5-i'i ? THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES I THE AMATEUR DRAMA SERIES. THE EXHIBITION DRAMA: COMPRISING DEAMA, COMEDY, A:^D FAEOE, TOGETHER TTITH DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL ENTEETAINMENTS, FOR PRIVATE THEATRICALS, HOME REPRESENTATIOXS, HOLIDAY AND SCHOOL EXHIBITlOyS. BY GEORGE M. BAKER, Author of " Amateur Dramas," " The Mimic Stage," " The Social Stage," "The Drawing-Room Stage," "Temperance Dramas,' "A Baker's Dozen," " Humorous Dialogues," " Running to Waste," 3Illustratc5. BOSTON: LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS. NEW YORK: LEE, SHEPARD, & DILLINGHAM. 1875. Entered accoraing to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by GEORGE M. BAKER, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at "Washington. BosTOx: Kand, Aveut, & Co., Stekeottpeks and Peinters. 6\Q0 hSBZ PREFACE. In the preparation of "The Exhibition Drama," the author has endeavored to present as great a variety as in the previous volumes of this series, and to comply, as far as possible, -with the requests of numerous correspondents. Thus " Enlisted for the War " was written in response to a demand for something, based on the late civil war, which should meet the requirements of various Posts of the G. A. R. The musical allegories, " The Visions of Freedom," and " The Tournament of Idylcourt," were prepared for the graduating-class in a Boston grammar-school, and are of the same general character as those previously issued. The Christmas entertainment, and the dramatization of Dick- ens's " Christmas Carol," have both been successfully per- formed at sabbath-school entertainments. These, as well as the allegories, are plentifully supplied with tableaux, easily represented, and are adapted to the wants of many occa- sional exhibitions. That " Amateur Dramas " are successful, the appearance 3 809172 4 PEEFACE. of a fifth volume is convincing testimony. In addition to this, the warm commendations of the press, frequent testi- monials from public teachers, and last, though not least, a steadily increasing demand for the old as well as the new, convince the author that he is honorably catering to a healthy appetite for innocent and wholesome recreation. G. M. B. 207 West Spbingfield Street, Boston. CONTENTS. ♦ PAGE, Enlisted for the "Wae ; or, The Home-Guard . . i) Never say Die 85 \The Chajipion of her Sex 109 ^The Visions of Freedom 135 The Merry Christmas of the Old "Woman who lh'^ed IN a Shoe 157 y The Tournament of Idylcourt . . ^ . . . 173 A Thorn among the Eoses 201 A Christmas Carol 227 All the above are published sepa^atclJ^ and can be obtained of Lee & Shep- AED, Publishers, Boston. Price 15 cts. each. 6 ENLISTED FOR THE WAE; OB, THE HOME -GUARD. ENLISTED FOR THE WAR; OK, THE HOME-GUARD. A DRAMA IN THREE ACTS. Also a complete two-act drama, by omitting the second act, and two characters. CHARACTEES. Robert Trueworth, a Soldier of the Union. Wilder Rowell, Guardian of Gay lie GifEord. HosEA Jenks, Auctioneer. Hiram Jenks, his Son, "a mere boy." Crimp, Colored. Gen. Grant. Lieut. -Col. Boxer. Gaylie Gifford, an Heiress. Mrs. Trueworth, Robert's Mother. Mattie Trueworth, Robert's Sister COSTFMES. Robert. Acts 1 and 2, Uniform of a private. Act 3, Uniform of a colonel. Rowell. Act 1, Modem dress, change to colonel's uniform. Act 2, Colonel's undress uniform. Act 3, Fasbionable dress. 9 10 ENLISTED FOR THE WAE ; HosEA. Act. 1, Make up "fat;" blue coat with brass buttons; nankeen pants; stripcil vest; white necktie; face florid; nose a little pimply; cui'ly gray wig. Act 3, Something like the same, but figure rather emaciated ; cheeks sunken ; and a Uttle more bald than in tirst act. IIn£A3i Je.vks. Act 1, Short jacket, through Avhicli his arms pro- trude; light pants, very sliort; blue stockings; tliick shoes; crcjp wig; general juvenile appearance. Act 3, Short dress bob-tailcoat, &c. ; not dauditied, but neat; should be an entire change from Act 1. CitiJEP. Act 1, Black woollj^ wig; gray pants; white shirt, sleeves rolled up; wideriumied straw hat. Act 2, Disguise of an old darkey; gray wig; gray side- whiskers; bhie shirt; Avliire duck pants, witli one suspender. Act 3, Black coat and pants; white vest; white necktie. Gen. Grant. Uniform of ruajor-general, with cloak; military slouch hat, full beard, and make up as usual. Gaylie Giffohd. Act 1, Neat travelling-suit. Act 3, Handsome evening-dress. Mrs. Trueworth. Black dress, white collar and cuffs, and widow's cap, very neat. Mattie. Act 1, Muslin dress and white ajiron; sleeves rolled up. Act 3, Evening dress NOTE. — "Enlisted for the War, here presented in its most simple form, can be elaborately jjroduced, if preferred. Where a military display is desirable, the second act Avill allow of " an awkward-squad drill," "relieving guard," a bayonet-drill, or the introduction of a camp song. At the end of the third act, the returning company might march across the stage, beliind windows and door, illuminated with white and red lights, with the chorus "Marching through Georgia." OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 11 Act I. — Scene. Interior of farm-liouse. Door in Jlat, R. c. Windoio in flat, l. c. Outside the loindoio arrange flowers in pots, and shrubbery . Inside, mus- lin curtain draped up at l. Window open; between it and door, hureaxt or secretary. Lounge or sofa, l. BocJcing-chair, r. c. Small table with a chair beside it, L. c; ivriting-materials on table. Chair, l. Mrs. Truewortii discovered in rocking-chair, knit- ting and rocking. Mattie in chair beside table, her arms folded on table, her face hidden in her arms. Hosea (outside). It's a downriglit shame. Look at it ; a fine piece of property like this going, going at such a ruinous sacrifice ; and I'm only offered nine hun- dred and fifty dollars for it ; literally flowing with milk and honey. Shall I have ten, — ten, do you say ? Quick, or you lose it ; nine hundred and fift}' once, nine hun- dred and fifty twice, nine hundred and fift}', — going, going, and gone to Wilder Rowell, Esq., for nine hun- dred and fifty dollars. You've got a bargain. Mattie {raising her head). Do you hear, mother? To Wilder Rowell. Mrs. T. It's a shame to let it go for that price, and to a stranger. Mattie. ]\Ir. Rowell is no stranger, mother. It's now five years since h^ came to Grainlow with Mr. Giflbrd. Mrs. T. For all that, he's a stranger, — a proud, 12 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; haughty man, whom nobody likes, nobody has confi- dence in. Mattie. Mr. GifTord had confidence enough to give him the guardianship of his daughter when he died two j-ears ago ; and Gaylie lilvcs him. As for being proud and hauglity, to me he is always pleasant and con- descending. Mrs. T. Condescending, indeed ! You're just as good as he is. Bless you, child, the Trueworths held their heads as high as the best of folks until our troubles commenced. Your father took to borrowinar to experiment with his patent wrinkles, and mortgaged the farm to that mean skinflint, Hosea Jenks. Ah, well ! he did it for the best, no doubt. Only six months dead, and now the old farm has gone too. Mattie. Mother 'tis hard, 'tis cruel, to leave j'oii homeless in your old age. Had father been wise — Mrs. T. Hush, child ! not a word against him. He was a good, kind father, and a husband to be proud of. In all his troubles he never would touch a cent of the money we had put by to push Eob through college. That was safely locked up ; and the lad came through with all the honors. Mattie. What good can his learning do him now? Mrs. T. That remains to be seen. When the call came for men, our boy, bless him ! stepped out with the first, and enlisted for the war. Then came the hard blow, hardest of all to bear. My own dear, noble husband breathed out his life in my arms, and joined the true and noble in that better land. Hark ! I hear Robert's step. (Mattie rises^ and goes up OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 13 to the toindoio. Egbert enters sloidy door in flat; conies doivn^ places Ids Juoid on the back of his moth- er's chair.) Rob. Mother, the farm has gone. "We are homeless. Mrs. T. {loipes her eyes, and endeavors to siq^press emotion). Yes, Rob, the old home is ours no more. Perhaps it is as ^vell we made a change. Now he who, who {rises, and stretches out her ai'ms) — O Rob, Rob ! I can't bear it ; I can't Jjear it. {Sobs, and falls upon his neck.) Mob (embracing her) . mother ! this should not have been. Had I known the worst, I could have pre- vented it. I have strong arms and a cool head. I could have managed the farm. I thought father was so comfortably settled ; and now my enlistment binds me. Oh, I could have done bravely ! 3frs. T. {recovering). And you will do bravely now, where ever}' true man should stand in the hour of his country's peril, in the ranks of brave defenders. Fear not for us : there's a power of strength in these old arms yet, and a stout heart to struggle ; a}-, and a brave one. A^^^ ^ uot the mother of a man who leaves all to serve his country- ? Rob. Brave mother, you shall have a sou to be proud of. Ifrs. T. Right, boy. And m}' praj-ers and bless- ing shall cheer 3'ou on to victory. Rob. Yet you are homeless, mother. Our reo;i- ment is ready for the field : it only awaits the appoint- ment of a colonel. I ma}^ be called away at an hour's notice. If I could only have secured the old home for you, I should have been content. 14 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; Mattie. Rob, wh}- did you not ask the assistance of Gaylie Gifford? She is rich, and I know would have helped us, — her old home too. lioh. Yes, her old home. Dear little girl ! how- fond we all were of her, and she of us ! But she went away to school two years ago, perhaps has forgotten us. 3[rs. T. "Why, Roh, not a week passes but I have a letter from her ; such a good, kind letter too ! Rob. Yes, I know ; and yet I could not ask her assistance. Mattie. Perhaps you are right, Rob ; but it does seem hard, after all the cai^e aud attention slie has re- ceived from mother, she could do nothing for us. But the}' do say money makes inward changes as well as outward. Thank Heaven, we're out of its temptation ! \_Exit R. Rob (seating his mother in her chair, and kneeling at her side). Mother, there's one reason anIi}- I could not ask Gaylie for assistance. 1 should like to tell you, for I Avould want her to know it should I never return. Ilrs. T. Never return ! O Rob ! do not say that. Rob. That is one of the chances of war, mother. We must think of it. 'Tis the unluckj' chance in this game of life, when so much depends on my success. But Gaylie, mother. Mrs. T. Well, Rob, what of Ga3lie ? Rob. Mother, 3'ou will, perhaps, call me mad ; but, since Gaylie left us, a wild and strong desire has talcen possession of my heart. I could not see her growing up so good aud beautiful, without becoming more aud OK, THE HOME-GUARD. 15 more strongh' attached to her. At college 1113' dreams •were of her ; ni}' wakhig thoughts again and again fashioned her image into dear companionship ; and I have at last dared to believe that I might one daj' woo her, perhaps win her. Mrs. T. Rob, my bo}^ 'tis a wild dream. She is a rich heiress ; in a 3'ear will be mistress of that grand estate yonder. {Enter door in fiat Wilder Rowei.l.) Roh. Yes, mother ; but I am a soldier of the Union ; and, out of that glorious majority who are to battle for its rights, the North will pick its trusty leaders. Wh}- may not I rise? Why may not I win rank and glor^-? and, when that is gained, wh}' ma}- not I dare to ask the hand of her I love so dearly, Ga^'- lieGifford? Howell (at bade). I beg your pardon if I intrude. CRon rises.) Mr. Jenks asked me to step inside. IIo will soon join me to complete the sale. 3rrs. T. (rising). You are in ^-our own house, sir. 'Tis we who intrude. Ji'tb. Mr. Rowell, I shall take immediate steps to find another liome for my mother and sister. AVe will not long trespass. lioii-ell {doimi l.). Oh, take 3'our own time: per- haps 'twill not be necessar}' to remove. Hob.. How? I do not understand 3'ou. Roioell. I will speak with you again : for the pres- ent, make yourself perfectl}* at home in my house, Roh {aside). His house. Poor old house! 3'ou have fallen among thieves. Come, mother. {Puts his arm about his mother's waist, and they exeunt k. Row- 16 ENLISTED FOR THE "WAR ; ELL looks after them, then places Ms hat on bureazi at back, and sits at table.) Roioell. AVell, I certainly have heard something to m}- advantage. So, my fine soldier-bo}-, you love my ward, Gaylie Gifford. So do I. There we are per- fectly agreed. But, when it comes to possession, I think we shall quarrel. Forewarned, forearmed. I have purchased this farm for the purpose of pleasing my ward ; well knowing, that, had she been informed of the sale, she would have requested its purchase, that in gratitude she might have restored it to her old pro- tectress. Her gratitude to me, form}' wise forethought, would, no doubt, bring me one step nearer to my aml)ition. But this soldier loves her ; should she be allowed to carry out her wishes, would love her all the more, perhaps arouse an answering affection. No. I'll keep the farm for my own pleasure ; perhaps play the role of benefactor myself. Gaylie's large fortune must be shared with me. I never dreamed of this fellow's ambition. He rise? If fortune onh' smile upon me, I will guard against that. Crimp {outside). I'm obleeged to 3'ou, IMassa Jinks. I jes w-w-want to know w-w-w-whar you gwine t-t-t-ote dis j-ere farm? Ilosea {outside) . Oh, bother ! do yon suppose we're going to dig it up, and cart it off", you stupid? {Enter door injtat, folloived by Crimp.) Crimp. S'pose, s'pose ; donno nuffin 'bout s'posin, Massa Jinks. You cum down here, Massa Jinks, be- twixt eleben and seben, a.m., into de forenoon. You stick up a red frag ober de do', and you gets up onto OTl, THE HOME-GUARD. 17 de barril ; and, wlien 3-on's onto de barvil, you gets a crowd round de Ijarril, and delibcr a Fourfe-ob-July speech onto de barril, and you jaw away, and ax 'era for dollars, nine hundred dollars, fify dollars, and tell dat ar asscnibliu' dis ycre farm am gwiue, gwine, gwine ; and all I ax you for to tole me, whar it am gwine for to go. I'm obleeged to you. Hosea. Oh ! that's onl}- a figurative expression. I've sold the farm : that's all. Crimp. Figger-who? Sole de farm ; who tole j'ou? who ax you ? Hosea. My interest. Crimp. In-ter-whieh? who's he? Hosea. I hud a mortgage on the property', fore- closed, and sold out. Crimp. M-m-ra-orgages onto de property. No, sar, don't raise 'em ; heaps ob cabbages, but no morgages. I'm obleeged to vou. Hosea. Well, I've sold the property, — house, land, farming-utensils, and live stock. Crimp. Live stock ; horses, cows, by golly, and de hogs (Hosea nods), and dc chickens and roosters? Hosea. Yes, sold them all. Crimp. By golly, you don't mean it ; w-w-w-what we gwine to do for Fanksgibben? And de ole ram Jim, — he gwine too? Hosea. Yes, the old ram Jim. Crimp. Golly, dat so? I'm obleeged to jou, Massa Jinks. Dat are ole ram Jim am de mos' dys- peptic biped — Hosea. Quadruped, Crimp. Bipeds walk on two legs : he goes on four. IS ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; Crimp. Does he, Massa Jinks? You jes' don't know ole Jim : b}^ goll}', he's on two legs mos' de time, and gwine for me so {imitates hutting)., see, so. Hope I may die, Massa Jinks, if dat ar ole Jim didn't creep up a-hind me las' night when I was a-leaniif ober de pig-sty, jes' as eas}', and lif ' me ober dat ar fence into de mud, afore you could ax no questions. Nearly took away my bref. I'm glad he's gwine ; he's too sociable ; he is always teasin' folks to take a horn wid him, always wantin' to help gib j'ou a boost. By golly, I's glad ole Jim gwine. Hosea. Suppose you go and tell him so. Crimp. What, me? Guess not, Massa Jinks. We ain't on speakin' terms ; de conbersation am al- waj-s interrupted wid so many buts, can't get on at all. But I'll jes' go and gib him a hint, Massa Jinks, — wid a stone. By golly, ole Jim gwine ! Hi ! de jubilum am come. I'm obleeged to you. \_Exit v. Hosea. Now, Mr. Rowell, I'm at your service ; Sony to have kept you waiting. Hoivell. It's of no consequence, Jenks : b}' the wa}^ Miss Mattie Trueworth is a very pretty girl. Hosea. Isn't she ? If she only went with the farm 3'ou'd get the true ivorth of 3-our mone}'. You see : ha, ha, ha ! I'm always doing it : can't help it ; will pop out in m}' office, at mj table, even in mj^ dreams. It's a bad habit, — a pwnicious habit, for which I ought to be punished. There it is again ! Ha, ha, ha ! I can't help it. I tr}', but it's no use ; in my office, at my table — Howell. I'm to pay you one hundred dollars. OK, THE HOME-GUARD. 19 Hosea. Exactly, to bind tlie bargain ; balance in ten daj-s. Roioell {takes out pQcket-book) . These Trueworths are evidently' in a bad wa^'. Hosea. Yery. Farm gone, all gone. Poor folks ! m^^ heart bleeds for them. Howell. Does it, indeed ? The farm is sold to pay j-our claim. Hosea. Yes, and j-ou've got a bargain. It's war- times, and folks ain't a-goin' to pnt out their money. A year ago, three thousand dollars could not have bought this farm. What's the use of buying land when there's no telling but what the Southern Confederacy will sweep ever}' thing afore the war's over? Bowell. Indeed ! then you've not much faith in the success of Northern arms? Hosea. It does look a leetle black for the jSTorth. Howell. If that's your opinion, perhaps I'd better withdraw before the bargain's closed. Hosea. AVhat! back out? Don't you doit! It's always blackest just afore day. The right must con- quer : it's a magnificent farm. It's only a ques- tion of time : a hundred dollars if you have it ready. The Union must be preserv^ed : best cows in the coun- tr}'. Look at the uprising : a million freemen in arms, — ninety acres of meadow-land, — marching on to victor}'. And we're so far north, you know, it's a safe investment. I'll write a receipt. Roioell (throws down money, and rises). There's your money. Hosea. That's good. {Snatches the money.) The 20 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; best investment you ever made. (Sits and writes.) There's your receipt. Thanlv you. (liises and shouts.) Hi, sonny, take clown the flag: bargain's closed. That's my son out there ; a mere bo}', but awful smart if he's kept in his place. Hiram Jenks is his bap- tismal name. I call him Hi, for short: see the pun? ha, ha, ha ! Hi Jenks, when I'm in a highl}' humor- ous vein, — that's another; and Avhen he's in a teas- ing humor, I call him Hi, son. There's another ! Ha, ha, ha ! Can't help it : I'm always doing it. I must be funny ; in my office, at my table — JRowell. You seem to be a very busy man, Mr. Jenks. Hosea. I am. I'm a auctioneer, funeral under- taker, coroner, laAvj-er, expressman, carpenter, shoe- maker, an}" thing by which I can gain an honest penn}-. There's onXy one office that seems necessarv to my happiness. I would be a postmaster ; and Stamps is on his last legs. Poor fellow ! he's nearl}' stamped out of existence. You see : ha, ha, ha ! I can't help it ; it will pop out. Perhaps it's better, lor humor is dangerous when it strikes in. See? Ha, ha, ha ! Howell. Your humor is not of the strikiu' kind, Mr. Jenks. Hosea. Ha, ha, ha ! very good ; it's catching. Strike in : that's (looks grave) rather good. Roioell. There's a son at the head of this True- worth famil}', I believe ? Hosea. Yes ; a splendid fellow, who enlisted a week before his father died. Poor chap ! he's awfully cut up. Thought the old folks nicely settled, and was OE, THE HOME-GTJAED. 21 chock full of patriotism. "Was disappointed in that, but could not get out of Uncle Sam's clutches. I couldn't afford to lose ra}' money, so foreclosed and sold out. {Enter door in Jlat Hiuam Jenks with a long 'pole, on which a red auction-flag is rolled, on his shoulder.) Roioell. 'Twas a hard blow for the family. (Hiram turns to shut the door: pole swings round, and hits Hose A in the head.) Hosea. Oh, murder ! you clumsy chap, you've broke my head. Hiram. 'Twas a hard blow for you, dad, — an auc- tioneer knocked down under his own flag. " When pole meets poll, then comes tlie crack of skull." Hosea. Shut up, sonny ! Where's your manners? Hold up your head. (Hiram obeys the directions as spoken.) Boys should be seen, not heard. Turn out your toes. That was good, though, " when pole meets poll : " ha, ha, ha ! He can't help it : takes it from me. I can't help it ; in mj' oflSce, at the table — Bowell. I'm anxious to settle this business at once, and get possession of the farm. If you will arrange the papers, my check is ready to-day for the whole amount of purchase. Hosea. 1 like that. My son, hold up your head : here's an example for 3'ou ; a man who's anxious to pay, — turn out j-our toes, — who never puts off until to- morrow what can be done to-day. Wlien you grow up, sonn}', remember ready is the color of the winning 22 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; horse on the racecourse of life, — Eoacty-casli ; by whom that d;ni-colored nag Promise-to-pay is always distanced. Ha, ha, ha ! There's a pair of 'em. I can't help it ; it will pop out ; in my office, at my table — RoivelL I'm in something of a hurry. Ilosea. All right : step over to my office, and we'll settle up at once. Sonny, straighten up ! You are released from official business, and may go off fishing. (Pats him on the head.) That's good. Ha, ha, ha ! I can't help it ; 'twill pop out regardless of time and place. We wits know no pent-up Utaca. You take, hey, Rowell? Ha, ha, ha ! I really can't help it; in m}' office, at my table — BotvelL Mr. Jenks, I really must insist — Hosea. You can't stand it, hey? Then we'll move on. Sonny, stand by the flag. I'm going, going, gone. Ha, ha, ha ! \_Exit, folloived by Rowell, door inj\at.'\ Hiram (stands c, and looTis after them). Sonn}^ sonny! "Well, if the old man keeps on his degenerat- ing i)ace, he'll be in his second childhood in six months. Calls me a bo}', a mere boy : tAventj' last month. Keeps me in a short jacket, and shorter pan- taloons. Makes me keep my hair sandpapered like an urchin of ten. It's about time this thing was stopped. If my arm creeps through this jacket much farther, I'm Axny mucli afraid it will rise in indignation, and smite m}' aged sire. " Honor ^-our parents " is a ver}- good maxim, but it may be carried a little too far. I'd go into the arm}-, but he vron't let me ; swears I OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 23 shall stand by the old flag. {Clasps the auction-Jlag in his arms.) No matter: it's only a year, and I am free. Ah ! here's Mattie Trueworth, a girl I would lay down ray life for, and who laughs at me. Ileigho ! if I wasn't a boy, I should be very much in love with her. How d'ye do, Mattie? {Eater Mattie r.) Mattie. Oh ! it's you, Hiram Jenks. Hiram. Yes, it's me, Mattie ; the standard-bearer, {pompously) bearing the old flag, that has conquered in so many battles ; under whose folds so many house- hold gods have fallen, never to rise again. Mattie. Pshaw ! you'd look more manly bearing the flag of your country. Hiram. 8'pect 1 would, Mattie : it's what I'd like. But dad says No. Mattie. Oh, indeed! a dutiful son, truly. The house is sold : why do you wait here ? Hiram. To get a word with you, Mattie. I've a great admiration for you. If I dared, I would tell you that I love yon. {Places flag in r. corner back.) Mattie. Don't you dare do any such thing. You must know I detest you, a mere boy; why, you're not yet out of jacket and trousers ! Hiram {stretching up his arms). You're mistaken, Mattie : I'm a long way out of them. Mattie. Hiram Jenks, you're a fool. Hiram.. That's just what dad says, IMattie ; but he's awfully mistaken. He's old and queer, so I think it no harm to humor his fancies, though I do get laughed at. He does not know, that, long after he's asleep, the fool is stud3ing by candle-light, way into 24 ENLISTED FOE THE WAE ; •the night ; that, while he's about his business, the fool's ears are open, and his e3-es sharp set, watching the kinks and tricks of trade. Only a year, Mattie, and I shall be free, — free to laugh at him, free to win j-ou. Mattie. Win me ! Hiram Jeuks, have you lost your senses? Hiram. Sometimes I think I have, Mattie, when I look at you. Don't be hard on me. Think me a boy, if you will : only remember that I love you dearl}' ; for j'our sake, would die a thousand deaths. Mattie. What unparalleled devotion ! {Sits in chair R., and turns her back.) Hiram. Mattie, Rob must soon leave for the battle- field. You will then need a friend. Let me take his place, be a brother to you ; or give me the right to be nearer and dearer. (Kneels, and takes her hand.) Speak, Mattie : I love you dearly, truly. (Enter door in flat IIosEA, folloived by Roavell.) Hosea. Good gracious, boy ! what are 3'ou about? You're spoiling your trousers. (Hiram jumps up.) Mattie, don't let that bo}" pester you with his nonsense. Sonn}', go home. (Aside.) 'Pon my word, I believe the boy was making love to that girl. I must look after him a little closer. (Aloud.) Hiram, hold up your head, turn out your toes, 'bout face, march ! (Hiram looks at his father as if he looidd defy hiin, then obedi- ently marches off.) Now, Mr. Rowell, you are in pos- session. There is the deed (giving paper), where j'ou may read yam title clear. ^Vllafs to prevent? Ha, ha, ha! there it is again ! I can't help it ; in my office — \_Exit D. in F. OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 25 Roii'eJl. INIiss Mattio, will j'ou be kind enongli to inform your brother that I would speak with him ? Mattie (rising). Certainly, sir. lie's somewhere about the place : I'll find him. [^Exit k. Roicell. I will make an attempt to dispesc of this farm to advantage. I must be quick: Gaelic is ex- pected home to-da}-, may return at any moment. If this fellow was only out of the way, 'twould be clear sailing. Yet if I can manage to spike his guns before the prize heaves in sight, the -victory is mine. (Sits at table. Enters.. Rob.) Roh. You would speak with me, Mr. Rowell ? Roivell. Yes : take a chair. (Rises, and offers chair to Rob, then goes i.., and brings chair to l. of table: both sit.) This farm has passed from the possession of your family' into my hands ; the purchase-money is all paid ; and I now hold b^' right the title-deed. Hero it is. (Lays it on table.) Rob. I understand. Your property shall be vacated at once. Rowell. Not so fast, my dear fellow : hear me out. You are a brave man ; you have enlisted in jour coun- try's cause. You must go to the battle-field, and leave your dear ones to the tender mercies of this little world. I cannot be insensible to such patriotism, and I would befriend you in this emergenc}'. Rob. You befriend me ! I have no claim upon you. Roicell. But you have upon m}- ward. She was reared beneath this roof. Were she here, I think she would uphold me in what I am about to do, — restore to 3'ou this farm. 26 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; Roh. Restore it ! I have no right to it. 'Tis 3'onrs b}- lawful purchase. Boivell. You're right ; and as an act of justice to one who gives himself to a great cause, that his dear ones shall not he left helpless, I give you back the farm . Bob. You do this, IMr. Rowell : you give me the farm freely, unconditionally? Roioell. Not exactl3'. There is one condition, and only one. (Mattie appears at tvindoiv outside, with a pair of scissors, and is arranging and cbppiing her Jloivers, overhearing the following dialogue.) Bob. One condition. Mr. Rowell, before you state that condition, let us understand one another. I do not like 3'ou. I have felt an instinctive dislike from the time you first entered this town. I have heard hard stories concerning you, — that you have Avronged men, ay, and women too. With all that, I have no right to prevent my mother and sister from remaining in their old home. I will not, can I do so honorably. But I will accept no favor from you. Show me any way in which I can redeem this place, the way to win it back by good service that shall repay in full all expenses you have incurred in its purchase, or encum- ber it with a mortgage and heavy interest ; but giAC me time to redeem, and I will believe you are my friend, will trust you. Come, I have spoken plainly : now let me hear your condition. Boioell. Ila ! I like plain speaking. You are an adept at it. You don't like me. Well, then, in place of favor, I will offer a bargain. Here it is : this farm OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 27 to 3'0ii and yours forever, for a promise — a pledge — that you never offer your hand to my ^vard, Gaylie Gif- ford . Iloh. Gajlie Gifford, — my hand! — Mr. Rowell, you are jesting. Boivell. No, I am serious. When I entered this house for the first time to-day, I heard 3'our confession to 3'our mother. I know how grateful Gaylie is for the kind care bestowed upon her here in childhood ; and I would not have her kind heart wounded by the belief that one with whom she has been so intimate should presume upon her friendship, to seek to gain her hand, and with it a fortune. Bob (rising) . Mr. Rowell, you are insulting. lioioell. Come, be reasonable ! You can never hope to win her. Give me your promise, and the farm is 3'ours. lioh. No ! A thousand times no ! You know my secret, but yow know not me. I do love Gaylie Gif- ford, and with a hopeless love. The ver}- fortune 3'ou taunt me with seeking is a bar to keep me silent. Roivell. Then take the farm. I will willingly give it up to purchase your silence. She can never be yours : 'twas her father's wish, that, when she became of age, her hand should be given to another. Mob. And that other, 5'ourself. Am I not right, Wilder Rowell? BoioelL 'Twas a pretty shrewd guess. Mob. It is a lie. He had no such wish. My father was with him when he died. Mowell (rising) . Lie ! this to me ? 28 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; Roh. Ay, a lie ! You like plain speaking. I know he left her free to choose her own mate, and bade 3-011, as her guardian, to respect her choice. Roivell. I am her choice. Already she trusts me, with a confidence that only love can bring ; and I, I love her, dearer than all else in the world. Roh. Except her fortune. You love her. Wilder Rowell, and she is in your power. Poor Gaylie ! You shall not Avin her. She is too good, too pure, to mate with such as you, an adventurer, a fortune-hunter. Roivell. Indeed ! Come, we are rivals. I will be magnanimous : 3'ou shall have the first chance. Speak, tell her of your love. If she says, Yes, I'm silent. Rob. O villain ! 3'ou know your power. Speak to her, tell her of my love ; I a poor soldier, she a rich heiress ! She would think me as mercenary as I know you to be. No, no, I cannot : I love her dearly, truly, but must still love on in secret. (Falls into chair, and buries his face in his hands on table). Roivell {rising. Aside) . Honorable to the last ! There's no fear of him. (Aloud.) Think well of it, Trueworth. Take the farm, and make your dear ones comfortable. The prize you covet hangs too high. (Aside.) Silent! I'll look in on him again (takes deed) : an hour's reflection may awaken a better spirit. lExit door in flat, passing Mattie, tcho eiders. Mattie (going to Rou). Why, Rob, what's the mat- ter? Rob. Nothing, Mattie : I was only thinking over a plan I have for your future. Mattie. Gaylie's back, Rob : I just saw her car- riage drive up to the house. \_Down r. OE, THE HOME-GUARD, 29 Roh. Indeed ! Then I shall see her before I go. Where's motlicr? {Enter Mus. Trueworth, k.) Mrs. T. Here, Rob. AVhat had Mr. Rowell to say to you ? lioh. Nothing, mother, to benefit us. I must go out, and look about for a new home. Home ! home ! that's a hard place to find, when the roof that has so long sheltered us is stripped from our heads. Mrs. T. Home is where the heart is, Rob ; and, •while the old love binds us together, we can bid defi- ance to adversity, beneath the humblest roof. Roh (c). That's.right, mother. Keep up a bravo heart. We shall weather the storm. {Aside.) Oh! who will care for these dear ones when I am gone ? {Crosses to l.) Gaylie {outside) . Ha, ha, ha, old Jim ! you know me, don't you? keep away! Open, locks, Avhoever knocks. I'm home, I'm home ! {Runs in door in flat.) Home, home again ! You dear, good Mother True- worth ! {Runs into Mrs. Truewortii's arms, c. ; Mat- tie R., Rob l.) Mrs. T. Dear child, welcome, a thousand times welcome ! Gaylie. I knew j'ou'd be glad to see me ; and Mattie {runs to her r., and embraces her), you dear darling, how rosy j'ou look ! Mattie. Gaylie, this is a surprise. I'm real glad to see you. Gaylie. Of course 3-ou are; isn't it jolly? But Where's Rob? Roh {advancing) . Here he is ; patiently waiting to be recognized. 30 ENLISTED FOK THE WAR ; Gaylie (nins to him, and catcJies Ids hands, shaMng them heartily) . Oh, you clear old fellow ! How glad I am to see you ! Why don't you kiss me? Roh (kissing her) . That was certainly an oversight. So 3'ou are back again, the same dear, good Gaelic. Two years' schooling has made little alteration in you. Gaylie (c. ivith Rob ; Mrs. Tkueworth sits in rocldng-chair ; Mattie stands l., with arms akimbo). Yes, it has. I'm spoiled, completely spoiled. Got a beau yet, Mattie ? Ifattie. No, indeed ! I hope not. Gaylie. Ila, ha, ha ! what ^ girl ! sneers at her destiny. She'll get over it. Yes, I'm completely spoiled. Went away a cheild of nature, fresh, buoyant, and all that sort of thing : I've come back a cultivated woman. Ahem! (Struts across stage: comes back.) Oh, my poor little head ! it's had Latin squeezed into it, Greek pounded into it, and French, German, Span- ish, and Italian filtered through it. Oh, it's a learned head ! Then my fingers have been calloused into familiarit}- with all the ugly notes in the musical scale ; my feet twisted and turned about all the figures a French dancing-master could invenf ; and ni}- poor little figure tortured with elegant movements and graceful poses. Oh, bless you ! I'm not m3'self at all. (Goes back to Bob.) Bob. You are our own Gaylie still. I know it ; I can feel it in the warm clasp of your hand, in the clear light of your eyes. Gaylie. Right, Rob : j-ou're always right. For this dear old home, you, ni}- earliest, best friends, are a OE, THE nOME-GUARD. 31 part of this my heart ; and that not all the teaching in tlie world could change. {Goes to Mus. Truewoktii, and kneels at her side. Rob goes up stage, and watches her.) So here I am again, mother, at your feet. When ■my father went to that far-off' land, years ago, in search of wealth, he left me here, and asked you to be a mother to his child. How well you took the place of her who died when I was so little, let this testify. I am now^ the heiress to his wealth ; I have a home rich and attractive, servants at my call, much that can make life bright and beautiful : but I could part with all, sooner than lose the right to call this home, and 3'ou mother. Mrs. T. {putting her arms about her) . Dear, dear child ! You are my own ; still the same fresh, warm heart. Rob (aside). She's an angel. Had I but the power to call her mine ! Crimp (outside) . Go 'way dar, you Jim ! don't yer shake yer head at me. Go' wa}- dar ! help ! nmr- der ! help ! ( Tumbles in at door, as if'-'- butted; " jumjis up, runs, and shuts door, j^lcicing his bach against it.) Go 'way, yer fool ! Nobody to hum. Hob. What's the matter, Crimp? Crimp. Dat ole fo-fo, Jim, he will insist on squartin' me to de door, an' I don't want none of his attention. Go 'way, out dar : stop dat knockin' at do' ! Gaylie. Oh, here's onr black Cupid ! Why, Crimp, old friend, aren't you going to speak to me? Crimp (comes down) . Why, bress my soul ! No, 32 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; 'tain't. Yes, it am : it's Miss Gaylie hersel'. You clear little honey ! bress us an' save us, am dat yerself? Gaylie (taking his hand). Yes, it's j'our old tor- ment ; home again, and ready for a frolic. Crimp. Wh-wh-at ! bress yer purty face ; yer ain't grown a mite ; gwine fur a frolic ; climb de yapple- trees, ride onto de darky's back. Oh, golly ! what times we did hab, to be sho' ! Gaylie. Only give me a chance, Crimp. I'm as spr}' as ever. Crimp. What ! w^ould you, dough, ride onto dis year darky's back? By golly! I'm obleeged to 30U. I's powerful glad to see ye back, hone^-. Comfort de ole lady, now Massa Rob gvrine fur a sojer. Gaylie. What ! our Eob a soldier? Crimp). Yaas, indeed! Don't j-ou see de uniform? gwine along de tramp, tramp, tramp fellars, he am. Roh. Yes, Gaylie, enlisted for the war. Gaylie. But where are 3'our shoulder-straps, 3'our sword ? Roh. I am but a private, Gaylie. The emblems of command are j'et to be won : they'll come in time, I hope. Gaylie. I know the}" will. O Rob ! I'm proud of you. Crimp. Same here, Massa Rob. I'm obleeged to you. Golly ! if I was only a white man, I'd jist go down dar, I would. Hi ! I'd la^- 'em out. I'd go for dem are fellars, like ole Jim, so (hutting) . But dey don't want no brack guards ; oh, no ! S'pect de}' will, dough, glad to git 'em afore de war am ober ; and, when de do, hi ! Tumms Jeffsum Crimp am dare, he am. OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 33 Roh. It strikes me, Crimp, you are rather monopo- lizing the conversation. Fall baclc, sir. Crimp. I'm obleeged to j'ou, Massa Rob. I's dumb. {Goes to loindow., and in dumb show pesters the imaginary Jim hy shaking his Jist, throwing things out of the loindow, &c.) Hob (l. c). Yes, Gaj-lie, I am expecting daily- orders to march. I onl}' hope I shall have time to completely settle mother and Mattic in their new home. Gaylie (r. c). Their new home! what do 3'ou mean ? Hob. The farm has been sold, Gaylie, — sold to- da}', to satisfj' the claim of Hosea Jenks. Gaylie. Sold ! Wh}' have I heard nothing of this ? Itob. You must have known it. Pardon me : I see I have been mistaken. Your guardian — Gaylie. Has not written me a word concerning you ; not a word have I heard of this. But 'tis not too late : the farm can and must be redeemed. Who is the purchaser? Bob. Your guardian, Wilder Rowell. Gaylie. He bought it? then it's all right. Dear, good fellow ! he knew I could not desert you. That's just splendid ! (Enter hurriedly, Rowell, door in f.) lioivell. Miss Gaylie, I have this moment heard of 3'our arrival. Welcome home ! {Gives his hand.) Gaylie {eagerly shaking it). A thousand, thou- sand thanks, Guardy : j-ou have indeed made me wel- come. So, sir, j'ou have a surprise in store for me. Come, disclose it : I am all impatience. It's so splen- did to be surprised, when you are all prepared for it ! 34 ENLISTED FOR THE WAK ; Boicell. A surprise ? I do not understand. GayUe. O Innocence ! tli}' name is Wilder Rowcll. But I know 3-our secret. You have bought this farm. lloiijdl. Yes : a good piece of propert}-, the}- say. Gaylie. Indeed it is ! the very investment I should have pi'oposed. Thank you for your thoughtful con- sideration. 80 it's ni}- property? Roicell. No, it's ni}' property-. Not as 3'our agent, but for m3-self, I bought this farm. I mean to settle down, and become a sober, plodding farmer, and, in time, take to myself a wife. {Looks at Rob, lolio is in L. corner.) Gaylie. Guard}', I have been mistaken. But j'ou will sell me the farm. Come, you never yet refused me a request ; and it is one of the dearest wishes I have, to possess this farm. Roivell. Sorry I cannot oblige you. But, for par- ticular reasons, I would not sell this farm for ten times the money I gave for it. Gaylie. But you are turning from their dear home the best friends I have in the world. Roicell. They are not veiy much attached to it, Ga^die ; for, not an hour ago, 'twas offered them on eas}' terras. Gaglie. Offered them, b^wou? Rob. Yes, Gaylie : on terms no honest man could for a moment consider. Roivell. I offer it again. Consider, Eobert True- worth, 'tis you who are driving your family from home. Rob. You have had 3'our answer. Scoundrel ! Roivell. That name again ! OK, THE HOME-GUARD. 35 Rob. Ay, again and again ! I'lcad no more, Gaelic. Ask no favors for me or mine, of that man : even from ^'our dear hands, I could never take the fair farm which he has polluted b}- ownership. Roioell. Robert Trueworth, j'ou shall repent this. {Comes close to him.) You are making me your enem}'. Bob. I am satisfied. Better open war than false friendship with a heartless foe. Gaylie. No more of this, I beg. You have quar- relled. For my sake, be friends. 3Iattie (r.). Silence, Gaylie ! j'ou know not what 3'ou ask. Gaylie. You too, Mattie ? What means this mj-s- tery? {They pass to u.^ and converse in dumb shotc. Rob goes up stage., and passes round to back of his mother's chair, on which he leans, conversing with her, as HosEA Jenks enters, foUoiued by Hiram. Crimp runs to IIiRAM, and keeps him back, conversing in dumb show about "Jim;" Crimp going through payitomime, to convey an idea of an attack. Hosea comes doion, c.) Ilosea (speaks as he enters). Oh, here 3'ou are, Rowell ! I thought I should find you. I've just been down to the post-office. Poor Stamps has gone. He has distributed his last batch, and been transferred to the dead-letter office. Ha, ha, ha ! that's a grave pun ; but I can't help it ; 3'ou know my weakness. Crimp. Weakness? am 3'ou got de lumbago, Massa Jinks? GoU}' ! I had de rheumatiz awful, las' winter. Tell you what 3'OU do, Massa Jinks : you jis get a poorhouse plaster ; onl}- draw a quarter out ob yer pocket, and all de anguish out ob yer back. /^ 36 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; Hosea. Ha, ha, lia ! lie little understands my facetious humor. Crimp. Oh, humor ! face itches ; den clap it onto 3'er face. Draw out all de pain, and some ob yer cheek too. Bob. Crimp, be silent ! Crimp. Ob course, ob course ! I'm obleeged to 3'ou. Howell. So Stamps is dead? Hosea. Yes : poor fellow, I grieve for him. Who can take his place ? — I should say, his post. Post-mas- ter, see? ha, ha, ha ! There it is again ! I can't help it. RoweJl. Mr. Jenks, if 3-ou could contrive to drop this jesting humor — Hosea. But I can't. I try, but I can't drop it : it's a drop too much. Ha, ha, ha ! Crimp. Ya, ya, ya ! dat's good : de ole man's been drinking jes' a drop too much. Moioell. If I understand you, Mr. Jenks, you would be his successor. Jenks. That's just it. I know you have influence. See, here's an official envelope addressed to 30U, and from the war-office too. Rowell (snatches and opens it). For me? Ah, good, good ! Jenks, I shall remember j-ou. Now comes my turn. Gaylie, I must home at once : will j'ou go with me ? Gaylie. I prefer remaining here. Roioell. As 3'ou please. Mr. Trueworth, a word with you. (Rob advances.) I give you one more opportunity to embrace my oifer. 'Tis the last chance. This fine property for your silence. OR, THE nOME-GUAED. 37 Roh. I will make no terms with jon. When I have won the right, I will speak. (^Turns up stage.) Rowell {icalldng vj) sloiuhj to door). When yon have won the right : that time will never come. Fool ! you have made an enemy of one who can strike deep and well. \_Exit door in f. Ilosea. Rowell, Rowell ! don't forget me. I must run after him : there's no time to be lost. Come, Hiram ! fa.'l in, or we shall fall out. Ha, ha, ha ! [^Exit door in f. Crimp. Take care, Massa Jinks, you don't fall onto ole Jim's horns ! (Looks out at door.) By golly, he's a-laying fur him. Dere de go ! Go in, ole man ; he's a arter ye ! B}' golly, see 'em run : see 'em run ! (Exit. Hiram starts for door, stojjs irresolutely, and then comes, and stretches himself upon lounge.) Hiram. It's right comfortable here : I think I'll stop. Gaylie (aside). He denies my request. What mo- tive can he have in thus appropriating the propert}' of my friends? I must know more of this. (Aloud.) Come, mother, show me to my old room. I want to talk to 3'ou : I've so much to say ! I shall not tell 3'ou what I have bought for you. Such a cap, a perfect beauty ! and such a shawl ! You'll be the envy of the town. 3L's. T. (rising) . Dear, dear child ! ever thought- ful of m}' comfort. Gaylie. If I were not, I should not deserve so good a mother. Good-by, Mattie : good-by, Rob ! \_Exit tvith arm dboiit Mrs. True worth.] Boh. Good-by, Gaylie. Bless her dear heart ! moth- 38 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; er will have one friend when I am gone. Now, Mattie, I'll take a look about, and see if there's a poor but neat tenement to be had : I won't be gone long. Mattie. O Kob ! whei-e can we go ? Rob. Trust all to me', Mattie : I will not leave yo\x homeless. ( Going.) Hiram {on sofa) . Sh — sh — sh ! Boh (returning). Why, Hiram, what's the matter? (ITiRAM rises., walks on tijytoe to the ivindoiv, looks out, turns, ^^Sh!" then walks to the door, and j^er- forms the same man(x.uvre ; then comes down c. on tip- toe, heckoning Rob down.) Mattie. What ails the bo}' ? is he craz}- ? Hiram. Don't mind me. If the old man should hap- pen about, I'm ruined. But, sh — 3-ou want a friend, Rob. Well, Hiram, I am not quite destitute. Hiram. Sh — if I owXy dared, I could find a friend for you. If I only dared ; but I'm such a coward. No matter, I'll take the risk. You know the AVidow Smith place ? Rob. Yes : 'twas sold at auction six months ago. Hiram. Exactly. Sh — it's mine : I bought it. Rob. You? why, 'twas knocked down to Crane ! Hiram. Yes ; and Crane crooked his long neck round, and took his cue from me. I bought it : my money paid for it. Never you mind where the money came from ; it was an honest purchase. Now you're in trouble : you want a home. Take mine, and welcome ; only don't let the old man dream I'm its owner. Crane holds it now ; but, when I am free, 'twill be known as my property. Will you have it ? Not a cent will I take OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 39 for it until the war is OA'er. It's a prettj' place : not much land ; but flowers, good gracious ! and wood- bine, wh}-, the front is completel}' covered. Will 3-ou take it? Quick! the old man will return, and then I arn a boy again. Roh {takes his hand). Hiram, j'ou're a man: j-ou are a true friend. Thank ^-ou : I will accept j^our olFer. Matt'ie. O Hiram ! I've treated j'ou shamefully. Forgive me : I never dreamed you had such a noble heart. Hiram. I haven't any heart, Mattie : you had it all long ago. So you'll take the place {enter Gaylie R. ) , and be my tenant until the war is over. Sh — sh ! not a word ! Gaylie. You're too late, conspirators : I have heard all. Rob, you have found a home? Roh. Yes, Gajdie, thanks to a true friend. Ill ram. Sh — not so loud; the old man drops round might}' sudden, Gaylie. Rob, you have done this without consult- ing me. WI13' am I shut out from 3-our counsel ? Roh. Ah, Ga3'lie ! 3-ou cannot befriend me. You are not of age, and I will not be indebted to 3-our guardian. Gaylie. Tell me, wh3' have 3-ou quarrelled v»-ith m^' guardian? What means this enmit3' between 3-ou and him? Roh. Ga3-lie, 3-ou must not ask me. Gaylie. But I must know : 3-ou have no right to keep it from me. Roh. I cannot tell you, Gaylie. Let it suffice, we 40 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; are enemies ; tliat he would do much to crush me and mine. Gaylie. Let him dare ! I stand between j'ou and him. You gro to battle in a noble cause : fear not ; if he has the will to wrong the dear ones j'ou leave behind, I have the power to crush him, and I will. Face the enem}' in the South with a brave heart, Rob. Against the enemy here, I will be the Home-Guard. Bob. You, Gaylie? what can j-ou do, little woman? Gaylie. Woman's work. Think j-ou we will sit idle at home, while husbands, fathers, brothers, are in the field ? No ! there is work for tender hands and willing hearts. To care for the needy, to protect the helpless, at home ; to heal the wounds, and charm away the pain, in the hospitals, — this is our work: to it I give my whole heart ; my whole fortune, if need be. Henceforth I am the guardian of your mother and your sister. (Enter Crimp door in flat). Alone, if need be, I will stand the Home-Guard, a bulwark against adversity. Hiram. You shall not stand alone. Miss Ga3-lie. They say I'm but a mere boy, but I'm heart and hand with you in this cause. Crimp. Same here. I'm obleeged to you ; I'll be de drum-major in dat ar corpse. Gaylie. See, Rob ; they muster at my call. Home- Guard, attention ! fall in ! (Stands l. c. Hiram stejys' ujj beside her; Crimp tip stage next him; form in line up and down stage. Mattie sits in rocking-chair^ u. ; Rob leans upon the back of her chair.) Hob. Raw recruits, Gaylie ! OR, THE HOME-GUARD, 41 Gaylie. Yes, almost as raw as those who take the field, Rob. Company, attention ! Crimp. Hole on, Miss Cap'n. "VYhar's de colors? mus' have a frag. Goll}', dis year's de ticket. (Takes auction-Jlag from corner, and unrolls it) . Dar ! look at dat ; and, as I's de only pusson ob color in dis yer corpse, I'll be de color-bearer. Gaylie. Attention, company ! Crimp. Yes, Missy Cap'n ; I's all attention. Gaylie. Eyes right : eyes left : salute ! ( They bring their hands to a salute. Enter door in f. Row- ell, in full uniform of a colonel.) Roioell. Ah ! what new recruits have we here ? Gaylie. Mr. Rowell, what does this mean? Howell. That an honor for which I have exerted much influence has, at the last moment, been con- ferred upon me. I am appointed colonel of the 10th. {Bo2vs, and comes to l. corner.) Gaylie (c.) Rob's regiment, and his enemy at its head ! Oh, this is cruel ! Hob. He in command ! He our colonel ! Another blow : fate can do no more. (Goes vp c.) Howell. Robert Trueworth, you will join your regi- ment at once. All furloughs are countermanded. We march at sunrise to-morrow. Gaylie (aside) . Oh, this is terrible ! Rob's bitter foe in command : oh, wh3'have they quarrelled? (Goes to rocking-chair, and leans upon it.) Hob (aside). To serve under that man, whom I detest ! There is no escape. I must submit. There's one comfort : his position takes him away from Gaylie. 42 ENLISTED FOR THE WAE ; {Enter Mrs. Teueworth r.) The time has come, mother. I have orders to join vay regiment at once : Ave march at sunrise. Keep a stout heart, mother. I leave kind friends behind, who will see to it you do not suffer. Mrs. Trueworth (her arms about Jiis neck). M3' brave boj', serve well your countrj-, and do not forget your mother. She gives 3-ou up freely, with a prayer tliat 3'ou may be found true to your duty. Heaven bless and keep 30U, Rob ! {They stand together con- versing. ) Gaylie. Mattie, before Rob goes, I must know the meaning of this quarrel between him and m}' guardian. "VV 113' is it kept from me? You must know : I conjure 3-ou, as you value my friendship, as \o\x love yoxxx brother, speak before 'tis too late. Mattie. O Gaylie ! I do know ; for his sake I will speak. You are the cause of this quarrel. Both these men love 3"ou. Gaylie. Indeed ! Oh, I'm so glad I Mattie. Glad ! You should be ashamed of 3'our- self. You can't marry them both. Gaylie. Oh ! 30U don't know what I can, what I will do. Roh {approaching). Mattie, sister, good-bj'. Mattie {rising, and running into Jiis arms. Gatlte sli2^s into her seat, and covers her face). O brother! so soon? what shall we do Avithout you? Hob. Keep a good heart, sister. You will do bravelv. {Kisses her. Mattie goes to her mother, c. Rob comes down, looks at Gaylie, sighs, and turns up stage.) Good-bj-, Crimp. {Shakes hands.) OR, THE HOME-GUARD, 43 Crimp. Good-b}-, Massa Rob. I'm obloegecl to 3-011. You'll come home a drum-major, sartiii sure. Roh. Thank you, Crimp. Good-b}-, Hiram, and thank 3-ou for 30ur frieudl}- aid. Hiram. Good-b3', Rob. I'll look out for the women-folks, sharp too. (Rob goes to door-.) Gaylie (running iip stage). Rob, Rob! 3-ou've forgotten me ! Roh. True, Gaylie. I had not the heart to sa3' fare- well to 3'ou. You are so dear — Rowell. This is but tard3- obedience. Rob. Ah ! 30U fear me. Col. Rowell, no more than I fear m3'self. But am I not bound in honor to be silent ? Gaylie, farewell : 3-ou have been a kind friend to ns, will still be to m3- dear ones when I am gone. Good-ln*. Gaylie. Rob, is there nothing more 3-ou would sa3- to me? (LooJis at him tenderly.) Rob. Nothing, Gaylie : were 3-ou but the poor girl I once thought 3-ou ; but no, no — Gaylie. Rob, whatever 3-ou would have said to the poor girl, sa3- to the rich heiress : there's the same heart here. Roioell. Confusion ! is she leading liim on to con- fession ? Rob. O Gavlie ! am I awake? You 2:ive me life; 3-0U give rae hope : you make me bold to speak. Ga3-- lie, I love you, dearlv, trul3-. Gaylie (placing her hands on his shoulders). As dearly and trul3- as I love you? Rob! it must be deep and strong. 44 ENLISTED FOP. THE WAR; Rob {clasping her in Jiis arms). Mine, Gaj-lie, mine ! oh, this is happiness indeed ! Crimp. Hi, das a fac. De Union foreber ! lioivell. Girl, are 30U losing your senses ? I forbid this folly. Gaylie. And ^\\o are 3-on ? Roivell. Your guardian. You shall not throw ^'our- self away upon a common soldier. Rob (comes down). A common soldier! True. I glorj' in m}' rank. You leap to a command hy power and influence. My spurs must yet be won. I am con- tent. Slioidd I rise by merit, no emblems of rank could shed a brighter glow than gleams from the trusty bayonets of Liberty's common soldiers. Moioell. Enough ! To your regiment. You forget I am 3'our superior. Bob. No, I do not forget it ; and I know what to expect, — hard service, and an enemy in command. I am satisfied, for I have won the victory- here. ( Takes Gaylie' s Jauid.) lioivell. Be not so sure of that. You forget the enem}' has a long arm, and it ma}' reach even here. Gaylie. And, if it does, I fear it not. Hoivell. Indeed ! Gaylie. Ay, indeed. Col. Rowell. You are my guardian, true ; but you forget m}- father's will. In one year I am free : even now I have the power of appeal to two noble men, should 3'ou distort your power. I will be mistress of my fortune. I will be free to bestow my hand. "With the one, I will protect the homeless ; with the other, cheer him at whom 3'ou OR, THE HOME-GUARD, 45 sneer, a common soldier. Denj^ my right at j'our peril. lioioell. No more of this. Quit tha't man's side. I command you, obey me ! Gaylie. You command ? You forget I am a leader here. I entreat you, in the name of justice, to deal fairl}- and honorabl}- bj' this true hero, who leaves all to serve his countrj-, to recognize his right to the hand which I freely give. Come, sir, do we part friends ? Rowell. Not on such terms as 3'ou offer. (Crosses to R.) Gaylie. Then beware ! you make yourself my enemy. Alread}' you disgrace the rank 3'ou've boiTght, not won. You have command, and my hero in your power. I have love, wealth, and a loyal heart, that abhors injustice. Against all treacherj' and deceit, against the wily arts you maj^ contrive to shame my hero, I am the Home-Guard, the firm friend, enlisted for the war. Tableau: Rob awcZ Gaylie, c. "Rob has his rigJit arm about her tvaist, her left hand in his left; she bends for- ward, loith her right hand outstretched to Rowell, r., defying him. Mrs. Truewortii sits on sofa, l., tvith her handkerchief to her eyes. Mattie ivith her hand on her mother's shoulder. Crijip, back r., has the flag rolled uj), and is menacing Roavell ivith it. Hiram catches it in his hand as it descends, and holds him back. Slow curtain. 46 ENLISTED FOK THE WAR ; Act II. — {After two years.) Headquarters of Col. RowELL in Virginia. Room in a farm-house. Door in flat l., open; ivindoio in flat r., ojyen. Landscape behind, moonlight if possible. Set the ^'- moon" L., so the light tv ill fall through the door and luindoiu. Writing-desk or table, against r. side; writing-materials, a candle to light, a pile of letters and papers., upon it. Chair in front of this. Give the scene a military character by placing a stack of arms in l. corner back, a pile of knapsacks in r. corner ivith an American flag thrown over it; hang lip a drum between the door and window. Robert discovered, with musket, on guard outside the door; passes door and icindow twice. A '■'■distant" flfe plays, " The Girl I left behind me," through: as it ceases, Rob should be at door; he leans against the doorway l. Hob. The boj's are making merry to-niglit around the camp-fire ; but that lively air brings onl^- sadness to me. " The girl I left behind me," two years ago, in Grainlow, Gaylie Gifford, is still silent. Not a line in ■ reply to my frequent letters. Has she repented of her choice ? No, I cannot believe that ; for m}- sister writes me she often speaks of me, longs for ni}- return. But yet she never Avrites. Perhaps she has never re- ceived mine ; 'tis hardl}' possible, and yet her silence — Can my enemy, the colonel, be conspiring to keep us apart ? He is base enough to use any means to serve OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 47 his purpose. By his orders, the mail is brought here, and inspected by him, before deliver}' ; perhaps, tliat he may intercept an}- letters for me. If I could only get a single line from her, I ^vould be content. Oh ! 