3$^%&^ BERT E. CV^WAN PRESENTED T<> UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA C. P. HUNTINGTON cJUNE. 1897. / .ion No / J <o ~/& Class &sgprfflKar*: % "%p B** ^^fei: ^ssp ^%^,s ^SKjP ;!^^ FSpZWjBSf SAN FRANCISCO VEREIN. Christopher Columbus. A Romantic Opera, Saturday, October 29, 1892 Christopher Columbus. A ROMANTIC OPERA IN Two ACTS AND AN INTERLUDE. WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY MEMBERS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO VEREIN. MUSIC BY WM. HINZ. LIBRETTO BY HUGO WALDECK. San Francisco Verein, Saturday, October 29, 1892. Steure, muthiger Segler! Es mag der Witz dich verhohnen, Und der Schiffer am Steu r senken die lassige Hand. Immer, immer nach West! Dort muss die Kiiste sich zeigen . . . SCHILLER. COPYRIGHT APPLIED FOR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRESS OF S. CROCKER COMPANY SAN FRANCISCO Characters of the Opera. FERDINAND, King of Spain. ISABELLA, Queen of Spain. FERNANDO DE TALAVERA, The Archbishop of Granada. IvUis DE ST. ANGEL, Treasurer. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. ALONZO DE OJEDA, A Captain in the Army. )wing to lack of time portions of the printed dialogue will not be spoken. There will be no intermission between the First Act and the Interlude. COLUMBIA. COLUMBUS. FIRST ACT. SPAIN. INTERLUDE. ON BOARD THE SANTA MARIA. SECOND ACT. THE ISLAND OF GUANAHANI. TIME. 1492. Characters of the Opera. FERDINAND, King of Spain. ISABELLA, Queen of Spain. FERNANDO DE TALAVERA, The Archbishop of Granada. Luis DE ST. ANGEL, Treasurer. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. ALONZO DE OJEDA, A Captain in the Army. JUANITA, A Flower-Girl, betrothed to Alonzo. MICHAEL, An Irish Soldier in the Spanish Army. FRIAR BOYLE. CAONABO, Cacique of Guanahani. ANAKAONA, His Wife. GUACA, His Adviser. BUHITI, An Indian Priest. HIGUENAMOTA, An Indian Girl. Court Ladies, Courtiers, Friars, Acolytes, Flower-Girls, Soldiers, Pages, Dancers, Populace, Herald, Messenger. Indian Warriors and People. Characters of the Interlude. COLUMBIA. COLUMBUS. / "OF THB UNIVERSITY FIRST ACT. SPAIN. INTERLUDE. ON BOARD THE SANTA MARIA. SECOND ACT. THE ISLAND OF GUANAHANI. TIME. 1492. i. Santa F6 in the valley of Granada. An open place in front of a cathedral. [Enter JUANITA and Flower-Girls.] Chorus of FLOWER-GIRLS. When tempests have blown The flowers bloom brightest ; When danger is flown Our hearts are lightest. From thralldom s blight Our homes are delivered ; And the Moslem s might Is crushed and shivered. Where the battle roared Now peace is resting ; Where the eagle soared The dove is nesting. The victor s voice Is subdued in prayers : Then let us rejoice With our enemies slayers ; Arid join in their praise Of the heavenly powers ; And strew the ways Of our heroes with flowers. For flowers bloom brightest When tempests have blown ; And hearts are lightest When danger is flown. 6 Ju ANITA. Maidens, up and let us perch On the steps of yonder church. ( A FAUNA. From this elevated station We command the situation. LOLA. King and Queen are both in here Holding early mass. MERCEDES. Let us wait till they appear. ROSITA. Aye, and when they pass, When the people sing and cheer, In their path we scatter showers Of sweet flowers. YNEZ. Look, the soldiers come. Away ! From our task they ll make us stray. CARMELITA. Nay, I pray, let us stay. ESTRELLA. Listen to what they will say. [Enter ALONZO DE OJEDA, MICHAEL, RODRIGO, Soldiers and Populace.] ALONZO AND SOLDIERS; Chorus and Solo. The bugle is silent, the sword is sheathed, The soldiers are homeward returning ; The camp is deserted where Freedom breathed, And Valor for strife was yearning ; For the enemy s hosts are captive and slain, The intruder is driven from sunny Spain. Alas, of the fold that set out brave and bold, The cause of their country embracing : Where the battle roll d and the death knell toll d Full many their story of gallantry told By the blood they spill d and the graves they fill d, A hero s death fearlessly facing. Our ranks are breaking, and comrades part, For the ties of war peace must sever ; Those friends whom joint dangers endeared to the heart Perchance will leave us forever ; Hut whither the soldier may wander and roam, God grant him the blessings of love and of home. MICHAEL. Saint Patrick, give us the comforts of home ! A goodly song, a strong and pious song. Here s to the comforts of home ! By all the saints, this tastes like home-made comfort, And comforts me down to my very toes. Beso su mano, senorita. How now, have I been talking to my shadow ? [Approaching CATALINA.] Carissima senorita, le saludo. CATALINA. Vaya se, no me moleste. MICHAEL (approaching Lola.) Alma de mi corazon querida mia. LOLA. Hagame el favor de dejarme en paz. MICHAEL. I am " de drop," as they would say in France ; My name is Dennis in Green Erin s tongue. Faith ! Dennis has the drop on you, me lads, Albeit he has a drop That beats the love of twenty Spanish females. MICHAEL (Drinking Song). When Spanish dames turn up their noses And dainty hands refuse me roses, When I am left without companions Or had to feast on bread and onions, I drain my cup in mild despair And find prodigious solace there. Then fill me up A goodly cup, For I admire The sparkling fire That doth recline In Spanish wine. a The wine of Spain is full of flame, So is the average Spanish dame ; But she is apt to scathe and scratch us, Whereas the wine will soothe and patch us ; The dame is unreliable, The wine is sweet and pliable. Then fill me up A goodly cup, For I admire The sparkling fire That doth recline In Spanish wine. Chorus. To his drunken railings listen Hear him swagger. See with wine his glances glisten Watch him stagger. For he admires The sparkling fires That glow and shine In Spanish wine. [ALONZO and JUANITA come forward.] Duet. JUANITA. The Virgin daily I implored To bring thee safely back from danger Her name be praised, thou art restored, Delivered from the grim avenger. ALONZO. Of thee, my love, I fondly thought In silent camp and stirring battle ; At night into my dreams were wrought Thy smiling face and merry prattle. JUANITA. Now promise nevermore to fling Aside the claims of love and beauty. ALONZO. I am a soldier of the King And must obey the call of duty. Sweetheart, banish fear and sorrow, And conclude a truce with pain ; Care must slumber till to-morrow, Ju ANITA. ALONZO. Ju ANITA. ALONZO. JUANITA. ALONZO. JUANITA. And to-morrow Aye, to-morrow ? Sweetheart, we will love again. Sweetheart, let me kisses borrow, All thy lips to give will deign Lend me kisses till to-morrow, And to-morrow Aye, to-morrow? I will give them back again. Love requited, Reunited, Does not know What is woe. Life assumes its warmest hue For all lovers who are true. Behold their Majesties draw near. From holy mass they are returning. Alonzo, I must leave thee here. To go with thee my heart is burning. Nay, loved one, I must say farewell, This day s sweet duty to pursue, Arid flowers in the path to strew Of Ferdinand and Ysabel. The Saints attend thee. The Virgin defend thee. Flourish of trumpets. [Enter, from the cathedral, FERDINAND and ISABELLA FERNANDO DE TALAVERA, Luis DE ST. ANGEL, FRIAR BOYLE, and attend ants.] Chorus of Men. Mark, he approaches, our country s defender Hail to our hero, who, brave to the core, Wrested Granada, the city of splendor, From the grasp of the merciless Moor. 10 Chorus of Women. Let us unite, loyal homage to render Unto our Queen whom her subjects adore. Mother of Mercy, protect and defend her Sweet Isabella forevermore. Together. Glory immortal and love true and tender, August couple, for you we implore You who were chosen by Heaven to render Spain to her rightful possessors of yore. Hail, all hail to the Glory of Spain ! Span-is h Dance. FERDINAND. We thank you, faithful subjects. Such display Of loyalty befits this glorious day. Behold from proud Alhambra s pinnacle Our banners float enchanting spectacle! The stronghold of the Infidel is won ; The standards of Castile and Aragon Have been once more by victory attended. Our holy faith, by gallant hosts defended, Now rules supreme throughout united Spain, Forever wrested from the Saracen. The struggles which filled centuries with blood At last are ended by the grace of God ; And where the Mosque had reared the Crescent s dross, The Church shall stand, surmounted by the Cross. Where Havoc reigned and Strife her scorpions flourished, Art, Industry and Science shall be nourished ; And Progress marshal us, with wings unfurl d, To lead alike in war and peace the world. aiun-u*. Hail, all hail to the Glory of Spain! [Exeunt Flower-Girls, Soldiers and Populace ] ISABELLA. Those who would lead the world, my Liege, Must understand its ways ; We heeded not in fray and siege The issues of these days. 11 Thought is aroused, research set free, New truths flash on mankind ; Invention and discovery Transform the human mind. While we our ancient realm restored In hard-fought victories, Our neighbors conquered and explored New lands and distant seas. In power great, in spirit bold, Is Spain to stand aside? Shall those the rank of vassals hold Who have been born to guide ? FERDINAND. Deem not that foreign conquest s dearth Spain s greatness can efface ; Among the nations of the earth She will assert her place. But thou whose counsels oft before In court and camp held sway, To empire and renown once more, My Queen, show us the way. Aria. ISABELLA. From where the gentle zephyrs blow, Beyond the Western Sea, Where silent twilight s roses glow The promised land must be. " The Star of Empire takes its way" Toward the setting sun ; Beneath the lustre of its ray Our laurels will be won. FERDINAND. But name the leader who shall guide Our fleets and armies through the tide ! ISABELLA. Christopher Columbus ! He is the man to wield our sword And bear the standard of the Lord. 12 Of pious heart and ardent zeal, Devoted to his master, No fitter hand could guide our keel Past danger and disaster. Wherever ship has set her sail There did Columbus travel ; And problems at which others fail His genius will unravel. Then let Columbus wield our sword And bear the standard of the Lord. FERNANDO DE TALAVERA. Victorious, most Christian Majesties, Unto the voice of timely warning hearken, Ere you proceed in this important cause. The Junta which his Grace, the King, convened, Composed of just and wise and pious men, Rejected the proposals of Columbus ; And I am grieved to see this visionary, This all but heretic and idle schemer, This foreign pauper and adventurer, Still has access unto the councils Of my illustrious Queen. Luis DE ST. ANGEL. Forbear to pass Such hasty judgment, worthy Talavera. Columbus, though he be a foreigner, Is not a heretic or idle schemer. The Junta with all rev rence be it said Misunderstood and underestimated His lofty plans and daring calculations. He has been villified and sorely wronged ; He has been fed on empty promises Until, reluctantly and sorrowful, He turned his back upon this faithless court And even now is on his way to France. Among the men who represent this age, 13 Which, like a wakening giant s limbs unbending, Breaks through the barriers of our ancient world, Removes its boundaries beyond the seas And breathes new life into its tottering wisdom, He is one of the foremost and the bravest. Such faith as his, such hope born of conviction, Will bear him onward to his goal withal; And Spain will weep that she hath spurned the hand Which would have laid an empire at her feet And wreathed her brow with deathless glory. FERDINAND. Nay ! Spain shall not weep those tears of vain regret. The man who calls such partisans his own Must be of rare and sterling qualities. Let trusted messengers be sent at once Into the land to intercept Columbus And bring him back in honor to our court. ISABELLA. I have forestalled thee, Consort of my realm. Relying on thy wisdom and thy justice, I sent my couriers when I was informed Columbus had departed. Hourly I look for their return with tidings. [A bugle signal is heard.] Hark! This is their signal. May the Virgin grant Columbus has consented to return. [Enter Messenger and Populace.] MESSENGER. The man Columbus is with us, awaiting The pleasure of her Highness of Castile. ISABELLA. Bid him approach forthwith. He is most welcome. [Exit Messenger.] MICHAEL (in his sleep). By r Lady, I m uncommon dry ; Fetch me another stoop of rye. FRIAR BOYLE. CHAMBERLAIN. , 14 Who dares in presence of the King Engage in drunken roystering ? My lord, the fellow is asleep ; His draught, perchance, was strong and deep. [Enter COLUMBUS, Soldiers and Flower-Girls. Columbus kneels before their Majesties.] ISABELLA and COLUMBUS. Duet. ISABELLA. Arise, Columbus, boldly cast, Cast off despondency ; The King has recognized at last Thy worth and constancy. COLUMBUS. Most gracious Queen, I have returned, Returned at thy command ; To me by all reviled and spurned Thou stretchest out thy hand ; Thou stretchest forth thy royal arm To shield me from defeat and harm. ISABELLA. Go forth and grasp the leader s wand To guide us to thy promised land. FERDINAND. Take heart, Columbus, let the past From thy remembrance flee ; Henceforth, where Spain prevails, thou hast Distinction and degree. Set out, High Admiral, and land Our banners on a foreign strand. COLUMBUS (kneeling ). Once again, in deep submission, Let me on my bended knee Thank you for this glorious mission, For this honor s high degree. Years of toil and pleasures banished, Twenty years of scoff and scorn, Are this moment lightly vanished Like the haze of early morn. 15 . That which fleeting and dissembling, Evermore defied my grasp Fondly greeting, raptly trembling To my heart at last I clasp. See me prostrate in submission, Overwhelmed with gratitude For the glory of this mission, For this honor s magnitude. FERDINAND. In the name of God, Of Saint Michael and Saint George, I dub thee Knight. Be brave, bold and loyal. Arise, Don Christopher Columbus, Viceroy and Governor of all The provinces to be by thee discovered For the united crowns of Castile And Aragon. [COLUMBUS is invested with the insignia of an Admiral.] Aria. COLUMBUS. By Him who was sent to perish For the human race, I swear Sacredly your trust to cherish, Gallantly this sword to wear. I will pilot Spain s proud galleons Through vast oceans never sailed ; I will lead her brave battalions Where no Christian yet prevailed. To the glory of this nation Empires from the s-ea shall rise, Like another Revelation, Startling, dazzling Europe s eyes. " Holy Writ s subl m-3 prediction " Then by Spain shill be unfuii d, And our faith s devout conviction Spread by her throughout the world. 16 Treasures will be gained as never . Have been known to mortal ken ; And the sun will shine forever, Never setting, over Spain. Royal patrons, whose indulgence Called such exploits into prime, You will dwell in Fame s effulgence Glorified throughout all time. TALAVERA. Reluctantly I speak, my Rulers both, And yet I speak because my conscience bids me, To caution you against this enterprise, At least against its present undertaking. Our treasuries are drained ; our holy wars Have sapped our income to its last resources ; And we shall even find it difficult To raise such funds as urgent need demands. COLUMBUS (To St. Angel}. By all the saints, what do I hear? Shall my fond hopes again be blighted ? ST. ANGEL. Columbus, pray, be of good cheer, This difficulty will be righted ; We ll draw our cause out of the lurch, man, And disconcert this haughty churchman. (To their Majesties.) About these funds, my Sovereigns liege, There need be no uneasiness. Prelates should be content to preach, Not interfere in business. TALAVERA. Audacious Courtier, it is vain Thine insults in my face to flaunt. In questions sacred and profane Our Holy Church is paramount. ST. ANGEL. Particularly where division Of spoils and treasures is concerned, The true cause why this expedition The clergy s enmity has earned. 17 ISABELLA. Peace, gentlemen! /will supply the means. If Aragon is not prepared to bear The outlays of this contemplated voyage, I undertake it for Castile alone. Behold this diadem of wondrous splendor, Envy of Kings and pride of my domain. Let it go forth unto the money-lender And by this pledge the needed sums obtain. The sacred emblem of our royalty Shall be defiled to prove our loyalty. ST. ANGEL. I do protest, my Queen, thou art misguided ; There s no such poverty in Aragon. The necessary sums shall be provided ; We have sufficient means to draw upon. But unto thee belongs true greatness prize For having proffered such a sacrifice. Chorus. She is our strength and stay ; Long may her gentle sway This land pervade. To make Spain prosperous, Great and victorious, Unselfish, generous, She lends her aid. TALAVERA (aside). The devil take such enthusiastic fools, This wily schemer s unsuspecting tools. COLUMBUS. My Sovereigns, I am prepared And eager to depart ; If my advice is to be heard, From Palos let me start. There I have friends in sailcraft wise, Will aid us in this enterprise 18 FERDINAND. So be it, then. To Palos port, High Admiral, repair ; Munition, vessels and escort Shall be provided there. To guide thee safely through the land We charge Ojeda s trusty band. ALONZO. My King and Master does me proud To choose me for this task ; But if a soldier be allow d To argue or to ask, I would prefer my marching orders Took me beyond my country s borders Not from ungrateful disaffection, Nor vain ambition s misdirection Nay with the Admiral to share The perils of the main, And into foreign lands to bear The glorious arms of Spain. For me and those of my division Who fain would join this expedition I crave your Majesty s permission. FIRST SOLDIER. SECOND SOLDIER. THIRD SOLDIER. FOURTH SOLDIER. FIFTH SOLDIER. SIXTH SOLDIER. I follow where Ojeda leads. And I. And I. And I. He shows the way to doughty deeds. By his side glory s nigh. MICHAEL. FERDINAND. I m with ye, boys; the salty sea Will help me overcome my spree. Unwillingly we miss such gallant blades, Who both in war and peace are wanted; But, since your ranks such ardent zeal pervades, The leave of absence shall be granted. 19 ALONZO. FERDINAND. Soldiers. COLUMBUS (Song). Soldiers Chorum. Ju ANITA. Victoria, comrades, we are going ! With gratitude, O gracious King, And deep devotion s offering My heart is overflowing. Away, my sturdy braves, God speed, And Spanish annals fill With tale of bold and daring deed. All hail, O King, we will! All hail and welcome, comrades new ! Then buckle on your armor, And say a long and fond adieu To sister, wife or charmer. Set out out with me in confidence For strange and distant regions, To struggle with the elements Instead of Moslem legions. Across privation and travail Success and triumph beckon; And only those will sink and fail Who hesitate and reckon. The bugle sounds, the banners wave; A glorious goal awaits the brave, Which will outrival and outlast All great achievements of the past. The bugle sounds, the banners wave ; A glorious goal awaits the brave, Which will outrival and outlast All great achievements of the past. Aria. Distress profound my spirit wooes, While all the world is gay Oh misery, to win and lose My love in one short day ! 20 Woe is me! Gay and free Forth he goes ; While I see But for me Sorrow s throes. FINALE. Quintet. FERDINAND, ISABELLA, COLUMBUS, ALONZO, Ju ANITA, and Chorus. ALONZO. Juanita, we must part, Sweet my love, farewell. JUANITA. ALONZO. JUANITA. JUANITA. Cruel word that makes my heart With affliction swell. Be content; I must away, Fame and gold to earn. To the Virgin I will pray Then farewell We must tell. Heaven keep thee O er the deep sea Well and safe, True and brave. For thy safe return. ALONZO. Then farewell We must tell. Heaven keep thee In His mercy Well and safe, True and brave. COLUMBUS. Sadness overcomes my heart Now I say farewell, Now that from the land I start Where I loved to dwell. Heart be stanch, thy fears allay, Doubt and dread unlearn ; Dost thou not the gathering ray Of my Star discern ? Aye, farewell I will tell. Heaven guide us And abide us Well and safe, True and brave. 21 FERDINAND AND ISABELLA. Lord, Thy blessings now impart From Thy mercy s well To this project which our heart Yearns to see excel. And these heroes who to-day With ambition burn, Watch and lead upon their way To a safe return. Now, farewell We must tell. Lord, provide them, Gently guide them Well and safe, True and brave. Full Chorus. Lord, with approving eyes Look on this enterprise. Lead them to fame. Peril and failure keep From those who sail the deep, Honor for Spain to reap In Thy hallowed name. Now, farewell Let us tell. Lord, provide them, Gently guide them Well and safe, True and brave. Curtain.] INTERLUDE. The early morning of October 12, 14<>2. COLUMBUS asleep in his cabin on board his flagship, the Santa Maria. COLUMBIA appears in an aureole. COLUMBIA. What light is this that rends the veil asunder, The ling ring shadows of oblivion s gloom ? What forms are these that from the ocean yonder Mysteriously upon my vision loom ? My soul is thrilled by feelings warmer, fonder, Than have ere now consoled me in my doom The air is ringing as though God had spoken, New life is springing, and the spell is broken. My spirit, by a quick ning pulse pervaded, Discerns a presence, calm, serene, sublime, A cherished image that my dreams invaded As I lay slumb ring in the lap of Time, A hand extended by whose guidance aided 1 am ordained to sunlit heights to climb The mists dissolve, the light grows brighter, stronger My champion lives, he is a myth no longer. I recognize thee who art come to woo me, Dauntless defender of my sacred cause ; An outcast s curse no longer shall pursue me, Nor mankind, trembling, on my threshold pause; For ere the day night s curtain, drear and gloomy, With rosy fingers from my realm withdraws, The joyful tidings will ring out to heaven : Columbus to the world a world hath given ! As goddesses of old to earth descended The destiny of mortal men to share, So shall my fame, with thine forever blended, The radiant trace of thine achievement wear. I welcome thee, with longing arms extended, In proud expectancy thy name to bear Columbus, chosen one among the mortals, Columbia greets thee at her empire s portals. Bestir thyself, for lo ! the day is breaking That is to be by unborn millions blest, Who, ignominious servitude forsaking, Shall find the home of freedom in the West. The vapors rise, the earth from sleep is waking, The sunlight floods the snow-capped mountain crest- Fulfillment, glory, empire are at hand Awake, arise, for thou hast conquered. I A sailor s voice from without.] Land ! [COLUMBUS awakes, rises aud sinks on his knees in silent prayer.] [Curtain.] II. The island of Guanahani, or San Salvador, on October 12, 1492. [Enter JUANITA in Indian dress, ANAKAONA and Indian girls.] Duet and Chorus. ANAKAONA. Give me back my shell of paint. JUANITA. Nay, I ll not return it. FIRST INDIAN GIRL. Give it her or she will faint. JUANITA. ANAKAONA. JUANITA. Chorus. I regret to learn it, But I ll not return it. Maid, my husband comes to-day; How, dost thou suppose, Can I without paint array Forehead, eyes and nose? Do not use the crimson shell, Follow my advice, For thou lookst surpassing well With unpainted eyes. Listen to her impudence! Her advice indeed! With the men thine eloquence May perchance succeed. 25 ANAKAONA . Here comes a learned and pious priest, And wisest of all judges; He is the ladies friend at least And takes no bribes nor pledges. [Enter BUHITI.] BUHITI. Good morning, ladies, I m elate And greet you witb emotion ; You are quite early, or I m late Returned from my devotion. ANAKAONA. Buhiti, foremost of thy race, Decide in this important case ! BUHITI. A case so early in the morning? Without a summons, brief or warning ANAKAONA. Alas, there is no time to waste, Or else I would not make such haste. This foreign maid of aspect quaint Has robbed me of my shell, Containing bright and precious paint, And hid it but too well. Although I threaten, I implore, The wench will not my paint restore. BUHITI. The case is difficult and fangled, But soon I ll have it disentangled. Now, prisoner before the bar, Is what she said the truth so far? JUANITA. Aye, aye, my lord, it is quite true. BUHITI. Then, why dost thou this course pursue? JUANITA. Because I could not see it done, The way she put that crimson on. If to enhance her charms she seeks She only ought to paint her cheeks ; For in the land where I was born The ladies thus their face adorn. BUHITI. The case is clear I understand, But this is not thy native land ; The evidence suggests to me That we are in Guanahani, And in Guanahani you Must do as Guanahanians do. This, therefore, is my sentence : To teach thee due repentance And make thee with our customs well acquainted, Thy nose and eyes and forehead shall be painted. That this decision be well executed The plaintiff and these ladies are deputed. JUANITA and Chorus. Chorus. Hail, Buhiti, just and wise! FIRST INDIAN GIRL. I will undertake her eyes. JUANITA . Thy derision I despise ! Choni*. Never better judge arose! SECOND INDIAN GIRL. This bold stroke is for her nose. JUANITA. Shame thine eyes and lips should close! Chorus. He observes his sacred vow ! THIRD INDIAN GIRL. This shall grace her noble brow. JUANITA. Nay, enough ! Unhand me now ! Chorux. Evermore his praise we ll sing ! FOURTH INDIAN GIRL. I must try another ring. 27 JUANITA. Hush, begone, thou hateful thing! Chorus. Maiden, now thou art prepared, But, we pray, do not get scared, Nor with dismal horror shiver Shouldst thou pass a placid river, Or behold thy fair reflection In a shining metal section. JUANITA. Heavens, I must be a sight, Barbarous ungainly fright ! To their base malignity I owe this indignity. Horrors, if my lover Should me thus discover ! [An Indian drum signal.] BUHITI. Children of this fair domain, Dwellers in this smiling plain, From your quarrels now abstain, For your Chief approaches. From the mountain heights descending Where wild peaks the clouds are rending Hitherward his step is bending Lordly Caonabo, In our worship to partake And Cassava s sacred cake Solemnly with us to break Pious Caonabo. See, amid his warriors lances, Mighty chieftain, he advances ; Welcome him with song and dances Warlike Caonabo. [Enter CAONABO and Indian warriors.] Chorus. Keeper of the Golden Hoard, Caonabo, Caonabo, Guanahani s dauntless lord, Terror of the Carib horde : Welcome Caonabo ! We are thine with limb and breath, Faithful subjects unto death. 23 CAONABO (Song.) From the crags of barren mountains, From the rivers crystal fountains, Where the soil with gold is teeming, Where the eagle s brood is screaming, We return in festal train To the valley s fertile plain, Where eternal spring is smiling, Playfully our days beguiling, To perform our ancient rite In joint worship to unite, And Cassava s sacred cake Solemnly with you to break. Chorus, Warriors. We return in festal train To the valley s fertile plain To perform our ancient rite In joint worship to unite, And Cassava s sacred cake Solemnly with you to break. Indians. They return in festal train To the valley s fertile plain To perform our ancient rite In joint worship to unite, And Cassava s sacred cake Solemnly with us to break. All hail, Caonabo ! INDIAN DANCE. CAONABO (observing Juanita, to BUHITIJ. Who is this maid of modest mien And wondrous eyes of lambent sheen ? By my ancestors bones, I ween Such beauty I have never seen! 29 BUHITI. She is a stranger ; whence she came Her native land she will not name. We found her cast upon the shore Insensible and bruised and sore, In foreign garb, and still the trace Of tossing seas on form and face. A sweet and grateful maid she proved, By all the men revered and loved ; Although the women, I regret, Have not contrived to like her yet. She quickly learned our speech and ways But to our Zemes never prays. ANAKAONA (aside). Perdition ! Does the hoyden dare My husband s senses to ensnare ? CAONABO (to Juanita). Mysterious maiden, fair to see, Thou hast my heart enraptured. Pray, to my wigwam follow me The sweetest prize yet captured. JUANITA. Redoubted chieftain, not so fast : My lot is here to tarry, And while my youth and beauty last I do not wish to marry. ANAKAONA. My Lord, beware, it is not safe To meddle with this foreign waif. CAONABO. (To Juanita.) Anakaona, be so kind Thine own affairs alone to mind. Consider lest it be too late And tresses tinged with rime. JUANITA. My true-love will avert such fate And rescue me in time. 30 ANAKAONA. Now, Caonabo, pon my life ! Thou wilt not take another wife ? CAONABO. I am the Cacique and can take As many as I please. ANAKAONA. Then be content thy choice to make At least from among these. [Pointing to her companions.] CAONABO. And why? ANAKAONA. Because the outcast there Does not deserve thy name to bear. Trio: Ju ANITA, CAONABO and ANAKAONA. JUANITA. ANAKAONA. Now, by thy leave, most virtuous dame, Oh, spare me thy civility! From very decent folks I came ; No doubt from the nobility. And though I ve not the least ambition How modest, to be sure ! To share thine enviable position, It would not be secure. I beg of you to understand Quite plainly, I declare ! That I hail from a glorious land, They should have kept thee there. CAONABO. Forbear To tear Each other s hair. Be wise And spare Each other s eyes ! JUANITA. And sailed the deep with heroes brave, Whom thou perchance wilt see, For they have weathered wind and wave To make discovery. True my love, on land or sea, Hasten to deliver me ; Still this longing, heal the aching Of my heart, asleep and waking ! True my love, where er thou be, God protect and comfort thee ! 31 CAONABO. Who may this bold lover be This sweet maid prefers to me ? I for whose love hearts are breaking, At whose challenge men are quaking If the wight I ever see Terrible his fate shall be. ANAKAONA. Thus she dares to talk to me, Foremost in Guanahani ! Though with rage my nerves are shaking Caonabo is not making Any effort that she be Yielding and polite to me ! FIRST INDIAN (pointing to the sea). Cacique, hasten and behold What the morning did unfold ! SECOND INDIAN. Guanahani s peaceful bight Was invaded in the night By huge monsters of the deep Risen while we were asleep. GUACA. Nay, not monsters of the ocean, These are dwellings full of motion, Roofs with human beings swarming, Some descending, others arming, Strangely clad in various manners, Wearing shields and carrying banners. Now they enter their canoes, From stout ropes they cast them loose ; Now with stroke of sweeping oar They make straightway for our shore ! CAONABO (Song.~) Then in proud array of battle These invaders we will face : Sound the war-cry, roll the rattle, Speed the arrow, swing the mace ! Guanahani s verdant plain Blood of foreign foe shall stain ! 32 GUACA (Song~). Warlike chieftain, quench thine ardor, Quell thy spirit, fierce and bold : To defeat this host is harder Than to rout the Caribs fold. To our forest let us hie And upon these strangers spy, Watch their movements from afar, If they purport peace or war. CAONABO (Song"). Chorus. Though my spirit is afire, Calmer counsel shall decide. Warriors, to the wood retire And my coming there abide. To the forest let us fly And upon these strangers spy, Watch their movements from afar, If they purport peace or war. Zemes, Zemes, speak for us, Life and freedom seek for us At the unseen Gate Of the Spirit Great Who, almighty and alone, Rules from His eternal throne. [Kxeunt BUHITI, GUACA and chorus.] [A bugle blast is heard.] Trio. JUANITA. Hark, the bugle s martial blast Lustily the air is rending ; True my love is come at last And my days of doubt are ending. CAONABO. To the horn s defiant blast Her responsive ear is bending ; Now it will be clear at last To whose kiss her lips are tending. AN A KAON A. By the way she lists aghast These sounds she is comprehending; Tis her lover come at last And my husband s fun is ending. [Exeunt.] 33 INTERMEZZO. [Enter ALONZO and Ju ANITA.] ALONZO. JU ANITA. ALONZO. JUANITA. ALONZO. JUANITA. ALONZO. JUANITA. ALONZO. JUANITA. ALONZO. Among men, an interloper, On the ocean thou hast sailed ! I admit, it was improper, But my love at last prevailed, Juanita ! Dear Alonzo ! Why then on the sister ship, Not on mine, didst service offer? Why ? Because my sistership Thus would no disturbance suffer. How didst find me as a brother ? Cold, a brother to the letter ; Speaking candidly : the other Character becomes thee better. Duet. Therefore let me as the lover Take thee to my heart once more, And those lips with kisses cover Which I should have had before. Sweetheart, is thy passion s fire In this clime for me the same ? Am I still thy heart s desire As thou didst at home proclaim ? Does the sun lack light and fire ? Can Life pulse and breath disclaim ? I must love thee and admire Ev ry where, my savage dame. 34 Both. Love requited Reunited, Soon forgets Its regrets. Life assumes its warmest hue For all lovers who are true. [Exeunt. J [Enter MICHAEL.] MICHAEL. What ho, Alonzo ! He is gone, Leaves me in foreign land alone. [BUHITI and Indians are seen peeping out from the right.] I thought I saw nay, I was dreaming A face through yonder foliage gleaming. The moment that our boat was tied A savage maid Alonzo spied, And straightway disappeared the twain Just as he did at home in Spain. [Indians are again seen.] I m sure a pair of eyes was blinking In yonder bush. Had I been drinking Old Harry might my sight distort, But in our ships the wine ran short. [Indians as before.] I wish the Admiral had sent Some other one upon this scent ; There s something in the atmosphere That makes me feel exceeding queer. I Indians as before.] Saint Patrick, help ! Unearthly faces Pop in and out from hundred places. I think I ll cut this matter short And to Columbus make report. [EnterjBuHiTi.] It is too late ; I must await This "brick"-a-brac complexion Which comes in my direction. My salutation, crimson friend. BUHITI. Hanal ek chi cab. 35 MICHAEL. I m sure I do not comprehend. Tis clear, this tongue I must forego. Como le va, amigo mio ? BUHITI. Uoc pol hool. MICHAEL. Perchance the Gallic tongue will do : Monsieur, comment vous portez-vous ? BUHITI. Mehen, hanal chechitch oc lakpal. MICHAEL. Not French? Then I ll attempt a line Of what they speak across the Rhine : Mein Lieber, lass das Saufen sein. BUHITI. Cab chi noli ek quetzal. MICHAEL. Now, this is most embarrassing ; Perhaps he ll understand me sing : (Sings.) La donna e mobile Qual piuma al vento BUHITI. MICHAEL. Chfiak u ha kin chaiic u ha (runs away.) He disappears ! My heart, rejoice ! Still people say I have no voice. [BUHITI returns with Indian warriors.] By Heaven, he returns and brings A howling mob of savage things ! [MICHAEL is surrounded.] INDIANS. Ek chi hanal ! MICHAEL. Now, gentlemen, remember, pray, INDIANS. Cab noh lakpal ! MICHAEL. That you are many, I am one ; INDIANS. Kin chfiiic pol ! MICHAEL. And if you treat me in this way 36 INDIANS. Ha u hool ! MICHAEL. I ll have to stop your fun. INDIANS. Uoc melien chechitch ! MICHAEL. By the Virgin ! I m forlorn If I do not blow my horn. [Enter ALONZO and JUANITA.] ALONZO (drawing his sword). Michael is prompt, I must allow : He has already found a row. MICHAEL. Alonzo, spare not arm nor breath ! These heathens tickle me to death. ALONZO. Courage, man, thy cutlass wield, In a trice we ll have the field. JUANITA. I will run the Chief to call, Else misfortune will befall. [Exit. | FIRST INDIAN (attacking Michael}. Turey hoc quetzal ! MICHAEL. No you don t, my pal. SECOND INDIAN. Kin pol hanac ! MICHAEL. We ll clean out the pack ! [Enter JUANITA, CAONABO, ANAKAONA and train.] CAONABO. Ho, warriors, peace! Let the combat cease ! These interlopers I will teach What duty to my state is due! JUANITA. Attempt not, Cacique, I beseech, This futile combat to renew ! 37 These strangers are my countrymen, Come hither from afar In search of conquest and of gain Dread heroes reared in war. Your weapons are of no avail Against their swords and lances, And from their dress of shining mail The arrow, harmless, glances. They serve a King in power great, But greater is our God Who made the world and rules men s fate All ways on land and flood. Our King obey, our God invoke In piety profound, That not oppression s dreaded yoke Will bow you to the ground. Aria. ANAKAONA Tis the truth the maid has spoken ; Hearken, ere you strike a blow, Ere the peace again be broken, To my tale of long ago. Through the flight of untold ages There exists a prophecy, Uttered by forgotten sages, That this isle would conquered be By a race of bearded strangers, Fair of skin and tall of form, Skilled in warfare, fond of dangers, And relentless as the storm. They have come the old prediction Thus a truth proves in the end ; [Enter COLUMBUS, FRIAR BOYLE and retinue.J They have come does it affliction, Does it happiness portend ? 38 [COLUMBUS and train come forward.] COLUMBUS. San Salvador this island shall be named, (Song.) Upon whose shores our doubts and terrors ended ; Here let us kneel, here be our thanks proclaimed To Him whose aid our enterprise attended. Prayer. Heavenly Father, In might unbounded, By light surrounded Of serene beatitude, Graciously gather Sacrifice of gratitude From the lips of those Whom to safe repose Thou hast led Through the bed Of the ocean s Vast commotions, Over reefs and through the squall, Past the lurking dangers all Which in unknown waters hide Our Protector and our Guide, Hallowed be Thy glorious name, Sung Thine everlasting fame. Song, ALONZO and chorus. Gloria, gloria in excelsis, Hallowed be Thy name, O God, Who hast led us, in Thy mercy, Safely through the boundless flood ; Hallowed be Thy glorious name, Sung Thine everlasting fame, Gloria, gloria in excelsis ! Aided by thy guiding hand, We have gained this foreign strand, Where Thine Revelation s light Shall dispel the pagan night ; Gloria, gloria in excelsis ! God, our Father, shield us further, Keep from us defeat and murder ; But if in Thy cause we fall Save us from perdition s pall. Gloria, gloria in excelsis ! COLUMBUS Brave Hidalgos, solemnly Let us mourn in prone devotion A companion s memory Whom we lost upon the ocean. Gentle Juan, our heart s delight, Who fell headlong from the mast, And was swept past aid and sight By the current fierce and fast. ALONZO. Stay, there is no need of mourning : Look upon this savage dame Who, the aid of vessel scorning, Lately to this island came. MICHAEL. Juan ! Now, by the Holy Virgin ! Didst thou beat us, forward urchin ? COLUMBUS. Heaven s wonder ! Thou wert saved ? JUANITA. Saved and cast upon this shore, And the savages behaved As unto a friend of yore. COLUMBUS. God was with thee, boy ! But stay- Why is female garb around thee? JUANITA (embarrassed). Truly, I can hardly say Thus they dressed me when they found me. COLUMBUS. Juan a woman, and restored to us ! Lord, Thy ways are wise and marvelous. MICHAEL. Eh ! Juan a woman ? Help, my strength is failing ! 40 A SOLDIER (supporting him). Art starved because there is no wine about ? MICHAEL. Alas, that with a woman I ve been sailing For many moons and never found it out. COLUMBUS. The beauty of these Indian isles, Which Marco Polo s pen extols, At last upon our vision smiles And with enchantment fills our souls. Behold the race whom Heaven chose To dwell in this delightful clime. FRIAR BOYLE. A curse upon these savage foes, These grovelers in pagan slime ! JUANITA. Devoted friar, curb thy zeal And do not grow excited These savages are true as steel, Although they are benighted. COLUMBUS (to Friar Boyle). Those who proclaim God s word and deed Should not on curses found their creed. Where bitterness and ruth have failed Persuasive kindness oft prevailed. (To Higuenamota.) I greet thee gently, Indian maid, The first one in this foreign land Nay, do not shrink, be not afraid, And let me kiss thy slender hand. [Replaces striugsof glass beads and bells around her neck.] Upon thy comely form I place These toys the savage mind holds dear ; Go forth and tell thy timid race To cast away distrust and fear. Chorus. Let us see the things he gave thee, Precious gifts from Heaven come J Stranger, may the Spirit save thee Long upon our earth to roam ! 41 CAONABO (to Guacci). My soul is torn by doubts and fears Upon which course to seize Resistance, strife, defeat and tears, Or slavery and peace ? GUACA. O Caonabo, ere perdition Engulf thy subjects and thy state, Obey the lesson of tradition And bow to the decree of fate. Listen to thy people s voice, Let submission be thy choice. CAONABO (kneeling before Columbus). Be it then ! Guaraiquina, Chieftain of victorious heroes, Guanahani s people offer Peace and friendship and submission. I, their Chieftain Caonabo, Place the sacred Belt of Wampum In the hands of Guamiquina As a token of our faith. [He surrenders the Wampum Belt to COLUMBUS.] COLUMBUS. Rise in peace, Chief Caonabo, In the name of those who sent me I accept the vows of friendship Of thyself and of thy tribe. Reign in peace and give the white man But thy countenance and shelter, And while I have voice and power Gladness shall pervade this isle. [COLUMBUS seizing the standard of Castile.] COLUMBUS. By the grace of God, In the name of their Most Catholic Majesties I take possession of this land, And proclaim the sway of Spain s dominion Throughout its extent. Spaniards, to me, Viceroy and Representative Of Ferdinand and Isabella, Swear allegiance ! 42 FRIAR BOYLE. By the Holy Host, In the name of the Father, The Son and the Ghost, Around me gather And swear. Chorus of SPANIARDS. We swear ! INDIANS (Imitating). We swear! FRIAR BOYLE. To uphold and obey And acknowledge the sway Of Columbus, our leader, Who is placed in command By the gracious hand Of our rulers of Spain. And may the seceder Endure the pain To rebels shown Against the crown. Chorus of SPANIARDS. We swear ! INDIANS (imitating). We swear! Aria. HIGUENAMOTA. Hail, all hail, Guamiquina, Chieftain of victorious heroes ! From the azure fields of Heaven, From the realm of the Great Spirit Thou hast come to bring us blessings, To bring joy upon this earth. Follow us into our wigwams, Shield us from distress and illness, Save us from discord and hatred ; Plant the radiant joys of Heaven In our hearts and on our hearths. Guamiquina, Guamiquina, Chieftain of victorious heroes ! 43 FINALE. Chorus of SPANIARDS. Through pagan darkness breaks sacred light, The light of Sublime Revelation, Subdued is the Evil Spirit of Night And a people saved from damnation. Broadcast shall the seed of our faith be sown To the glory of God and the Spanish Crown. The land that we sought amid perils untold, The dream of the age, is discovered, The curtain of mystery is unroll d And a World from oblivion recovered. The voice of Fame will our merits extol Who through trials and dangers have reached this goal. But foremost of all, renown is due To our leader of noble ambition, Who braved fierce seas and a fiercer crew Till he gazed on his realized vision. Columbus, all hail ! Undying glory Will cling to thy name in song and story! Chorus of INDIANS. Like harbingers of celestial light, Like bearers of Heaven s salvation, They have come to us in the silent night, These men of a powerful nation. Our brows are bent in worship prone To these conquerors from a distant zone. The word is fulfilled of the sage of old The tradition that over us hovered ; By a race of strangers, fair and bold, Our quiet isle is discovered. The voice of Fame will their merits extol Who through trials and dangers have reached this goal. 44 But foremost of all, renown is due To their Chieftain of noble condition, Who cheered our wavering hearts anew In the hour of fear and suspicion. Columbus, all hail ! Undying glory Will cling to thy name in song and story ! OF THB UNIVERSITY OF THK UNIVERSITY