a bow. 27 Carver slowly raises the cup to his lips and then passes it to Massasoit, who, seizing both handles, carries it to his mouth with great dignity and drinks a long draught, then hands it to Howland who passes it about among the other Indians. These drink, smacking their lips at their first taste of the white man's fire water. Governor Carver: (To Winshnv) Bring out the gifts which we have prepared for the Chief. Winslow enters the 'house and returns with a haversack, which he places upon the rug before the settle and slowly opening it draws out two knives, which he places before the Chief, and then a long copper chain, which he presents to Massasoit with a low bow. Massasoit receives it with a grunt of acknowledgment. Winslow then produces a long string of beads and a wooden bowl filled with glass and wooden beads, which he places with great ceremony on the rug beside the knives. Finally he takes a red cape from the haversack and approaching the chief with another bow places it upon his shoulders. Massasoit rises in acknowledgment. Governor Carver: {To Samoset) Say to the Chief Massasoit that the Governor of Plymouth presents these gifts to him in token of his lasting friendship. Samoset translates, and the Chief inclines his head in a stately bow. Then producing a long pipe from his belt, he ifills it with tobacco from a small pouch made of wampum and passes it to an Indian, who, striking a spark with a hit of flint, lights the pipe and returns it to the chief. Massasoit takes a few puffs and hands it to Governor Carver, who takes it and hesitates. Governor Carver: What doth the Chief wish me to do with this gift? Samoset: It is the peace-pipe. White Chief smoke peace-pipe with red Chief. The other Englishmen and Indians smoke peace-pipe too! 'Governor Carver puts the pipe to his lips and after a few puffs passes it back to Massasoit, who passes it to Winslow, who smokes it and passes it to Samoset. who in turn passes it to the Indian next him and so on to the soldiers on the side of the semi-circle. As the peace-pipe is being passed, the trumpet, fife, and drum play martial music. And the curtains are drawn upon the first International Treaty made in America. 28 EPISODE VI The First Thanksgiving Prologue. The Spirit of the Past: (Before the curtain) And now a year in Plymouth Town is past! The first corn crop is gathered in at last. We've seen them in that first, bleak winter, strong; We've watched them speed the Mayflower with a song. Now eight small houses stand beside the sea. Our fair Priscilla soon a bride will be ! So, as farewell to these loved ones we say. Behold them on their first Thanksgiving day ! She parts the curtains and ivithdraws. SCENE: A Clearing in the Forest. Governor Bradford etitcrs icith two Pilgrim youths. Gov. Bradford : Master Alden and Master Rowland, wilt thou summon the people to this place? I have a matter of importance to impart to them. Alden : We will call them together immediately, Governor Bradford. The young men hurry out, and the sounds of a drum are heard. Governor Bradford paces up and down as the people begin to gather from all sides, forming a group in front of him. When all are present, Captain Standish takes his place at one side of the Governor, and Elder Brewster at the other side. Governor Bradford raises his hand to still the talking, and speaks. Gov. Bradford: It seemeth fit that we should appoint a special day of Thansksgiving to be spent in prayer and praise to God for his great mercy in bringing us through the past year. We should lift up our hearts in thanks that the seed which we have planted hath ripened, and we are blessed with a harvest of corn which, with care, will ca.vry us through the coming winter. We have met with many and great troubles during this first year of our sojourn in this new land. The Lord hath seen fit to chasten us and thereby strip us of our vain confidence in this arm of flesh, and remind us again that we are but pilgrims in this world of sin. We have sufifered cold, hunger, and disease. (He pauses and bozvs his head.) It hath pleased God to take one half of our number to their heavenly home. Their mortal parts lie beneath the corn on yonder hill. And yet I am persuaded that our days of affliction will 29 soon have an end and that the Lord will abundantly recompense for all the sorrow that we have endured. Let us then in a more special manner rejoice together and give thanks. For as by the goodness of God our crops of corn and of barley have prospered, I have invited King Massasoit with his war- riors to feast with us for three days. And I have done this with the hope that we may lay some good foundation in their heathen hearts for receiving and advancing of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in these remote parts of the world, yea that these savages shall be as stepping-stones unto others for the performing of so great a work. Captain S'tandish, wiilt thou send four men on fowling, that we may have ducks, geese, wild turkeys, and venison for the feast? Standisii : {Stepping forivard) We will bring in a goodly supply of fresh game. Master Alden, Master Howland, Master Goodman, Master Hopkins ! I appoint you to go fowling for our feast day of Thanksgiving. The four men step out before the Captain and salute, then return to their places. Gov. Bradford: To the women we will leave the duties of preparing the feast. Priscilla: (Stepping forzcard and courtcsying) May it please you, sir? Gov. Bradford : What would'st thou, Mistress Priscilla ? Priscilla : Master Alden hath brought me a new kind of meat from the sea which the Indians have shown him ! Methinks I remember at Leyden it was said they were called oysters ! .Mayhap if they were compounded with crumbs and spices they would add a new and savory dish to the feast. Gov. Bradford: Excellent! Mistress Priscilla, do what thou wilt with them. We can trust thy cookery although thou art but a maid. Mistress Tillie: (Courtesying) And I can furnish a goodly supply of grapes and wild plums ! For John Howland hath shown me the places in the forest where they do grow in abundance ! Gov. Bradford: Good ! We shall then have fruit as well as meat, Mistress Tillie. And now, ere we disperse to our several duties, let us begin our preparations for this feast of Thanksgiving with a few verses from Holy Writ. (He opens the Bible upon the stump of a felled tree which serves as a rough pulpit and reads.) I read from the twenty-sixth chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy. "And the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders : 30 "And he Iialh I)rought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey. "And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O Lord, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the Lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God:" An Indian rushes in and stands before the Governor. What brings thee into our meeting in such feverish haste, Tisquan- tum? TiSQUANTUM : (Rising and, with zvant of breath, pointing toward the left) Me come — tell whiite men— ship ! — beyond Manomet ! — Big ship! Sailing toward harbor ! People : Ship ! A ship ! TiSQUANTUM : Like bird in the wind ! Coming fast*! Gov. Bradford : But we expect no ship ! It hath not been time for the .Mayflower to go and return. What think you it can be, Standish? Standish : It may be a privateer coming to harry us ! Every man to arms I And repair at once to the fort where we may train our cannon upon the vessel as she enters the harbor. Alden : (Rushing in) Here is thy glass, Captain! Mayhap thou canst see her flag as she rounds Manomet Point ! Standish: Thou art ever ready, Alden! (He looks out toward the left through the glass as the others strain their eyes for a glimpse of the ship.) Alden : I see her ! Rounding the point in full sail ! Others: Aye, there she comes! Gov. Bradford : Canst see her flag, Captain Standish ? Standish : Nay. She flies no flag. She looks not like a French ship, or a Dutch — Alden : About sixty ton weight. Standish : She's laying her course straight into the harbor ! I go to open the guns! But stay! She's unfurling her flag! (With a shout) England ! The red cross of England ! I All join in the cry of England ! England ! Tlie men wave their hats, the women I weep on one another's shoulders and wave their handkerchiefs. Gov. Bradford: (SnatcJung the glass from Standish) I can see her name. 'Tis the Fortune ! She is bringing our own people to us ! Prtscilla: (Embracing Mistress Breivster) Belike thy children are aboard ! Fear and Patience coming to thee ! Mistress Brewster: (JViping her eyes) Nay, nay! 'Tis too good! It can- not be ! 3J Another Pilgrim : And my good wife will be aboard ! And our little son ! A Maid : My brother ! He did promise he would come ! They all hurry out, waving their handkerchiefs and sobbing and laughing in their joy. As the voices die away in the distance, a shaft of sunlight falls on the Bible lying upon its rough pulpit in the center of the scene, and at the same -moment the Guardian Spirit appears in the center back. Soft music is heard as she recites the poem by Felicia Hemans, "Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers." At the close of the poem, the Spirit moves slowly toward the front of the scene and, standing at one side of the pulpit, speaks again. Guardian Spirit : Out of the holy faith and steadfast courage of these lives The Spirit of America was born. Soft strains of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" are heard, as America, slowly rises from behind the pulpit and stands in the shaft of light with her hand upon the Bible. America: (Turning to the Guardian Spirit) O Mother of my Life, Spirit of Liberty that gave me birth, Here in this wilderness Fling wide the curtains of the years to come, That I may see the things that are to be ! The Guardian Spirit: (Raising her hand in prophecy) Lift up your eyes, America ! Behold, In future years, a mighty race of men Who, casting ofif the bonds of ancient thought, Shall crowd a host of Pilgrims to these shores To be reborn in righteousness. For thou shalt be a nation, Built stone on stone by men of every race, And on thy shining portals there shall blaze. In flaming letters, — JUSTICE, LI.BERTY, and BROTHERHOOD ! God broke the ancient mold And called a nation made of nations into birth. Pointing to thee an untried way. For unto thee He saith, "America ! Thou shalt go forth to serve mankind !" Voices are heard singing the first stanza of Katherine Lee Bates' song,' "Ajmerica the Beautiful," and twelve Maidens of Light glide in hand in hand, and form a circle about The Guardian Spirit and The Spirit of America, as they sing — O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, ' This hymn may be found in Ilymiwl for American Youth, and in many denomi- national hymnals. 3? For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain ! America ! America ! God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good wiith brotherhood From sea to shining sea ! During the singing of the second stanaa they circle slowly about the tzvo Spirits as they iveave in and out in the "Grand Right and Left" movement. "O beautiful for Pilgrim feet Whose stern, impassioned stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness ! America ! America ! God mend thine every flaw. Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law !" They join hands in a large circle and sing the third stanza. "O beautiful for heroes proved They move in sloivly tozvard the Spirits, forming a smaller circle. In liberating strife, Wlio more than self their country loved. And mercy more than life ! America ! America ! They lift their clasped hands high above their heads. May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness. All move out to large circle again. And every gain divine !" They slozvly circle about the Spirits as they sing the fourth stanza. "O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears ! America ! America ! They sink upon one knee lifting their arms tozvard America. 33 God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!" The Maidens rise and joining hands, pass out as they sing the first stanza again. America stanJ.s with her hand upon the Bible, looking far out across the future years, as the Guardian Spirit of Liberty enfolds her protectingly with her arm. The Curtains Are Drawn. The audience rises and sings the "Pilgrim Anniversary Hymn.'" The Mayflower Still Is Sailing (3n Tune : Maryton- More light shall break from out Thy word For Pilgrim followers of the gleam, Till, led by thy free spirit, Lord, We see and share the Pilgrim dream ! What mighty hopes are in our care. What holy dreams of Brotherhood God of our Fathers, help us dare Their passion for the Common Good ! Wild roars the blast, the storm is high! Above the storm are shining still The lights by which we live and die; Our peace is ever in Thy will ! The ancient stars, the ancient faith. Defend us till our voyage is done — Across the floods of fear and death The Mayflower still is sailing on ! ' Written by Allen Eastman Cross for the Pilgrim Tercentenary Celebration. - Tliis tune may be found in Hymnal for American Youth, and in many denomi- national hvmnals. 34 LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 069 275 fl LIBRARY ( 014 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 069 275 A ^ Hollmfier