1 am ground down worse than any slave tliat tills the earth beneath the overseer's lash. Two 3'ears of ser- vice, and still a private ! I know I have been honora- bly mentioned many times by my captain ; and 3-et j)oorer men step above me : and I toil on, figljt on, with no hope of promotion. "Well, the}- shall not say I have not done my duty. \^ ill the end never come, and free me from this bondage, give me liberty to turn my steps northward, to seek the star of i^romise that gleams in Gaylie's eyes ? Halt ! Who goes there ? Crimp {comes from l., jxisses the ivindow^and ap- pears at door speaking) . D-d-d-on't shoot ! d-d-d-on't shoot ! I's only a poor old dark}-, Massa Sentenull. Rob. Your business here ? Crimp. Pressing b-b-business ; d-d-d-on't shoot ! Want to see de colonel. Rob. The colonel is absent. Crimp. Den I'll walk into de parlor, take a cheer, and wait for um. D-d-d-on't shoot ! Rob. Business. Your pass, uncle. Crimp. Pass : yes, massa, got a pass. Here she am! {Searches pocket.) Golly! it am gone. No, here she am ! {Searches bosom.) Not a pass ; had um, sure ; hope I may die — Rob. What's that sticking out of your hat? Crimp. Golly, dat's so! {Takes off hat., paper sticking ont of croion) . Put um up dar to keep um safe. {Ha nds pass. ) 48 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; Roh {examines paper) . The pass is right : pass in. {Resumes march.) Crimp. Tole you so. Dar aint no inception alDout dis chile: he's de sole ob honor. {Comes doiiii.) Now, w-w-what's a-gon to be did? Miss}- Cap'n sends me awa}' down here, in dis j'er benighted regium, to bring a letter to Massa Rob. Tote about forty mile afore I find him, and den he's on guard. 'Twon't do to gib him de letter now : these sojer fellars so stiff onto de tictacs, dat if I was to gib him de letter, jes as likel}' to put de bagonet into me, or blow ni}' head off, as not. No, sar : Crimp don't take no risks in dis yer camplain ; no, sar, I'm obleeged to you. I'll wait till he's reliebed. Missy Cap'n say, gib 'im de letter, and den lay round, and see what de colonel was about. I'll hab a smoke {takes out j^W^^ lights it), an' I'll lay round. {Takes the American flag , and icraps it round him.) Glory, hallelujah ! dat's de warmest cohering dat eber a darkey got into. Yaas indeed. It am de protector ob virtue. Dat's me. {Takes a knapsack for a piJIoio.) I'l jles hab a snooze into de corner, till Massa Eob is reliebed. {Lies doivn.) Hi! das a heap ob comfort in de arms ob Morphine. {Smokes.) 'Spcct Missy Gaylie tink a heap ob dat ar Massa Eob. Oh, lub, lub ! when you got into dat Miss Gaylie's heart, you jist found de warmest place in de whole Avorld. Yaas, indeed ! {Drops pipe.) Dar going to be some fun, down dar in Grainlow. B3' golly ! de Home Guard am gwine to commence operations. Now, Massa Colonel, mind your eye ; for de Home Guard am onto de war-path. OR, THE HOME-GUAnD. 49 Rob. Halt ! AVlio goes there ? (Lieut. -Col. Boxer enters l., passes the window to door, lion sedates. Boxer enters.) Boxer. The colonel away still? Hallo! (Snufs the air.) Tobacco, and pipe-tobacco too ! Sraolcing in my quarters ! Bah ! -svho is it? I won't have it. If there's any tiling I detest, it's smoking ; under my very nose too. Here, sentinel ! (Rob stejis inside door.) Have you been smoking? Bob. I never smoke, sir. Boxer. Eight : it's a filthy habit. But somebody's been here with a pipe. Now, mind, no more of it. Let no smokers pass that door. 'Tis a strict order which must bo obeyed. Tliat's all. (Ron salutes, and retires.) Plague take the fellow, whoever he is ! The smoke of battle is inspiring ; gunpowder is soothing to the nerves ; but tobacco-smoke, bah ! it makes me sick. . [Exit L. Crimp {raising his head). By golly! dat ar hos- sifer am riled. Don't like smoke. He's proficient in a liberal heducation, he am. {Drops head. Gen. Grant appears l., sloidy passes ivi)idow, and crosses to door, is stopped by Rob.) Rob. Halt! Grant. I have business with the colonel. Rob. The colonel is absent. Grant. Then I will await his return. Rob. Halt ! I have my orders. No smokers can enter here. If 3'ou would pass, put out that cigar. Grant. Indeed ! Your orders are strict. {Looks at Rob keenly, then throws aivay cigar, and enters.) 5 50 ENLISTED FOE THE WAR ; Boxer enters l., meeting Jiim.) Good-evening, colo- nel. Boxer (saluting). Good-evening, general. You have surprised our post. The colonel is absent. Can I be of service ? Grant (sitting in cJiair, and tilting hack against table). Your sentinel ordered me to throw away my cigar. Boxer. lie did ? confound him ! Here, sentinel ! (Rob steps inside door.) Do 3'ou know what you have done? Mob. Obeyed orders, colonel. Grant. Do you know me, sentinel? Bob (saluting). I do, general. Boxer. And didn't j^ou know better — Gra)d. One moment, colonel. Sentinel, you are the first man that ever dared put out m}' cigar. You did perfectly right: orders must be obeyed. Your name. Mob. Robert Trueworth. Grant. How Ions: have vou been in service? Mob. Two years. Grant. That's all. ( Waves his 7ia7id. Rob salutes and retires.) Colonel, ^-our orders are too strict. I cannot talk without a cisrar. Boxer. Sorr}' I have not one to offer 3-ou, for I do like to see a man enjoy himself. M}- orders could not apply to you, general. Grant. Thank you ; having permission, I can find the cigar. (Takes out cigar ^ and lights it.) I alwa3-s go armed. That man at the door, — what is his record? OE, THE HOME-GUARD. 51 Boxer. Excellent : every inch a soldier ; the bravest of the brave. Grant. Two 3-ears of service, and still a private ? Boxer. Yes, general ; although he has been honor- ably mentioned. {Coughs.) {Aside.) Confound his nasty cigar ! {Aloud.) There's not the best of feelhig towards him on the part of our colonel. A brave sol- dier, general, but queer. It seems the}' quarrelled before entering service. {Couglis.) {Aside.) Oh, I shall choke ! {Aloud.) A love-affair, I believe. The private won the girl, and so he's not pushed. Grant. Indeed ! the colonel brings his private piques into the battle-field. I rather like this boy. {Looks round.) Can't we get out of earshot? Boxer. Certainh' ; in my room. {Crosses stage, and then opens door l.) Walk in, general. (Grant rises, and crosses stage.) We shall be secure from interrup- tion here. Grant. No : it's pleasant outside ; let's walk awhile. {Passes out door off l., smo7\:ing.) Boxer. Bah ! I foresee a smok}' campaign here. {Following him.) CrimjD {raising his head). By golly ! dat ar fellar's a high buck. Ain't dey nebber gvvine to reliebe dat guard? (CoL. RowELL appears n., passes ivindoiv to door. Rob salutes, he enters. Crimp drojis his head.) liowell. That fellow's on guard to-night. How I hate him ! Rebel bullets come fast and thick, but they never reach him. Pity ! I should lose a good soldier, no doubt ; but I could spare him. {Goes to table, and lights candle.) Here's the mail for my inspection ; let 62 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; me see if there's any thing contraband. {Examines letters.) " Robert Trneworth." His sister's hand- writing ; that shall go through. " Robert Trueworth." Gaylie's hand ; detained for tlie present. {Places it in his bosom. Robert is at the window outside, icatching him.) I have managed to keep many sweet morsels from his parched lips. Not a letter of hers shall ever reach him while 1 have the power to prevent. My guardianship has expired : she has come to her fortune, and yet she loves this man. Not a thought of me ; and I love her madly. Ah ! what's this? {Takes letter.) For me , and — G aylie's hand ! ( Tears it open .) So , so ; at last she thinks of me. {Reads.) " Dear Colonel: Pardon my long silence. I have not forgotten you. A business matter which I feel it impossible to adjust makes me bold to ask your assistance. Come to Grainlow at once. I have repented of my rudeness to you, long to see you. If you can obtain a furlough, come ; if you cannot, I think I could repay you for the loss of your commission should you feel inclined to resign. Believe me, I am not ungrateful for your former kindness, and earnestly entreat you to return. You shall be made happy here if 'tis in m}' power. Ga3-lie." So, so ; the wind has changed. There is only one construction to be placed upon that letter. She has repented of her folly, and I can win her. {Soldier enters r., and relieves guard.) "What's that? Ah ! relieving guard ; I'm glad of that : I cannot • bear to have that fellow near me. (Ron is about to jmss off; stands irresolute a moment, then sfeps in^de door. The colonel is again busy loith his letters.) OE, THE HOME-GUARD. 53 Crimx) (aside). G0II3M dc guard am rclicbcd. Hob (removes hat). Your pardon, coloiicd. Can I speak with 3'ou? Comes doioi l.) Jioicell (turns round). Eh? oh, Private Trueworth ! Certain!}', if it is important. Rob. You have the mail. Are there letters there for me ? Roicell. K there are anj', the}- will be forwarded to j-our compan}' quarters. (Rob is about to turn away.) Stay ! here is one. (Hands letter. Eob takes it eagerly^ looJcs at it, and sighs.) Rob. Are there no more ? Rowell (sneer ingly ) . No. She does not seem in- clined to write. Rob. I think she has written, not once, but many times. Roicell. Indeed ! 'Tis strange you should never have received them, for our mails come very regular. Rob. Not so very strange, colonel. "VVe are in an enemy's country. Craft and deceit are all about us, even in our own ranks. I suspect an enemy has inter- cepted my letters. I suspect j-ou, colonel. Roicell (rising). Do you dare, Robert True- worth? Remember who I am, — one high in authority, your superior. You are but a private soldier. There is no love Ijetween us. Be warned in time. Rob. Yes, I do remember ; but I do not fear you. Y'ou have used 3"our power to degrade me, by keeping me in the ranks, Avhen I have won a higher place. I have not murmured. But when }ou step between me and the girl I love, the girl I ha^■e won, mark me, 5* 64 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; colonel, toon in spite of yon, j'on are no longer my superior : you are a base and treacherous sp}'. Rowell {furious). Robert Tnieworth, you lie! 3-ou liave not won her. Crimp [rises to a stoojying jJosition, tliroivs off flag). B}' golh' ! clere's gwine to be a fight here. Wish Massa Rob jes had dat letter. {Creeps round to l. on " all fours" toll He the others are speaking.) Rah. In the sight of Heaven she is mine. We have exchanged vows ; and, as I am true, I believe she is true. O man, man! have 30U no honor? Your strategy is unworthy a soldier of the Union. (Grant and Boxer cross stage l. to r., outside.) Roicell. I repeat, ^'ou have not won her. True, there Avas a foolish plighting of vows ; but one year ago, when, as her guardian, I met her in Grainlow to surrender my trust, I found her changed. I felt she had repented of her rashness : now I am sure of it. She no longer loves 3'ou. Rob. 1 will believe that when I hear it from her lips. You cannot shake my faith in her. Roioell {handing open letter). Then read that. I am recalled to Grainlow. Roh {takes letter, and looks at it, then at Rowell, then at letter). "Come to Grainlow: I have repented of mj- rudeness to you — long to see you — earnestly en- treat you to return — you sliall be made happy," — oh I what is this? {Crushes letter in his hand.) She has forgotten me, repents. Oh ! would I were dead ! Crimp {aside) . Yaas, Guess not. What a muss ! If he only liad dat ar letter ! {Creeps nearer.) OR, THE HOME-GUARD, 55 Eoivell. There is only one construction to be placed upon tluit. 'Tis I who ain the favored suitor. (Grant and BoxEii saunter across stage outside from n. to l. Grant ajypears at windoiv, leans on the casing, and watches the scene, smoking ; Boxer with him.) Rob. 'Tis false ! more of your treacherj'. She would never have rejected me without a word, a sign. Roioell. Still incredulous ; poor fool ! To yowv quarters ! Another word to your superior, and you are under arrest. I have waited ni}' time ; and now Ga}-- lic Giflbrd and her fortune shall be mine, in spite of trusting love and pliglited vows. Away ! {Goes to r.) Rob. No : I will not stir. I know you have inter- cepted m}- letters ; I know you ha^e one in your bosom now ; I saw you from m}^ post secrete it ; I saw the direction upon it ; and hy this (showing letter) I rec- ognize the hand. 'Tis my propert}', and I claim it. Give it to me ; or forgetting all distinctions, remember- ing only I am a man persecuted and wronged, I'll tear it from you. Rowell (taking pistol from his bosom) . Approach me but a step, and I'll have 3^our life ! I should be justified, for this is mutiny. Rob. No, this is justice. I claim my rights. Give me the letter. (Approaches.) Rowell. Take that instead ! (Raises arm.) Crimp (running betiveen, and throiving up his arm). D-d-d-don't shoot! (Pistol discharged.) W-w-what you 'bout? w-want to blow dis yer darky's head off? Rowell (runs to door). Guard, guard! Quick, quick ! (Guard luis passed out of sight, l.) 56 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; Crimp {running to Rob, and falling on Jiis knees at his side, l. ; sj)eaJis quick). Massa Hob, 3'ou's made a fo-fo ob 3'oiu'self. Here's de letter right straight from Miss Gaylie. (Passes letter into his hand.) Bob. "Who are you? Crimp. Done ye know me? I'se Crimp ob de Home-Guard. (Kowell returns; guard enters door: should all be done quick.) Roioell {to guard). Arrest that man. To the guard- house with him ! Rob (presses Gaylie's letter to his hps). At last, at last ! ( To RowELL.) A3' ! to the guard-house let it be. She has outwitted j'ou. Here's a letter from her owu dear hand. Rowell. Ah ! who has done this ? Awa3' with him ! (^Guard places his hand on his shoulder.) To the guard-house. {Enter Grant door in f., ivriting on tablet in his hand.) Grant. Right. To the guard-house : orders must be obe3'ed. (To Rob.) If it comes to a trial, xo\x ma3- want a friend. (Gives paper.) Count on me. Roioell (r.). And who are you? Grant (takes off hat) . Your superior, sir. Rowell (confased). Gen. Grant? (Salutes.) Crimp. By goll3' ! it's de ole smoke-jack. Hi ! whose pipe's out now? Tableau. Gen. Grant c. Boxer at door. Row- ell R., saluting but confused. Rob l. c, saluting. Guard ivith his hand on his shoulder. Crimp on his knees l., squeezing himself, and laughing internally, with a shoio of loldte eyeballs and grinning teeth. Sloio curtain. OE, THE HOME-GUARD. 57 Act III. — ( Two years later.) Parlor in Gaylie Gif- FORu's house. Door in Jlat, c, tvindoivs each side of it, luith draj^ery curtains; shrubbery outside. Table, k. c, loith booJis, &c. ; a lighted astral lamji upon it. Lounge, l. Arm-chair, r., with small table beside it. Easy-chairs, r. and l. Shotdd be hand- somely furnished ; elegantly, if 'possible, by adding statuettes, screens, &c. Mrs. Truewortii discovered in arm-chair, r., knitting. Mattie sitting at table, l. c, reading a newspaper. Mcdtie (drojoping paper) . And so at last lliis cruel war is over, mother. Richmond has fallen, and our brave soldiers are already marching homeward. Only think of it ! any da}', an^- hour, may bring back our dear Rob, after four years* absence. Oh ! 'twill be a happ}' return for all of us. Mrs. T. For you and me, Mattie, yes. I shall see my brave bo}' again ; you, a noble brother, whose rec- ord in the long struggle is spotless. But how will Gaylie receive him ? Mattie. With open arms, mother : are they not lovers ? 3[rs. T. The}' parted as lovers : but 3'ou know^ two years ago AVilder Rowell resigned his command, and returned to Grainlow ; that from that time he has been a constant visitor to this house ; that he is always welcomed by its mistress ; that he attends her in all her walks and drives ; that she smiles upon him, and 58 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; evidently delights in liis company. You know this, and I know it, and I don't like it. Tliere, I've dropped a stitch ! Jfnttie. Wh}', mother ! I really- believe ^-on are jealous of Col. Howell's attentions. Do you doubt Gaylie's affection for ns, her love for Brother Rob? 3frs. T. Doubt her affection for us ? No! Has she not been a dear daughter to me for these years ? Has she not made us members of her own household ? Ha^'e I not had, every da}', convincing proofs of her affection? No, no ! bless her dear heart, for JMother Trueworlh has a warm corner in it. It's only for the bo}' I fear. Suppose he should come home, and find our Gaylie's heart turned from him, caught b}' this man whom I don't like, never did like, and never will like. There goes another stitch ! Mattle. Suppose, suppose ! O mother, you ought lobe ashamed of 3'ourself ! "WIi}', I should no urore doubt Gaylie's love for our Rob, than I should doubt — ■ Mrs. T. Your love for Hiram Jenks, eh, Mattie? Mattie. There's anotlier jealous one ! He thinks Mr. Rowell is in love with me, or pretends he does, and continually quarrels with me about him. But we always make up, and I really believe that it's for the pleasure of being reconciled every day that he does it. Mrs. T. Ah ! Hiram Jenks is a good, honest, smart, reliable young man : so you be careful, and not quai I'cl too often. Tlicre may be a time when there "vvill be no reconciliation. Mattie. I'm not afraid of that, mother. He loves OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 59 me dearly. But I moan to cure him of this folly the very next time he attempts it. Crimp {outside). Hi! whar's Missy Gaylie? whar she be? Ilallelujum ! (Enters, c, running, in a hi(jh state of excitement,) Bab3lum am fallen ! Got a tel- egram down dar : de bo^s am coming dis yer night, got mos' home. Der a-lighting up down dar. "Johnny am marching home" double-quick. Yaas, indeed ! Whar Miss Gaylie? Hi ! lots ob fun. ILrs. T. Coming, Crimp, to-night? Crimp. Don't I toleyou? Don't I tole 3-ou? I'se jes' gwine to 'luminate dis yer mamsum from de crown to de heel, regardless ob expense. Hi, golly ! Jul)i- lum am a-comun, and de darkies are jes' gwine into glor}'. AYhar's Miss Gajiie? Whar she be? Golly! I can' hole myself still : mus' do somfum, or I shall combusticate and smash all to pieces. AVhar's Miss Ga^iie? (Runs off, l.) 3frs. T. (rising). Coming to-night! Dear, dear boy ! I must dress myself to receive him. Just see what a state I'm in, — this old cap and this poor dress. Mattie. AVhy, mother, you never looked better in 3"our life. 3frs. T. It's no such thing. I'm looking shabby, and m}' bo3''s coming home. Oh ! I wish I had the regal robes of a queen, that I might receive him as he deserves. Dear, dear boy ! (Hurries off, l.) Mattie. And so Rob is really coming home : how glad somebody will be to see him ! She care for Wil- der Rowell? I, for one, do not believe it. She's some reason for allowing his attentions : what it is, I cannot 60 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR; find out. When I ask her, she laughs, and breaks away singing, " Trust her not, she is fooling thee. Beware ! Take care ! " But I do trust her. She is all good- ness. {Enter Rowell, c.) RoioeJl (aside) . Ah ! only pretty Mattie Trueworth. If I hadn't higher aspirations, I should dearly like to make love to that girl. (Aloud.) Good-evening, Miss Mattie. Mattie. Ah ! Mr. Rowell, good-evening. Roivell. There seems to be a hubbub about this usually quiet mansion. What is going on? Mattie. Why, don't you know our soldiers are com- ing home to-night? Rowell. To-night ! That is news. Is the war over? Mattie. Why, what a man ! Don't j-ou read the papers? Don't you take any interest in the war? Rowell (aside). Not since I resigned two years ago. (Aloud.) Oh, certainl}- ! Is Richmond taken ? Mattie. A week ago. Here's the whole account. (Rises 10 itJi paper, and comes forii^ard.) Rowell. Indeed ! show it to me. (Puts Ids arm, about her ivaist. Hiram appears at door, c.) Hiram. Ahem ! a-hem ! (Mattie starts to L. Rowell, ivitli paper in his hand, starts R.) Hiram (with bombastic fury .) Oh, yes, oh, yes ! it is all true, all true. Rowell. What ! is the news confirmed? Hiram (contemptuously) . Confirmed ! my susjn- cions are confirmed. (To Mattie.) Oh, you cruel, deceitful, perfidious, ungenerous, ungrateful, unkind, unjust, un — un — unsociable young woman ! what have you done? OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 61 Roioell (aside) . Hallo ! this fellow's in liis jealous humor again. (Aloud.) Miss Mattie, as 3'ou have company, I'll talie the paper, and find the news m3-self. [_Exit L. Mattie. Mr. Hiram Jenks, what's the matter? Hiram. "What's the matter? You ask vie? Mat- ter, what's tlie mattie? I mean AYattie, matts the water? Oh, pshaw! I can't speak. My tongue is paralyzed. False woman ! you have shattered the shrine of affection in this bosom. Young lad}', j'ou have burst the bonds of devotion. Young maiden, you have lacerated my heart, crushed my soul, blasted my hopes, destroyed my — my — Go, deceitful maid ! After my long devotion, oh ! this is too much, after all I have done for 30U. Oh! (Tears hair.) Mattie. Well, what have j'ou done for me? Hiram. Eh ! well, what I was going to do for j-ou, — many 3-00. To see 3-ou fondl}' reclining upon the bosom of another, another's arm about 3-our waist, — oh, this is torture! madness! (Tears his Jiair, and rushes about stage.) Mattie Trueworth, j'ou are a cartless hoquette ; no, a — Mattie. You got the cart before the horse that time, Hiram. How sill3' 3'ou are ! It's all a mistake. Hiram (coolly). Oh! it's a mistake: I'm glad of that ; so let's kiss and make up. (Ax)proachinrj her.) Mattie. Stop ! you have opened m3' eyes. You saw his arm about m3' waist. Then he loves me. Oh, jo3' ! rapture ! bliss ! Hiram. AYhy, Mattie ! you don't mean, you can't mean, 3-ou can't be so mean as to sa3^ 3'ou love Col. Rowell. 6 G2 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; Mattie. Why not? lie's rich; he is the owner of Trueworth Farm ; and I, I might be again its m|stress. Hiram. Yes : but, Mattie, wh-wh-what's to become of me? Mattie. You? why, you unjustl}' suspected me ; but then you opened my ej-es. You have m}' thanlis : all else is at an end between us. Hiram. Good gracious ! I don't want your thanks. I wouldn't thank you for your thanks. I want you, Mattie. Come, let's make up (coaxinrjhj) . Now, do, Mattie, now, do. Y"ou ain't a-going to throw me over for that man ? Mattie. Wh}-, he owns Trueworth Farm. Hiram (aside) . Confound it ! she means it. (Aloud.) Hang Trueworth Farm! what's that to a heart filled willi devotion ! No, don't be hard on a feller. Y'ou know I love j'ou. Come, let's make up. Do, now, do. Mattie (draiving herself vjj to her full length). No, sir ! Y^ou have trifled -with me, and we must part. Seek another mate : be happy if you can. (Imitating Hiram's coaxing.) Do, now, do. I wish j'ou well: particularl}', /rt?-e-well. (Courtesies, and goes off, l.) Hiram (looks after her) . Why ! she's gone. She means it! Jealous of her? why, it's absurd! She might have known it. I onl}' wanted to tease her into a reconciliation : these make-ups are so jolly ! But she don't tease well ; and now I've set her to setting her cap for Rowell. Pshaw ! Humbug ! the jealous game is all up. (Eater Crimp, l.) Crimji. Hallo, Hi-ram! am dat you? Jes' j'ou OR, THE nOME-GUARD. 63 come down to de barn will me. I'll show yon, free gratis, fornnffm. no extra charge, and no postibnemet, de greatest dissemblage oh sky — sky — sky — what dat man call 'em? slcyrotechnloks, golly! rickets, fourteen pounders, and — and Itum-and-candles, and — and Bungola lights, and squabs, and bombs — golly! Jes' busters ; de take de roof right off; yaas, indeed ! Come down, do, IW-ram: gwinc to let 'em shoot slam bang, "when de boys come home. Hiram. That's right, Crimp : give them a welcome. Grim}-). Yaas, indeed, Hi-ram/ gwinc to make 'em smell brimstone. I tole you. Serve 'em right : wish we could get np a yearthquake : wouldn't be a bit too good for 'em. Come on, Hi. I say, Hi-m»i, am you any relation to ole Jim? he was de highest old ram eber I see. Yah, yah, yah ! {Exit, c, laughing, fol- loived by Hiram. Enter from l., Rowell.) Roxoell. And so the war is over, and the boys are marching home, and with them comes, of course, INIr. Eob Trueworth. Hang the luck ! I fear that fellow's ap- pearance. Two years ago I resigned my command in the army for two reasons. First, an unfortunate ren- contre with Trueworth, whom I kept in the ranks after he had been several times honorably mentioned, awak- ened the suspicions of Grant, and a court-martial was threatened ; second, a very pressing invitation from Gaylie to return, the pretext being business which re- quired my assistance, but the real motive, an evident desire for my society. Of the first reason, I took good care to let her know nothing ; and having the post-mas- ter, Hosea Jenks, well undei- my thumb, I am sui-e she 64 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; lias received no hint from Truewortli. She has evidently repented of her folly, and takes kindly to my presence. Never a word about Rob Trueworth. Yet I seem no nearer the attainment of mj- heart's desire, than when I returned. I have assiduously courted her : we walk, ride, and sail together. I am attentive, devoted, and she enjoys every thing. But, when I speak of love, she evades it, or talks of her freedom, or we are inter- rupted. I will speak plainly' : she must be bound to me ere he returns, or I fear my two-j'ears' campaign will be wasted. Ah ! here she is. {Enter Gaylie, l.) Gaylle. Oh, isn't it glorious ! the war is over. {Sees RowELL.) Why, colonel, is that you? Have j'ou been waiting long? I'm so sony. Rowell {taking her hand). Yes : I have been wait- ing long, two 3»ars, Ga3'lie, to give yon full assur- ance that I love you. Is m^- love returned? Gaylie {excitedly). Returned! O colonel! have vou heard the news ? Our brave soldiers have returned : that is, the}' are coming home to-night, crowned with victor}-. Oh, I'm so happy ! ain't jou? Rowell. Gaylie, I am miserable. Gaylie. Because the}' are coming home ? Oh, fie I colonel. And you a soldier? Jioivell. Gaylie, you must listen to me. You evade a question of the utmost importance to my welfare. I asked you, Do you love me? Gaylie. As }'ou have asked me a dozen times in the last fortnight ; and I answer }'ou as I haxe before, Wait until the war is over. Rowell. Ah, but the war is over : there is no reason for delay. Gaylie, will you be my wife? OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 65 Gaylle. That's a serious question, colonel. I'll consider it. liowell. Gaylie, you'll drive me mad. Gaylie. Then 1 \Yon't consider it : will that suit you ? O colonel ! do you suppose there have been any clianges in the regiment? Roioell. AVill you answer my question, Ga\iie? Gaylie. AVill you answer mine, colonel? liowell (biting his li2)s). I don't know; I don't care. Boxer, who took my place, has been made a brigadier - general ; but, for the rest, I know noth- ing. Gaylie. I wonder if Rob Trueworth is still a pri- vate. Perhaps he's a captain, or a sergeant. I do hope he has risen. Eoioell. You still have an interest in that fellow ? Gaylie. Of course. Isn't he my brother? Rowell (aside). That's good. She ignores the other tie. (Alotal.) Now, Gaylie, speak. (Takes her hand.) Surely my devotion deserves a recompense. Will )-ou? (Enter Crimp, l., ivith a lighted candle in each hand.) Crimp (speaMng as he enters). Hi! Miss Gaylie, de hole circumhendence ob de exterior ob de house up stairs am in a blaze ob glory ; lights into all de win- dows, an' greeze all ober de glass and de carpets. Took sum pains up dar, I tole you. Shall I light dese yer windows. Miss Gaylie? Gaylie. No, Crimp, I will attend to this. Crimp. Yaas, indeed ! I'm obleeged to you. Jes' put your briglit eyes into de windows, and de illumi- 6* 66 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; nation up stairs won't be no circumstance, I'll jes' stick 'em into de l)ay window, out yunder. [Exit u, Rowell (runs to Gcajlie, and puts Jils arm about her waist; takes her hand). Gaylie, am I never to get an answer? Speak before we are again interrupted. (Mrs. Truewokth appears, l.) Howell {goes l.). Confusion! Will this never end? Gaylie. Come in, mother. 3L-S. T. No : Avhen two young people are so closely interested in conversation, an old woman's presence is unpleasant. I'm not blind, Gaylie Gilford ; and I'm not likely to hold m}' tongno, when I see injustice done one I love ; so I'll go away. O Gaylie ! Gaylie ! have I been deceived in j'ou? (Going.) Gaylie (running to her). No, mother, no! Believe nie, trust me. Ifrs. T. I tr}- to, Gaylie ; but it is so hard, so hnrd ! \_Exit l. Gaylie (comes doivn r, at table). Have I wounded her dear heart? Am I doing rioht? Roxoell (approaching). Gaylie — Gaylie. Silence, sir ! Speak to me now, and I shall hate you. (Rowell returns l. Enter c. IIosea Jenks, /oZ/ou'cd &?/ Hiram. 'Mattik enters l. Hosea conies down. Hiram stops np stage, and tries to mahe up tvith Mattie ; she snubs him.) IIosea. I — I — really, reall}', I beg pardon, colonel, if you are having a tety-tety ; but I thought you'd like your mail, and so I brought it. (Comes dmvn l. of table, and hands letters to Rowell, ivho stands n. of table; then goes back to h. c.) OK, THE HOME-GUARD. 67 JloweU. Ah ! thank 3-011, Jcnks. {Aside.) Con- found his kindness ! I know you'll excuse ino, Gajlie. Here's my mail. Gaylle. JDertivinly, colonel. (lIiR.viir cornea down r. of table, ivliere Gaylie is standing, and hands her a letter secret! ij.) (Aside.) And here's mine. (Presses it to her lips.) lioivell (his bacJc to Gayjae). (Aside.) Here's one for Gajlie, in the old familiar hand. (Looks round to her: she is looking doivn ; he turns to h., and slips it into his pocket ; as he does so, she bends foriuard, and watches him, then shakes her head.) Gaylie. Nothing for me, Mr. Jenks? (She looks at Jexks keenly: he tries to look in her face, drops his eyes, and nervously j^lays ivith his hat.) Jlosea. Oh, no! Nothing for yen, not a thing. Do you suppose I should liaA'e failed to bring them ? (She goes up stage; he comes doivn u.) (Aside.) That's a lie, a Avicked lie. I can't help it. I tiy ; but it will pop out, anywhere, everj'where. Once I was a punster. "Alas, poor Jenks! where are your jests now, that were wont to set the table in a roar? " All lies now. Gaylie (goes vp, takes Hiram's hand). (Aside.) Thanks, faithful sentinel. (Aloud.) Come, Mattie, we'll go and look at Crimp's preparations, and leave the colonel to his letters. (Puts her arm about Mat- tie's ivaist, and they go off c.) lioivell (who has opened a letter, and is reading it, seated at table, l.). Confound it! another call for money, and no yv-ay to raise it. (Jenks starts for door; G8 ENLISTED FOR THE WAE ; RowELL looks round.) Yes ; there's Jenks : he must help me out. Jenks ! Jlosea (tu}-ns trembling) . Ye-^^es, colonel. Howell {risi)ig). Jenks, I must have mone^- at once. I haA'e a pressing call, and my funds are completely exhausted. Come, 3'ou shall give me fifteen hundred dollars, and I'll transfer to you the Trueworth Farm. Hosea {aside) . That's cool. (Aloiid.) But — l)ut you see, colonel, I — I — I dou't want the Trueworth Farm. Col. Neither do I. But I do want money ; so look round and raise it, and don't keep me waiting long (rises, and comes close to him), or Grainlow will have a new postmaster. {Exit c. Jenks falls into cJiair he has left.) Hosea. New p-p-p-postmaster ! well, that's the old threat. Oh, the villain ! This comes of meddling with public affairs. AVhen I was a private citizen, I was gay and happy, with such a flow of humor, punning from morning till night. I never pun now ; I can't ; it's sure to turn into a lie. I'm a miserable old rascal, that's ashamed to look an honest man in the f;:ce.- I'm a swindler, a cheat, a liar, and a coward. I can't help it. I sold m3' birthright for a mess of pottage ; no, potash, for it's all lie. O Jenks ! when 30U parted with hon- est}', 3'ou knocked down a rich estate at an awful sacri- fice. I'm in dail}- dread of these infernal detectives. In my office, at home, at ni}' table, in bed, I feel the hand of justice on my shoulder, aiid the voice of outraged Uncle Sam thunders in my ear. Hiram. The colonel wants his money, dad. OR, THE HOME-GUARD. GO Rosea {starts to Ms feet) . Yes, t^*^- ^''^ a-going for it, I'm a-going for it. {Starts np stage.) Hiram. Halt! 'bout face ! hold up your head, turn out your toes. (IIosea obeys.) Now, dad, you will do no such thing I IIosea. Hey ! what do you mean, boy? Hiram. Come, dad, straighten up ; drop that. I've changed that name with you. You are the boy, — a weak, silly, foolish bo}'. Hosea. Do you want to insult my gray hairs ? Hiram. Insult them? Tell me, dad, have you respected them as you should ? Hosea. Eh! wh-what do you mean ? Hiram. Why does that man order you to find money for him? Why does he treat you with such cool contempt? Hosea {nervously). Eh? oh! ha, ha, ha! it's only his way, you know. We are great friends, — great friends. He got me my office ; and, 3'ou know, if I can do him a favor, why, I ought ; certainly I oughter be proud to — to do him a favor : see? {Aside.) How he look* at me ! he knows it's a lie. I can't help it : it will pop out. Hiram. That won't do, dad. You're afraid of him : you're a coward. Hosea. Coward, boy! this to me? Hiram. Yes, and more. You have sold 3'ourself to this man ; you are accomplices in crime. You have made yourself liable to a long imprisonment, for you have robbed the mail. Hosea {alarmed) . Hush ! don't speak so loud, boy ! 70 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR; Who told 5'ou this? Do you want to see me hung? do you want — O Hiram, Hiram! pity me, pity me! I'm a poor old sinner, a poor old sinner ! ( Wrhigs his hands, falls on his knees, and hides his face.) Hiram. Tliat's the truth, dad ; a tool in the hands of a crafty man. O dad, you were hard on me in the old da^s ! You sought to crush out vay ambition to be manly while yet a boy, — an ambition which should have been encouraged, not crushed. Your example made others slight me, and look upon me as a fool. But 3'ou were an honest man, and you made me hon- est ; and for that I shall always be grateful. Now j'ou have parted with your high estate ; sold yourself, body and soul, to the — well. Col. Rowell is his name. I have kept mine, and I mean to rescue you from the clutches of this villain. Hosea. No, boy, you can't do that ; I'm sold, de- livered : it's too late. I see ray folly. But that man ! O Hiram"! he could deliver me up to justice : he could have me imprisoned. Hiram. Why, dad, 3'ou forget he is 3-our confed- erate ; that, in sacrificing j'ou, he must betray himself. Hosea. Eh ? I never thought of that. Of course he must. What a fool I have been ! He dare not move. I'm safe, I'm safe ! Hiram. But I dare, dad, and I will. For four years you have intercepted letters belonging to Gaylie, and Rob True worth. I know it: I have full proof. Ah ! I've watched you closer than you watched me when I was a boy. Hosea. Yes, yes : but jow can't betray me ; j'ou OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 71 couldn't have the heart. Hiram, I was a good father to you ; that is, I tried to be. You won't give me up to justice ? Hiram. You have wronged my friends. Unless you immediately resign your office, I will give informa- tion that shall lead to 3'our arrest. Jlosea. I'll resign, I'll resign! but he won't let me. Hiram. He shall not prevent j-ou. You must also decline to furnish him with mone}'. Hosea. I'll do that, I'll do that ! — any thing you ask, Hiram, onl}- don't give me up. Hiram. He's coming back. Remember, no money to that man. {Goes up r. Enter Rowell, c.) Roivell. Why, Jenks, what are you about? Didn't 3'ou hear? I want that money to-night, — must have it. Why are 3'ou not after it? Jenks. You Avant fifteen hundred dollars, colonel ? Moiuell. That's the sum I named. Jenks (comes dose to Mm). Don't j'ou wish you ma}' get it, colonel? (Siiajjs Jiis fingers in his face.) Do you understand that? not a dollar from me. You've been drawing heavily on m}' conscience, but you can't draw on m^' bank-account : understand that. Roicell. Fool ! do 3'ou know that I could hang 3'ou, unless — Hosea. We hang together. That's good, a pun, ha, ha, ha ! the first for manj- a daj'. Oh, I'm feeling decidedl}' better ! No, colonel, you couldn't hang me : you dare not molest me ; for we are both in the same boat. 72 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; Rowell. Indeed ! "Well, my lionest friend, we can find a new postmaster for Graiulow. Hosea. Do, colonel ! the sooner 3-ou write to "Wash- inaton, "Off with his head: so much for Jeuks," the ])etter for said Jenks. Eoivell. Do you refuse to purchase the Trueworth Farm ? Hosea. Decidedly I do. Hiram {comes down) . Do I understand you, colo- nel ? You wish to dispose of Trueworth Farm ? Rowell. What's that to 3'ou? Hiram. If 30U want to sell, I'm your customer. Rowell. You ? Hosea. You? Whj', Hiram Jeuks, where can you find the money? Hiram. No matter, dad. Name your price, colonel. Roicell. Fifteen hundred dollars. Hiram (takes a loallet from his pocket, and slaps it on table). There's your monc}'. Hosea. The hoy's crazy. (Aside to 11.) I say, Hiram, what are you about? You wouldn't let me bu}' it, and now — Hiram. I want it : jon forget you are under sus- picion. Uncle Sam might confiscate your property at any moment, and the farm would go with it. Hosea. Oh, what a head, what a head ! And I thought him a boy ! Hiram. If 3'ou want the money to-night, write a receipt, and take it. ^Ve will pass the papers in the moiniing. Rowell (goes to table, r., and lurites). Certainly. OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 73 Hiram (taJies pajjer from his pocket) . As I have had some thoughts of making 3-011 an offer for the property', I have drawn up an agreement. Sign that, and I am satisfied. Ruivell {takes paper ^ and looks at it). This is satis- factor}-. {Signs.) Iliram. jS'ow, dad, if you will witness it. {Takes bills from loallet.) Hosea. Certainl}-. {Signs. Aside.) VHiere could that boy have got his money ? Iliram {taking paper, and laying down bills). You'll find. that all right. Roioell {counti)ig money). All correct. I will see you at Lawyer AVare's office, to-morrow at nine. Is that satisfactory- ? Iliram. Perfectly. Come, dad, let's look after the office. Hosea. Yes, to the office, where I shall take the first opportunity to write to the Postmaster General, resigning m}- office. liowell. Do it at your peril ! Hosea. No : I shall do it at my office. Ila, ha, ha ! Why, I'm getting back into my old humor, thanks to the boy. What a head ! I used to look in liis face, and think I saw a fool. I was wrong : I should have looked in a glass. Roioell. I hope the farm will pay you better than it has me, Hiram. Iliram. No doubt it will. {Aside.) If Miss Mat- tie Trueworth wants Trueworth Farm, she'll have to look this wa}-. Come, dad ! 7 74 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR; Hosea. Goocl-b}", colonel : if you want j-our next mail, 3'oa'll have to come for it. (Hiram goes iq), followed by Hosea ; meet Gaylie and Mattie coming in; Mattie comes down r., is stopped by Hikaji ; Gaylie speaks with IIosea, l. c.) Hiram. Mattie, won't j'ou make up? Mattie. No, sir : I have higher aspirations. Hiram {tragically) . I know : to the owner of True- worth Farm ! Mattie, it's hard to lose 3-ou, but it's for the best : I see my error. I cannot win ^'ou ; and so I freely give you up to a better, a richer man, — the owner of True worth Farm. Farewell! {Clasps her in his arms qaicJc, and kisses her : she screams ; he runs off c.) Mattie. Well, I never! what does he mean? He give mo up? He shall do no such thing. Dear, dear! have 1 lost him? Hiram, Hiram ! (liansoffc.) Gaylie. Your son has gone, Mr. Jenks. Hosea. Has he? I must run after him. 1 can't bear to have him out of mj' sight : I'm so proud of him ! (Aside.) He might repent, and give me up. lExit c. Moivell (as Gaylie comes doion). Gajdie, may I ask a favor of .you? I have been making a sale to- night, and have here fifteen hundred dollars : will 3'ou give me your check for it? I want to send it to-night. Gaylie. Certainl}' ! 3-ou'll find my check-book in the next room. Please bring it to me, colonel. (Roavell boivs, and exits l. ; Gaylie sits in chair r., and looks after him.) That man loves me, for two 3'ears has been my devoted slave ; and now the time has come for me to speak plainly. He tells me there is no OR, THE HOME-GUARD. 75 longer reason for delay : he is right. lie thinks his long period of devotion deserves a recompense : he shall have it. And the other, Rob Trueworth, who left here four years ago, — does he still love me ? (Smiles.) Can I doubt it? Yet I must speak to-night, speak plainly. lie believes that he has won me : I can see it in his proud step, the triumphant glance of his e3'e. Is he right? (Smiles.) Can I doubt that? (Enter Rowell l., ivith check-hook.) I'm so sony to tror.ble you, colonel ! (Takes hook.) Fifteen hundred, you say? ( Writes check.) lloicell (hiying doicn hills) . Yes : j-ou'll find the bills here. Guylie. So you have made a sale to-night, colonel? Roicell. Yes : Trueworth Farm. Gaylie. Sold Trueworth Farm? And you refused to sell it to me four years ago ! Roiuell. Yes, — yes, I remember. I didn't like to part with it now, but I wanted money — Gaylie (rising). Oh! I bear you no malice, colo- nel. (Gives check.) Roicell. Thank you. And now, Gaylie, that we are alone, ma}- I once more press ^'ou for an ansv/cr? (Takes her hand, and puts his arm ahoat her ivaist.) You know how dearly I love 3'ou : make me happy by sa^-ing that you return that love. Gaylie. And would that really make you happ}-, colonel ? liowell. Happy ? The happiest of men ! Gaylie (draiving herself uj)). Then hear me, Col. Rowell ! (Enter l. Mus. Thuewoktii, loith shawl and 76 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; bonnet added to her former costume, and a large band- box in her hand.) Howell. Oh, speak, Gaylie ! tell me you love me ! Mrs. T. Before 3011 do, Gaylie, let me get out of 'this house. (Gaylie goes r., Rowell l.) Gaylie. Mother, Avhat does this mean? Mrs. T. Mother ! you have no right to call me by that name : you have disgraced it. Four years ago you plighted vows with my dear boy ; he went to bat- tle, trusting in ^-our promise : and now another's arms are about you, another's voice pleading to you for words which tremble on your lips. O Gajdie ! how I have loved you, 3-ou may never know ; but I love my boy, and he shall not come here to have his noble heart broken at the sight of his rival, a favored suitor. No: I thank 3'ou for all 3'our kindness to me, but — my boy's coming, and I'll go to meet him : he has no one to love him now so tenderl}" as his old mother, bless him ! 'Twill be a hard blow after all his love and hope and faith. O Gaylie, Gaylie ! 3'ou've broken my heart ! {Drops her box., and staggers forioard; Gay- lie runs.1 and catches her in her arms.) Gaylie. O mother, mother ! this must not be ! Sta^' here ; this is your home : here Rob will come — 3Irs. T. Not in that man's presence will I meet my boy. Rowell (aside). The old lady's complimentar}'. (Aloud.) I think Mrs. Trueworth is right, Gaylie. It "would certainly be unpleasant to young Trueworth to see our happiness. Gaylie. I beg 3our pardon, colonel : I have not spoken yet. OR, THE IIOME-GUAED. 77 Mrs. T. Let me go, Gaylic : I cannot stay here ! Gaylie. You must, you shall, mother ! You have heard the colonel : now hear me. Mrs. T. No, no! I will go. Hark! what's that? {Distant chorus; siiigs the chorus of'-'' Marching through Georgia.") Gaylie. At last, at last ! They've come, mother, they've come. Hear me. Within myself, and to my- self, I made a vow that I would keep Col. Rowell in suspense until I heard the victorious shouts of our returning heroes. They come, and I can speak ; hear me : Col. Rowell, you have asked me to be 3-our wife : I answer, No ; for I detest you. (Mrs. Tkuewouth goes over to chair, u.) Rowell. Gaylie, what is this? are you in earnest? Gaylie. Four years ago I defied \o\\ ; enlisted, for the war between you and my hero, on his side, not yours. I have kept the faith : I have battled yoxx from that time to this, and won the victory. lioivell. Battled ! victory ! I do not understand you. Gaylie. You sought to keep us apart, and, to that end, intercepted our letters. Roivell. No, no ! 30U are mistaken ! I — I am inno- cent of any such crime. {Enter Hiram, r.) Gaylie. Here is ni}- witness. 'Twas he who aided me in outwitting you. For the last two years our letters have passed under cover of his name. Those you have stopped were decoys. Roivell {aside) . What a fool I have been ! Gaylie. You sought to keep my hero in the ranks. Perhaps you will recollect the first letter which reached 7* 78 ENLISTED FOR THE WAR ; him. 'Twas sent by the hands of a trusty messenger. {Enter Crimp, l.) 'Twas delivered in 3'our presence. Crimp. Yaas, colonel ; d-d-don't shoot ! Roioell (aside) . Oh, curse the girl ! she has out- witted me. Gaylie. You sought to keep him down ; and so I decoyed yon here, believing that your presence, hate- ful as it had become, was necessary to the exaltation of Rob Trueworth. I Jiave used a woman's art, coquetry ; but the end justifies the means. So you see, colonel, the Home Guard has a right to claim the victory. Home Guard, attention ! fall in ! {She stands l. Hiram takes his 2)^ttch. Oh ! come, sir, this won't do. You have entered this house in search of plunder. Your attempt has been foiled b}' the keenness of this lad}-, who, in the absence of her husband, can well protect his treasures. 3frs. G. John, call the police. 3fr. G. John, if 3-ou do, I'll discharge you without a character. — Susannah, be reasonable. If you don't know me, 5-ou must know these clothes. Are they not j-our husband's ? Mrs. G. My husband's ? Gracious heaven ! I see it all ! ]\Iy husband has been murdered, cruell}- mur- dered ! and you have stolen his clothing. Oh, wretched woman that I am ! — John, call the police. Mr. G. And I say, no. Confound it ! Do 3-0U want to drive me out of my senses ? Mrs. G. Oh, take me aAvay ! My life's in danger. Oh, somebod}- take me awa}' ! Ralph. Fear not, madam. I will protect 3-0U. If 3-our husband has gone, j-ou shall find in me a watch- ful guardian and a trust}* friend. Fear not : the mis- creant shall not harm you. Mr. G. Confound his impudence ! Sus}' ! what can I do to make 3-ou own me ? I think I am 3-our husband ; in fact, I'm quite sure of it. 104 NEVER SAY DIE, Mrs. G. Can 3-011 write? Mr. G. Write ? I signed a check for two luindrecT dollars, wliicli 3'ou now have in 3'our porte-monnaie. Mrs. G. Can you write ^-our name ? 3Ir. G. To be sure I can. Mrs. G. Then write it. I shall recognize my hus- band's handwriting, I think ; yes, I'm quite sure of it. Write at once : there are pen, ink, and paper. Mr. G. I'll be hanged if I do any such thing ! This is absurd, ridiculous ! Mrs. G. John, call the police. Bounce, //instantl}-, missus. Mr. G. Stop ! I'll write. {Goes to table., c.) If ever I'm caught in such a ridiculous position as this, may I be — Mrs. G. (goes to table). Here! write j'our name there. Mr. G. (sits, takes np pen., then looks tip at Mrs. G..,wlio stands immovable). And that's the wife of m}' bosom, the partner of my joys ! and I've got to write my name before — No ! I'll be hanged if I do ! (Throios down pen.) Ifrs. G. John, the police. Bounce, //instantly-, missus. (John and Patty L., Frank and Alice r.) Mr. G. No, no : I'll sign ! {Writes.) Mrs. G. {takes iip> paper). AYhat do I see? 'Tis he, my husband, my Simon ! {Throivs her arms about his neck, and repeatedly embraces him in a frantic manner.) Rcdph. What do I hear? 'Tis he, your uncle, my Alice! {Embraces AiACK.) NEVER SAY DIE. 105 Bounce, //it's 7/ all /aip. 'Tis 'e 'imself, Patt}'. {Embraces Patty.) Patty. Let me alone, j'ou exasperating English- man ! {Releases herself.) Mr. G. Confound it ! Susy, don't smother me ! 3Irs. O. O Simon ! something's burning ! I smell brimstone ! Mr. G. Smell fiddlesticks ! It's "The Magic Dye." It makes me sick : I wish I was well rid of it. And no\A' be kind enough to tell me the meaning of this. I've been locked out of ray house, ni}' clothes lacerated by ray dog, been threatened with death b}- mj' servant, with the police hy vay wife ; and am threatened with a brain-fever, if I don't know what all this is for. 3Irs. G. For the third reason, Simon. Mr. G. Eh? You're not going to bring up that subject again ? Mrs. G. Oh, no ! that's all settled. Mr. G. Settled? How? Mrs. G. {takes palmer from table., and reads). "I, Simon Graylock, being in sound mind and bod}', liere- b}- bequeath to my dearly beloved ' friend Ralph Cheeny, my affectionate niece Alice Chase, to have and to hold, as his lawful wife, from this da}' forth and forevermore ; and to this union I give m}' consent, and subscribe ni}- name." Signed, " Simon Graylock." iJ/r. G. AVhy, this is a swindle ! Obtaining goods under false pretences ! And you, the wife of my bosom, the partner — Do you know what this would cost me, were it known ? Mrs. G. Yes ; ten thousand dollars : Alice's por- tion. 106 NEVER SAY DIE. Ralph. Of which she is in no immediate want ; in fact, I think I would prefer to leave it in your hands. Mr. G. My dearly beloved, take her, and be happy. When I die, you will find I have not forgotten 3'ou. Mrs. O. As did the partner of your joys, the last time you dyed ; eh, Simon? Mr. G. My dear, let's change the subject. 3frs. G. If we could only change the color of 3'our hair as easily ! Why, Simon, it's purple ! Mr. G. Is it? Then don't look at it, don't speak of it ; for, if you're not pleased, I have dyed in vain. 3Irs. G. No : for it has helped to make two people happy who were dying for each other, helped your dear wife to triumph in a good cause, and helped us all to a little amusement — Mr. G. At my expense. Sue, Susan, Susannah, let's change the subject. Never say die, and I never will. John Bounce and Patty, r. IVIk. arid Mrs. G., c. Ralph and Alice, l. Curtain. THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. (FOE FEMALE CHAEACTEES ONLY.) CHAEACTEES. Mrs. Duplex, a widow with money and a mission. Mrs. DEIS0R-4H Hartshorn, her mother. Florence Duplex, her daughter. C.VROLLN'E Duplex, her step-daughter. Ehoda Dendron, ) > lier mends. Pollie Nay, ) Katie O'Neil, the cook. Maggie Donovan, the chambermaid. COSTUMES MODEEN AND ArPEOPEIATE. Scene. — Apartment in Mrs. Duplex's house. Lounge^ L. ; tioo chairs, r. ; table ivith ivriting-materials, and an easy-chair, c. Ifrs. Hartshorn (outside, r). Don't tell me, j'eou iuiperdent thing ! Clear ont, I tell jeou ! Maggie {outside, r). Faix ! not for the likes av yez, at all, at all. 3frs. II. (outside, r.). Yeou won't, hay? We'll see 10 109 110 THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX, about it, (Enter Maggie, r,, follovied by 'Mrs. H., brandishing a broom.) 3Iaggie. Ais}-, Mrs. Hartshorn, or it's yersilf will be sent to coort for salt and bather}', sure, Mrs. H. Don't care ! If I'm sent to prison for life, I mean to have m}- orders obeyed. Maggie. Faix, an' it's not yersilf is the lad}' of the house, at all, at all, Mrs. H. Don't make no difference, Yeou take that broom, and sweep out my room, and be quick about it! Maggie. It's warning I'll give to onct the misthress cooms, Mrs. Hartshorn. Faix ! there's a power of work in the house, and a heap of misthresses to order about — bad luck to 'em! Niver mind, I'll swape the room ; an', if ye find any thing broke, it's not the fault av Maggie Donovan. {Aside.) Only jist I'll — I'll have one good crack at her chiny vases, so I will, \_Exit L. Mrs. H. (sits in chair, c, takes out her smelling- bottle., removes stopper, places her finger over it, and appilies it to her nose, snnffs it, gives a little start, tvith something between a sigh and an exclamation, sounding like " 7iee," accompanying it. TJiis should be repeated wherever the word appears in the dialogue) . Well ! if Hannah Merria's heouse ain't a-going to eternal smash, it's not for want er help. Sich actions I never did see. There's that ere cook ! If I stick my head into the kitchen (kee) , I'm sure to be saluted with the dishcloth ; and, if I go up stairs, there's always a broom laying round loose for me to tumble over (kee). For the THE CIIAMnON OF HER SEX. Ill land of liberty's sake, what's the use of having a home if you don't talce care of it? Neow, here's Hannah Merria, whose husband died a 3'ear ago, leaving all his property to her, his second wife, and who ought to l>e the happiest woman in the workl in consequence (kee) , — not of his death, but the money, — a-prancin' round in perlitical circuses, ravin' like a lunatic about " speers," and "rights," and " sufferings," and leav- ing her home to take care of itself. She's the queerest young 'un I ever had (kee). {Enter Caroline, r.) Caroline. What's the trouble, grandmother? irrs. 11. Oh, it's them hired gals, Ca'line. They've made me crazy with their shiftlessness. I do think Hannah Merria might stay at home, and look arter them. Caroline. My good step-mother has other affairs to occupy her time. You know she is one of the leadei-s of the Female Reform Club. Mrs. II. Then she'd better bring her club home, and trounce these sassy critters into some kind of reform (kee) . Caroline. She thinks she is engaged in a noble work. She is the champion of her sex. Mrs. II. Champion fiddlesticks ! There's no sense in such carryings-on. What would my old man, Hez- ekiah Plartshorn (kee) — bless his dear dead and gone memory — have thought if I'd 'a' gone olT in this fashion, a meddlin' with things that women don't know nothin' about? When he took me for better or for wus, sez he to me, " Deborah, there's the old homestid, — a snug house and a likely farm, — all ours. Yeou 112 THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. take kere of the house, and I'll take kere of the farm. Outside I'll be master, inside 3'ou shall be mistress ; and we won't interfere." That's all the bargain we ever made, and we stuck to it. I took good care to make his home pleasant ; but meddlin' with his affairs would have ben as redlculous as it would have ben for him to stick his nose into the churn ever}' time I made but- ter. No, indeed ! Let woman do her own work, and leave man to his'n. Caroline. Ah, grandmother, the world has turned over a great man}' times since 3'our da}'. Women have acquired larger ideas of usefulness, and have found in intellectual pursuits release from household drudgery. Triumphs in medical practice, and success in the pulpit, have fired them with ambition to take their place beside the sterner sex in those educational, scientific, and political spheres, for which the}- feel themselves equally well fitted. Ilrs. H. (Kee.) Do hear that j'oung 'un talk; and she don't believe a word of it, nutlier. Caroline. But my good step-mother does ; and, if she can elevate her sex, she is doing a noble work. Mrs. H. Noble cat's foot ! If she wants to elervate her sex, as she calls it, let her stay to home, and look after things. If that Katie don't want elervating with a broomstick, then I'm mistaken (kee). AYhy don't she give you a eddication, instead of keeping yo\x drudging about the house, when 3'ou should be at school with Florence ? She's got your father's money, and that's all she keres for (kee) . Caroline. I am contented, grandmother. I make no complaint. THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. 113 Mrs. II. 'Cause you're meek as Moses. But I'll give her a piece of m}' mind, 30U see ef I don't. Caroline. Don't get angry, grandmother. To-da^' Florence returns after six months' absence at school. Let her find every thing bright and pleasant. Mrs. II. Lor-a-massy ! So she does. "Well, I'm glad on it. Ef she don't upset things, then I'm greatly mistaken. {Bdl rings., r.) She's a dear good girl. Caroline. Indeed she is, and deserves all the care and affection bestowed upon her. {Enter Katie, r., ivith a scrubbing-hrush in her hand.) Katie. She's coom, ma'am, she's coom, as rosy and bright as a new copper ta3'-kettle. Caroline. "Who? Plorence? Katie. Indade, it's the truth ye's spakin' ; her own swate silf, Miss Ca'line. Caroline. Glorious news ! I must run to her at once. Come, grandmother. \^Exit, r. 3Irs. II. Bless the child ! I must go and fix her somethin' warm. Katie. Somethin' warm, is it? Faix, jist kape out av the kitchen, d'ye mind, or it's 3'ersilf will git some- thin' warm. 3Irs. II. "Wal, I never ! The airs that these crit- ters do put on (kee) ! \^Exit, n. Katie. Faix, the ould woman's a sore thrial, that she is. There's little chance to kape my sisther Bridget's children in sugar and tav, wid her middlin'. (Enter Maggie, l., loith a broom.) 3Iaggie. An' it's mesilf would likes to know what 10* 114 THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. 3'e mane by demaining yersilf in this fasliion, Kate O'Nail. It's little yez know of itikate. Katie. Och, be aisy wid yer spakin', Maggie Don- ovan. Itikate, indade ! Maggie. Isn't it me privilege to tend the bell, I'd like to know ? Katie. To be sure it is. But 'twas the darling Miss Florence rowled up to the door ; and would I be afther lavin' her on the stips, an' 3-ou in the attic? 3Iaggie. It's a desateful tongue ye have. Don't I know ye'd be afther liftin' yersilf above yev pots and kittles to my place, to betther yer condition ? Katie. Betther my condition, is it? AYid what? Swapin' and dustin', and the likes? Niver, at all, at all. "When I betther my condition, 'twill be as the wid- ded bride of Terence McFunnigafTerty. Maggie. McFunnigafferty ! Bad luck to him ! he's onl3' a hod-carrier. Katie. lie's dacent and respictable ; an' it's my belafe, Maggie Donovan, j-e'd be glad av me chance. Haven't I seen ye, castin' si}- looks that wa}' 3'ersilf ? Maggie. Oh, murther ! An', an' me own b'y, Teddy Murph3', sailin' the thrackless sa3' — Katie. Wid a swateheart in iver3' port. Maggie. Och ! it's invious 3'e are, Kate O'Nail ; an' it's out av place 3-e are above the kitchen shtair. Away wid yez to 3-erpots and kittles! {Threatening ivith broom.) Katie. An' its out av place 3'e are on3'where. Be off to 3'er swapin'! {Threatens loith brush. Enter Florence and Caroline, r.) THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX.. 115 Florence. Fie, fie, girls ! You're both out of place, quarrelling. Ah, Maggie ! I'm glad to meet you again. {Shakes hands with Maggie.) Maggie. Thank you. Miss Florence. An' it's a warm welcome home to yez ; an' it's glad I am to see j-er own bright face once more. Florence. And it's glad I am to be here, Maggie. Now I want j'ou and Katie to get my trunk up stairs. It's not very heavy, and I wish to open it at once. " Take it up tenderly, Fashioned so slenderly, It's fickle and frail." Maggie. Indade, Miss Florence, I'll do my best with the help of very rough company. \_Exit, r. Katie. Thar's a fling at me ! Arrah, I'll give her one thump on the fut with the thrunk. \_Exit^ r. Caroline. "Welcome, welcome, welcome home ! A thousand times welcome, Florence ! Oh ! we have missed you very much. {Thejj sit on lounge, l.) Florence. I'm glad of that, Carrie, for you will be so glad to see me now that I can have m}' own way in ever}' thing ; and I'm going to spend m}' time advan- tageously. I'm going to induce mother to send you with me when I return to school. Caroline. Oh, that would be grand ! But I fear you will not succeed. Florence. But I will. You have as much right to the advantages of Rushly Semiuary as I ; and I will no longer allow j'ou to submit to the cruel treatment you are receiving. You go with me : that's settled. But Where's mother ? 116 THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX, Caroline. At a committee-meeting. Florence. A committee-meeting at eleven o'clock in the forenoon ! What important project can take her from home at this hour? Caroline. She is one of the leaders of the Female Reform Club. Florence. What ! my mother ! You don't mean to say that she has come out for women's riglits ! Caroline. She has, most decidedly-. She gives all her time to the club. She is a \evy zealous mem- ber. Florence. And who takes care of the house? Caroline. It takes care of itself. The mistress away, it is very hard for me to govern affairs ; and grandmother does much harm by her kiudlj'-meant interference in household matters. Florence. It's too bad ! Docs mother speak at pub- lic meetings ? Caroline. She spoke for the first time last night. There's a report of her speech in the papers. {TaJces paper from table.) Here it is. Florence {reads). "Mrs. Duplex, widow of the celebrated match-manufacturer, whose decease last winter was chronicled in our paper, arose and spoke warml}' of the oppression of the female sex. She vehementl}' asserted their ability to achieve success in an}' path trodden by man, and eloquentl}' styled her- self the champion of her sex in its endeaA'ors to throw off the yoke of bondage, and victoriously arra}- itself b}' the side of man in his onward march of progress." What nonsense ! THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. 117 Caroline. Nonsense, Florence? Then you are not in sympathy with the woman movement. Florence. Yes, Carrie : I am an earnest advocate for reform. Noble women are doing brave work in educating our sex to a realizing sense of their power for good in many of the walks of life heretofore kept sacred to the foot of man. But foolish women, who raise the cry of oppression or slavery, are no better than the political demagogues of the other sex, — loud in- speech, but dumb in council. Caroline. And so you think mother has made a mistake ? Florence. I certainly do. A woman's duty is to care for her household. From what little I have seen since I came home, I am convinced reform is needed here. ( Bell rings, r.) If she would elevate lier sex, I'm sure she could have no better task than to fit you — who were left penniless on her hands by a thought- less father — for the station to which you have a riglit to aspire. {Enter Maggie, r.) Maggie. If ye plase. Miss Florence, yez frinds, the Misses Nay and Dendron, are below, axin' for yez. Florence. Show them up, Maggie. {Exit Maggie, R.) I must find some way to rid mother of her delu- sion. Caroline* I wish you could, Floy, for it is certainly very disagreeable for us who are left at home. (Rhoda and PoLLiE appear, r. ) Rhoda. 'MviW we come in? Florence {jumping vp). To be sure you may. Rhoda, you dear, dear girl ! {Kissing her.) Pollie, I'm glad to see you ! {Kissing Pollie.) 118 THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. Rhoda. Saw 3011 come up, and couldn't wait a minute longer ; could we, Pollie ? PolUe. No, indeed. We just dropped every thing, and ran across. How d'ye do? Jihoda. Yes ; how are ye? Tell us, quick! Pollie. Had a splendid time, he3'? Rhoda. Not engaged, are you ? Pollie. What you got new for dresses? Whj', there's Carrie ! (Shakes hands., and kisses.) Rhoda. AVell, I declare, Miss Meekness ! 3'ou are as still as a mouse. (Shakes hands, and kisses.) Caroline. She's here, girls, and just as splendid as ever. Rhoda and Pollie (together) . Splendid ? Of course she is. Florence. Come, come, girls ; sit down and tell me the news. (Caroline and Rhoda sit on lounge., l. ; Pollie in chair., r. ; Florence in chair., c.) I'm dying to know what has been going on since I left. Pollie. Well, then, Tilly Dodd's really married. Rhoda. Pooh ! that's an old storj-. She's talking about getting divorced now. Pollie. Divorced ! Wh}', she's only been married six months ! Rhoda. Six months and ten da3-s. No matter aliout her. Have 3'ou read 3our mother's speech ? Florence. I read a brief notice of it. Rhoda. I heard it all. She's the champion of her sex. Oh, it was grand ! She flourished her right hand as majestical!3' as an)' orator I ever heard ; and her voice was as strong and clear as Patrick Henry's. THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. 119 Pollie. Lor, Rhoda, you never heard Patrick Henr}-. Rhoda. ]>iit I've read his speeches, and they've got the ring of his voice in them yet. Ain't you proud of your mother, Flory ? Florence. Not of her hist effort, Rhoda. Pollie. That's where you're right, Floy. I woukhi't like to have my motlier spouting in that manner. It looks coarse and unladylike. Rlioda. Well, I don't think I should like to have m}' mother take to that kind of business. Florence. I like it so little, girls, that I am deter- mined to give motlier a lesson, if 3-ou will grant me your assistance. Our principal, Miss Steady, had an attack of " woman's rights" at school last winter ; and the girls took advantage of it to indulge in a little mas- querading, which so affected our honored head, that we heard no more of woman's rights for the balance of the term. I shouldn't wonder if something of the kind would make mother a little less zealous in the cause. Rhoda. Oh, tell us all about it ! Pollie. Is there an}- fun in it? Florence. You shall see. Come to my room. Mother may return at any moment, and I do not wish her to see us at present. Pollie. There's something delightfully mj'sterious in 3"our proceedings, Floy. Rhoda. Yes : there's mischief in 3'our eyes. Florence. Perhaps ; time will show. Come, I want you too, Carrie. \_Exeunt^ r., Florence, Rhoda, and Pollie.] Caroline. Take me with her ! I wish she could. I 120 THE CHAjMPION OF HER SEX. love Floy too well to env}- her. But the privileges she enjoys, and to Avliich I feel I am entitled, would afford lue those opportunities for culture for which I have often sighed. {Enter Mrs. Duplex.) Mrs. D. Caroline, I am astonished ! You sitting here with 30ur arms folded, and the house in disorder ! Is this a fitting return for my care ? or have 30U for- gotten that to me you owe all 3'ou have in the world ? Caroline. You never allow me to forget that, madam. Yet I am grateful for 3'our care. Add one favor more, and let me go into the world, and earn my living. J/rs. D. Indeed ! As 30U are anxious to earn a living, perhaps it would be as well to commence at home. Caroline. This life is distasteful — Mrs. D. There, that's quite enough. I have very important business to engage my attention. Set the reception-room in order at once. ( Takes off bonnet and shaivl, and sits in easy-chair near table.) Caroline. Certainly, madam. \_Exit^ r. Mrs. D. My late lamented husband left me one useless incumbrance, — that girl. Strange some people are so hard to manage ! Now, then, to business. I've a long report to make to-night on the " Scheme for Improving the Condition of Motherless Girls." {Enter Mrs. Hartshorn, r.) Mrs. H. Lor, sakes, Hannah Merria ! You home? Mrs. D. Yes, mother, and hard at work. Mrs. H. {sitting on lounge, and knitting). Du tell ! Mrs. D. Yes, mother. There's a wide field of THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. 121 labor opening to v^illing hands. To raise •woman from her lowlj- position, is not tliat most noble work? Mrs. II. That depends on what she's doing, Han- nah IMerria. If she's scrubbing the floor (kee), the lower the better. Mrs. D. She was never meant for such ignoble toil. Mrs. II. Ignoble fiddlesticks ! P'r'aps 3-011 want the men-folks to do that. Mrs. D. It nia}' be necessar}- for the triumph of woman. Did 3-ou read ray speech, mother? 3Irs. II. No, I didn't. I've heard enough on 'em to be heartil}' sick. A pretty champion of 3'our sex, 3 ou are ! Mrs. D. I hope I am an earnest and an honest one. I have a mission, — to lift woman to a higher plane of civilization ; and I believe I have the power to fulfil it. Mrs. II. IIow? B3' getting up and speaking out in meeting? Never heard nothin' like it since Sail}' Skreecher j'ined the Millerites, and hollered so in meetin', that they thought the Angel Gabriel was a- toolin' his Iiorn (Icee.) ' 3Irs. D. Ah, mother ! you do not understand this noble movement of woman. Mrs. H. I understand washin' and ironin', and that's what I call the noblest movement woman ever took a hand in. I\Irs. D. There ; that's quite enough : we shall never agree. Be quiet, and let me write. Mrs. H. (Kee.) 11 122 THE CHAMPION OP HEE SEX. Ifrs. D. {lorites). " Silcntl}', but steadily', moves on the mighty cur of progress " — Mrs. H. (Kee.) Mrs. D. "Crushing, beneath its fast revolving wheels, prejudice and wrong ; upward soars the spirit of freedom, mounting on eagles' wings." Mrs. II. (Kee.) Say goose's wings, Hannah Merria. Mrs. D. Mother, will 3-ou be silent? Mrs. II. And hear you talk that bosh? Wh}-, every Fourth-of-July speaker has said them things j-ear after year since Cornwallis surrendered. {Enter RiiODA, R., disguised; a hlaclc shawl pinned tightly across her breast ; faded black bonnet with bright Jioicers stuck in it; large, black cotton gloves, much too long in the ^fingers, on her hands; and parasol. lihoda (very extravagant in her gestures). Where is she? Let me look upon her, the deliverer of our race, the champion of our sex ! Ah, she's here ! the noble face, the stately figger ! 'Tis she ! 'tis she ! {Falls at the feet of Mrs. D.) Mj-s. II. Land er Goshen ! that's Hannah Dudle}- ! Mrs. D. M}' good woman, can I be of service to you ? Rhoda (rises). You can, 30U can. I am the mother of nine interesting children, whom I have vainly endeavored to support for five years b}- the manufacture of molasses-cand}-. A sweet occupation, but, alas ! not profitable ; for, work as I will, I can make but just enougli to satisfy the wants of my chil- dren. 'Tis all they have for food. Mrs. H. Well, they're a sweet set. THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. 123 Mrs, D. My good woiDan, why do you come to inc ? llhoda. I come to sit at your feet ; to draw into my thirsty soul the teachings of your stupendous intellect. Glorious champion of my sex, I would wrest tVoia proud man one of his boasted prerogatives. Mrs. D. Indeed ! To Avhat sphere of usefulness do you aspire ? Mrs. H. She's ravin' about paregoric. She ouglit to be a doctor. Hhoda. I heard ^-our glorious speech last night, and every fibre of my being thrilled beneath the touch .of your matchless eloquence. You told us we had the ability to achieve success in any occupation where man could triumph. I want to be a butcher. 3rrs. H. Heavens and airth ! the woman's loony ! llhoda. Yes, a butcher ; that I ma}- give my chil- dren strong food, for which thej- hanker. Ah, the might}- butcher ! the crafty butcher ! the skilful butcher ! I have gazed upon him with admiration. With what power he fells the mighty oxen and — and — things ! How skilfully he sends to "green fields and pastures new " the sportive lambs ! With ^vhat grace he seizes the portly hog, and, regardless of its piteous cries, ends its devouring life ! Oh, glorious champion of our sex, teach me to excel in this great ])ranch of useful- ness, and fill the mouths of m}- babes ! 3frs. D. Woman, have you escaped from a lunatic asylum ? J/rs. H. Lor, Hannah Merria, she's 'sterrickj-. Airs. D. The poor woman's mad. Hhoda. Mad? Then 'tis you who have made me 124 THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. "" SO. You promise, and do not fulfil. Make me a butcher, or I will proclaim you a traitor to our cause, from the market-place, in the council-hall, from the house-tops. Champion of the sex ! Bah ! Give my children beef, pork, mutton, or "get you to a nun- nery," quick. \_Exit, r. 3frs. D. Poor woman, poor woman ! Mrs. H. Nothin' but skin and bones (kee). This all comes of political circuses. O Hannah Merria ! the millinariam won't come any sooner for all 3'er speechify in'. Better stay to home. Lor sakes ! who's this? {Enter Pollie, disguised. Old-fashioned straw bonnet, bright ribbons; faded shaid of bright patterns ; white cotton gloves, very large, upon hands.) Pollie. W-w- where is she, — the ch-ch-champion of our s-s-s-s-sex ? 3Irs. D. What do you wish, good woman ? Pollie. 'T-t-tis she : I know th-th-th-that v-v-A'oice ! D-d-dear Mrs. D-D-Duplex, last night you m-m-moved me with the f-f-f-force of your el-1-l-oquence. I liaA'e long b-b-blushed at our de-p-p-p-pendent situation : I have thrown off the c-ch-chain, and stand p-p-prepared to wrest from man one of his pr-p-proud p-p-p-p-pre- rogatives. Mrs. H. There's an awful waste of paregoric there, Mrs. D. And pray, my good woman, to what new field of labor do you aspire? Pollie. B-b-before I heard your v-voice, I listened to one that charmed my f-f-f-fancy. M-m-raake me like him, and I will b-b-bless you. I would be an auc- sh-sh-shunecr. THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. 125 3frs. D. An auctioneer ! do 3'ou want to insult me? Pollie. Insult j'ou, the cli-ch-eliampion of our s-s-s- sex? N-n-never ! B-b-but an auc-sh-sli-shuneer I must be. G-g-going, g-g-going, g-g-gone. Oil, it's splendid ! How much am 1 oUcred? St-st-stove, t-t-ta- ble, ch-chair, in one 1-1-lot. Il-h-hovv much? G-g-go- ing, g-going — 3/rs. H. (Kee.) Pollie. G-g-gone! Thank j'ou, marm. Mrs. D. A\'oman, leave this house at once ! Pollie. What f-f-for? AiiVt you the ch-ch-cham- pion of our s-s-sex? D-d-didn't ^'ou s-s-say we were f-f-f-fitted to t-t-take the place of m-m-man? and ain't I g-g-going to be an auc-sh-shuneer, hey? Mrs. D. You are lit for nothing but the work- house. Instantly leave this room, or I will have you driven into the street. Pollie. Ch-ch-champion of our s-s-sex ! P-p-pooh ! You're an imp-p-postor : you d-d-deceive us with your sp-p-peeches. If 30U don't make me an auc-sh-sh- shunecr, I'll d-denounce j'ou, — 3'es, I will, now, at once. I'm g-g-going, g-g-going, g-gone. \_Exit.i r. 3[rs. D. Was there ever any thing so provoking? It's the work of our enemies. Mrs. II. No^ 'tain't, Hannah : it's a nat'ral im- pediment. Mrs. D. Mother, shut up ! Mrs. II. Wal, I never ! Is that the way you lion or you r p are n t ? (Kee.) Mrs. D. It seems I am to be made a laughing- 11* 126 THE CHAMPION OP HER SEX. stock for mj' sijeecli. Could I have been too hasty? {Enter Florence, r.) Mrs. I). Goodness, child ! ^'ou home again? (Elses.) Florence {tragically) . Stop ! Approach me not. Busy rumor, with its thousand tongues, says, last night you asserted, in a crowded assembly, that woman could achieve success in any path trodden by man, I come to 30U for truth. Speak, mother ! did you speak those words ? is rumor true ? Mrs. D. I did say so, Florence. Florence {liijhthj). Then, m}' good mother, 3-ou will be delighted to hear that your daughter has chosen the profession in which she hopes to win fame. I want to be a lawyer. Mrs. H. Lor sakes ! Mrs. D. Florence, you are trifling with a serious matter. Florence. Yes, 'tis a serious matter. But I feel that in that profession I can win success. " Gentle- men of the jur}', I stand before 3'ou to plead the cause of a young girl, who needs all your sympath}'. She was the idol of fond parents ; but, alas ! her mother died : her father took to his side a second bride, and she was neglected. Not content with this, on his death-bed the father cut her off from any share of his wealth, and left to the mercy of her step-mother." Mrs. D. Florence, what means this ? ' Florence. "Gentlemen of the jury, can 3'ou ask? Beneath this roof is one who is entitled to all the benefits of wealth and education ; but she is made a drudge : while she who should rear her tenderly sees THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX, 127 not tlie oppressed in her own home, but seeks abroad that labor for the improvement of tlie condition of motherless girls Avhicli should be commenced beneath her own roof." Mrs. D. Florence, are 3"ou serious, or are yon crazy ? Mrs. H. Not a bit of it, Hannah Merria (kee). Florence. Only practising, mother. {Enter Rhoda, r.) Jihoda. Mrs. Duplex, champion of our sex, I want to be an actor ! 3frs. D. An actress, j'ou mean. Rhoda. No, an actor. Eichard the Third, Riche- lieu, Macbeth, are the characters I would plaj-. The}- are manly. If man can excel in them, so can woman. HaA'c you not said we could win success — Mrs. D. Silence ! Don't let me hear that word again. Jihoda. Yes : let me tread the boards as Macbeth. "Is tliis a dagger which I see before me?" Mrs, II. (Kee.) That j'oung one's loony too. Rhoda. Or as Richelieu. "lu the lexicon of youth, which Fate preserves for a bright iiiauliood, There's uo such word as fail ! " Mrs. II. (Kee.) Mad as a March hare ! Rhoda. Or as Richard. " Off with his head ! So much for Buckingham." Mrs. II. Land sakes ! that would be too much for him. 128 THE CHAMPION OP HER SEX, 3rrs. D. Enoiigli of this, Ehoda Dendron. I do not care to be made the butt of your amusement. We can dispense with 3-our compan}-. (Enter Pollie, r.) Pollie. Mrs. Duplex, champion of ^our sex, I have chosen my profession. I will be a general in the armj-. Mrs. I). Pollie Nay ! Pollie. A glorious life, at the head of a host, char- ging upon the foe. " Up and at them ! " "Chai-ge, Chester, charge ! On, Stanley, on!" Mrs. D. Silence ! Florence, what does all this mean ? Gracious goodness ! whom have we here ? {Enter Maggie, t.., icith a rough pea-jacket and a tar- paulin hat added to her costume.) Mrs. I). Mafro-ie what does this mean? Marjrjie. If je plaze, missus, the}- towld me nixt door that all the women-folks was a-goin' to step into the men's places ; and so I thought I'd jist give warnin', and take mesilf to the say, for me own Teddy is a sailor, and I might climb the sails, and pull the ropes, and haul in a jib, till I larnt the wa}', if ye plaze. Mrs. D. Why, Maggie, I'm astounded to tliink j'ou should listen to such nonsense. Maggie. Sure, 'twas Bridget Dal^-, nixt door, that heard yez own silf talk last night, and towld me. {Enter Katie, n.^with a large military hat on her head, a gun on her shoidder.) Maggie. Oh, murther ! Here's Kate wid a gun ! All. A gun ! (Katie comes, c.) Pollie (r.) . Oh, dear ! put it the other way ! (Katie titrns to n.) THE CHAMPION OF HER SEX. 129 JRJioda. (l.) No, no ! the other way ! Mrs. H. Lord-a-merc}' ! she'll blow all our brains out! {Gets behind lounge.) Florence. Put down that gun, Katie. (Katie talces it from her shoulder. ) (PoLLiE and Rhoda scream, and jump xip in chairs, R. ; Mks. Duplex gets behind easy-chair ; Maggie jumps upon lounge; and all cry, " Drop it! " " It's loaded!" " Take it away!" " Call somebody!") Florence {taJces the gun, and lays it xqion the floor). You can descend in safet}-, girls. {All get doicn.) Mrs. D. Now, Katie, what does this mean? Katie. If ye plaze, Mrs. Duplex, I thought, bein' the good time that's comin' was come, and the women- folks was a goin' to rule, and the men-folks do the housework, I'd give warnin', if you plaze. {Stoops, and picks up the gun. All scream, and renew their old positions on chairs, behind chair andlounge, as before; repeat cries, " Put it doivn," &c.) Florence. Don't be alarmed : it's not loaded. {All quiet again.) Mrs. D. Well, it's about time an end was put to this nonsense. You have picked up one of my remarks last night for the purpose of laughing at me, or — Florence. Teaching a lesson, mother. Mrs. D. Well, I acknowledge my remarks were a little wild, and am prepared to pay the penance. What shall it be ? You seem to have been the manager of the remarkable scene. Speak. Florence. Mother, I want to take Canie back with me when I return to school. 130 THE CHAMPION OF HEB SEX, Mrs. 11. Bless my soul ! what do you think I found in your father's desk to-da}-? Something that looks, for all the world, like a will. Here it is. {Gives paper to Mrs. D.) Mrs. D. A will! {Opening it.) And of a later date than the one in my possession. (Reads.) "To be equally divided between my dear wife, and m^- beloved daughter Caroline." Indeed ! This must be seen to. Florence. Ah ! then Carrie is not penniless, after all. Mrs. D. Florence, how can you speak so? Never, while I live. AVhere is the dear child ? Mrs. H. Shouldn't wonder if she was sweepin' off the steps. {Enter Caroline, r.) Caroline. The reception-room is in order, madam. Mrs. D. Caroline, m}' dear child, I think your experience in house-affairs has been sufficient for the present. You will go with my daughter to Rushly Seminar}' on her return. I shall look after my house myself hereafter. Mrs. II. Lor' sakes, Hannah Merria, are you com- ing to 3'our senses ? Mrs. I). I hope I have never been bereft of them. Florence. And the Reform Club, mother — Mrs. D. Shall still have my hearty support ; but no more public speeches for the present, for my house needs putting in order ; and 3'ou have reminded me of that \thich I had almost forgotten, that a woman's first duty is to her home. Katie. Faith, ma'am, if there's to be a misthress, I'll sthay, if yez plaze. THE CITAMriON OF UEH SEX. 131 Maggie. An' mesilf, too, missus, hy your lave. Florence. There, mother, the storm's over ; so let's hear no more of " woman's rights." Rhoda. And I can't be a butcher ! Pollie. Nor I an auc-sh-sh-shuneer. It's too bad ! Mrs. D. So there has been masquerading here. Florence. For which I alone am to blame. Mother, we are wild girls, and good subjects for missionary work. Set the Female Reform Club a good example by commencing its work in your own neighborhood, and reform us. Mrs. D. There is certainly a large field of labor here for me ; and I shall set about the work at once. But what will the officers of the club say ? Mrs. H. (Kee.) That you've backslid, Hannah Merria. Florence. If they are honest and earnest, they will say that she who to the welfare of her family first gives her heart, is a stanch friend to progress. In that realm she is queen, and they who bend beneath her loving sway, freely acknowledge her, in that grand sphere, the Champion of her Sex. Situations. Caroline. Florence. Rhoda. Mrs. D. Pollie. Mrs. H. Katie. Maggie. K. I" Curtain. THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. A NATIONAL ALLEGORY. CHAKACTEES. Gloria, Goddess of Freedom. Rui'.iNA, her Counsellor of War. Serena, lier Conusellor of Peace. Queen Mab of Dreaiuland. Drowsa, Or-LiviA, SoMNA, SooTHA, Dream-Spirfts. Art, Industry, Music, Plenty, Serena's Attendants. Eevenge, Discord, Cruelty, Hatred, Eubina's Attendants. Action supposed to have occurred in Dreamland. Green hanTc, c. Behind this a small platform about six inches high; chorus seated r. and l. of stage. Opening Chorus; air, " The Quiet Night." Slumber o'er earth is sending Its realm of sweet repose : The stream of life, rest-tending, In peace through Dreamland flows ; Where waiting and caressing, With varied visions blessing. Dream spirits vigils keep ; Dream spirits vigils keep ; Their vigils keep, their vigils keep. 135 136 THE VISIONS OF TREEDOM. (As the cliorus closes, enter r., Drowsa and Oblivia ; L., SoMNA and Sootha ; then k., Queen Mab, tvho stands c.) Q. Mah. Spirits of Dreamland, once again we meet, Our round of nigiitl^- revel to repeat. O'er earth, when locked in sleep's warm, close em- brace. Since time began, the genius of our race Has had the power fearlessly to swa}' The visionary sceptre all obey. The mighty monarch, who, with tyrant frown, Upholds the burden of his weighty crown ; The fierce-browed warrior who relentless slaj's, And, bathed in blood, his vows to Moloch paj's ; Haughty and lowl}', powerful and weak, — Under m3-sterious spells our guidance seek. Sweet sister spirits. Dreamland opens wide ; Yet justice guards it Avell on every side. Over the pure we ros}' visions throw : Around the base a sea of troubles flow. Ere forth 3'ou glide to pi}' your happy arts, Your queen would learn the secrets of your hearts ; Who hie to sport, with mischievous intent. And who on graver ministries are bent. Sootha. I've an old miser under watchful care, With sordid soul, of generous impulse bare ; Who nightly feasts, with avaricious ej-es. Where treasured gold in rare profusion lies ; Who revels o'er his fast-increasing store. Chuckles with glee, yet wistful sighs for more ; THE VISIONS OF FKEEDOM. 137 Starvation's ininge, in a den so bare, It seems a fit abode for dark despair. Into liis sleep I glide, disturb his rest, Rattle his treasure, till, with fear possessed, As frightful visions thick and thicker press, He trembling wakes, his idol to caress. Ohlivia. Fair queen, a toiling student I enchain, And with mj' art refresh his wear^^ brain : Up wisdom's heights I lead him by the hand, And show him visions of the promised land ; Fair fields of learning spread before his gaze, For him the realm of science set ablaze. Ope Fame's grand temple. Honor's scroll unroll. And tell the triumphs of the trusting soul, Till hope re-animates the wasting fire With earnest zeal and conquering desire. Somna. I guard a trusting maiden, j'oung and fair, "Whom Love has tangled in his silken snare ; Spread rosy dreams amid her sleeping hours. And lead her captive through a land of flowers ; Adorn her hero with true manly pride. And of the future ope the portal wide, While smiles of pleasure o'er her sweet face creep, And blissful words betray her secret deep. With rare delight her day-dreams I repeat. And make her young life's round of love complete. Droiosa. Oh, I've a task, fair queen, will love secure. Last night I visited with visions pure A weary mother, who, for many a da}'. Watched o'er the cradle where her dear babe lay 12* 138 THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. "Wasting with fever, till the unseen Hand Took it in kindness to a better land. Long has she mourned its loss, with wakeful ej'es, Fast-falling tears, low, sad, and bitter cries. Last night she slept ; and then, in vision's charms, I crept, and laid her babe within her arms. Content she rested, with a smile so sweet, I go to-night this comfort to repeat. Q. Mah. Your zeal, industrious spirits, we applaud : Your chosen missions meet with full accord ; Yet for this night we have a task so grand. Your queen would all 3'our energies command. JSomna. 'We wait your pleasure, Oblivia. All our arts employ ; Droivsa. Set us what tasks you will, Sootha. We'll serve with jo}'. Q. Mah. Thanks, sistei's ! To our confidence draw near, And list our secret with attentive ear. Freedom's fair goddess, Gloria, in doubt. Her fair Republic, restless roams about, Seeking a talisman to life prolong. And make her youthful charge wax brave and strong. Close at her side Eubina, crafty maid, "Whose fire-lit e^-es gloat over war's dread trade. Plies her bold speech, unchecked b}- fear of frown, Counselling deeds of conquest and renown ; "While calm Serena, long to Peace allied, "Whose gentle influence stretches far and wide, Recounts the glories of a land at rest. With sterling Industry's rich harvests blest. THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. 139 "Wavering betwixt the gentle and the bold, By turns rebellious, and by turns controlled. Poor Gloria wanders long, in dire distress AVhich counsellor to choose her realm to bless. Old custom gives to us prophetic power To guide by vision in the trying hour. And so to-night, o'er Gloria's doubting heart, Fair sister spirits, we will ply our art, Lure her to Dreamland, and in phantom light Illume her path, and guide her to the right. Stand close ! she comes ! the light winds bear along The martial burden of her triumph song. \^Eetire, and form behind hank. Chorus; air, '■'■Love of Country." Blest is the land where Freedom rears, 'Neath heaven's blue, arching dome, For labor's sons of every clime, Her proud and happy home. Beyond the reach of t^-rant rule, Free are the hands we raise : Onward we move, with jo^'ous song Of thankfulness and praise. Blest is the land, &c. 140 THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. {Enter l., Gloria, attended hy Rubina and Serena, folloioed hy Attendants.) c. Gloria. K. Rdbina. Serena, l. {> >> H . H H H « O [> ^> !^ =^ H H CO . c« Gloria. Yes, mine, all mine, this bounteous land, So rich in varied blessings that command Homage from all. The mighty of the earth Must stoop to thee, O land of lowly birth ! Til}' mountains rise in majest}' and pride ; In royal state thy A-alle^'s open wide ; Th}- broad, expansive waters, spreading free, Embrace the bosom of the mother sea ; Out of a fruitful earth th}' harvests rise ; Out leaps the golden pre with glad suri[Drise ; Over til}- broad domains, with ceaseless hum. Labor's gTand armies ever conquering come ; While rare Invention opes its secret heart, And Genius rears its monumental art. O land of promise ! Gloria's inmost prayer Could ask no more than th}' fair fate to share. Sweet counsellors, let Wisdom quick contrive Some plan this happy state to keep alive. Rahina. A nation's life, fair mistress, action craves ; Cold, sluggish apath}' the blood enslaves. THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. 141 Renown's the rock on which to rear a state ; Rubina's counsel is for conquest straight. Gloria. Conquest, Rubina ! Thine's a sorr}- jest. We have no quarrels : friends with all we rest. Ruhina. A}- : but to win renov.n, with fair excuse, Strilce at the shadow of some old abuse Among our neighbors ; or, with slight parade Of justice, boldly on their borders raid. Quick to revenge, their warlike hearts upspring : "To arms! to arms!" the>\.cr3'. Their Aveapons ring ; On us thev march, a fast-increasing band, Till in the confines of our realm they stand. " Quick ! to repel invasion ! " then our cry ; Alarming signals flash out fierce and high ; From east and west, from north and south, outpour The sons of Freedom, in their strength secure ; Drive back the foe, in turn invade their fold, Until their fate victorious!}' we hold. Gloria. And then — Ruhina. And then boldly for ransom claim A portion of their realm in Freedom's name. Gloria. "What says Serena ? Serena. 'Tis a crafty plot, And full of wickedness. I like it not. Freedom's a name too sacred to infold A hungering appetite for greed and gold. "What conquest gains is ne'er enriched by toil ; Ensanguined earth is but a sterile soil. Rubina's counsel, and her bold device, "Would purchase glory at a bloody price. 142 THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. Eubina. Serena, pause ! thou liast no right to frown, With th}' cold-hearted words, my counsel down. No crafty plot I weave to bring disgrace, But lofty plans to glorify the race. Let War once set his standard in the field, With strengtli and valor blazoned on his shield, The roar of cannon, and the clash of steel, Shall glad the nation with triumphant peal, And strong and mighty conquerers enroll Heroic deeds on her historic scroll. Serena. While o'er the land the blood of her dear sons — Conquest's sad recompense — in horror runs. Forbear, Rubina ! Gracious mistress, might Should ever wield its strong arm for the right. Let not Rubina's counsel cany Aveight, Lest angr}- discord rend 3-our loft^" state. Rubina. Insult again — Gloria. ^^y-, na}', Rubina. Pause : Thou hast had ample time to urge th}' cause. With patience curb a while th^- fier^- mood ; We'll ponder well thy influence for good. Speak thou, Serena. Canst thou find release For our perplexity in ways of peace ? Serena. Ay, peace, fair mistress, is the fount of health, Wheuce'flow the streams of happiness and wealth That bless a nation. In its waters fair. Drowned are the pangs of life-corroding care ; Cheered and refreshed is duty's faithful heart, In labor's trials strong to take its part. THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. 143 O liapp}' Gloria ! o'er this blest domain, With Peace th}' minister, forever reign. Its power can bless th}' state with bright renown, And deck with radiant gems tliy royal crown. Let not bold War thy quiet glades invade. To ruthless revel in thy marts of trade, Affront thy people with its thundering peal. And grind the harvests 'neath its iron heel. For Peace is mighty to achieve all ends. And highest good with grandest triumph blends. Eubina. Ignoble Toil, Serena, grovels low, And on the race no glory can bestow. Serena. Toil is the power that tears the rock away, And brings rare jewels to the light of day. RuUna. 'Tis base ! Serena. 'Tis noble ! Gloria. Silence, I entreat ! Counsel is vain when angry passions meet. In patience we have heard : in patience wait. Till we have pondered on this strange debate. And made our choice. Anon we'll make it known. Await our pleasure. We would be alone. {Repeat chorus, "-Blest is the land" &c., and march off R., Eubina amd Attendants; l., Serena and Attendants. Gloria sits on hank.) Gloria. O doubting heart ! the battle to repeat. Within thy depths Content and Conquest meet. Upon the field where Conscience sits enthroned, One must be victor crowned, and one disowned. 144 THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. When "Wisdom all its arguments hath, plied, Thou, judge impartial, must the case decide. Upon thy fiat hangs a nation's fate : G ive me the power to make my people great. Song; air, " Oh, come ye into the summer ivoods:" Queen Mab and Dream-Spirits. Oh, sink you into soft slumber's arms ! There dwelleth no annoy ; There freely rove the Dreamland sprites, And sweet rest is full of J03'. Gloria {sloioly sinks to rest, speaking softly, with dosed eyes) . Soft, drowsy^pirits o'er my senses creep. And bear me captive to the realm of sleep. Song continued. We'll spread for 3'ou, in phantom light, That plainly you may know. The woes of dreadful warfare. The joys from peace that flow. Oh ! sink 3-ou, &c. Queen Mab (comes front of hank, and kneels; SoMNA and Oblivia come doivn r. ; Drowsa and SOOTHA, L.). Ay, sink to sleep, fair goddess. Healthy rest From weighty care shall ease thy troubled breast ; Prophetic visions o'er thy senses roll, To guide to just result thy struggling soul. THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. 145 Rubina comes with treason in her tread, To crafty acts by false ambition led. {Enter Rubina, r. She passes behind hank, and stands c, looJcing doion at Gloria. Then enter u., Cruelty and Hatred, who pass toL. ; Discord and Revenge, who stand r.) Rubina, Gloria, on bank. Queen Mab, kneeling. R. Discord. SOMNA. Revenge. Oblivia. Hatred, l. Sooth A. Cruelty. Drowsa. Rubina. In fetters bound all powerless she lies, The mighty goddess who all earth defies. The slave of sleep. Relinquished the command Which sways the fortune of her chosen land. The gleaming crown on her majestic brow But serves as s^nnbol of her bondage now. Should I but snatch it from her pillowed head, Rubina rules, and Freedom's host is led Instant to conquest. 'Tis a glorious aim. Speak, 3'ou who wait : have I jour free acclaim ? Discord. Quick ! snatch the crown, and I will hie ^ away To boldly with the meaner passions play ; Quicken 3'our hosts with feverish desire, With love of anarchy their bosoms fire. 13 146 THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. Pause not, but on the instant power assume ! Discord will go before, and cry, " Make room ! " Cruelty. A}', wear the crown. Let war defiant move ; Let me 'mid soft and tender passions rove, Crushing and slaying, turning all to steel. Forged in the flame of fierce and bitter zeal. Allegiance to thee. Cruelty will give ; Under thy triumphs will she grandl}' live. Hatred. Usurp the regal state, and I am free War's stanch and sturdy champion to be. Warm blood I quicken with a thirsty hate, That nought but anarchv can satiate. Unto th}' crown I full allegiance lend ; Hatred b}' thee will ever stand as friend. Revenge. Success to treason ! At i]iy feet I lay My fond allegiance. Bid me quick array The fiercest passions. 1 will straightway prove M3' bold endeavor worthy* of th}- love. War is my idol ; at its luring call Revenge is quick, and sure to conquer all Ruhina. O glorious spirits ! what you free ac- cord. This grateful heart shall bless with rich reward. Success is certain : I'll no longer pause, But raise aloft the standard of our cause. (TaJces croivn from Gloria's head.) The crown is mine. Rise, War, in triumph now ; Gloria's rare diadem is on my brow ! THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. 147 Tableau. Tlie croivning of War. Hatred. Rlbina. Discord. Gloria, on bank. R. SoMNA. Queen Mab. Sootiia. l. Revenge. Cruelty. Oblivia. Drowsa. A chord. Rubina places croion on her head; stands with her hands raised to the crown. Gloria starts np, resting on one hand, her other hand raised to her broio, terror in her eyes. Queen Mab on her Jcnees in front of bank, her hands clasped, resting in her lap, head thrown back. Somna, r., and Sootha, l., in line with Queen Mab, crouch each tuith one hand on her shoidder, the other outstretched, as thoxigh warding off danger. Hatred and Discord run r. and l. of Rubina ; each has hand on her ivaist, the other raised in triumph. Drowsa falls at the feet of Cruelty, l., her back to audience, her hands raised and clasped. Cruelty looks down at her with right hand raised and clenched, as though about to strike. Oblivia falls at the feet of Revenge, r,, ivith outstretched arms, facing audience; Revenge seizes her hands, bends her back, and looks into her face. Expressions of terror on the faces of Dream- Spirits and Gloria ; triumph in those of Rubina and 7ier Attendants. Soft music tintil the attention of the audience is fastened on the picture, then, — Chorus; air, '■'■Soldier's Chorus." Glory and fame for the free and bold ! War's red bauner let heroes unfold, 148 THE VISIONS OP FREEDOM. Boldl}- advancing to win renown, Ay, eager to fight, and ready to guard Rubina's crown. Semi-chorus. Who lack courage to dare in the front of fight, With conquest before, and the foe in sight? Semi-cJiorus. Who would falter or turn when glory and fame Their bright laurels press, and with victory bless, In War's mighty name? Chorus. Glory and fame, &c. Rnhina. Up and away ! the tocsin sounds afar ; The land of freedom is the realm of war. Repeat chorus^ " Glory and Fame" &c., and exit r., RuBiNA, followed by Revenge, Hatred, Discord, and Cruelty. As the music ceases, Queen Mab and the Dream-Spirits resume their places at back of bank.) Gloria. Rubina false, and I, by sleep possessed. Powerless to rise my rightful crown to lATCst ! Queen Mab. Now, fair Serena, let thy loyal heart. The treasures of its secret depths impart. Sisters, the spell prolong with slumber's chain ; Bind the fair goddess to her dreams again. THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. 149 Song: Queen Mab a7id Dream-Spirits; air, " The Image of the Rose." Come, Sleep, on drows}' pinions flying. Fair Gloria lull to sweet repose. The land of dreams around her lying, To charm her senses, brightl}' glows. There peaceful visions, soft, entrancing, In changeful measures sport and play. Sleep, by thy magic power advancing, Within thy arms bear her away. Magical sleep, bear her, bear her, oh, bear her away ! As the song i^roceeds, the Dream-Spirits and Queen Mab sloivly exeunt, r. Serena, and Attendants, Mu- sic, with a lyre; Industry, with a distaff; Plenty, with a horn of plenty; and Art, ivith a palette and brushes, — appear, i,., when the music ceases. Se- rena stands c, looking down at Gloria ; her Attend- ants L. The implements carried by the Attendants should be made of flowers, if possible. Bank. w Serena. ^ B. L. H Serena. Genius of Freedom, in thy visions bless Serena's faithful heart with warm caress. Let not vain Conquest flatter and deceive : Bid restful Peace at once thy doubts relieve. Bending in homage to thy ro3al sway. Strong to achieve, and zealous to obey, 13* 150 THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. She sues for favor : bid her journey wide, Prosperity to sow on ever}- side. She pleads in love : receive her earnest praj'er, And of thy love bestow a generous share. Industry. Hear her, great goddess : read}' to inthrall True-hearted worth, I wait her cheer}- call. With brain and muscle ceaselessly I play, Opening new harvests to the light of day. Contentment, life's warm, sweet, and better part, Industry thrones in Labor's thrifty heart. Plenty. List to her prayer, O Gloria ! All elate To fill the treasure-house of wealth I wait ; At her command, the harvest shall outpour. To deck thy chosen land from shore to shore. "Warmed in the love-light of her peaceful eyes. Plenty, fruit-freighted, shall luxurious rise. Art. Grant her fond wish, fair goddess, and I twine Into thy reign, with rare and grand design, All that pen, brush, and chisel can achieve, Thy weighty cares to lighten and relieve. Gigantic Genius bends a willing knee, When Art, by Peace, to triumph is set free. Music. Hear her, fair goddess, and I joyous soar, Paeans of thankfulness and praise to pour In bounteous song. Thy proud and happy reign Shall be the burden of my glad refrain. Religion's anthems swell Avith large increase When Music rises at the call of Peace. Serena. Dost hear, my mistress? All the Graces meet In my behalf, thy favor to entreat. THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. 151 Grant me th}- love, and beautiful and grand Shall be the labors of this gifted band. {Enter Rubina, r., and her Attendants.) Eubina. Thou suest for love, Serena, all too late : Gloria has parted with her high estate. I sued for power, defied the royal frown, Plaj'ed with bold hand, and won the regal crown. Serena. The crown upon thy head ! Oh, bitter woe O'er a fair land relentlessly' shall flow ! Must I relinquish all my dreams of bliss? Do I deserve such recompense as this ? Muhina. Check thy bold speech, Serena. Get thee hence ! Thy piteous pleading is a rash offence Against our state. Serena. Rash Rubina, hold ! Peace by th}' sway can never be controlled. Thou hast usurped the guidance of a race Who shrinlc in terror from th3' brazen face. Thou hast with treachery obtained a crown ; Serena quails not at a wicked frown. Traitress — Eubina. Defied by thee ! At once away ! Rubina rules, and can relentless sla}-. Thj' power is crushed : Serena now must cease The fickle glow of enervating peace. With all the sprites that compass thee about. From Freedom's realms I boldl}' drive thee out. War's might^' reign begins — 152 THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. (Gloria rises quickly, steps between, and snatches the crown from Rubina's head.) Gloria. False one, 'tis o'er ! Flaunt th}' fierce mien in our domain no more. Thy rude assaults of recklessness and pride, Fame, glory, and renown, in scorn deride. Thou hast no charms the noble to inthrall ; No knightly hearts obey thy martial call When Conquest beckons. Here, within the realm, Be thou content to treason overwhelm With mighty force. Fate binds thee to our side ; Henceforth thou watchful guard, and we will guide. ( Waves her hand; Rubina and her Attendants retire to back of stage, l. ; Gloria passes behind bank, and sta7ids.) By vision hath our sleep been girt about, And happy wake we, free from anxious doubt. Our choice 'twixt War and Peace we here reveal, And stamp the fiat with our royal seal. Approach, Serena ! Love thou dost desire. (Serena stands near c.) Thou hast all charms affection to inspire, — Heart warm with honesty and generous zeal ; Brain strong to contrive, and mighty to reveal ; Soul full of teeming virtues. All outflow, Blessings of peace and love to free bestow. Henceforth to guide us by thy loving arts. We crown thee sovereign in our heart of hearts. THE VISIONS OF FREEDOM. 153 Tableau. Tlie crowning of Peace. Dream-Spirits. Attendants. Queen JVLab. Gloria. Bank. Rubin A. Industry. Serena. Art. R. Plenty. Music, l. Serena sits on bank, effacing audience^ Jiands folded across her breast. Gloria stands behind her, pla- cing the crown upon her head; Industry r. of Sere- na, seated on bank, facing r., distaff in her left hand resting against shoidder ; Art in the same position L. of Serena, /acm^ l., with palette in her left hand; Music kneeling in front of Art, facing audience, playing upon lyre; Plenty kneeling on right knee, front of Industry, ontpotiring her horn of plenty ; Rubina l., back, ivith her Attendants grouped behind her. Queen Mab enters r., ivith her Dream-Spirits, and group r., back. Ax^propriate Tmisic: then chorus; air, Eichberg's ^''National Hymn." On thee, O Freedom, grand and great ! In confidence we lean. Our land to bless, with fond caress Of happiness serene. To hail thy crowning, gentle Peace, Let music joj'ous soar ; While harvests wave, and blessings lave Thy realm from shore to shore. Mepeat. Curtain. 154 NOTE. Note. — All the tunes used in this allegory, with the single exception of Eichberg's "National Hymn" (which is published in sheet-form), are from "The Grammar School Chorus," which furnished the tunes for "The Kevolt of the Bees," "The War of the Roses," and " Lightheart's Pilgrimage," by the same author. Published by O. Ditson & Co., and sold by Lee & Shepard, Boston. Price §1.00. THE MEERY CHEISTMAS OF THE OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE. THE MERRY CHRISTMAS OF THE OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE. CHARACTERS. The Old Woala-N who lived in a Shoe. Santa Claus, disgiiised as a Beggar. Ten or twelve Childken, Boys and Girls of various ages. Scene. — Tlie exterior of " Copper Toe Shoe Souse" which is set at back of platform. Chorus (invisible) ; air, " Revolutionary Tea " (p. 194, "Golden Wreath"). There was an old woman who lived in a shoe ; Of children she had a score : So man}' had she, to know what to do Was a question which puzzled her sore. {Head of Child appears at 1.) To some she gave broth without any bread ; But never contented were the}', Till she whipped them all soundly, and put them to bed, 14 157 158 THE MEERY CHRISTMAS OF THE And then very happy were they, And then very happy were they. (Head appears at 2.) " Now, mother, dear mother," the young ones would cry, As they dropped off with a nod, " To train up a child in the way to go, O mother, dear, ne'er spare the rod. (Child's head appears at 3.) For broth without bread is a watery waste ; And never contented are we. Till with your good stick it is thickened to taste ; {Three heads appear at A.) And then, oh, how happy are we ! And then, oh, how happy are we ! " Enter Old "Woman, r. Her costume, bodice, quilted petticoat, sugar-loaf hat, high-heeled shoes, and cane. 0. W. Aha! (Heads disappear quick.) Good gracious ! can't I leave the house a minute, But what a head's at every window in it ? Don't let me see the tip of a single nose ; For, if you do, we'll surely come to blows. Poor dears ! they want the air. Well, that is cheap And strengthening ; for they live on air and sleep. Food is so high, and work is so unstidd}'. Life's really wearing on this poor old widdy. OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE. 159 ^■"^ 2 PI kO O ■ ■ o - - h3 W w H O o o 013 o (t> O 71 H < o 1-1 o "a o W o CO Ui W O W o CO 160 THE MERRY CHRISTMAS OF THE {Heads appear, one after the other, as before.) Ah me ! here's good old Christmas come again. How can I join in the triumphant strain Which moves all hearts ? I am so old and poor, With none to aid me from their generous store. Child at 1. Mother, I want a drum. Child at 2. I want a doll ! Child at 3. Gimme a sword ! Three Children at 4. Got presents for us all? 0. W. Aha! {Heads disapp)ear quick.) Poor dears ! if with the will I had the power, The choicest Christmas gifts should on them shower. Song: Old Woman ; air, " Comin' through the Rye." If a widdy's with her biddies, Living in a shoe, If a widdy's work unstiddies, What'llwiddydo? {Heads appear as before.) Every mother loves her biddies ; Many a one have I ; But where get gifts to fill their fists, When I've no gold to buy ? Aha ! {Heads disappear quick.) There is a sprite oft comes this night. Whom children love full well ; But what's his name, and where's his hame, He does not always tell. OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE. 161 {Heads appear as before.) Lads and lassies know good Santa, With presents not a few ; "Would he were here, my chicks to cheer, Living in a shoe ! Aha! {Heads disappear.) "Well, I'll get in, and make the children warm. Tucked in their beds, the^-'re alwa3's safe from harm. And in their dreams, perhaps, such gifts will rise As wakeful, wretched poverty denies. ■ {Disax>X)ears behind sJioe.) Enter cautiously, k., Sakta Claus ; Ms fabled dress is hidden by a long domino., or '■'•ivaterjyroof;" he has^ swung about his neck, a tin kitchen, on which he grinds an imaginary accompaniment to his song. Santa. " You'd scarce expect one of my age " — For gray hair is the symbol of the sage — To play at " hide-and-seek," to your surprise. Here's honest Santa Claus, in rough disguise. But 'tis all right, as I will quick explain. For I've a mystic project " on the brain." I've dropped down chimneys all this blessed night, "Where warmth and comfort join to give delight ; I've filled the stockings of the merry elves, "Who, to fond parents, are rich gifts themselves ; And now I've come, resolved to make a show In that old mansion with the copper toe, "Where dwells a dame, Avith children great and small, Enough to stock a school, or crowd a hall. 14* 162 THE MERRY CHRISTMAS OF THE If they are worthy of our kind regard, Christmas shall bring to them a rich reward. So I have donned for once a meaner dress, To personate a beggar in distress. If to my wants they lend a listening ear, The rough old shoe shall glow with Christmas cheer : If the}' arc rude, and turn me from the door, Presto ! I vanish, and return no more. Song : Santa Claus ; air^ " Them blessed Roomatics" M}' name's Johnn}' Schmoker, and I am no joker ; I don't in my pockets no greenbacks perceive. For, what with high dressing in fashions distressing, I can't with a morsel my hunger relieve. My stomach so tender, that aches there engender ; The whole blessed day I am crying out, " Oh ! " Drat these grand fashions ! they wakens my passions, A-nippiu' and gnawiu' my poor stomach so I {Heads appear as before.) I've had the lumbager, dyspepsy, and ager. With tight-fitting veskits and pantaloons too ; Highsterics and swimins, delirious trimins, St. Vestris's dance, and the tick dolly-oo. Bat not the whole gettin', one's body tight fits in, Is noffln' to this, which is drefiTul. Oh, oh ! Drat these grand fashions ! they wakens my passions, A-nippin' and gnawiu' my poor stomach so ! OLD "WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE, 1G3 (Heads disappear. ) Now, there's a touching song to move the heart, Hark ! what's that? I thought I heard them start. Song: Children, outside; air, '■^ Oh, dear, luhat can the matter be ? " Oh, dear, what can the matter be? Dear, dear, what can the matter be? Oh, dear, what can the matter be ? Somebody's groaning out there ! A hungry old beggar has come here to tease us. By grinding an organ he knows will not please us. He hopes it may bring him a handful of pennies, To bu}' him a loaf of brown bread. Enter Old Woman, ivith Children, l., from behind shoe. The largest hangs on to her slcirts, the next in size to the largest, until they dwindle to the small- est; repeat song as they enter sloivly, turn to r., march across stage; turn to l., march across again; turn to R,, and form across stage. 0. W. Now go awa}', old man. 'Tis veiy queer That you should seek to waste your sweetness here ; For we've no money, not a cent, to pay For music ; so you'd better up and move away. Santa. Alas, alas ! and can you be unkind To one who's been b}' Fortune left behind ; "Who has no friend, no money, and no clo'es ; The hunted victim of unnumbered woes ? 1G4 THE MEKEY CHRISTMAS OP THE Good dame, I ask not money : if 30U please, A simple crust my hunger to appease. 0. W. Good gracious ! Starving ! Children, do 3'ou hear? The old man's hungry : quickly disappear ! (Children scamper behind shoe.) Santa. She drives them in. To me 'tis very clear Old Santa fails to find a welcome here. O. W. We're very poor, have fasted many a day. Yet from our door ne'er drove the poor away. Song; air, ^^ Balm of Gilead" by the Children, toho march in as before, carrying sticks, on ivhich are stuck apples, potatoes, crusts of bread, turnip, carrot, '•'-beat," &c. They move around the stage, singing as they pass Santa ; the last time, p)^^ch their potatoes, &c., into his tin kitchen. He stands l. of stage; Old Woman, r. Oh, you sha'n't be hungry now, Oh, you sha'n't be hungr}- now, Oh, you sha'n't be hungiy now, Down at Copper Toe Shoe. Cold potato — tato. Cold potato — tato, Cold pota — to, Down at Copper Toe Shoe. OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE. 165 {No interlude.) Oh, you sha'n't be hungiy now, Oh, 3"ou sha'n't be hungr^^ now, Oh, you sha'n't be hungiy now, Down at Copper Toe Shoe. Crusts for breakfast — breakfast, Crusts for breakfast — breakfast. Crusts for break — fast, Down at Copper Toe Shoe. Oh, 3'ou sha'n't be hungry now, Oh, you sha'n't be hungry now. Oh, you sha'n't be hungry now, Down at Copper Toe Shoe. Broth for supper — supper, Broth for supper — supper. Broth for sup — per, Down at Copper Toe Shoe. Oh, you sha'n't, &c. Santa. "Well, well, I'm puzzled ! Here's a grand surprise. Bless me, the tears are dropping from m}' ej'es ! Thank you, ni}- children. This is quite bewitchin' ; With eatables 3'ou've nearly- filled ni}' kitchen. Ah, little ones ! j-ou've learned the better part. The}' are the poor who lack the kindlj- heart ; Aud they the rich, the noble, and the high. Who never willing pass the sufferer by. Now comes my triumph. Children, speak up bright : 166 THE MERRY CHRISTMAS OF THE What day is this ? All. Christmas. Little Girl. No ; 'tis Christmas night ! Santa. That's true. Now tell me who, against the laws, Drops down the chimne3-s? AIL ^hy, old Santa Claus ! Santa. Bless me ! how bright and nice these chil dren are ! Each eye doth sparkle like the evening star. Now, then, suppose I were that ancient sprite, What would you ask, to give you most delight? CJiild 1. I'd have a sled. Child 2. A doll. Child 3. A kite for me. Child 4. Something still better. Santa. What? Child 4. A Christmas tree ! All Children. Oh, my.' Good gi-acious ! Wouldn't that be gi-and ? 0. W. Too grand, my chicks, for you to under- stand. Why, such a tree within our old shoe spread, Would from their fastenings tear out every thread ; Make ever}* peg to start from out its socket, And send the buckle flying like a rocket. Santa. Good, good ! there's fun beneath that wrinkled phiz. At playing Santa Claus, let's make a biz. Suppose me Santa Claus. I bless j-ou all : Then from my waistcoat let this oven fall, OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE. 167 {Takes off kitcJien.) Throw off this mantle with a sudden jerk, (Thi-oios off disguise, and appears as Santa Claus.) And in an instant set myself to work. Children. 'Tis Santa Claus ! Santa. You're right. I am the man, Yours to command. I'll serve 3'ou if I can ; For I have found, good dame, that honest worth Can burrow in the lowliest spot on earth ; That sweet compassion's ne'er so poorly fed. But what she finds an extra crust of bread. Now, to reward 3'our generous hearts, m}' chicks. Into the earth these magic seeds I sticks ; These cabalistic words in Hebrew mutter, — " P^ne, mene, moni, suti, sutter;" Presto ! appear ! and, glittering bright and free. Beams on your sight the mystic Christmas tree. {Shoe divides, and disappears r. and l. Curtains at back open, disclosing tree.) Song: ^'- We'll gather round the Christmas Tree." Santa Claus and Old Woman distribute presents to the company. Curtain falls. 168 THE MERRY CHRISTMAS OP THE o o o H O ^ H OLD WOMAN "WHO LIVED IN A SHOE. 1G9 Note. — This entertainment was prepared for a Sunday school's Christinas Eve, and was arranjjed as foUows: A staj^e, fourteen feet square, was fitted with a " roll-up" curtain in front. Drapery was huuj? at the sides and hack; a Cluistnias tree, filled with presents, was placed well back on the stage, and hidden by curtains arranged to separate in the middle. In front of these was placed "Copper Toe Shoe House." The rear view represents the frame made of wood, in two pieces, to separate iu the middle, of the folloAving dimensions: ten feet from toe to heel, live feet and one half from heel to top, four feet and one half across top, heel about twenty inches long, eight inches high. Cover front, in two separate sections, with black cambric; for toe, copper tinsel paper; for sole and patch, brown cambric; for buckle, silver tinsel paper; the patch fastened only at bot- tom. A curtain, of same material or color as back stage, shoidd be hung in rear of shank, that children standing behind may not be seen. A settee is placed behind it, on which the children in the dwelling stand. 1, 2, and 3 lie upon the stage, and stick their heads out when required. The characters can pass between tlie curtains at back, to their places. When the tree is disclosed, all the characters are in front, the settee is removed, the braces unfastened, and, at a signal, two boys run off the shoe, and others draw the curtains. 15 THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. AN ALLEGORY. CHAEACTERS. JusTiciA, Genius of Idylcourt. Pkimeva, Goddess of Nature. Majesta, Gxiardiau of the Mountains. LoFTiE, Aerie, Mountain-Spirits. Flora, Guardian of tLe Fields. PoMOXA, Agria, Field-Spirits. OcEAXA, Guardian of the Sea. Shellie, Wava, Sea-Spii'its. Genia, Goddess of Art. Blekda, Genius of Paintmg. Classica, Genius of Sculpture. Harmonia, Genius of Music. Faith, Hope, Charity, Classica's Models. Relkuox, Prayer, Sorrow, Joy, Bleuda's Picture. PoEsiE, a wandering; Maiden. ScEXE. — Idylcourt. For a school exJiibition, the cho- rus should be seated right and left of an open space in the centre of the platform.^ for the speakers. There should be a raised platform^ six or eight inches high, at the rear of this, with a dark background for the more effective display of tableaux. 15* 173 174 THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. Opening Chorus; air, ^'- Shady Groves." Idylcourt, in fame and beauty Glorious, bright thy reahiis appear ; Idylcourt, in love and dut}' Willing hearts to thee draw near, "Wise Justicia's words to hear, Wise Justicia's words to hear. Court of genius, home of beauty, Court of genius, home of beaut}', Court of genius, home of beauty. Willing hearts to thee draw near ; Court of genius, home of beaut}', Court of genius, home of beaut}^. Court of genius, home of beaut}'. Willing hearts to thee draw near ; Court of genius, love and duty Render homage to th}' beauty. Render to thy beauty. Court of genius, love and duty. During the singing of the Chorus, enter, R., Primeva, Majesta, Flora, and Oceana. Enter l., Gexia, Classica, Blenda, Harmonia. At the conclusion, enter Justicia r., and stands c. Positions are indicated by the following diagram : — Justicia. Ma J. Clas. Flo. Prim. Gen. Har. Ocea. Blen. THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. 175 Jiisticia. ^A^'elconie, fair sisters, to our regal court ; Your tuneful measures breathe of good report ; Twin guardian spirits of the fruitful earth, To glad mankind creation gave you birth. To you, Primeva, Nature bends in awe ; From you, fair Genia, Art receives its law. Your free acclaim, upon this regal seat, Justicia placed, all arguments to meet "With ear impartial ; bade her voice decide, That blissful harmony might here abide. Your graceful homage, to our royal ear Is but the foretaste of more welcome cheer. You need our aid : unto our grateful heart Your mission's import quickly now impart. Primeva. Fair genius — Genia. Sweet Justicia — Justicia. Our decree, 'By courtly rule, admits no double plea. Be gracious, sisters. Genia. I was wanting grace, And humbly bend to give Primeva place. Primeva. Justicia, yonder proud and haughty sprite Usuips a name Primeva claims bj' right. I would have justice ! Justicia. Art thou just to her? Genia usurper ! 'tis a cruel slur. Brave, truthful speech bears no envenomed sting, But, like good metal, has an honest ring. Primeva. It was an honest truth, I dare repeat ; I may be rough in speech, but scorn deceit. 176 THE TOURNAMENT OP IDYLCOUET. Genia. 'Tis true, Justicia, in a friendly vfay, I chanced to cross Primeva's path to-day, And held some converse with my sister sprite, Whose bold, free speech is often my delight. Our theme was conquest ; and, in pleasant strife, Each boasted of her power o'ci- human life ; And, half in jest, this boast I gayly hurled, — " I, Genia, am the empress of the world." Frimeva. 'Tis false. It was no jest. Justicia. Primeva, cease ! Your angry humor doth disturb our peace. Genia. Primeva met my jest with frowning brow. And angry words, so bitter in their flow, My jesting humor fled. We argued long To whom, by right, that title should belong ; Leaving all else but this great truth behind, — She is the greatest who best serves mankind. Justicia. AVho won the battle? Genia. That 3'ou must decide. By your impartial fiat we abide. Primeva. On this we are agreed. Justicia, hear, And let your judgment be both wise and clear. Nature's own goddess, crowned and sceptred, I Stand forth all meaner powers to defy. I rule the field, the mount, the sky, the sea : Who shall presume in power to rival me? I wave my hand ; and, o'er the barren waste, Upspringing flowers to meet my coming haste. I smile : the trees, o'erburdened with their fruit, Bend low, with blushing cheeks, for m}' salute. THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. 177 I speak : the bristling hillocks, fur and near, Present in homage many an opening ear ; The grand old mountains, stately and serene, Welcome my coming, own me as their queen ; Adown their sides I loose the mimic streams, To sport and revel in the sun's warm beams. I rule the might}' sea bj' wave and tide ; I deck with starrj' gems the heavens wide ; I hurl the storm upon the maddening sea ; The shifting winds, obedient, follow me ; I bind the waters in an icy band, ' And spread a snowy pall o'er all the land ; With all the elements I sport at w'ill. And, fast or loose, all my commands fulfil. Fair genius, 'tis but just, that, so renowned. As empress of the world I should be crowned. Justicia. There's anger in thy speech, pride in thine eye ; Ambition's soaring pinions lift thee high. What says your rival to this weighty claim ? Can aught be found to heighten Genia's fame? Genia. Justicia, I a mightier sceptre sway, And make Primeva's realms but pave the way To grand achievements. Through her flower}- field I drive the plough, and bounteous harvests yield ; With skilful husbandr}' I trim and train. And bursting garners from wild growth obtain ; Tunnel her mountains with resistless force, And make a pathway' for the iron horse ; Gird up her waters to obej- ni}- will. And move the strong arm of the whirring mill. 178 THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. Across her broad expanse, the might}- sea, M}' white-winged messengers move swift and free ; From out their earthen graves I pUick the gems That warm and shape, or glow in diadems. In aerial flights I wander through her sphere, Or with rare science draw her planets near. With touch electric feel the farthest clime. And count the storm-specks on the wings of time. She empress of the world ! it cannot be ; AH her possessions minister to me. Rough and ill-shaped the treasure she displaj'S ; I mould and carve, and make the jewel blaze. I claim the crown. Justicia, be thou true ; She must be greatest who can all subdue. Justicia. Unto this haughtj' speech, and fulsome praise, "We've listened, Genia, in a wild amaze. Hast thou forgot, self-laudatoiiy boast Was ne'er the leader of a conquering host? But that to sober justice we're allied. We should be nierr^- at such foolish pride. Genia. AYe wait j'our verdict. Primeva. 'Twill give me the crown. Genia. Primeva, cease. Primeva. I care not for 3'our frown. Betwixt the false and true she must decide : Mine is the wise, and ^'ours the foolish pride. Justicia. This idle skirmish doth our court defame ; A silly quarrel for an empty name. Primeva. A silly quarrel ! Is Justicia fair, To shun a verdict by excuse so bare ? THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. 179 Genia. She's bound to rule whene'er wo. make api)eal : Be wise, Justicia, and j-our choice reveal. Justicia. Hear, then, the judgment which we now proclaim : — As each has sought to blazon her own fame. The ke}- to right in this one truth we find, — She is the greatest who best serves mankind. On this you are agreed. Here rest j-our case, And leave the verdict to the human race. Ofttimes, in Idylcourt, you've chanced to meet An earthl}' maid, who favors our retreat, With curious, watchful e3-es, as though she sought Food for the nourishment of new-born thought, — A goodly type of fair, ingenuous 3'outh, About whom floats an atmosphere of truth. Woo her, fair sisters, with all fair device, Which should in honest rivahy suffice ; In peaceful tourney meet to win the maid ; And on the victor shall our hand be laid In benediction of so wise a choice ; Then harmony prevails, and all rejoice. Primeva. An admirable plan. Genia. Justicia's right. Justicia. Prepare j'our forces for the bloodless fight. Be earnest in the strife, but 103'al ever. And some success must crown a right endeavor. Chorus; air, '•'- New-moimi Hay.'" Then gayl}' to the tourne}' hie, And struggle for the crown ; 180 THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOUET. The strong in right shall all defy, The wrong in shame go down. In peaceful contest meeting, All courteous be the greeting. We arm, the contest to begin : Hurrah ! the right shall win ! At the words., '•'•All courteous" Josticia extends her right hand; Primeva lays her left hand upon it; Genia lays her right. They stand thus iintil the chorus ends. Then repeat the chorus. JusxiciA ste2^s hack., and exit r. ; Primeva and Genia with their attendants countermarch^ and exeunt r. and l. As the song ceases, enter from r., Poesie. Poesie. Vanquished again ! Was ever mortal maid By wild, illusive phatoms so betrayed ? Taught by a wise old seer that Idylcourt Of guiding genii is the famed resort, I've wandered in and out for Avear}- hours, Seeking the leaders of those mighty powers That robe the earth in beauty, seasons guide, Hang out the stars, and shift the changing tide, Endow with action all the sons of earth. And to the good and beautiful give birth. Alas ! ni}' search is vain. About me glide Tormenting shadows, that my calls deride. I feel their presence in the fragrant breeze ; I touch their fingers in the fruited trees ; I spy their images in mirrored fount ; I hear their music in the echoing mount. THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOULIT. 181 I know that at their touch fair cities rise ; That at their call delighted progress flies ; That at their smiles e'en towering genius soars To loftier heights, and richer spoil secures. And yet far off they stand. I cannot meet The love-light of their eyes, or at their feet Drink in the wisdom of inspiring speech. The springs of power rise far beyond my reach. Hear me, ye spirits, wonderful and grand ! Upon 3-our charmed ground I fearless stand. Come ye in frightful shapes, or forms of grace, I challenge you to meet me face to face. Chorus: " The Fairy's Revel." The mountains are sending their forces in might ; The fields are upspringing, and girding for fight ; The sea is outpouring, the air is alive, For thee, fair Primeva, in tourney to strive. During xvhich, enter ^ r., Primeva ; Flora, hearing Jlowers; Pomona, bearing basJcet of fruit; Agria, ivith a bundle of dried grass, hay, and grain; Oceana, Shellie, "Wava, Majesta, Loftie, Aerie, and tahe positions according to following diagram : — c. Way. Shel. Poesie. Oc. Prim. 182 THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. Poesie. Conquered at last ; and 3'et with strange affright I am possessed at this most dazzling sight. Fair spirits, at m}' call you've kindl}' met. I'm little skilled in ^'our court etiquette : Accept the homage of a grateful heart, That long will cherish what you may impart. Privieva. A suitor for that heart behold in me, — Primeva, Nature's goddess, strong and free. Follow my footsteps, and the path of life Shall be with beauty and instruction rife. Nature's grand empire all inviting opes. To crown with jo}-.- and bliss thy youthful hopes. The realm of matter owns my sovereign swaj' ; All working forces my commands obey. But give to me thy heart, and onward press, For I've the power to beautify and bless. Come thou, fair Flora, guardian of my fields. Display the charms th}' rich dominion yields. (Flora stejjs upon platform at l. of Poesie. Pomona and Agria step behind them.) Flora. Broad and bright, in beaut}' and in worth, The realms I govern stretch about the earth : In pastures where the meek-eyed cattle graze. In clustering woodlands, musical with praise, In mighty forests where the untamed rove. O'er rich plantations, through the tropic grove, O'er plain and prairie, noiseless to the tread, M}- regal green luxuriously is spread. THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. 183 Out of my thrift}' soil maiilcind's supplies, At lusty labor's call, obedient rise. With fancy's touch I skilfulh" combine Grove, hill, and river in a rare design, And spread for Genius, rich, attractive views She fails to catch, yet hopefully pursues. Come to my realms, fair maid ! Prime va's heart With -warmest love shall purest jo3'S impart. Agria. Haste, gentle maid, into our fair retreat: Agria will laj' her treasures at th^- feet. Pomona. And in th}- lap, from her abundant store, Pomona will her choicest treasures pour. Flora. Thou shalt be welcomed with a matchless song, . Our heaven-taught singers jo3'ously prolong ; On moss}' beds recline for happy hours. Charmed by rich perfumes, decked with lovely flowers. Tableau: '■'■ Flora's Tribute." Music. PoEsiE sinlcs 011 one knee., making a '■'■lap" of her dress ivith her hand. Flora steps behind^ holding fioioers over her head. Agria at r., kneeling ., in the act of laying her treasures at her feet. Pomona, L., bending forioard, about to pour her fruits into her lap. Oceana loith her arms about Wava and Shellie, r. and l., kneel. Majesta, Loftie, and Aerie form a standing group ^ icith arms throvm about each other. Pomona passes to back, l. corner. Flora looks doicn at Poesie. Poesie has her head thrown back, looking up at Flora. All the others look at Poesie. Music continues until the group is well settled in position, then, — 184 THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. Chorus; air, " The First Violets." Come with gentle Flora, fair fields to rove- She can deck with beauty, she will share with love. Bathed by the sunlight, and fed b}- the dew, Her bright and verdant regions are opening to you. Poesie {springing to Iter feet ; others retiring to their first positions). Sweet, gentle Flora, take me to 3-our heart ; In all 3'our joys I long to bear a part. Primeva. Xay, not so fast, fair maidefi. List again. Majesta burns your homage to obtain ; She is the guardian of the mountains high, Whose peaks in grandeur pierce the arching sky. Majesta. Where the fierce eagle builds her dizzy nest. Amid the clouds, I take my regal rest. The sun on me his morning kiss bestows, And nightly wraps me in his farewell glows. The storm-king grimly musters round ni}' throne, And sends his chariots to the farthest zone. My realms stretch far and wide o'er all the land, And monuments of awe-inspiring grandeur stand. Within my treasure-caverns locked secure, Are precious stones, and veins of gleaming ore ; Marbles and granites — sleeping giants — lie. Long to escape the craft}- builder's e^-e. Come to my realm, fair maid, and thou shalt find The golden talisman that lures mankind. From towering summits watch the creeping world ; See beauty's colors gloriously unfurled ; THE TOUllXAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. 185 Heap the weird echoes bound from steep to steep ; And see the lightning talie his earthward leap. Priraeva's fortress shall thy guardian be : Give me thy hand, and upward mount with me. Tableau: ^'- The Listeners." Music. Majesta stands c, loith left hand pointing iq) over audience. Poesie, Jaieeling k., places her left hand in Majesta's left^ and bends forward, intently gazing in the direction in luhich she points, her right hand behind her ear. Loftie jxisses to l. of Majesta, and kneels loith her hand on the loaist of Majesta. Aeuie in s< one 2)0 sit ion, u. of Poesie. Oceana and her sprites form a standing group, r., bach:. Prime- VA steps back of all; and Flora and Iter sprites form standing group, l., back. Music continues until all arranged, then, — Chorus; air, " The Ilenl-Bells." Amid the mountains fleeting. The cclioes linger long, Earth's song of praise repeating, In chorus rich and strong, i The grand old mountains proudly Their heads in beauty raise. And, bathed in blushing glory, Accept the song of praise. \_Tlie effect could be heightened by concealing a chorus at the farther end of the hcdl, and introducing an echo refrain in the song.'\ 16* 186 THE TOUllNAMENT OF IDYLCOUKT. Poesie {springing vp; the others resuming their for- mer positions) . Upward, Majcsln, guide ray willing feet ; 1 long to share the joys of your retreat. Primeva. Curb your impatience once again, I crave. Speak, Oceana, guardian of the wave. Oceana. Know me, fair maid, as guardian of the sea. The wealth of waters stretching far and free, Deep basined in the world ; in peace as mild, As bright and beauteous, as a sportive child ; Dancing in sunlight up and down the sand ; Leaping, with white-capped waves, the rocky strand ; Creeping to shady nooks on pebl)ly bed ; Sleeping in moonlight 'neath a silvery spread. Over her rolling roads, in strength and pride, The floating treasure-chests of nations glide ; In emerald pastures deep beneath her crest. The fin-clad wanderers from their gambols rest. At mankind's call she hastes to do her part. And from her herds bestows with generous heart. Far, far below, fair cities rear their walls With jewelled keeps, and coral-caverned halls. Come to my realms, fair maid, and float with me Upon the bosom of the swelling sea. Hark to the song of Naiads far below ; See in the sunlight yonder billows glow. THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. 187 Tableau: " The Gazers." Music. Oceana kneels on one knee r. of Poesie, pointing off K. YoY.si^ places her left hand on Oceana's shoul- der, leans forward, shades her eyes with right hand, and looks in the direction of pointed hand. Shellie comes L. of Poesie, a little behind her, and kneels quickly, holding a shell in her hand. Waya kneels in front of all, with her finger to her lip, and her hand loaving silence to Pkimeva, ivho stands l. Aerie and her sprites form a standing gronp, l., back, and Majesta and her sprites the same, r., back; cdl looking in the direction in tvhich Oceana points. Music continues until the picture is complete, then, — Chorus; air, ^^ Boating Song." Gaji}', ye billows, among you we play ; Take us up gentlj', and bear us awa}- ; Light on the surface of ocean we glide ; Deep in her bosom we fearless abide. Roving at pleasure, joyous and free, Rocked in the arms of the murmuring sea. Poesie {starting vj); others resume former positions). Among thy happy scenes I long to roam ; Bright Oceana, take me to thy home. Primeva. Thou shalt be free to roam field, mount, and sea, If thou but give th}' gentle heart to me. These sisters three, my ministers of state, My edicts to enforce, obedient wait ; 188 THE TOURNAMENT OP IDYLCOUET. And I, submissive to a heavenl}^ will, With might}' powers its commands fulfil. I own no earthly rule, no rival fear ; Beauty and grandeur at my voice appear ; What title, Poesie, will you here bestow On one in whom such rare endowments glow? Poesie. Thy glorious visions wrap me in amaze ; Speech were too poor, in eloquence of praise, To frame a title that would fitly stand To mark a power so wonderful and grand. What title can I give? I pray thee tell. Frimeva. The empress of the world would suit me well. Enter Justicia, r. Justkia. Hold, rash Primeva ! not to gain applause Should wild ambition overstep our laws. — AYhat thou hast heard, fair mortal, ponder long, For hast}' action often strengthens wrong ; Another suitor comes ; give willing ear ; Weigh well all doubts ; then let the truth appear: [Exit, R. Chorus: " The Fairy's Revel." The armies of Genius outpour in their might, Fair Science is mai'ching her clans to the fight. At the call of its mistress Art's realms are alive. For thee, lovely Genia, in tourne}' to strive. {During the chorus, all upon the platform move round hack of Poesie, and form in line. Enter l. Genia, Blenda, and Classica.) THE TOUEXAMENT OF IDYLCOUET. 189 Poesie. Another brilliant throng, so fair and bright, My spirit quickens with a new delight. "Welcome, sweet friends : if me you come to greet, Such glowing honors lay me at your feet. Genia. Kneel not to me ; I come to win thy heart. The suitor here should choose the lowly part. Fair mortal, listen. Genia is mj- name : Art's chosen goddess, mighty is my fame. Thon art the offspring of that sovereign Thought, Under whose sway the universe is brought ; And I, the guiding genius of mankind, In bonds submissive. Nature's realms to bind. Before my birth, the world was filled with strife, And all the squalor of barbaric life ; The human race in ignorance sunk deep, Content to live and die in sloth and sleep. But, with my coming, energy awoke, And reason through the deadening chaos broke ; Awakened Thought, in wonder, sought by lore Creation's mystic riddle to explore ; And, as she strove, the Avorld's great change was wrought, AVith purer jo3's from deeper delvings brought. Beneath my sway, all's wonderful and grand Where taste and culture deck what Nature planned. Give me thy heart, and with all-conquering might 'I'll guide thy steps through life to realms of light. I bring three sisters in m^- regal train, "Who high in Art's supreme dominion reign. — Blenda, approach. Thy skill to Poesie show, And let rare colors on th}' canvas glow. 190 THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOUET. Blenda. In Nature's studio, Blenda's models rise In various shapes to gladden and surprise. The shadows of their beauties to secure, Leads genius many trials to endure. But what a triumph waits the earnest heart, Who on the canvas sees her trophies start To life and action, adding, age on age, To history many a bright, illumined page ! Portra3-ing vice with rarelj- gifted hand, She sees a warning light 'gainst passion stand. Depicting virtue in her pure attire, She warms all hearts to worship and aspire. Inwrapping sense and soul with pleasure high. To homage leads the world's applauding cvy. Look on the picture I will now display, — Religion standing in the heavenlj' waj', Her finger pointing in the Book of truth, Instruction pouring iu the ears of 3'outh. Tableau: '■'■ The Heavenly Way.'' Music. Blenda takes Poesie's hand, and leads her r., then turns, and pohits to c. Poesie falls iqjon her knees ivith clasped hands. Primeva and her sprites, who are in a line, hack, separate r. and l., disclosing group. Religion, standing c, an open Bible stip- ported on her left hand, rests upon her arm, the oj^en pages towards audience; her right hand rests on the page, with one finger pointing. At her right hand., kneels Joy, pointing tvith her left hand to Religion, her right on the shoulder of Sorrow, who is crouch- ing before her, with her face buried in her hands. THE TOURNAMENT OP IDYLCOUET. 191 Left of Religion, Prayer Jcneels, joining the Iiands of a little child who is in front of her: she is looking up at Religion. Music soft and lotc, until the group is formed, then, — Chorus: " How gently, how calmly." So gentl3-, so calml}' descending, Religion glides over the earth, 80 pure, so bright. She decks the earth with heavenlv light, That charms to calm and sweet repose. Oh, lovely- spirit ! Genia in triumph shall soon arise ; Blenda calls beaut}' from out the skies ; She shall be honored evermore ; Goddess of Art, your crown is secure. Jo^'ous are we, &c. {Music contimies until all change to their old p)Ositions.) Poesie. I am enraptured with your beauteous art ; Sweet Blenda, let me henceforth share 3-our heart. Genia. Classica waits, fair maid : we hold her dear ; With words of counsel let her now draw near. Classica. Dull, senseless stone, I train to living grace, Trace beauty's lines upon the pallid face ; From sullen marble draw the prisoned heart. And strength and sense to meaner clay impart. Over the earth I rear the grandest homes, With towering pinnacles, and stately domes ; 192 THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. While tombs and p3Tamids for ages stand, To mark the workings of my gifted hand. "Who follows me must labor hard and long, Be brave in trial, and in patience strong. The tasks I spread, by perils oft beset, The sculptor strengthen, when courageous met ; Through me, life-studies he must ponder o'er, And dive deep down in streams of classic lore ; And, if he fails to reach his ideal plan. Out of his struggles he has carved — a man. Bat, if he triumphs, grand is his renown ; Fame can bestow no more enduring crown. Upon my marbles, maiden, look with me ; Faith, Hope, and Charity, — the peerless three. Tableau: " The Peerless Three" Music. Classica talies Poesie's hand, and leads her r., then turns, and points c. Poesie falls upon her Jcnees. The characters at back separate, shoiving group: Charity, a tcdl figure, c, her left hand vpon the left shoulder of a child, ivho stands nearly in front of her, half turned towards her, with outstretched hand, into lohich Charity is in the act of dropping a coin, ivitli her right hand. At r. of Charity stands Hope, leaning upon an anchor, looking at Charity. On her l. stands Faith, loith her arms folded abotit a large ci'oss, lohich rests upon the 2)lafform, and reaches above her shoxdder. Faith and Hope shoidd he a little shorter than Charity. All the figures in plain white, no colors; the cross and the anchor shoidd he ivhite. Music soft and loiv until all is arranged, then, — THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOUET. 193 Chorus; air, '■'• IIoio gently, how calmly J* How calnih', how sweeth' relieving, Moves Charity over the earth, "With Faith auci Hope ! The}' deck the earth with heavenly' light, That charms to calm and sweet belief. Oh, lovely spirits ! Genia in trium[)h shall now arise ; Classica calls Iroui out the skies ; Her works for ages shall endure ; Goddess of Art, your crown is secure. Jo3'ous are we, &c. Poesie {starting np; line at hack changing as before) . Classica, th}- sculptured forms are all divine. Has Art another realm can equal thine? Genia. Thou shalt be judge, fair maid ; within my train. Is one who can the wildest heart enchain ; She rules the realm of song, melodious moves, Gathering the warbled sweets of woodland groves ; And thence distilling soul-entrancing lays, That fill the earth with peace, the heavens with praise. Spirit of music, sweet Harmonia, Avake : Of thy rich gifts bid Poesie partake. Music. Characters at bach sepa^rite. Harmonia dis- covered, c, standing erect, a lyre in her left hand, the fingers of her right vpon the strings. Poesie moves vp, and kneels at her feet, looking uj) at her 17 194 THE TOUENAMENT OF IDTLCOUET. with clasped hands. The characters cjrou'p themselves in sitting ayid reclining positions about her. Primeva and Genia stand at extreme r. and l., back. Solo and chorus: " ^o merrily over the Ocean Spray." Harmonia sings the three solos, then full chorus. Solo. I am queen of the realm of song, M}' home the harmonious sea, Where the spirits of music prolong Unceasing a welcome for me. From the song wave the}' merrilj- brave, Melodious voices glide ; Oh, sweet is their song us it floateth along The crest of the tremulous tide ! Chorus. So merrily over the sea of song, Rising and falling we float along ; So merril}' over the sea of song, Gayly we float along. Gayly over the sea, Plarmonia's spirits free, Singing, singing, Happy, hapin- are we. As merrily over the sea of song. Rising and falling we float along ; So merrilv over the sea of song, Over the sea of song, Ga^-l}' we float along, Gayly we float along. THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. 195 ( Wlien the song is ended, all keep their places, Poesie kneeling, tvith her eyes fixed ttpon IIaumonia. A pause; then Genia stejys to the side of Poesie.) Genia. Silent, fair Poesie ? "What ! no words of praise As tribute to Ilarmonia's matcliless la3-s? Poesie. Can words pa^- fitting homage to her art? My tribute's here, in this high-swelling heart, AVliich, filled with rapture, checks the flow of speech That would aspire to praise it cannot reach. Genia. And so I triumph. Maiden, unto me This soaring spirit bends the humble knee ; Is but a slave to work my sovereign will, And with her sisters my commands fulfil. Over the earth unnumbered spirits bind, At smile from me, rich blessings for mankind ; What title can she claim who thus displays All that can l)less and strengthen and amaze? Poesie. What title can she claim ? You ask me this. Whose soul is filled with one rich draught of bliss, — Harmonia's mistress ? Genia. I that spirit claim. Primeva {comes dotvn l. Poesie rises). 'Tis false ! 'Twas I, Primeva, gave her fame. From heaven she came, to purify and bless ; And Nature nurtured her with warm caress. Genia. 'Twas Art's rich culture trained her infant voice In grand, majestic numbers to rejoice. Primeva. Genia, no more ; let Poesie decide Upon our claims. Her judgment we abide. Genia. I am content. 196 THE TOURNAMENT OF IDYLCOURT. Poesie. Of me, j-e judgment seek? You, strong and mighty, I but poor and weak. Primeva. To save a sovereign title of command, Nature and Art in strife before 3'ou stand. In full accord our forces are combined For this great task, — to serve and bless mankind. Who is the greatest? Fearlessl}' proclaim. We ask your verdict in Justicia's name. Both have our powers skilfully unfurled ; Who shall be crowned as empress of the world? Poesie. O spirits regal, beautiful, and wise ! In unity supreme your glory lies ; Can frail mortalit}' presume to call Her judgment forth, to make you rise or fall? Fair Genia, through your realms of thought and light, I wander in a maze of grand delight ; Behold mankind upspring in strength and grace, And sturdy tasks courageousl}' embrace. As through your realms, Primeva, free I rove, M}^ spirit glows with reverence and love. I see your earth, so wonderful and vast, AVhich proud man concjucrs, conquer him at last ; And in both Art and Nature see the hand Which wields the sceptre of supreme command. Where each within my heart holds equal place, I could not elevate, would not abase. {Joins their hands.) Together reign, and teach mankind the way To that grand realm, and that one sovereign sway. THE TOUENAMEMT OF IDYLCOURT. 197 * Enter Justicia, c. Justicia. A righteous verdict, which we joyous seal. Our tourney's ended : let the chorus peal. Tableau: J vsTici A on platform, with her hands raised in benediction over Poesie, who stands before her, joining the hands of Genia, l., and Primeva, r. ; Gei^ia's followers on her l., Vriuey a' s followers on her R. Chorus, same as opening chorus. Idylcourt, in love and beauty, &c. (Curtain.) Note. —The airs, "Shady Groves," and "Boatman's Song," can be found in "Tlie Grammar School Chorus." The other airs are from the new "Fourth Music Reader," published by Ginn Brothers. Price, $1.50. Furnished by Lee and Shepard, Boston. 17* A THORN AMONG THE EOSES. 199 A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. CHAEACTEES. Mrs, Candor, Principal of Eosebiisb Institute. Patience Plunkett, the oldest of her pupils, age thirty-five. Lucy Woods, Bessie Travers, Jane Turner, |> Pupils. Augusta Stephens, Maria Mellish, Bridget Mahony, tlie cook, age fifty. Tom Candor, Mrs. Candor's nephew, a homesick youth of nineteen. Job Seedling, lad-of-all-work, age twenty. COSTUIMES. Patience Plunkett. A very girlish attire, with an okl face strongly marked ; red hair, with corkscrew ringlets. Job Seedling. Dark pants, rather short, white jacket, ai3ron, stockings and shoes. Other characters appropriately dressed. Scene. — Music-room at Rosebush Institute; piano, back, c. ; lounge or sofa, l. ; arm-cliair, r. ; two or three chairs, r. and l. Entrance from r. 201 202 A THORN AMONG THE EOSES. (Enter Bessie Travers and Lucy "Woods.) Bessie. Madam Solfa lias really gone off in a pet? Lucy. Yes : because poor me could not run up the musical scale with celerity, — in fact, stuck fast at the bottom, — her highness complained to Mrs. Candor; and Mrs. Candor — bless her! — took my part, "If the poor child cannot sing, let her alone." — "But se most be made to seeng," says madam; " and so weel steek to ' do,' and go no furzer." — "• Well, let her stick there, if she likes. Her father's a baker, and she has a perfect right to stick to dough, if she likes it." So madam, shocked at the levity of our delightful precep- tress, put on her bonnet and shawl, and vanished in a blaze of fury. Bessie. O Lucy, you have driven the poor lady away ! Luq/. But she won't be gone long, depend upon it ; for she left her baggage behind, and there's a quarter's salary due her. Bessie. And we must go without our lesson to-day. Lncy. I'm glad of it. There's no music in my soul. I must be " fit for treason and conspiracies." Bessie. You are the smartest girl in the school, Lucy, with this inharmonious exception. Lucy. I the smartest? You flatter me; and you forget our aged schoolmate, Patience Plunkett. Bessie. Aged ! Why, Lucy, what could have pos- sessed that mature — to speak mildly — female to class herself with young girls like us? Lucy. I'm sure I don't know ; but Maria Mellish, A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. 203 •who is alwa3-s fishing out mysteries, told me her father, a farmer, has recent!}' made a mint of monej- ; and Patience has a foolish idea tlaat slie can procure an education, even at her age, and so entered Rosebush Institute as a pupil. Bessie. Poor thing ! she is the laughing-stock of the school, and cannot be made to see it. Lucy. She has one devoted admirer. Job Seedling. The sill}' gander is evidently in love, and takes no pains to conceal it. At the table he forgets his occu- pation, and stands staring at her. Bessie. She certainly receives a great deal of attention, and all the tidbits, there. {Enter Maria Mellish, r.) Maria. O girls ! I have found it out at last. Onl}' thinlc of it ! a romance in Rosebush Institute ! Yes: now, don't speak of this, — Job Seedling, the meek, patient Job, is a prince in disguise. Bessie. A prince? Nonsense. Maria. Well, not exactly a prince ; but IIopps the milkman told me that Johnson the butcher told him that Bates the expressman told him that Patience Plunkett belongs in Razorl}', and that his agent there told him that Job Seedling was the son of a rich far- mer ; that he got desperately enamoured of Patience, and followed her here, taking a menial situation that he might be near the object of his love. Isn't it splendid ? Lucy. Splendid. If Mrs. Candor should hear of this, I fear that Job would ha^•e to gi\e up his menial situation for a meaner. 204 A THORN AMONG THE KOSES. Maria. But nobody shall tell her. I mean to watch them. It will be such fun to hear Job sigh as he passes the butter, see him roll his eyes as he lifts the rolls. Oh, it's just jolly ! {Enter Jane Turner and Augusta Stephens.) Jane. O girls ! have you heard the news? Tom — Augusta. Candor has just arrived. Jane. Sick. Only think of it ! Come here to be nursed. And he looks awfully. Augusta. Mrs. Candor hurried him off to bed at once, ordered hot jugs for his feet, hot ginger-tea, and a cold towel for his head. Maria. Dear me ! and I never heard a word of it ! Lucy. He ought to have a holida}', and go home. Maria. Oh, wouldn't that bo fun ! Poor fellow ! I'm so sorr}' for him ! But then, he can have jam, and jellies, and all the consolations of sickness. I think it's rather pleasant to be sick — a little. {Enter Mrs. Candor, equipped for going out.) Mrs. Candor. Girls, I must run down and see Dr. Bruce. Augusta.-^) Is he very sick? Maria. I % Is he going to die ? Lticy. £ ) Is he dangerous? Mrs. Candor. I hope not. Augusta. 2 ) Will school close? Maria. I? Shall we have a holiday ? Lucy. £) Will you send us home? 3L's. Candor. Dear me, what talkers ! Keep quiet, girls. I'll run down and tell the doctor his sj-mptoms. Bessie. Let me go for him, Mrs. Candor. A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. 205 Other rjirls (in cliorus). Let me! I'll go! TVe'll all go ! Do let us go ! Mrs. Candor. No : I don't want to have him come unless it is necessaiy. He can determine that when I tell him the symptoms. So keep quiet. There will be no music-lesson, and you can amuse yourselves until ray return — under the rules, remember. Dear me ! what could have sent thatJDoy home sick? \_Exit. Maria. Amuse ourselves ! Oh, isn't that nice ? Let's have a game of tag ! Augusta. Nonsense ! With that poor sick youth over our heads ? 3Iaria. That's so I "We must be quiet. {Enter Bridget.) Bridget. If yez plase, ma'am, what'll I do? Shure, the misthress is nowhere at all, at all. Bessie. No, Bridget : she's gone to the doctor's. Bridget. To the doctor's, is it? 'Pon my sow!, there's throuble be comin' to the place. Didn't I say a windin'-sheet in the flame av me candle last night? Shure, that's a sign av disolation. Bessie. It's a sign the candle wanted snufBug, Bridget. Bridget. Oh, be dacent. Miss Bessie ! Don't make light av the signs. Shure, I seed it in a candle onct whin me brither Pathrick was ailin' wid the masles, and jist fourteen months and six days from that very night he died. Maria. Of the measles ? Bridget. Go long wid yez ! Didn't he fall into a well, and break his neck wid drowning? 18 206 A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. Augusta. Now, Bridget, Mrs. Candor told us we might amuse ourselves while she is gone. Do you know what would most amuse us ? Bridget. Troth, I don't. Augusta. A nice mince-pie. Maria. Oh, 5es ; and some cold tongue ! Jane. And a pickle. Don't forget a pickle. Bridget. I'll forgit mesilf if I git any sich dilicases. No, no : I'll not be afther givin' j-ez ony sich divar- shun. Maria. O Bridget ! you know me. I've got an elegant breastpin, that will look well — Augusta. Fastened to a pretty- green necktie that I've no use for. Jane. And they will match a nice pair of earrings that mother has promised to send me for somebody — yoxx know, Bridget. Bridget. Och, the darlints ! It's the foine wheed- lin' way yez have, onyhow. Well, well, it's mesilf will look into the panthry ; an' if there's a delicafe mor- sel, that's in danger av shpoiling, mayhap it moight find its way up here. But I'll make no promises. \_Exit. Maria. Now let's have a dance. Augusta. Oh, that's splendid ! {Enter Patience.) Patience. A dance ! A dance in the halls of learn- ing; ! Horrible ! Girls, it must not be ! You shock me. / came here to cultivate my understanding. Maria. And dancing will do it, Patience : it's just the thing for the understanding. Patience. Maria Mellish, I'm ashamed of you. You want polish. A THOEN AMONG THE ROSES. 207 Maria. A polished floor is deliglitful, but not necessary to tlie poetiy of motion. Come, girls, a dance, a dance ! Patience. Not in my presence. I -will be no spec- takor of such priv-priv — nonsense. No: we are here for a higher purpose; to enlarge our ca-ca — talents, to store our minds with the in-in — things which the great minds of all ages have con-con — got together for good. Maria (aside to Augusta). Poor Patience! how she trips at the hard words ! Patience. If there is any dancing here, I shall feel under ob-ob — I shall tell Mrs. Candor. Maria. AVell, Miss Tattler, you shall be under no ob-ob to do any such thing, for we won't dance. Patience. If we have a leisure hour, it cannot be better employed than in the per-per — reading of a useful book. Maria. That's so. (Goes to r.., and calls.) Here, Job, bring Miss Patience the dictionar}'. Come, girls, let's have a sing. Augusta (aside to Mxtiia) . Hateful old thing ! Bessie. Let us look over the music ; perhaps Ave can find something sweet and soft, that will not dis- turb the invalid. Jane. Good! "Mulligan Guards," or, "Gentle Spring." (They go to the x>iano., ivhich should be placed with bade to audience. Bessie ojiens a music- book; and they gather about her, turning over the leaves. Patience sits on lounge, l. Patience. Thoughtless girls ! they lack the wisdom 208 A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. and ripe ex-ex — Dear me ! it's so hard to remember these words ! — experience of my ma-ma — older years. But I, in what the poet calls ' ' the fresh bloom of womanhood," can curb their flightiness. Ah, this life is so con-con-gealing to my ambitious spirit ! I am so rapidly mastering the ru-ru — first steps of learning! I feel that I shall de-de-velop a gi-gi-antic mind, and burst upon the rude boors of Razorly like some glori- ous starry con-con-consternation. (Enter Jon, r., zvith a large quarto dictionary in Jus arms. He stops at entrance; sees Patience, clasps the dictionary to his breast, and heaves a sigh.) Maria {at piano) . Hush ! there's Job. Now watch the pair. Job. There she is, " a-sittin' on the style, Mary," the st3'lish lounge. Oh, would I were the plush upon that lounge, that I might clasp that form ! That's Romeo, altered for the occasion. Oh, I'm chock full of these frenzied ideas ! I do nothing but read Shak- speare and them other poet-chaps — when I ain't hand- dling plates, or scouring knives ; for I'm in love, oh, so bad ! with Patience T'lunkett. Oh that name ! it runs in my head. It is so musical, so full of poetry ! With fair, bewitcliing Patience Plunkett I'm m love. "SVlio would have thuuk it? There's poetry, all out of m^' own head too. (Comes down.) Miss Patience ! dear Patience ! Patience. Why, Job, is that }ou? IIow you startled me ! I was rume-rume — A TnORN AMONG THE KOSES. 209 Job. Not rheumatic. Oh, don't say that you are suffering, beloved Patience ! Patience. I was ruminating upon some lines in Homer's Byd, the original Greek. You are not ac- quainted with Greek, Job? Job. AYell, Patience, I'm not acquainted with many on 'em. There was old Pat Haggerty, in Razorly : the}' used to call him an Original Greek — Patience. O Job ! I have no patience with j'ou. How can you expect me to stoop from my high speer to mate with you, unless you cultivate your head more ass-ass-iduously ? Job. Well, I've had it cut and shampooed three times since I've been here. If that ain't cultivating it, I'll have it ploughed next time. Here's j'our dic- tionary. Patience. Patience. Thank you : I do not require it. Job. Then, why did you send for it? Augusta (at piano., reading music-titles as they turn the leaves) . " Wouldn't you like to know ? " Job {turning round) . Eh? Why, there's the whole lot of 'em ! Maria. No: that won't do. That's too senti- mental. Patience. They sent for it, not I. You can take it back. Job. O Patience ! why are you so cold to one who loves you to distraction ? Why — 3faria {reading title). " Lubly Cynthia." That's good. Job {turning round). Plague take those girls! 18* 210 A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. You know that for love of j'ou I've left m^' home, Patience, and have donned the apron of a waiter, and become a patient waiter for you. Patience. Oh ! when shall my love be rewarded with the possession of that plump white hand ? Jane. "When Johnny comes marching home." That's lovely. Job {turning round). Eh? Oh, bother them girls ! Patience. Don't mind them. Job. They do not dream of our attachment. They do not dream you are my — Maria. " Curly little bow-wow." Job (turning round). There, now! TVhat's the use of trying to talk where them girls are ? Patience, dear Patience, meet me, meet me — Augusta. " Meet me by moonlight alone." Job. Oh them girls ! Meet me after tea in the woodshed, wliile I am cleaning knives. We can com- mune : we can exchange vows : we can — Maria. " Koot hog or die." Patience. Yes, Job, I will be there. But be secret. If our attachment is discovered, Mrs. Candor will instantly dismiss you. And it's so romantic to have a lover in disguise ! I know you love me. Job. Have patience. Job. I mean to have her. Don't I love you better than all else in the world ? better than — Augusta. " 'My old Aunt Sail}'." Job. Eh? (Aside.) I believe they are doing that on purpose. (Aloud.) Farewell, Patience ! T must tear myself away from your beloved presence. My heart — A THORN AMONG THE EOSES. 211 Maria. " Oh ! my heart goes pit-a-pat." Aug^usta. " Somebody's coming, I'll not tell who." Jane. " Let me kiss him for his mother." Lucy. " Single gentleman, how do you do?" Job. Eh? Oh, I'm pretty well. Maria. Oh! nobody's talking to you, Job. Go about your business. Job. Thank you, I don't hanker for your society, do I? A parcel of harum-scarum girls, who arc no more to be compared to — Lxicy {reads). " The girl I left behind me." Job. Oh, gracious ! can they suspect ? (Starts off R., drojys the dictionary, and stumbles over it; then 2}iclcs it Kjh and exit n.) Maria. He's stumbled over the hard words too. Bessie. There's nothing here we can sing. Maria. Oh! here's one : " Upidee." Lucy. Oh, that's nice! {One of the girls striJces the piano, and all join in chorus of '■'Upidee." At the conclusion, three loud thumps are heard outside.) Maria. Oh, dear! That's Tom. We have dis- turbed him. Lucy. No matter : let's try it again, softer. {Cho- rus re2')eated. At its conclusion, enter Ton, r., tvith a. blauJcet lorapped about him, and a icet towel tied about his head. The girls scream, and run down r. and L., leaving him in c.) Tom. Oh, dear ! how can you reasonably suppose that a young man can be comfortably sick with such a racket going on ilown here? Oh, my head, my head! my poor, poor head ! 212 A THORN AMONG THE EOSES. Bessie. Oh, Tom, we're so sorry we disturbed you ! All {in chorus) . Yes, indeed ; awful ! Lucy. Wouldn't liave done it for the world, had we known you didn't lilie it. All {in chorus). No, indeed, we wouldn't ! Tom. Oh, yes ! that's all very well, now the mis- chief's done. Why, j'ou might drive me into a fever. All {in chorus) . Oh, that would be dreadful ! Tom. You might — you might bring on convul- sions, spasms, with such outrageous squalling, ♦I'll complain of you! Where's my aunt? Where is my fond, affectionate relative ? Bessie. She's gone out, Tom : gone to the doctor's. Tom. Eh? Gone out? Good! {Throivs off blan- ket, and tears towel from Ms head.) Thomas is him- self again ! All {in chorus). Why, Tom! Tom. Because Tom is only homesick, girls. My good aunt would not give me time to explain that I was tired of school, eager to have a frolic, and so got leave of absence, and came home for a da}-. No : she cau2;ht the " sickness," and bundled me off to bed, I humored the joke, and laughed under the bedquilt. But no sooner was she out of the room, but I was out of bed, dressed myself, and here I am, ready for any thing in the way of sport you have to offer. How long will she be gone ? Bessie. Perhaps half an hour. Tom. Then for half an hour we will enjoy our- selves. Come, girls, what shall it be? Maria. Oh ! isn't this jolly ? A TIIOP.N AMONG THE KOSES. 213 Augusta. Ecal nice ! ■ Jane {and others). Splendid! Beautiful! Augusta. Let's play '' Hide the Slipper." Maria. No: "Copenhagen." Tom. Any thing — every thing. The noisier the better. Patience (rising). Stop! Young ladies, are you aware of the rules of this ed-ed-ucational institute? We have been sent here from our happy homes, to be sc-se-questrated from contact with the ruder sex ; and now you propose to indulge in games, childish games, for 3'our amusement and ame-ame-amelioration. I am ashamed of you ! I blush for you ! Tom (aside to Maria) . Oh ! that's one of the teachers. Maria. Hush ! It's one of the girls. Tom. One of the girls? Why, she's old enough to be 3'our mother ! Patience. I shall not submit to the in-in-trusion of a young man upon our privacy. He must instantly leave the room. Tom. I beg your pardon, IMrs. — Excuse me, miss : a slip of the tongue. But you look so much like my Aunt Matilda ! But then, she's forty-five ; and you can't be over thirty — Patience. Sir ! Tom. Not quite, miss, I'm still very 3'oung, and not entitled to that address. But I couldn't think of infringing upon the rules ; oh, no ! I should have been pleased to spend half an hour in such agreeable society ; but, as you object, I will go. 214 A THOEN AMONG THE EOSES, Girls {in chorus). Oh, no; don't go; stay! Patience. I insist upon his immecliatel}' quitting the room. I (lid not come liere to flirt and frolic with j-oung men, but to improve my mind, to store it — Maria. Oh, bosh, Patience ! I've no patience with you. Tom. " Let Patience have her perfect work." Maria {aside). She's a humbug, Tom. Our Job is in love with her, and she with him ; and they are billing and cooing every chance the}- can get. Tom {aside). Maria, ^-ou're a jewel. You have enlightened m}' understanding. You shall see some fun. {Aloud.) Miss Patience, you are right: I was wrong to disturb your peaceful meditation. Forgive me. I will go, and in the quiet of my chamber con- template — the basin of gruel which ni}' fond aunt has left me for consolation. — Sony, girls ; but the rules must be obeyed. [Exit, r. Maria. Patience Plunlcett, you're a hateful old thing ! Augusta. Yes ; just as mean as you can be. Jane. If you are so fond of seclusion, why don't 3-0U go to 3'our own room ? Maria. Yes ; and study the Book of Job. Bessie. Hush, Maria ! Patience. You know I am right ; and I am not at all stu-stu-pefied b}" your ob-ob-jackulations. I am a fcAv years older than you — only a few ; and I have wisdom to guide — Maria. Oh, fiddlesticks ! We have all the preach- ing we want, and don't believe in yours. A THORN AMONG THE EOSES. 215 Tom (outside) . Oli, oh ! M3' hand ! 1113' hand ! Bessie. Tom has hurt himself. Tovi (outside). Oh! gracious goodness, how it smarts ! {Enters r. hurriedly, his left hcuid concealed in a large 2nece of white cloth. He should also have in his hand a j^iece of ivnod, under the cloth; a string in his right hand.) O girls! I've done it now! That hand I was so proud of, oh ! so white and delicate, oh! Bessie. What is it, Tom? Have you cut it? Lucy. Burnt it? All (in chorus). Oh! what is the matter? (They gather about him.) Tom. Oh ! don't come near me. The slightest touch is agon}', agon}', agony ! I went up stairs — oh ! to my basin of gruel — oh ! Beside the gruel — oh ! there was a knife — oh! I took it up — oh! and — and — and oh, oh, oh ! Ja7ie. I've got some Russia salve in my room. Maria. Let me run for it. Tom. No. I've spread on the salve an inch thick. Oh ! it's all right. It Avill soon be well. If I only had some one to tie it np for me ! All (in chorus). Let me. Let me. I'll tie it. (They crowd around him.) Tom. Oh, quit! Keep off! Do you want to kill me. The least touch causes an indescribable sensation to quiver and shoot to the roots of my liair. Oh ! I want a S2;entle hand, a skilful hand, a matronly hand. Miss Patience, you have much skill, tact. Will }0U condescend to — to tic up my paw? 216 A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. Girls {in chorus) . Poor Tom ! Patience {approaching him). Certainl}', if I can relieve your suffering, Tom. You can, you can ! Oh ! {Gives her string, and extends his hand. She stands l. of him. Girls fall back n. and l. She winds the string aboict hand.) Tom. Gentl}', gently ! Oh ! how soft and tender ! It seems as though my mother was hovering about me. Take care, take care! Gentl}' ! {She ties the string.) Be very careful. Patience. I think that is tied tight. Tom. You think so? But 3'ou must be sure. Patience {taking his hand, and looking at string). Yes, it's all right. Tom {slipping his hand out of cloth, leaving it in Iter hands) . Then you keep it, Patience, as a slight token of regard. " Pd offer thee this hand of mine, if I could love thee less." Keep it, Patience, and " wipe j-our weeping e^^es," when I am far awa}-. [^liuns off R. Patience {throivs the torapper after him; Girls laugh). Was there ever such an insulting 3'oung puppy ! Oh, his aunt shall know of this ! I'll not go to my slumbers until I have told m^- stoiy. Now laugh. (Girls shout ivith laughter.) You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Maria. You told us to laugh. Seems to me you cannot be suited any wa3% Patience {sits on lounge) . That scamp shall go out of this house, or J will. The idea of his daring to play such a trick upon me ! Thought his mother was hovering about him ! A THOEN AMONG THE ROSES. 217 (Enter Tom u., enveloped in a large cloak or " toater- 2)7-oof," straw bonnet on his head, with a green veil down.) Tom {at R.). Ef yez plaise, ^-oung ladies, I'm a poor ould widdy-woman, wid a husband in Californ\- ; and the door was open, and I made bould, ef yez plaise, to walk in, and beg a ehrust of bread. It's nine days jist, since a morsel of bread, or a sup of ta}', has passed me lips. Bessie. Poor old lady ! Chorus. Oh ! do come in ! (Bessie sets a chair c, and the others crowd about Tom, and lead him to chair.) Tom. Oh ! it's the kind hearts yez have, ony vcny. I'm wairj^ wid the walkiu', and faint wid the hunger ; and I've corns on my fute, and chilblain on my fingers, an' siven childer at home. Maria. 8omebod\- give her something to eat. Jane. Here's Job with the tray. Augusta. And our lunch. {Enter Joe w-ith tray.) Job. Hallo'! ^\Tio'sthis? Jane. A poor old woman, nearly- starving. Quick ! Give me the traj'. {Takes it, and places it in Tom's lap.) Here, old woman, help 3-ourself. Tom {aside) . My eyes ! Here's luck ; and I've had nothing but gruel. {Eats voraciously.) It's the kind hearts ya have. Jane. Poor thing. Hasn't eaten any thing for nine da^-s ! Job. I should sa}' nine months, — the way she puts it aw a}'. 19 218 A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. Maria. Oh, there's Bridget ! Here, Bridget! (En- ter Bridget, r.) Here's a countrywoman of yours. Bridget. Indade ! An' what be she doin' up-stah'S, I dunno? Bessie. She's very hungry, and we gave her our hmch. Bridget. Oh, murther ! An' me compan^^ mince-pies goin' down her throat ! Oh ! it's wastin' yez are. A cowld pratie would be good enough for her. Maria. Speak to her, Bridget ; the tongue of her native hind might please her. Bridget. Faith, it's my belief that the Yankee tongue she's stowin' away is far more to her liking. Whist, avourneen ! Tom (aside). That's Irish. (Aloud.) To be sure! Yis, siscon. Fag-a-Balah. Erin-go-bragh. I'mobleeged to yez. Bridget. Were yez long from the owld country? Tom. Siventeen years come nixt Candlemas. Bridget. County Tipperary, I dunno? Tom (aside). Nor I either. (Aloud.) County Coberdowelgowen. D'ye mind that? Bridget. 'Pon my sowl, I niver heard of it. D'ye know Larry McFinley at all, at all? Tom. Him as lived at Doublin ? Bridget. Thrue for yez. Tom. 'Pon me sowl, I niver hard his name before or since. My memory's failin', since I took to fortin'- tellin'. Girls (in chorus) . Oh ! a fortune-teller. Isn't that grand ! A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. 219 Job. AVell, old lad}', if you're done Avith that waiter, I'll take it. Tom (giving ivaiter). It's little appetite I have, any way. Job. Little ! She has done with it. There's noth- ing left. Tom. Yis. I'm a bit of a fortin'-teller ; and, in return for yer kindness, I'll be after tellin' yez a bit. Maria. Tell me mine first. Other girls. No, no ! Mine, mine ! Tom. Ah, be ais}-. The wisest and the wittiest afore the youngest and the prettiest, that's my way. Job. AVell, 'sposin' 30U commence with me, old lady. I calculate I can see through a gi'indstone when there's a hole in it. Tom. Ah ! but i\\e\ don't make the holes large enough for _your observation nowadaj-s, my foine fel- low. But I know 3'ou. I can say through 3'ez. Yez not yerself at all. Lave me alone for seein' through a bod}'. You're in love. Ah! don't blush, man : it's rid enough yez are, onyhow. Yer fortune's made, — why would I be tellin' 3'ez ? Job (aside) . She's a keen one. Bridget. If yez plaise, will 3'ez tell me? Tom. Oh ! go way wid yez. Don't demane yerself before the foine folk ! Bridget (angrily.) "Will, I'd loike to know. Tom. Will, yez won't. It's ignorant yez are. The lad3' of the house would like to know where the sugar goes ! D'3e mind ? Bridget. Oh ! it's a witch slie is, on3how. I'll not cross her. 220 A THOEN AMONG THE ROSES. Jane. Now, my good woman, please tell me my fortune. Other Girls. No. Mine, mine ! Tom. Be aisy. