Now Ready. A new Centennial Drama, by Geo. M. Baker, entitled "One Hun- dred Years Ajyo, or Our Boys of 1776." 2 Acts. 8 male, 3 female characters. 15 cents. I^HO. 4 ijmterscj. "according to Act of Congrpsp, in the yenr If 76 by George M. Bakkr, in the Offic ot tUs Librarian of Concresft.a t Washincton. Just Published. The " Popular Edition " of Baker's Reading Club and Handy Speaker. Nos. 1, 2, and 3, 50 selections in each. Price 15 cents each. .r" 'Z^O'0"^000(JQ>(JQ,0:i^CQC-:h'(JQ^C'Q^OQ>OQi 1 •^ A Collection of COMEDIES, DRAMAS, and FARCES, adapted to eitJier Public *^ or Private Performance. Containing a full description of all the necessary Stage Business. SPENCEH'S UmVEESAL STAGE. >•' I U I. 10 11. w 5. 6. \\ Ir PS ICE, 15 CENTS EjLCS. \^^ No Plays exchanged. 1. liost ?.n liOndon. A Drama in Three Acts. 6 Msle, 4 Female char- acters. 2. jVicholas Flam. A Comedy jn Two Acts. By J. B. Buckstone. 5 Male, 3 Female characters. 3. The "Welsli Girl, A Comedy in One Act. V^y Mrs. Planche. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. 4. Joliii Wopps. A Farce in One Act. By W. E. Sutcr. 4 Male, 2 Female char-icters. The Turkish Bath. A Farce in One Act. By 3Iontague "Williams and F. C. Burnand. 6 Male, 1 Fe- male character. The Two Putldifoots. A Farce in One Act. i\v J. M. Morton. 3 Male, 3 Female characters. Old Honesty. A Comic Drama in Two Acts. By J. M. Morton. 5 Male, 2 Female characters. Tavo Gentiemeu in a Tix. A Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 2 31ale characters. Sntashington Goit. A Farce in OneAct. By T.J. Williams. 6 Male, 3 Female characters. Tito Heads Better thanOne. A Farce in One Act. By Lenox Home. 4 Male, 1 Female character. John I>obbs. A Farce in One Act. By J. M. Morton. 5 Male, 2 Female characters. 12. The Daughter of the Regi- ment. A Drama in Two Acts. By Edward Fitzball. G Male, 2 Female characters. 13. Aunt Charlotte's Maid. A Farce in One Act. By J. M. 3Iorton. 3 Male, 3 Female characters. 14. Brother Bill and Me. A Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 4 Male, 3 Femalfi characters. 15. Bone on Both Sides. A Farce in One Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. 1« T>iinducl£ctty's Picnic. A Farce in One Act. By T. J. Williams. 6 Male, 3 Female characters. Ir. I've ^vrltten to Browne. A Farce in One Act. By T.J.Williams. 4 Male, 3 Female characters. 18. Lending a Hand. A Farce in One Act. By G. A. A'Becket. 3 Male, 2 P'emale characters. 19. My Precious Betsy. A Farce in One Act By J. M. Morton. 4 Male, 4 Femnl( cliaracters. 20. My Turn IVext. A Farce in One Act. By T. J. AVilliams. 4 Male, 3 Fe- '*" male ehaiTi^ters. 21. 22. 23. 24. 26. 25. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. S^A 35. V 3£. BTine Point.? of the Law^. A Com- edy in One Act. By Tom Taylor. 4 Male, 3 Female characters. The Phantom Breakfast. A Farce in One Act. By Charles Sel- by. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. Bandelions Bodges. A Farce in One Acf. By T. J. Williams. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. A Slice of L.uck. A Farce in One Act. £y J. M. Morton. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. Always Intended. A Comedy in One Act. By Horace Wigan. 3 Male, 3 Female characters. A Bull in a China Shop. A Com- edy in Two Acts. By Charles Mat- thews. 6 Male, 4 Female characters. Another Glass. A Drama in One Act. By Thomas Morton. 6 Male, 3 Female characters. Bo-wled Out, A Farce in One Act. By H. T. Craven. 4 Male, 3 Female characters. Cousin Tom. A Commedietta in One Act. By George Roberts. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. Sarah's Young Man. A Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 3 Male, 3 Female characters. Hit Him, He has No Friends. A Farce in One Act. By E. Yates and N. H. Harrington. 7 Male, 3 Female characters. The Christening. A Farce in One ^ Act. By J. B. Buckstona. 5 Male, ' 6 Female characters. A Race for a Wido-w. A Fare* in One Act. By Thomas J. Wil- liams. 5 Male, 4 Female characters. Tour Life's in Banger. A Farce in One Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 Male, 3 Female characters. True unto Beath. A Drama in Two Acts. By J. Sheridaa Knowles. 6 Male, 2 Femalo characters. OOOCCc^o^'CXQuODC)ODDOQ£)^OOQOC)€C'u004JDC'Q^ ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776, A PATRIOTIC DRAMA IN TWO ACTS. BY JHE AUTHOR OF "Sylvia's Soldier;' ''Once on a Time,'' "Down bv the Sea," "Bread on the Waters,' " 1 He L,st Loaf,; " Stand by the Flag," ''The Tempter," "A Drop Too Much" ' We're All Teetotalers," " A Lntle More Cider," "Thirty mS utes f<)r Refreshments "• Wanted, a Male Cook," "A Sea of Troubles," ''Free- dom of the Press " "A Close Shave," " The Great Elixir," "The Man with the Dem,3ohn, '_ "New Brooms Sweep Clean," '"Humors of the Strike," "My Uncle the Captain ;" The Gr«itest Plague in Life," '• No Cure, No Pay," "The Grecian Bend," =" i he VVar of the Roses," "Lightheart's Pilgrimage" "The Sculptor s Triumph, "Too Late for the Train," " Snow-Bouiid," "The Ped- fi'tl?ivv"'^"^''M' "Bonbons,' "Capuletta," "An Original Idea," "Enlisted Friln '''"xr'lv'r"''^.-?'?' "The Champion of her Sex," "The Visions of Freedom, "The Merry Christmas of the Old Woman who lived in a Shoe," Ca 1 " & '™''™^"' Idylcourt," "A Thorn among the Roses," "A Christmas » f BOSTON: s%^/H^^ GEORGE M. BAKER AND COMPANY, 41-45 Franklin Street. 1876. \ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876. BY GEORGE M. BAKER, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at "Washington. Franklin Press: Stereotyped and Printed by Rand, Avery, & Co. ONE HUNDEED TEAES AGO; OR, OUR BOYS OF 1770. A PATRIOTIC DRAMA IN TWO ACTS, CHARACTERS. Obed Sterling, a Quaker. ' Ephraim Sterling, his Son. . Elmer Granger, a Young Patriot. Uriel Bosworth, a Quaker Convert. Pretzel, a Dutchman. Ginger, a Negro. Burke, } m • ^ / Tories. Blucher, ) Rachel Sterling, the Quaker Mother. Ruth Sterling, her Daughter. Prudence Granger, Ehner's Sister. The scene of the drama is near Philadelphia, July 4, 1776. COSTUMES. Obed. Black, brown, or gray Quaker suit; white hair, parted in centre; long stockings, to match suit; plain hlack shoes; broad-brimmed hat. Bosworth and Ephraim. Quaker suits of same character, but differing in color or in the color of stockings. Bosworth has black hair, -parted in middle ; Ephraim a very light wig, parted in the middle, with hair slightly curly at ends. 4 OKE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. Elmer, Keat suit of continental fashion ; brown coat; buff vest; white necktie; brown breeches; blue stockings; shoes with buckles ; cocked hat, Pketzel. Brown trunks, or full trousers fastened at the knee; blue stockings; short brown coat; small Dutch cap, or knit woollen cap with tassel at end. Ginger. Gray breeches; red stockings; blue striped shirt; red waistcoat, open; grizzled wig; heavy shoes, Blucher and Burke. Brown coats; red waistcoats; dark breeches; brown or gray stockings; shoes without buckles. Mrs. Sterling. Gray dress; white kerchief, nejftly pinned across bosom ; Quaker cap, Ruth. Brown or gray dress, opening in front, showing white skirt, rather short; long sleeves; high neck; white hose, and black shoes; hair light, in Grecian knot. Prudence. Sliort patch petticoat, with looped overskirt aud waist of red material; sleeves rolled up in first act, and apron on; hair done up high with large comb; sleeves turned down for second act. The Quaker costumes may be hard to obtain, but can easily be manufactured. For hats, cover wide-rimmed straw hats with brown or gray cambric, "wrong-side" out. For coats, "stand up" the collars of any old-fashioned dark coats, to give a prim and stiff appearance. The balance can easily be obtained. Guns used in this piece should have the appearance of flint-locks. STAGE DIRECTIONS. R., right; c, centre; l., left; l c, left centre; r. c, right cen- tre; L. 1 E., left first entrance; r. 1e., right first entrance; flat, scene at back of stage; r. u. e., right upper entrance. ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; OR, OUH BOYS OF 1776. A PATRIOTIC DRAMA IN TWO ACTS. Act I. — Morning. Kitchen in Obed Sterling's Jiouse. Door in flat r. c. Windoio in flat l. c, icitJi muslin curtain draped. Fireplace r., ivitJiflre burning, and teakettle hanging on crane. Door or entrance l. 1 e., R. 1 E., and R. u. E. Settle r., betzveen fire and door. {If this cannot be easily procured, form one by placing tivo ivooden chairs side by side, and cover ivith cotton cloth.) l. c, near window, tub on zvooden bench, par^Z?/ filled with suds, tcashboard, and luhite clothes, x>iece of yelloio soap on ivashboard, clothes- basket and pail on fioor beside tub. Table l. , against scene, chair r. of it. Add any old-fashioned things, such as spinning -luheel, churn, &c., that may be pro- curable, and place out of the way at r. or l. As the curtain rises, drum and fife are heard playing " Yankee Doodle " outside, gradually dying away in the distance. Prudence discovered at windoio, hold- ing back curtain, and looking out. 1* 6 6 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; Prudence. There they go. Bless their true, loyal hearts ! I wish King George could only see them. He'd need but one look at their stout forms and brave faces to teach him that all the Stamp Acts in creation. couldn't stamp out the grit that's ground into every mother's son that has rolled in this rugged soil. {Turns to tub, and washes briskly.) I'm glad to see this sojery here. It did look for a while as though the Tories were going to have it all their own way ; but the patriots have woke up, and I reckon there'll be lively times here. It takes me right back to dear old Concord, and the day the British came up to surprise us. The drum and fife played to some purpose then. They came and found us ready, and the getting back a pesky sight harder than the coming. It was a sad day for us. Father fell among the first. Our old house was burned to the ground ; and mother (it sickens me to think of it) was butchered by a coward. And, but for my brave brother, I — I — {Puts hands to her eyes.) Dear me ! I've filled my eyes with suds. I won't think of that fearful scene. Many homes must be blasted before the t^Tant can be made to feel he is powerless to enslave a people roused to a sense of their wrongs. Come, Prudence, chirk up. There's bluing enough in your tub; so don't you get the blues. {Sings air " Yankee Doodle:') " Father and I went down to camp, Along of Capt. Tooding; And there we saw the men and boys, As thick as hasty pudding." {Enter Pretzel door in flat, ivithpipe in his mouth; OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 7 leans against door-post, and smokes while she is sing- ing the chorus. ) '" Yankee doodle, keep it up, Yankee doodle dandy ; Mind tlie music and the steps, And with the ,0rls be handy," Pretzel. Yaw, dot is goot. Miss Prudence, vash you dare ? Prudence. Yes, Mr. Pretzel, I wash here. Pretzel. Yaw. Ihearj^ou sing sometings. You hear der droms and der fifes ven der play 'long mit der music ? Prudence. Hear them? I should think so. That tune should wake the spirit of e\Qvy man who loves his country. Pretzel. Yaw, dot is so. It vake me right up from mine shleep, and I feel so mad dot I moost do some- tings right ava}^ pretty quick. Prudence. For 3'our countr}'? You have a noble spirit, Mr. Pretzel. Pretzel. Yaw, spirit is goot. I moost do sometings : so I call mine man Yawcup to go right ava}^ and get me — Prudence. Your gun. I see, noble Pretzel. Pretzel. Right avay down cellar, and draw mine peer. Prudence. Pshaw ! j^ou've got no patriotism. Pretzel. Batriotism. I donno vhat you mean by dot ; but I be got der pest peer — Prudence. Is this the time to think of beer ? Pretzel. Yaw, der ish no time dot ever vas to come pefore dot I do not tink of mine peer. 3 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; Prudence. 'Tis out of place now. Pretzel. Nein : 'tis in der keg onder de stairs, first on der right as you go town mit der left. Prudence. I don't want to hear any more about your beer. Pretzel. Yaw. Veil, I haf else sometings dot will blease you {sits on settle) , — sometings dot make me so shtupid dot I can't shut mine eyes vhen I haf gone to shleep mit mine ped. Dot is you, fraulein. I loaf you. Prudence {with clothes in her hands, starts hack : very loud). What? Pretzel. Yaw. I loaf you petter dan sourkraut, petter dan mine peer. Ven I tink of 3'ou mit your pright eyes, my heart joomp right out of mine mout, and peats droomsticks mit my posom. Prudence {snapping her teeth, and tvringing out a sheet). It does, does it? Pretzel. Yaw. So I get run ofer from mine house to get you for mine frau. 80 3^ou comes mit me, and be mine frau, and you shall vash all der day mit your tub, — all mine close dot never haf peen vashed at all some more. Prudence {who has twisted a wet sheet into a weapon) . Mr. Pretzel, do you see that door? Pretzel {looks round at door without rising) . Yaw ; dot is a goot toor. Prudence {comes down stage) . Then instantly take yourself outside of it. Pretzel. Mit j^ou, fraulein? Prudence {strikes pipe from his mouth with her OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 9 weapon). Never, you mean, contemptible, cowardly Dutchman ! Pretzel (Jumping up). Vhat for you smash mine pipe ? You vant to proke mine heart mit your non- sense ? Prudence. I'll break j^our head if you're not out of this house quick. (Flourishing her loeapon.) Go! Pretzel. Keep avay ! I'll bring you tamages mit a court ; and I'll nefer come back here some more. Prudence. If you do, I'll scald yo\x. ( Threatening.) Go! Pretzel (at door) . Yaw. May I nefer hope to die if I do. (Exit door in flat.) Prudence (returns to tub) . Was there ever such im- pudence? Ha, ha, ha! I've found a lover at last. Poor old Pretzel wants a frau. " You come mit me.'* Ha, ha, ha ! I needn't die an old maid ; but it will certainh^ be my last chance when I consent to become Frau Pretzel. ( Wrings out clothes^ and puts them in basket. Ginger heard outside lohistUng " Yankee Doodle.'^ He throws open door, and marches down stage to front <, still whistling ; has a heavy stick of wood at '''•shoulder-arms.''^) Ginger (marking time) . Ker-ker-kerumpany — ten- sion. Halt! order — hams! (Lets stick doiun upon his toe; drops it, seizes foot with both hands, hops across stage on one foot howling, drops into chair, l.) Wh- wh-what de infusion in de ranks? Wliooh ! — dar's a halt in de confield sure's yoM bawn. Prudence. Ginger, where on earth have 3^ou been? Ginger. Hm? Dat you, Miss Prudence? Been down 10 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; wid de sojers onto de — de pomade ground, you know, down de cow-pastur. Lots of 'em down dar, and so fine. Oh, goll}^ ! Dar was Gunnel StufRn — Prudence. No, no. Ginger : Col. Griffin. Ginger. Hm ? Wal, he had stuffin nuff in his buzzum to fill a bolster. Den dar was Capn — Capn Gingham. Prudence. Oh, no, Ginger ! Capt. Ingram. Ginger. Yas, dat what I said, — Cap'n Gingham. He was dressed up fine, he was. He had a big sliut — shut — shut — two on his head ; an' — an' — an' — a yaller flume stuck into it ; an' — an' — a red crash round his waist ; an' — an' — a napkin on his back ; an' — an' — a partridge-box fastened onto his side. Golly ! he jes as proud as — as — a rooster in de barn- 3'ard. Lots dere. Miss Prudence. I wanted to jine, but dey wouldn't let me. Said 'twould spoil my com- plex. Dey was going to trabble in de sun, and I'd get tanned. If some of dem fellows don't get tanned, den shoot me. Prudence. It is a grand rising. I've seen many such down East. Ginger. Down Yeast ! Yas, dat's de yeast dat sets de whole countr}- rising. Prudence. Come, Ginger, help me with the basket. Ginger (rising). To be sure, to be sure ! {Limps.) Have jes' about smashed dat ere hoof {feels of heel) ; but de vital part am safe. {Enter Mrs. Sterling R. u. E., with kyiitting in her hands.) Mrs. S. Has thee nearly finished thy washing, Pru- dence ? Prudence. Yes. The last basketful is just going out. OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. H Mrs. S. Thee is a smart girl, Prudence, and a good one. Prudence. And you are a good, kind friend to me ; for when I had no home, out of love for my mother, who had left the Friends to marry my father, 3^ou called me to 3'ou, and comforted me in m}^ sorrow with lovinsj words and kind acts. Mrs. S. Child, thee has repaid us a thousand-fold. Thy hands are skilful, thy feet active, tli}' whole soul is in thy work, and tli}- singing and laughter sunshine in our sober house. Ginger. Dat's so, missus ; she de sunshine in de garden too. Pe roses blush wid pleasure when she skips along de paths ; an' — an' — de great proud sunflowers look ashamed of demselves for being so ugh^ looking ; an' — an' de inyuns waft de fragrance ; an' — an' — Prudence. Ha, ha, ha ! Ginger, j^ou are too ro- mantic. Ginger. Got a little touch of de rumatics when dat ar stick dropped. Prudence. Come, we shall not get the clothes out to-day. (Takes handle of basket.) Ginger {takes other side of basket). Say, Miss Prudence, whj- am we — us, j^ou and me — like twins? Prudence. Can't guess that. Ginger. Ginger. Kase — kase — kase we's so clothesly united. See? Yah, yah, 3'ah ! Dat's a conunder- done. Prudence. It's overdone. Ginger; we must find a dividing line somewhere. j[2 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; Ginger. We'll liab to trabble from pole to pole to find it. Yah, j^ah, 3'ah ! (Exeunt Prudence and Ginger, icith basket, door in f.) Mrs. S. (sitting on settle, and knitting). She's a dear good girl, though she does plague the Friends with her plain talk on equal rights and liberty'. They call her a firebrand : but I like her all the better for that. She is a spark thrown up by the great fire of patriotism which waved so grandly at Concord, fallen here to kindle a fresh blaze for libert3\ Ah, Rachel ! thee is a little treacherous to tli}' faith. The Friends counsel peace ; but I fear thy heart is with the op- pressed. (Enter, door in flat, Obed Sterling, /o/^otoecZ by Bos WORTH.) Obed. AVhat thee says may be true, Friend Bos- worth ; but the Friends counsel neutralit}' in these troublous daj's. Boswortli. Na}', nay ; the Friends are wrong. We must take side in the coming struggle. Thee knows the rebels are in council now in the city, have already framed a declaration of independence which to-day will be adopted. Their harangues are loud and bitter. The}' hurl defiance at our good Friend George, who is the rightful owner of this soil. We must be just to him. Mrs. S. Though he be unjust to us. Thinkest thou this would be the advice of Friend William Penn, who boiiglit this land of Friend George, and gave it to us as a refuge from oppressors ? Obed. Na}^ nay, Rachel ; thee must not counsel opposition. We are Friends. If our enem}^ smite us on the right cheek, we must turn to him the left. OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 13 Mrs. S. Verily, Obed, thee speaks not the words of soberness. When the tax-gatherer did smite thee on the cheek, thee did turn upon him with thy fist, and smite him to the ground. Obed. Na}^, speak not of that, Rachel. I did for- get myself. 3frs. S. Then let th}' memor}' be treacherous again on the side of right and justice. ' Obed. Na}^, na}^ it must not be. I should set a bad example to son Ephraim, who is strongly imbued with the principles of peace ; and daughter Ruth — where is the child? Mrs. S. I left her at her window tending plants. Obed. Thee had better go to her. I thought I saw her, as I came in, with her e^^es fastened upon the warlike evolutions of the rebels bej^ond. I fear the plants will be neglected. Mrs. S. I will send her to thee and Friend Bos- worth. (Exit R. U. E.) Obed. Sit thee down. Friend Bosworth (sits 07i settle) . Bosivorth {takes chair from table, and sits c). Friend Obed, thy daughter is a comely damsel, and fair to look upon. Obed. Yea, she is like the best fruits of my orchard, — fair and rosj' to the e3'e, sound and wholesome to the core. Bosivorth. Thee will not think me presuming, Obed ; for thee has been verj^ kind to me. "When I came to thee a stranger, thee did use thy influence with the Friends, and made me one of thy sect. 2 ;[4 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; Ohed. Yea, thee was a stranger, — one who had fled from persecution in Massachusetts, because thee would not join the unrighteous rebels in their oppo- sition to Friend George. Yea, I did stand thy friend. Bosworth. Thee can stand my friend again, if thee but choose. I love thy daughter Ruth. Ohed. Thee — thee love my daughter ! Bosworth. Yea, Friend Obed ; give her to rae, and tliee will never regret it. Ohed. If daughter Ruth saith Yea to jthy petition, thee will find rae thy friend ; but she shall make her own free choice. BosicortJi. Hearken, Friend Obed. In a few days this place will be filled with British soldiers. Only the friends of Friend George will be free from molesta- tion. Should thee remain neutral, thy fine place will be despoiled, thy gold seized, thyself and thy friends be left homeless. Thee should prepare for this. Ohed. Prepare ! How ? Bosworth. Make friends with the agents of Friend George. Offer thy services to assist in breaking down this unhallowed rebellion. Ohed. Offer my services ! Don't thee forget I am a Friend, — forbidden to bear arms? Bosworth. Thee need not, Friend Obed, bear arms. There are other ways in which thee can aid. I am in the service of Friend George. Ohed. Thee, Friend Bosworth? Bosworth. Yea. When his soldiers come, I shall pass in a list of the loyal and the rebellious. The OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776; 15 proper!}' of the rebels will be seized. The loyal will still hold their own. Ohed. Bosworth, thee is a spy. Bosiuorth. Thee gives my poor services a hard name. No matter. Tliese rebels shall suffer for the wrongs they have heaped upon me ; and I'll sell them body and soul, if craft and cunniqg can do it. Obed. And thee would marry in}' daughter? Bosivorth. Would? I will. I am powerful now. I can denounce ; I can protect. If thee will use thy influence with her, I stand th}" friend ; if not, thee and til}' household must be outlawed. 'Tis a fair bargain. Her hand for thy peace, perhaps thy life. Obed. Na}', thee knows 'tis my custom to sleep upon a bargain. Fear not ; thy offer shall be well con- sidered. . Hush ! Here is daughter Ruth. {Enter Ruth R. u. E.) Ruth. Mother tells me thee does want me, father. Obed. Na}', daughter. I did but ask for thee, miss- ing thee from the kitchen. Ruth. Prudence sent me away. I would have helped her with the washing, but she bade me begone ; ^so I have been at m}' window, watering the plants. Obed. And watching the men of war on the green. Ruth. Yea, thee is right. My ej'es would wander that wa}' . Was I wrong ? Thee has taught me that war is unholy ; that man has no right to take the life of his brother-man. Obed. Thee has been taught well. Ruth. Then Friend George across the water must be a ver}' wicked man ; for 'twas by his order the first blood was shed. 1Q ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; Obed. Nay : he was but asserting his right to his own propert3\ JRutJi. Then our neighbors do right in defending their liberties. Is it not so? Ohed. Na}', child ; thee cannot understand this quarrel. Thee had better hold thy i>eace. Does thee not see Friend Bosworth? Buth. Friend Bosworth, thee is welcome. Bosioo)'t7i. Thee is always kind, Friend Ruth. And so thee has a wicked sj'uipath}' for these rebel- lious neighbors? Euth. Yea. I must be a very wicked little Quaker ; for I do hope they will wax strong in their faith that Iibei% is a birthright ; and he who would not defend it with his life is a coward. {Turns \ip stage to windoiu, and looks out.) Bosicortfi. Friend Obed, thee has a little rebel beneath thy roof. Obed^ Nay, never heed her. Friend Bosworth. Her mother has an obstinate nature, and is apt to be a little tart of tongue ; and the child is her constant companion. I grieve at this liacksliding from the principles of our faith. But thee will find son Eph- raim untainted with the war-spirit. He is a lad after my own heart. Come, let us go to my room. I would hear more of thy plans. (Fxit l.) Bosioorth {rises^ sets back chair., tu7*ns., and looks at RuTii). Verily, she is a little rebel. But when thee is mine, my pretty Ruth, I'll teach thee better. {Exit L.) HutJi {comes doion R.) . I like not Friend Bosworth. OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 17 He looks no one in the face : he is soft of step, and hath a sneaking way of watching that troubles me. When my ej^es are turned away, I can feel his eyes upon me, for a shudder, as though a snake was crossing my path, runs through me. He is not to be trusted. (Enter Prudence door in flat with pail and dipper. ) Prudence {comes l.). Hallo, Miss Impudence, didn't I tell 3'ou not to come into the kitchen ? Ruth. Nay, thee must not be angry, Prudence. Father sent for me. Prudence. AVell, remember you are to touch nothing. Its no matter though, the washing's out. {Knock at door). "Who's that? Come in. {Enter Elmer Gran- ger with gun: looks at Ruth.) Elmer. Is this the house of Obed Sterling? {Sees Prudence : drops gun.) Prudence, sister ! Prudence. Why, it's Elmer ! {They r\m into each other's arms.) Oh, I'm so glad to see you again ! Elmer. Why, sis, you dear little soul ! give us another buss. Prudence. A dozen. Now, where did 3'ou come from, and what brings 3'ou here? Elmer. I came here with our delegate to the con- vention from Massachusetts. Arrived at Philadelphia 3'esterda3', saw a good daj-'s work, had a good night's rest, and came out earl}' this morning to hunt 3'ou up before I go back to witness the adoption of the declara- tion. Sis, the whole countr}- is rising. It needs but that determined act to thrill all lo3^al hearts, and tyrann3^ is crushed, our land is free. {Looks at Ruth, tvho stands r. watching them.) But there's somebody, Prudence. Manners, sis, manners. 2* 28 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; Prudence. Wh}^, that's Ruth. — Ruth, this is my brother Elmer. Elmer. Hope 3'ou.are well, marm. Buth. Nay, thee is mistaken, the mother is within; I am daughter Ruth. Prudence. Ha, ha, ha ! She's a funn}^ little thing, Elmer. Elmer. She's a beauty, sis. I'd like to shake hands with her. Prudence. Then, why don't you? she won't bite. Ruth. Thee is very welcome, Friend Elmer. I would like to shake hands with thee, but thee seem a bit bashful. Elmer. Bashful ! me ? My gracious, sis, did you hear that ? Prudence. Ha, ha, ha ! You're frightened, Elmer. Elmer {crossing to Ruth) . I am a rebel. Miss Ruth, in arms against a t3'rant king. I would gladly give m}" life to see my country free. Will you give me your hand now? Ruth, Yea, thee is a man after m}" own h^art. Thee shall have both {offers her hands, which he takes) . I love thy sister dearly : should I not share her pride in such a noble patriot as thee is ? Elmer {'pressing her hands) . Thank you. Sj'mpa- thy for our cause from those whose principles forbid resistance, is a proof we are right. We only ask our libert}^ to hold what is our own, — nought else. Ruth. Indeed ! Yet thee now holds what is not thy own, — my hands. Elmer {dropping her hands) . I beg youi* pardon. I OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 19 Ruth. Nay, thee must not feel hurt : thee may have them again if 'twill please thee. {Gives hands.) Elmer. Oh, you — (drops them suddenly, and turns to Prudence). Sis, I must run, or I shall be in love with this fascinating little Quaker. Prudence. Nonsense. Yankees never nm. {They talk together.) Buth {aside). I never saw a man I liked so well. He hath a good form, a noble face, and e3'es, ah ! they make me shudder; not as Friend Bosworth's eyes do, but still a shudder, yet ver}^ pleasant to feel : I like it. Prudence. I mustn't stop to talk with 3'ou now, Elmer : must get the washing things out of the wa}'. You run into the garden with Ruth while I pick up a bit. Ruth. Yea, Friend Elmer, I will show thee the way. Thee is not afraid to trust th3self with me? Elmer. Afraid! {aside) but I am. {Aloud.) Oh, certainl}" not ! will j^ou take my arm ? Ruth. Nay, give me thy hand, and I will lead thee to the flower-beds. {Gives hand, and leads him to door.) Prudence. Ah! Elmer? {he turns). Thee seems a bit bashful. Ha, ha, ha ! {He shakes his Jist at her, then exit ivith Ruth.) Well, he's provided for : so I'll go to w^ork again. {Goes behind tub, and dips luater from tub to pail.) It's just good to see that bo}' from the old place again. {Enter Ephraim, door in f. , quiet- ly ; stands at door a second, and looks at Prudence, then creeps to door r. u. e., liste^is, then steps over to Prudence, raises her face, and kisses her ; then steps quickly back to door, and stands meekly ttviiiing his thumbs, with eyes turned to the ceiling. 20 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; Prudence (as he kisses her) . Murder ! thieves ! (Turns, and looks at Ephraim.) Ephraim Sterling ! Ephraim. Yea, Friend Prudence, here I am once more. Prudence. Yes, I felt 3'our presence before you sjioke. How dare you? Ephraim. Veril}' I have travelled far this morning, my lips were parched with thirst : thine were like a tempting bunch of cherries, and I did fall into tempta- tion. Art thou not glad I am at home again? Prudence {keeps at work hailing out her tub). Yes, I'm glad when the cows are at home, the hens and chickens on their perch, and the pigs quietly asleep in their pens. Ephraim. Cows, hens, hogs ! Verily, Friend Pru- dence, thee takes me for a brute. Prudence. No, indeed, for brutes will fight. Even a rat will defend himself when driven to a corner. Ephraim. Thee knows my love of peace. Am I not a Friend ? Prudence. Fiddlesticks ! Whose friend, when you have not the courage or the will to defend and protect the oppressed ? Ephraim {attempts to take her hand) . Thee knows I would be more than a friend to thee, that I love thee. {She resents his attempt to take her hand, and here slips a piece of soap into his hand. He looks at it, and throws it into the tub ioith a splash.) What nonsense is this? Prudence. You talk so fast, I thought you might be short of soap. Ha, ha, ha ! OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 21 Epliraim. Be serious, Prudence. I would have thee be my wife. Pnudence. You! why, JLinan of peace can only be a piece of a man an}- way. I mean to have a whole one, or none ; whole-hearted, whole-souled, with a bump of combativeness to match the bump of benevo- lence. The man to win a Yankee girl's heart must be as determined as the motto on the old flag, " Don't tread on me." Ephraim. No man should tread on me. Prudence. No, 3^ou would crawl out of his way. Epliraim. Yea, I would remove m^'self from his path. Prudence. How very kind ! But suppose you should see one of those hrave Tories, who take every opportu- nity to insult defenceless women, put his arm about m}' waist? Ephraim {fiercely) . I would knock him down. Prndence. But that would be violence. Epliraim. Thee is right. I would lay him gently on the earth, and sit quietly on his prostrate form till thee was out of sight. Prudence. You would protect me? Epliraim. With my life. Will thee not give me the right to protect thee ? Prudence. No, the man who wins me must help free my countr3\ • Ephraim. Yea, I will be that man. Prudence. You, a born Quaker? Ephraim. I will be born again. Thy love shall make me strong, valiant, 3'ea, for thy sake I will be- come a desperado. {Strikes hand on tub.) 22 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; Prudence Well, don't upset my tub, then. Epliraim, if I thought I could depend upon 3^ou, I would — Ephraim (eagerly). Yea, thee would — Prudence. Ask thee to help me with the tub. Epliraim. Na}', thee mocks me. I'll have no more to say to thee. {Comes down l.) Prudence. That's right, Ephraim. Silence is so becoming to a Quaker ! (Sings.) Father and I went down to camp, Alonor with Siah Baker; And there we saw the patriot boj3, But not a single Quaker. (Enter Ginger while she is singing^ door inflate and joins in chorus.) Yankee Doodle, &c. (as before). Ephraim. Yea, the Friends may well call her a fire- brand, for she'll drive me to the battle-field in spite of myself. (Exit l.) Ginger. Dat's de camp-meeting for me. When you gwine down dar again, Miss Prudence? Prudence. Here, Ginger, catch hold of the tub. Ginger. Yas, indeed. (They take tub from bench ^ and set it on stage near l). Hallo, who's dat? (Enter Ruth and Elmer, door in flat: he has his arm about her ivaist.) Ruth. Thee sees I have brought thy brother back safe, Prudence. Elmer. And we*ve had a delightful ramble. Prudence. Yes, \o\\ have ivaisted no time in getting acquainted. (Ruth sits on settle.) Come, Ginger, take out the bench. on, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 23 Elmer. Hallo, this is Ginger : I've heard of him. Prudence. And Ginger has heard of j'ou. — This is m}' brother Elmer, Ginger. Ginger. By goll}', 3'ou don't mean it ! Massa Elmer, 3^011' s jes one ob de patriots. {Boios and scrapes.) Elmer. Give me 3'our hand, Ginger. Ginger. Wh-wh-what ! 3'ou gwilie to shake hands wid a dark3'? Elmer {shaking hands). Yes, and proud to have the chance, Ginger. M3' sister has told me how boldly 3'OU came to her rescue, when a Tor3' dared to step across her path. You're a brave fellow. Ginger. Tank 3'ou, massa. {Holds up his hand.) Ole hand, 3'ou's been shook by a brave man: dar sha'n't no more soap and water wipe out dat are honor, chile, neber. B3' goll3', dese Down-Easters be white men ; da3''ll be freeing all de darkies one ob dese days. {Takes up bench, and goes to door.) Tank 3'ou, Massa Elmer. I's a poor old dark3", but I got a heart, and, if I could die for 3'ou and Miss Prudence, I'd do it freel3^ {Exit door f.) Elmer. Now, Prudence, come and sit down : I've much to sa3^ to 3^ou. Prudence. No : work first, and pleasure afterwards. {Takes up pail.) I must go for water. Elmer {taking pail) . Not while I am here : where shall I find it? Prudence. I'll show 3^ou, come. {Exit Prudence and Elmer, door in flat.) Ruth. I like Friend Elmer. What a pity he's one 24 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; of the world's people ! But yet I think I like him the better for that. None of the Friends can talk so eweetl}- and so bravel3\ {Enter l. Bosivorth.) Bosivorth (aside). I have found her alone at last. Friend Obed seems to be of a wavering nature. I fear I cannot depend much upon his assistance. I'll know my fate here at once. {Aside.) Friend Ruth. Ruth. Well, Friend Bosworth. Bosivorth. I have told th}- father that I love thee. Eiith. Indeed ! Thee never told me as much. Bosworth. I tell thee now, that I love thee dearl}'. Ruth. Has thee seen the 3'oung patriot, Elmer- Granger ? BoswoHh. Thee does not mean to tell me the brother of Prudence is here ? Ruth. Yea, he is here. We have held sweet con- verse together, and I like him. He is so comeh' and brave, I think he would inspire thee with admiration, Friend Boswortli, and thee is not a man easih* moved. Bosworth. We will speak of him another time. I told thee that I loved thee. Ruth. I heard thee, and thought how pleasant would be those words from the lips of Friend Elmer. Bosivorth. Ruth Sterling, would thee insult me? Does thee not know that this language indicates a marked preference for this young rebel ? Ruth, Nay, I did not know it ; but, if thee thinks it does, I'm very glad. BoswoHh. Ruth Sterling, thee must think of him no more. It is thy father's wish that thee shall become my wife. Ruth, Ruth, thee knows not how dearly I OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 25 love thee. (Sits beside Jier, and attempts to take her hand : she rises indignantly. ) Ruth. Be silent, I command thee ; not even my father's wish shall compel me to hear such words from thy lips.- Bosivorth. Be warned in time, Ruth. Thy father's life is in my hands. Consent to be my wife, and in the coming sti'uggle I will protect him ; refuse, and I give him up to the ruthless hands of the advancing foe. Muth. Thee speaks falsely, Uriel Bos worth. M}- father can owe nothing to thee, and if he did would rather die than peril his daughter's happiness. Be- gone ! Bosivorth. Nay, Ruth (puts his arm about her waistband seizes her hand). I'll not be repulsed so coolly. Ruth {struggling). Release me, I command thee. Bosworth. I will be heard. {Enter Elmer, door in flat ^10 ith pail ; drops it; seizes Bosworth, cmcZ hurls him across stage.) Elmer, You have been heard, friend. {Enter Mr^. Sterling, r. 1 e. ; Obed and Ephrmm, l.) You see you have aroused the whole family-. Obed. Daughter Ruth, I heard thy voice raised in anger. Bosworth. Friend Obed, I am to blame. Carried away by the love which thee knows burns within me, I urged my suit so warmly as to frighten Ruth. She must pardon and forget. Ruth. Yea, Friend Bosworth. I will pardon, but I cannot forget. 3 26 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; Ohed. Stranger, thee is welcome. Buth. He is no stranger, father. This is Elmer Granger. Ohed. The brother of Prudence ? Thee is heartily welcome. {Gives his hand.) Elmer. Thanks, Friend Sterling. {Enter Prudence door in f.) Prudence. Yes, that's my big brother. Come, Eph- raini, 3'ou should know him. Ephraim. Friend Elmer, I am glad to meet thee. (Shakes hands.) Elmer. I've heard of you. Prudence often writes. I think 3^ou've a warm corner in her heart. Prudence {pinching him). You silly goose ! You'll spoil every thing. Elmer. Then I'll be dumb as an 03'ster. (Elmer c. ; Prudence r. c. ; Ruth on settle; Mrs. S. sta7ids behind her, loith hand on her shoulder; Obed L. c. ; Ephraim next l. ; and Bosworth extreme left.) Obed. Thee has seen storm}- times in thy native place ; thee has suffered deeply in this wicked rebellion. Elmer. Wicked rebellion? You are wrong, friend. If ever the torch of war is lighted in a hoi}' cause, 'tis when it flames above the altar of libert}'. Remember that 'twas only after the iron heel of the oppressor had trampled on our hard- won harvest that we rose defiant. I have seen the home of my childhood laid in ashes, ni}' father shot down by foreign hirelings who had no rights to enforce, no homes to protect, our dearest rights insulted to feed the vanity of the despot who sits on England's throne. He would be a coward in- OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 27 deed, who, with such blighting wrongs to avenge, would not dare all to free the land of such a curse. Bosiuortli. Young blood is hot, and fiery words but cheap. Save thy breath : we are loj^al to Friend George. Mrs. S. {coming down). Na}^, speak for thj^self, Friend Bosworth. — Friend Elmer, thee is welcome. (Gives her hand.) Thee sees they have forgotten me : I am Rachel Sterling. Elmer {clasping her hand). M}^ dear mother's true and steadfast friend. Mrs. S. Yea, it was a sore trial to m}' friendship when she left us to mate with one of the world's peo- ple. Elmer. But you were true to her alwa3's. You showed your love by giving my sister a home. Poor mother, hers was a hard fate. I could not sorrow for my father ; for he died bravel}', with musket in hand. But mother — curse the fiend that basel}' struck her down! They told me that our home was in flames. I left the ranks of the little band, who were struggling against the foe, and rushed home to protect my mother. As 1 neared the house I saw her flying from its door, pursued by one Richard Cross, a renegade, who had led our foes to plunder. Even as I looked he raised the sword he bore, and struck her down. I flew at him, seized his weapon, and struck at his bared head. He raised his hand, and caught the blow, then turned and fled. I could not overtake him, and returned to meet a last look from my mother's ej^es, as she sunk in death, The renegade fled from our town. He bears the mark of the sword on his right hand ; and, should we ever 23 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; meet, m}^ mother's death shall beterribl}' avenged. (BoswoRTH hides his right hand in his bosom.) Mrs. S. Na3% thee must not speak of vengeance ; let the man of sin depart in peace ; within he bears his punishment. Thy mother was a good woman. I am glad she wed the man of her choice. Elmer. Tlien 3'ou have not the Friends' prejudice against marriage outside the sect. Mrs. S. I.may have the prejudice ; but I would not stand in the way of happiness. Elmer. Even were it 3'our own daughter ? Mrs. S. Yea, My daughter Ruth shall make her choice ; and I shall love him even though he be of the world's people. Prudence {aside to Elmer) . Hear that, brother. Don't lose the opportunity. Ruth may be yours. Elmer {aside to Prudence). I'll win the little Quaker, in spite of the scowling Friend 3'onder. {Enter GiKGER, door in f.) Ginger. Here comes old Pretzel, running like de debble. Somefin's broke, sure for sartin. Prudence. Well, you break for that teakettle. I must scald out my tub. Ginger {goes to fireplace). I'll fotch him, Miss Prudence. {Enter Pretzel, door in flat, with his hand to his nose, which is bleeding.) Pretzel. Murter, tieves ! Mine prains is broke, ant my heat all running ava3\ Look at dot, see de bleet dot I ish shedding for mine countr3'. Obed. What's the trouble, friend Pretzel? OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 29 Pretzel. De Tories come to mine bouse. De}' proke mine vindows, dey lets mine peer all runt avay, ant dey vill pull der house up to der grount if somepody don't come right ava}' prett}^ quick. Elmer. The dastard. Another outi-age to rouse the slumbering patriotism of your insulted people ! They shall find one strong arm to bar the way. Pretzel. Dot's right. You're a prave young man. Dey vill run vlien dey see 3'ou. Go right avay quick, ant I vill vait here till you come pack. (Going l.) Ehner, No, 3'ou must lead the wa}'. Come, come : we lose time. (Takes his gun.) Now, friends, we have an opportunity to show these cowards what a few brave men can do. Who will follow? (All stcmd silent.) Must I be alone in this good work? Bosivorth. We are a peaceable people, we meddle not with broils. Thee will find none here to assist thee. Elmer. Indeed, I expected little from 3'ou. You have the air of a coward, one who would force his love upon an unwilling woman. .You need not scowl. I fear you not. Prudence. Oh, I wish I was a man ! Bring me that kettle. Ginger. Ginger (brings kettle over to tub) . Yas, indeed, and den I'm wid 3'ou, Massa Elmer. Prudence (pours boiling water into tub. Ginger stands Just l. of tub). I'd like to scald somebod}'. Might make a little stir. Lord knows there's some needed here. Elmer. Ginger, 3'ou're a brave fellow : eome, we've 3* 30 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; no time to lose. — Hear me, friends. I know not the number of the foe. For m3'self I care not, but I would have our onset a success. Remember, if this outrage is not quickly avenged, j'ou may be the next victims. For your own sakes be wise. Come (jxmse). Shame ! In a neighbor's cause will not one join with us to pre- vent outrage ? Obed. Na}' : our faith forbids violence. Not one. Ephraim {stepping to c). Yea, there is one : I will join thee. Ohed^ Bosworth, Ruth. Thee ! Ephraim. Yea, I. There's my hand. Friend Elmer. Tell me what to do, where to strike, and thee will find the Quaker's arm is strong for the right. {Prudence goes off, L.) Obed. Son Ephraim ! Is thee gone mad ? thee will disgrace the coat of drab. Ephraim {taking off his coat, and throwing it down) . Na}^, I'll leave it behind. 'Twill give me more free- dom. I will smite the enem}' with my fists. If I only had a gun now ! {Enter Prudence, l.) Prudence. Here it is, Ephraim. I brought it from Concord, that I might give it to the brave man who would fight forme. O Ephraim! {TJiroivs her arms about his neck, and kisses him.) Ephraim. Veril}', I wax strong for the fight. On,' Friend Elmer, on ! Ginger. Golly, dar's fight in de j'oung Quaker. Elmer {gives his hand to Ephraim) . Thanks, you are a good true man, a friend indeed. Bosworth, You'll repent this, young man. OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. ^1 ; Elmer. Silence. Dare you stand between a man and his country's cause? Young blood is hot, and fiery words are cheap, you say. My deeds shall speak for me. — Come, Pretzel. Pretzel. Yaw. I vill pe mit 3'ou pretty quick. (Passes Ginger, and stejys on his toe.) Ginger. Ow, dat ar corn again ! {Pushing Pretzel, he sits down in tub of water.) Pretzel (ivith hands on sides of tub raises himself) . Py gracious, someting's purning ! Ginger. Yah, yah, 3' ah ! dat Dutchman always in hot water. Tableau. — Elmer and Ephraim at door ivith hands clasped; Prudence l. back; Tretzel in tub ; Ginger next L., laughing; Bosworth extreme l.; Ruth stands by fireplace ivith hands clasped^ looking intently at El- mer ; Mrs. Sterling behind settle watching Ephraim ; Obed r. Curtain. From the time of PretzeVs entrance^ let the speech be quick, the action rapid. y 32 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; Act II. Evening. Scene same as in Act I. Cur- tain at window draion. Bright fire in fireplace. Candle burning on table. Prudence seated at table sewing, or spinning if there is a ivheel on stage, Mrs. Sterling on settle knitting. Obed seated in a chair ^ tvhich is set back against scene r., near fireplace next 1 E. ; his head leaning back, with a silk hand- kerchief thrown over it; his hands folded across his breast. Prudence. After a storm comes a calm. The ven- erable Obed and his spouse have been having what would be called among the world's people, a spat. I never heard two people go on so; and now he's evi- dently disciplining himself for rebelling against the spirit of peace. (Obed groans.) No, he's w^aking up again. Obed {snatching off handkerchief). I tell thee, Rachel, thee is a foolish woman. Thee has listened to the mutterings of the rebellious ; thee has given thy heart ; yea, encouraged thy daughter to sympathize with the discontented, and now our own children turn against us. Mrs. S. Speak for thyself, Obed. Our children have not turned against me, and I blame not myself that they have a warm interest in the success of tlie right. Obed (groans) . Yea, veril^^, peace hath fled from our dwelling. This firebrand cometh among us with his warlike tongue, and our daughter warmeth towards OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 3.3 him ; and our son forsaketh the path of peace, and goeth forth to slay. It shall not be. The girl shall be locked in her chamber, and the boy — Mrs. S. Nay. Be not a fool, Obed. Thee might as well attempt to stop the whirlwind as to quench the fire of patriotism when 'tis kindled in a man's breast, or to smother love when once it' hath found a resting- place in a maiden's heart. Prudence {aside). That's what I call sound doc- trine. Ohed. Rachel, thee is mad. Knows thee not that the fruitage of love is marriage, and Friends cannot marry out of their own sect ? Mrs. S. Thee knows 'tis a clause in our creed to which I could never give approval. Does thee re- member Hester Page, who loved the father of Elmer and Prudence? She was beloved by all. She married, and the Friends turned from her. I felt they were un- just to her ; that she deserved better treatment after all her devotion to the good works among us. She fell a mart3'r in the cause of liberty ; and if I could atone for our neglect of her by the gift of our daughter to her son, — her noble son, — I would consent, though all the Friends with uplifted hands and looks of horror should cry, "Nay." Prudence (aside). Glory hallelujah ! Obed. Nay, be silent : thee'll get a smart talking- to at the next Yearly Meeting. 3frs. S. Yea ; but I have a tongue, and can talk back, Obed. Obed. Yea, and drown the elders with thy clamor. g4 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; Ginger (outside). Bress de Lord, I'se home ! Hallo Massa Eph., is 3'er comin' ? {Enter door in f.) Prudence (rising). Vfhy, Ginger, where have yon been all da}^? Where's Ephraim and Elmer? Is any- bod}' hurt? Why don't 3'ou speak? Ginger. Now, jes you hole on, Miss Prudence. Does yer tink I's gwine to answer forty-leben ques- tions widout a breaf ? Here I is : dat's nuff for me. Mrs. S. Are the lads safe. Ginger? Ginger. Wa'l, I dunno, misses. I'm safe, an' dat's de most consequential. I'll tolc you all about it. We went down dar to old Pretzel's dis mornin', Massa Elmer, Massa Eph., an' — an' Ginger, dat's me. De old Dutchman, he's a sneak ; he jis watch his chance, and when we wasn't looking he clared, he did. But we went down dar, got mos' to de liouse, and we hear de wus yellin' dat eber was. Den Massa Ehner, lie says, says he, Hole on, let's squirmish a bit: so eve lay down onto de grass and squirmishcd up to de fence ; den worked on up to de woodpile, and made dat a; sort of a-a-a bull-whack. Den Massa Elmer and Massa Eph. dey loaded dermuskats, an' I loaded a big stick off de woodpile. Dat ar Massa Eph., by golly, I nebber seed a man so nerbous in my life ; he kept a pourin* in de powder an' de shot, and ram- ing down, till he must have had six bustin' charges in dat ar muskat. Den we looked round de corner ob de woodpile, an' dar was six Tory fellows a-sittin' on de grass, wid a keg of old Pretzel's beer an' -an' sour kruet, an'-an'-snasengers, jes a stufRn' an' drinkin'. Den Massa Elmer sings out, Blaze away, boys, an' -an' OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 35 let fly. Den Massa Eph., he sings out, an' he let fly. Dar was an explosion like a cannon : de old muskat kicked ; an' Massa Eph., he jes layed on his back an' hollered. But dem are Tories dey jes scooted down the road, wid Massa Elmer an' Massa Eph. loading up and blazin' away. Dey dropped four on 'em. We kep' up de chase three hours ;. den we lost sight of Massa Elmer an' de Tories, and turned back. Prudence. Did 3'ou forsake Elmer? Ginger. No, chile, he forsake us. Couldn't keep up wid him no how. Mrs.S. But Where's Ephraim? Eph. (Enter door in f.) Yea, verily, he is here. (His coat and vest are gone, one of Jiis stockings is hanging over his shoe, the sleeve of his shirt is ripped ^ip, elboiv scraped, a red handkerchief round his head, one eye blacked, and face begrimed with powder and dust, gun in hand.) Obed (groans). Ephraim, my son, does thee return to us in such a pitiful plight? . Ephraim. Yea, I have smelt the smoke of battle, I have smitten the despoiler with snipe-shot. I have felt the butt of my musket in near proximity to my eye. I have sat in the dust, and, in the language of the world's people, have had a jolly good fight. Ginger. Dat's so ; and won de victory. Obed (groans). Ephraim, my son, my heart is sore troubled. Thee was reared a child of peace ; thee is now a man of war and sin ; thee has brought shame to our house. Ex>hraim (boldly) . Nay, father, I have brought no 35 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; shame. What right have I, with all the blood and sinews of a man, to sit idly down and talk of peace, when my countrymen east, west, north, and south, are roused to arms, at the encroaching of tyranny upon their rights and liberties ? ' I have been reared a child of peace, and the inward spirit now teaches me there shall be no peace until we, with brave, stout hearts and strong right arms, have taught the intruders we have the power to maintain it. {Comes down l.) Prudence {dapping her hands) , Hurray! Them's my sentiments. Mrs. S. Prudence, thee forgets thyself .— Eph- raim, my son, thy person needs proper care. Ephraim. Yea; and I am as hungry as the bear that roameth the wilderness. {Enter Bosworth, door in fiat.) Bosworth. Ah, Ephraim has returned. What transformations here, chitd of Belial? Ephraim {stepping forward quickly). Nay, Friend Bosw^orth, thee had bettei^ keep a civil tongue in thy head. The fires of war are yet hot within me, and per- adventure thy skull -may open wider than thy mouth. Bosworth. Dares thee threaten me? Ephraim. Yea, I dare, for thee is a smooth, sneak- ing traitor, Friend Bosworth. {Advancing on him.) Obed {stepping before Bosworth). Stand back, Ephraim : in my house a guest is sacred. Prudence. Land sakes ! I never saw a man so full of fight. Ginger. YoiES. I guess dar ain't much stuffin' in his buzzum. OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 37 Ohed. Go to th}- room, Ephraim. When thee is thyself, I'll speak with thee. Mrs. S. Come, Ephraim, thy mother will attend thee. {Pats Jtim upon the shoulder.) Thee is fiery, but 'tis in a good cause, and thy mother is proud of thee. (Exeunt Mrs. 8. and Ephraim, l.) Ginger." Miss Prudence, ctin't j^ou find me som- fin to gnaw? ain't tasted noffin since breakfus. Prudence (coming to r. u. e.) Yes, come with me: I can find a cold fowl. (Exit.) Ginger (following). Dat's good, jes let me get foul of it, and gib it a burial-place. Bosworth. Friend Obed, I grieve with thee, that the child of thy faith should have gone the way of wickedness. Ohed. Thee needn't trouble th3'self. Friend Bos- worth. Thee has sins enougli of thine own to grieve for. The lad's spirit has been aroused, he hath found he has a strong arm, that his country needs him. If he must fight, I hope his aim will be sure, and the enemy bite the dust before him. Bosivorth. Obed Sterling, is thee turning traitor too? Beware! thee is a marked man. Give these rebels sympath}- even in thj' thoughts, and nought can save tliee. Obed. Hark thee. Friend Bosworth : thee has dared to threaten me before. I have borne with thee because thee has been our friend (fiercely) ; but, if thee dare use such words to me again, I will pitch thee out of yonder window. Bosworth (aside). The old man is stubborn. I 4 38 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; must dissemble. (Aloud.) Nay, nay ! Friend Obed. I meant not to threaten ; I would but point out to thee th}' danger. Thee shall have all protection from me. Veril}' it would be base in me to persecute thee, when I love thy daughter so dearl3'. Obed. Thee has spoken with my daughter? Bosivorth. Yea, I did urge my suit, but .was inter- rupted by that wicked wretch, Elmer Granger. Beware of him. He looks upon the girl with favor. There is danger in his presence. Secure thy daughter's safety bj^ giving me th}' promise she shall be mine. Obed. I told thee I would sleep upon it. As thee s.eems in haste, we will settle the matter now. Here comes my daughter. (Enter Ruth 1 e. r.) Ruth, child, come hither. Thee sees Friend Bosworth, a man of strong build, and not uncomely, of good report among the Friends ; not burdened with wealth, but active in its pursuit. He asks me to give him thy hand, would have thee be his wife. Bosiuorth. Yea, Ruth, I love thee with my whole soul. Obed. Speak, daughter : th}' fate is in thy own hands. Neither thy father nor thy mother will prevent thy free choice. Buth. Father, thee has ever been kind to me. Never an unkind word has thee given me. From my earliest days thee has been ever watchful over my thoughts and wishes. No blessing thee could be- stow has ever been withheld. I honor thee above all men. Thy judgment is so wise that thy word is law to me. I know Friend Bosworth professes love for me ; OK, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 39 and yet my heart has felt no answering thrill to his protestations. I shrink from his glance, and tremble in his presence. Na3^ I will be frank. Another, with no words, with no entreaties, has touched a chord within my being that vibrates with ecstasy- at his approach. He is of the world's people, 3'et brave, strong, and true. Yet I am but a child, and maj' not know mj' own heart. My fate I leave in thy hands. Speak, father : what thee says shall guide me. Obed (takes Ruth's hand, kisses her on the forehead, then turns to Bosworth). Friend Bos worth, thee has thy answer. {Comes to l.) Bosworth (c. ) . Na}-, this will not serve. I must have a plain answer, j'es, or no. Ohed {sternly). No. A thousand times no. My daughter is not for such as thou. Bosworth, Nay, bear with me, Friend Obed. Ohed. Na}', th}^ friend no more, Bosworth. I have borne with thee until Patience is indignant at me. B}' thy own confession, thee is a spy ; but that t feared my daughter loved thee, I would have driven thee from m}' house, when thee first spoke. Now, I tell thee, quit mj- house. Bosworth. Has thee forgotten I can destroy thee? Ohed. Do tli}' worst. No harm can come to him who obeys the voice of conscience. Bosworth. Then, dread my vengeance. You know me not. You thought I was a cowardly Quaker. I have deceived j^ou and jowv tribe. The opinions of 3'our sect are known to me ; ay, and all their wealth, and where 'tis to be found. One mqtive only has kept me in 40 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; your midst, — love for jour daughter. She scorns me. Now comes my turn. I will seize, burn, destroy, till you shall tremble at my name (goes to door) . You have need of all 3'our caution. The hour of vengeance is approaching. Ruth Sterling, 3'ou tremble in m}- pres- ence : ha, ha, ha ! Present or absent, 3'ou shall now tremble at the thought of me, for I swear 3'ou shall be mine. {Exit door in flat.) Ruth {running to Obed : they meet in c. of stage). father, father ! he terrifies me. Ohed. Nay, fearnot, cliild. He is a bad, wicked man ; but he cannot harm thee. Go to th}- rest. {Leads her to 1 e. r.) Ruth. But, father, thee is grieved that I love Elmer Granger. Ohed {groans). He is of the world's people. The Friends will groan in spirit ; but thee has said, no bless- ing I could bestow upon thee was ever withheld. Go to thy rest in peace. {Exit Ruth 1 e. r.) Obed {groans). Veril}', Friend Obed, thee is run- ning up a long account for settlement at Yearl}' Meet- ing. (Enter Ephratm from door l. ; costume same as in Act /., spruce and clean, gun in his hand.) Kphraim, my son, thee is not going out on the war- path again? E2?h. Yea, father. Friend Elmer maj' need my help. 1 go to seek him. Ohed. Give me thy hand, Ephraim. {They shake hands.) It grieves me that thee is become a man of war ; but, if thee must go, remember the maxim of the world's peox^le, " Put thy trust in Providence, and keep OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 4"^ thy powder diy." And do not forget the words of that brave but sinful Friend, Israel Putnam, "Wait until thee sees the white of their cj-es." Peace go with thee, my son ! Eph {patting gun). Yea, I have it in my hands. Obecl (groans). Yea, Rachel is right; but the women must not have it all their own way. {Exit L. 1 E.) Ex>h. Now I will seek Friend Elmer. (Goes up. Enter Prudence, door r. u. e.) Prudence. Ephraim, you are not going out again to-night ? Eph. Verily, Friend Prudence, it is not right that I should leave thy brother in the midst of wolves. I go to seek him. Prudence. O Ephraim ! you a perfect fire-eater, — a man that I am proud to call my lover. Eph. Nay, thee is mistaken. I am no woman's lover. Prudence. What? Didn't you make love to me over the washing this morning ? Eph. Yea, I did speak some tender words of non- sense in thine ear. Prudence. In my ear ! Why, you kissed me ! Eph. Yea, I did imprint the seal of friendship upon thy lips. But I have another mistress now. Prudence. You don't mean to say j'ou've fallen in love with another woman ! Wlio is she ? Eph. My country. Thee did mock my profession of peace. Thee did call me a coward. And I girded on my armor, and went forth to battle. 4* 42 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; Prudence. Yes, I aroused the manhood within you, and made you a patriot. Eph. Yea, and so filled my heart with martial fire,* it hath not room for any tenderer flame. If thee loves me, thee is to be pitied, for thee has given me to another and a sterner mistress. The war-drum rings in my ears, the flash of musketrj- is before my ej'es. I I hunger for the fight, and have no appetite for love. Fare thee well. Friend Prudence. If thee has lost a lover, thy country has found a defender. (Sings.) Yankee Doodle, keep it up, Yankee Doodle daudee; Mind the music and tlie steps, And leave the girls behind thee. l^Exit door in F. Prudence. Well, I never ! Mittened by a Quaker ! I shall never hold up my head again. I've roused the lion, and lost the lamb ; the Quaker wasn't worth hav- ing, but the soldier's quite another article. Oh dear, dear, dear ! this comes of meddling with politics. Maj'be he'll get shot, and I'll have his death to answer for. Ah Prudence ! I'm afraid 3'ou care more for this fellow than j'ou dream of. {Takes up candle.) I'm not going to lose any sleep for him. {Crosses to r. 1 e.) He hungers for the fight. Ah Ephraim ! courage may serve jou in the battle, but Prudence is a virtue not to be despised. (Exit 1 e.) {Enter Ginger r. u. e., gnawing a bone.) Ginger. Dah, dat ar fowl's gone to roost. I've cleaned the cubburd of all de eatables and drinkables. OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 43 Dunno what de^^'ll do for breakfas in de mornin, but de clams ob hunger must be dissatisfied if it breeds a fam- ine. Eberybody gone to bed, den I'll go out to de barn and snooze m3'self. Hallo, what dat? (Listens at door.) Sh ! dar's sumbod}' prowlin 'round de house. Whispers. Halt, Ginger, das mischif in de wind. Keep dark, honey. (Lies doivn behind settle. Door is pushed open sloioly^ and Bosworth looks in, then creeps cautiously doivn, listens at door l., then goes hack to door in flat, and beckons.) (Enter Burke and Blucher, icith guns.* All three come down stage, Burke r., Blucher l., Bosworth c.) Burke. Look here. Broadbrim. What kind of a job is this ? Blucher. Yes. Plunder, or murder? Speak out. Bosivorth. Silence ! (Creeps to door, l., and turns key.) There, I've locked in the only one from whom we might expect interruption, — 3'oung Sterling. He's had a fight to-day, so he'll sleep soundly now. Blucher. We can easil}' give him a sleeping-powder, if 3'ou sa}^ the words (slapping gun) . Blucher. With a pill added that will be sure to quiet him. Bosworth. Hist ! What brings you here to-night? Burke. It's all along of that fight at the Dutch- man's this morning. We were surprised by an infer- nal rebel, who drove us be3'ond Carter's, until his comrades deserted ; and then we turned and took him. I wanted to swing him to a tree, but the cap'n said no ; he was a brave fellow, and we must take him 44 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; down to camp, and honor him with a shooting. So we took him down there, tied him to a tree, and went to supper. When supper was gone, we found thg rebel gone also. So Blue and I were detailed to retake him. We tracked him to within a mile of this house, and then lost him. Bosioorth. But 3^ou are on his track now. He and the owner of this place, Obed Sterling, are leagued togeth- er. Blucher. Sterling ! Why, Sterling's a Quaker. Bosioorth. He's a traitor. You know me? Burke. Know you, Broadbrim, the spy? Ay, we have orders from Cap'n Trot to obey 3'ou when the service requires. Bosioorth. A}', I have need of 3^ou now. M}^ orders from headquarters are to shoot this Sterling ; to seize his daughter, and take her to Carter's. Blucher. Oh, we don't want to meddle with girls ! Bosioorth. The service demands obedience. Blucher. All right, Broadbrim. Bosioorth. Then j-ou look out for the old man, and I'll take care of the girl. First to arouse Sterling. You, Blucher, go beneath the window of his room, at that corner {points to l. 1 e.), throw up a stone ; he'll open the window ; tell him Friend Garner is sick and needs him ; that will bring him out. When he appears make short work of him, for he is a traitor to the king, and well deserves what he must receive, — instant death. Burke. Never fear. I seldom lose a shot. Blucher. Nor I. Old Deadeye is sure death. OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 45 BoswoTth. Be cautious. Give me ten minutes to secure the girl, then follow my instructions. Bhicher, All right. But who pays the funeral ex- penses ? Boswortli (handing him a purse) . The King of Eng- land. Blucher (throws up purse) . Long live the king ! Bosioorth. Now away. Hush! who's that? (En- ter Pretzel, door in fiat. Blucher and Burke crouch on the floor r. and l.) Pretzel. Ha, ha ! Friend Sterling ; wash you op ? Dot is goot. I ish as try as never vas. Dose rascals trink op all mine peer, and I coome to get some of your cider. Hy ! vhat is dot? Friend Sterling, 3'ou is not Friend Sterling after all. Ginger (peeps over settle) . By golly, dat ar Dutch- man in anoder scrape. Bosworth. What do you want here ? Pretzel (shaking) . Oh, notings if you bleese. I just got run ober from mine house. Didn't know you had gompany. (Burke and Blucher rise^ and pohit guns at him.) Mine gracious gootness, ton't 3'ou do dot (falls on his knees). I'm only a poor Tuchman vidout fader or moder. Bosworth. Get up, fool. Pretzel. Yaw, right avay puty quick (rises). Ef you bleese, don't explode your guns mit me. I'm ony a poor — Bosworth. Shut up ! Pretzel. Yaw. I like to say notings mit my mout shut. 46 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; Bosworth. Take him out and lock him in the barn. Pretzel. In ter parn mit ter pigs ? I don't like dot puty veil. Bosivorth. Do as I bid you ; if he opens his mouth, throw him in the horse-pond. Pretzel. Dot's vhat you call horspuddality. I don't like dot. Blucher. Come, start, Dutch}'. Pretzel. Yaw, don't pint dem tings ; de}' might go off. Burke. After 3'ou. (Pretzel backs up to door. Burke and Blucher follow with their guns pointed at him.) Pretzel. Dis is too pad. You don't got some piz- ness here, an' I don't got mine cider. {They threaten him ivith guns; he exits in a hurry ^ followed by Blucher and Burke.) Bosworth. Now, then, my pretty Ruth, if j^ou won't be mine by fair means, 3'ou shall by foul. {Creeps slowly ^0 R. 1. E.) ' Ginger {rises) . Der's gwine to be trouble in dis 3'er family ; it's about time I looked up Massa Eph. {Exit door in f.) Bosworth {turning quickly) . What's that? I thought I heard a step. It must have been Blucher {turns to R.). Ah, the pretty Ruth comes this way. 'Twill save the trouble of calling her. {Creeps behind settle^ and hides. Enter Ruth with a lighted candle: she places it on the table and goes to ivindow, sj^eaking as she enters.) Muth. I cannot go to rest while Friend Elmer is in OR, OUR BOYS OF 177G. 47 danger. If he is safe, he would have returned to see his sister. {Loohs ,out of windoio.) Nay, 'tis very dark. What can have become of him ! He is brave and noble, and his must be a good heart, it moves so quickly at the call of distress. I doubt if he thinks of me. Why should he? Ah, that's a wise question, too profound from my head, so I'll leave the heart to answer it. And that sa^^s 3'ea, as there's truth in his bright ej^es, he does. I wish he'd come. His sister must be so anxious about him, and she sleeps soundly. I looked in upon her : she had thrown herself dressed upon the bed and slept. I could not do that, and yet I am so anxious ! (Bosworth rises.) Ah, who's that? {Gomes down l.) Bosworth {coming down r.) One not unknown to you. Ruth. Thee here again ! Bosivorth. Ay, my pretty Ruth. I could not leave the Quaker fold and go out among the world's people alone, and so I have returned for thee to bear me company. Buth. Thee does but jest, Uriel Bosworth, and thy humor is so grim I like it not. Bosworth. No, it makes you tremble, pretty Ruth. Come, you must go with me. I told you you were very dear to me. I can't live without 3'ou. You have kindled. a fierce passion in my breast, — so fierce that, were a thousand in m}^ path, I'd slay them all before I'd lose you. Buth. Thee has no right to enter here. Thee is a base, bad man, sneaking like a thief, when darkness 48 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; covers the earth, into the house of the man thee dares not face in open daylight. Bosworth. I dare face thee, Ruth — Huth. Ay, with a bold front but a coward heart. Thee is a traitor to our faith, a traitor to the cause of liberty, and, still greater shame, a traitor to the name of manhood. Get thee hence ! Bosivorth. Ho, ho ! bravely spoken, Ruth. You are a girl of spirit. You are a prize worth winning. But you forget you are alone and unprotected. Your brother is securely bound, j'our father doomed if he moves from his chamber. I come not alone. Ruth. Thee is a brave man, Uriel Bosworth. Thy tyrant master must be proud of his followers who war upon women. Bosworth. Ruth Sterling, I swear — Ruth. Silence ! Insult not my father's roof with an oath. Insult not his daughter with the profanation of that holy virtue which exists alone in honest hearts. Begone ! Bosworth. Not without you, Ruth. You must go with me. Do not compel me to use force. You are unprotected. Ruth, Stand back, traitor. My protection is there (points up)-, though dangers surround me. He will securely guard and guide. Stand back, and let me pass. (Goes towards r.) Bosworth (seizing her wrist) . Nay, na}^, my pretty Quaker. There is no escape. You must come with me. Ruth. Uriel Bosworth, release me. (Flinging off his hand, and going l.) OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776, '49 Bosworth (comes r.) You cannot pass to your cham- ber. Hereafter the. path of life we travel together. Come. Buth. Never, Thee has my father in thy power. I'll trust my fate to the darkness of the night. {Buns up to door in flat.) Bosworth {seizing her in c. of stage). No, no, Ruth ; trust to the light of my love. Ruth {struggling to free herself). No, no! Rather death. Father! brother? Elmer, Elmer! {Enter Eljier door in r.) Elmer. Here at thy call, Ruth {strikes Bosworth a hloio in his breast loith his fist. He staggers hack and falls R. Ruth, ivith a cry., thrones herself upon Elmer's breast) . Lie there, dog ! — Nay, na3', do not tremble, Ruth : there is no danger. Bosivorth {springing to his feet). You lie, j^ou curs- ed rebel ! The house is surrounded by my friends. There is danger to you. Your fate is sealed. Release that girl ! Elmer {quietly) . . Certainly, if she desires it. Buth {clinging to him) . Nay, nay, Friend Elmer. Elmer {with his arms about her) . You see she is contented here. {Cooly.) And I rather like it, Friend Bosworth. Boswoiih. I'll tear her from thee. {Bushing at him. Elmer quietly infolds her with his left arm., and seizes the right wrist 0/ Bosworth.) Elmer {fiercely). Dare to profane her with thy dastard hand, and I'll tear — {starting, and glancing at hand). Ah ! what is this? {Steps in front of Ruth, 5 50 ONE HUNDKED YEARS AGO; still grasping Bosworth's wrist.) A blood-red scar across the hand (looks inquiringly at Bosworth's face) . Yes, 3'es, despite the shaven face, the Quaker garb, I know thee now, Richard Cross, my mother's murderer. (Flings Bosworth back to r.) Bosworth. 'Tis false ; we never met until this day. Elmer. But once : the day you outraged mankind by a deed so coldly cruel that fiends would blush to own it. For a year I have sought you, Richard Cross, in town and country-, midst m}' countr^^'s foes ; a)', turned the dead upon the field of battle that I might find that bloodj' mark upon a lifeless hand and know my mother's murder was avenged. At last we meet. Heaven has reserved thee for a son's avenging hand. Richard Cross, but one of us must quit this place alive. {^Approaches him.) Bosworth (aloud) . Stand back ! my friends are at my call. Hallo, Burke ! Elmer (seizing him by the throat) . Too late ! too late ! Dog, 3'ou must die. Bosworth. Take ofF^'Our hand ! (Struggle.) Ji^lth(L.). Elmer, forbear. (Elmer ajirf Bosworth, who have been struggling^ pause loith their hands on each other.) Respect m^' father's roof. This is a home of peace, let no unhallowed deed pollute its fair fame. Th}' mother is an angel now ; and vengeance, by the will of heaven, wields its own power in the guilt}' breast, to punish and destroy. Elmer. You are right, Ruth. This house shall be respected. (Flings Bosworth back r.) Richard Cross, the girl 3'ou have insulted saves \om now; but beware ! your fate is sealed whene'er we meet again. OR, OUR BOYS OF 177(5. 51 Bosicorth. And 3'ours is already sealed. (Takes a knife from his hosom^ and rushes at Elmer, c. Elmer steps R., puts up his left arifa^ and receives the blow.) Elmer {seizing his own left arm with his right) . Ah !. {Staggers to r.) Bosivorth {running up to door l.) Curse the luck! Yet, though my hand has failed, you are doomed. Fool, 3'ou know me not ; I did strike down your mother, and I glory in the deed. You have stepped between me and the woman there ; but she is mine, and you this night shall keep .your mother company. {Exit door in flat.) • Ruth {running to Elmer). Thee is sorely hurt, dear Elmer. Elmer. Nay, 'tis but a scratch. {Report of tivo guns in quick succession outside.) Ah, what's that? Bosworth {outside) . Oh ! Fools, you have slain your leader. Elmer. Even so, the wretch has fallen into his own trap. You were right, Ruth : vengeance alone belong- eth to Him. {Enter door in flat, Ephraim with gun. He stands it beside windoto.) Ephraim. Yea, verily, Friend Bosworth lieth in the road, with two bullets in his body ; and, in the lan- guage of the world's people, he is as dead as a door- nail. {Enter r., Prudence. She crosses to l.) Prudence. What on earth is all this racket about? {Enter Obed, j.., folloiced by Mrs. S. ; he in his shirt- sleeves; she with a short nightdress over dark petticoat, nightcap on her head.) Obed. Verily, the foe is upon us. 52 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO ; Mrs. S. Children, what does this mean? Ehner. Simply, Friend Obed, that the wolf in sheep's clothing, known to you as Uriel Bosworth, has invaded your home with the design of carrying off your daughter. Ruth, Yea, ahd the brave Friend Elmer hath de- fended thy daughter with an arm of power and a heart of steel. Ohed. Verily, we owe thanks to our brave defender, and our daughter will prize him as a dear friend. Elmer. May I not hope to find a warmer place in your affections, Ruth? Ruth. Yea, thee is so brave and ix)werful that no place thou wishest can be too strong for thee. Ohed. Yea, veril}-, this sounds ver}' much like love {groans) . What will the Friends say ? M7'S. S. Never thee trouble thyself about the Friends, Obed. The young people will settle their affairs without their aid. Ephraim (l.). Yea, it is not good for man to be alone, and my heart warmeth to one of the fair sex among the world's people. Obed {c). Thou, Ephraim? Profanation upon pro- fanation . ( Groa ns . ) Ephraim. Yea, I haA^e been taught the rules of war by her, and with her I would walk the flowery paths of peace. Her name is Prudence, and her features are comety. Prudence. Well, I never ! And you sacked me an hour ago. Ephraim. Yea, and in sackcloth and ashes have I repented. OR, OUR BOYS OF 1776. 53 Ohed. Verily, this is too much. "VVe shall all be disowned. {Groans.) We would give our lamb to the sacrifice, and now — Mrs. S. Verily, Obed, we might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb. Ohed. Yea, verily. (Groans.) {Distant jife and drum heard i distant report of mus- ketry., loitli cheers and ringing of bells.) Ginger (outside) . Hooray ! hooray ! (rims in door in flat), D'3-e hear dat? Dey's gone and done it. Yas indeed.. Down dar to Filledel. Dey's 'dopted de declamation of jurisprudence ; an' — ' an — de country am free. Yas it am. By goll}', I's gwine to make one explosion. (Huns to ivindotv., throtvs it up, takes gun, points it out, andflres; gun kicks him over onto floor.) We'se free ! we'se free ! Pretzel (outside). Oh, mine gracious, mine het pes plown into der mittle of der week pefore next. (En- ters door in flat holding on to his head.) Ginger. Golly, dat ar Tuchman's for ebber and ebber layin' round loose. Pretzel (comes doivn) . Mine het is full of pullets, unt mine prains is full of mine poots. Ginger. Yah, yah ! dat ain't nuffin, Massa Pretzel ; dat's only a salute (goes doion extreme l.). Pretzel (goes doiun r.). Salute? Dot's vat you call him. He purn my eyeprows off mit his nonsense. Dot is no goot. Ginger. Burn your ej^ebrows off; yah, 3'ah ! Yas, so you can see de glorious orb of liberty breaking — Pretzel. Yaw, let him preak ; he don't owe me sometings pretty much. 6* 54 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. Elmer {takes Ruth to c). Yes, the day of liberty is breaking. The title-deed to a land of freedom has this day been taken by patriots whose dauntless valor shall rouse a j^eople to battle against the invaders of our soil, until paeans of victory shall ring from shore to shore, and peace, with all its joys, nestle contented in the protecting arms of a free and powerful nation. c. Elm ER. RCTH. R. Obed. Ephraim, l. Mrs. S. Prudence. Pretzel. Ginger. (Redjire beJiind flat for bonfire; hells ringing, guns firing y people shouting. Curtain.) "Books that our Teachers ought to have on hand to SFICS UF Tith iiow and then," — St. Louis Journal of Education. O-EO. 3^^. b-a.e:ei?.'s Selections in I^rose and Poetry, Serious, Humorous, Pathetic, Patriotic, and Dramatic. FRESH and ATTRACTIVE PIECES for SCHOOL SPEAKERS and READING CtRCLES. In the words of the Gospel Banner, — * From grave to gay, from lively to severe,^ In poetry and prose a judicious mixture here ; Beside outlandi'sh dialects, full of words odd and queer. Which stir one's sense of humor as they fall upon the ear, Pleasant to those who read or speak as unto those who hear. Published in' Parts, each Part containing Fifty Selections. Paper Covers, 15 cents each. Printed on Fine Paper, and Handsomely Bound in Cloth, pricey 50 cents each. ^^^_^,^^___ E,BA.I>I3>TC3- CLTJB IsTO. 1- "We have many readers and books that purport to furnish pieces for the use of amateur speakers and juvenile orators. But the great defect in nearly all of them is, that their selections are made from the same series of authors. We are surfeited ad nauseam with ' The boy stood on the burning deck, ' ' On Linden, when the sun was low,' ' My name is Norval ! ' or, ' My voice is still for war.' But in this volume, the first of a series, Mr. Baker deviates from the beaten track, and furnishes some fifty selections which have not been published before in any collection of readings. Mr. Baker has himself written many pieces for the amateur stage, and achieved a reputation as a public reader, so that he is eminently qualified by his own experience for the task of teajching others." — Phil. Age> E,E-A.3DI2SrC3- CLXJB ISTO- S- ' ' Mr. Baker deserves the thanks of the reading public for his indefatigable endeavors in the field of light and agreeable literature. The selections are made with good taste, and the book will be of great value for its indicated purpose.'' — X^ew Haven Courier. " In its adaptation to day schools, seminaries, colleges, and home reading, the work will be found very superior in its variety and adaptability of contents."— Dayton {_Okio) Press. " This is one of those books that our teachers ought to have at hand to spice up with now and then. This is No. 3 of the series, and they are all brim full of short articles, serious, humorous, pathetic, patriotic, and dramatic. Send and get one, and you will be sure to get the rest." — St. Louis Journal of Educa- tion, jfuin. 1876. ' ' The young elocutionist will find it a convenient pocket companion, and the general reader derive much amusement at odd moments fi^om its perusal." — Forest and Stream, N. Y., Jan. 6, 1876. Sold by all Booksellers, and sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of price. LEE & SHEPAED, Publishers, Boston. SPEITCER'S UNIVERSAL STAGE, 43. 36. lOlauiond cut 1>iamoiid. An In- terlude in One Act. By W. H. Mur- ray. 10 Male, 1 Female character. 37. liook after ISrown. A Farce in One Act. By George A. Stuart, M. D. 6 Male, 1 Female character. 38. iHonseigneur. A Drama in Tliree Acts. By Thomas Archer. 15 Male, 3 Female characters. 39. A very pleasant Evening. A Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 3 JIale characters. 40. Brother Ben. A Farce in One Act. By J, M. Morton. 3 Male, 3 Female characters. 41. Only a Clod. A Comic Drama in One Act. By J. P. Simpson. 4 Male, 1 Female character. 42. Gaspardo the Gondolier. A Drama in Three Acts. By George Alrnar. 10 Male, 2 Female charac- ters. Sunshine through the Clouds. A Drama in One Act. By Slingsby Lawrence. 3 Male, 3 Female char- acters. **?»'* Judge by Appearances. A J arce in One Act. By J. M. Mor- ton. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. IVursey Chickweed. A Farce in One Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. Mary Moo ; or, T\ hich shall I Marry? A Farce in One Act. By W. E. Suter. 2 Male, 1 Female character. East liy nne. A Drama in Five Acts. 8 Male, 7 Female characters. The Hidden Hand. A Drama in five Acts. By Robert Jones, lij Male, 7 Female characters. Silyerstone's Wager. A Commedi- etta in One Act. By R. R. Andrews. 4 Male, 3 Female characters. I ^^""^ o ^^.^^^''^^ Drama in Three ! Acts. By Charles Reade. 5 Male, 2 1'emale characters. i ^n^i'^A^ .'*"*l Priies. A Farce in One Act. By Dexter Smith. 5 ' aiale, 2 Female characters. I Old Gooseberry. A Farce in One Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. 52. 53. Who's TVho. A Farce in One Act. By T. J. Williams. 3 Male, 2 Fe- male characters. j 54. Bouquet. A Farce in One Act. 2 Male, 3 Female characters. 1 55. The Wife's Secret. A Play in Five Acts. By George W. Lovell. 10 Male, 2 Female characters. 50. The Babes in the l^'ood. A Comedy in Three Acts. By Tom Taylor. 19 Male, 3 Female charac- ters.. 57. Putkins : Heir to Castles in the Air. A Comic Drama in One Act. By W. R. Emerson. 2 Male, 2 Fe- male characters. » An Fgly Customer. A Farce in One Act. By Thomas J. Williams. 3 Male, 2 Female characters. Blue and Cherry. A Comedy in One Act. 3 Male, 2 Female charac- ters. A Doubtful Victory. A Comedy in One Act. 3 Male, 2 Female char- acters. The Scarlet tetter. A Drama in Three Acts. 8 Male, 7 Female char- acters. Which ^vill have Him ? A Vau- deville. 1 Male, 2 Female charac- ters. Madam is Abed. A Vandeville in One Act. 2 Male, 2 Female charac- ters. The Anonymous Kiss. A Vaude- ville. 2 Male, 2 Female characters. The Cleft Stick. A Comedy in 1 hree Acts. 5 Male, 3 Female char- acters. A Soldier, a Sailor, a Tinker, and a Tailor. A Farce in One Act. 4 Male, 2 Female characters. Give a I>og a Bad IVame. A Farce. 2 Male, 2 Female Characters. ]>anion and Pythias. A Farce. Male, 4 Female characters. A Husband to Oi-der. A Scrio- 1 Comic Drama in Two Acts. 5 Male, ! 3 Female characters. I 70. Payable on Bemand. A Domes- I tic Drama in Two Acts. 7 Male, 1 Female character. 58. 59. CO. P,l. 62. 63. 64. 65. I 66. ^67. 68. 69. Price, IS cents each. Descriptive Catalogue mailed free on application to GEO. M. BAKER & CO., -A^^^^^ Nos. 41-45 Franklin street, Boston. (P "xne JLtittle Brown «Jtig:. Drfcina iu Three Acts. 5 male, 3 female characters. 15 cents. JBulistetl fur the War. Drama in Three Acts. 7 mule, three female characters. 15 cents. A. Xliorn A.B1UI1S the Roses. Comedy in One Act. 2 male. 6 femjLlp i-haraM,^,-^ ic -— . — . , Nevei' Say I>ie. Comedy in One Act. 3 male, 3 f ^ ^^ ) Seeiiiar the Klephant. 6 male, 3 temale character ^ [ The Chuinpiuu of Her Sex. 8 female characti (^ I 1'he 'roiirnameut of Idylcourt. 10 female cli 5^ \^'l'he "Visious of ^'reedom. 11 female characters LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ^ Plays for Amateur By GEORGE M. BJ 015 863 496 P Author of " Aniatetir Dramas," The Mimic Stage.'" " The Social Stage " " The Drawing-room Stage," '• A Bakers Dozen," ^c. Titles ill tliis Type are IVe-\v Plays. DKAMAS. /// Three Acts. Cis. 3Iy 3$rotUer's Keeper. 5 male, 3 female characters 15 /« T1V0 Acts. Anioii^ the Breakers. 6 male, 4 female characters 15 SvLvi.^'s Soldier. 3 male, 2 female char- acters 15 Once on a Ti.me. 4 male, 2 female char- acters 15 Down by the Se.\. 6 male, 3 female characters 15 Bread on the Wateks. 5 male, 3 fe- male characters 15 The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female char- acters 15 /« Chie A ct. Stand by the Flag. 5 male characters. 15 The Tempter. 3 male, i female charac. 15 COMEDIES and FARCES. The Itostoii I>ip. 4 male, 3 female characters 15 The Ouchess of I>ubliu. 6 male, 4 female characters 15 We'ke all Teetotalers. 4 male, 2 female characters 15 A Drop too Much. 4 male, 2 female characters 15 Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 4 male, 3 female characters 15 A Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 fe- male characters 15 Alale Characters Only. Caeittlenieii of the Jury. 12 char. 15 A Tender Attachment. 7 char. The Thief of Time. 6 char. . The llypoehoiidriac. 5 char. A Public Benefactor. 6 char. The Itu^iaAva^ , char. . . . Coals cI 2iie. i ar Wanted, a Mau. v.t k. 4 char. . A Sea of Troubles 8 char. . . . FARCES. Freedom of the Press. 8 char. . . . A Close Shave. 6 char. The Great Elixir. 9 char The Man with the Demijohn. 4char. Humors of the Strike. 8 char. . • • New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . . My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. . . . Female Characters Only. The Red Chignon. 6 char Vsing the Weed. 7 char A IL.ove of a Bonnet. 5 char. . . . A Precious Pickle. 6 char The Greatest Plague in Life. 8cha. No Cure, no Pay. 7 char The Grecian Bend. 7 char. ALLEGORIES. A rranged for Music and Tableaux. The Revolt of the Bees. 9 female characters Lightheart's Pilgrimage. 8 female characters The War of the Roses. 8 female char- acters The Sculptor's Triumph, i male, 4 fe- male characters MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. The Seven Ages. A Tableau En- tertainment. Numerous male and fe- male characters Too Late for the Train. 2 male char- acters Snow-bound ; or, Alonzo the Brave AND the Fair Imogene. 3 male, i female character Bonbons; or, The Paint- King. 3 ni^le, I female character The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male characters An Original Idea. 1 male, i female character Capuletta ; or, Romeo and Juliet Restored. 3 male, i female character. K.: X TEMPERAIsCE PIECES. The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female characters 15 The Tempter. 3 male, i female character 15 We'ke all Teetotalers. 4 male, 2 female characters 15 A Drop too Much. 4 male, 2 female characters >5 A Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 female characters 15 The ^L'\N with the Demijohn. 4 characters 15 Baker's Humorous BialoKues. Male characters only. 25 cents. Baker's Humorous I>Ialoeu<)«> Female character! ooly. 25centi.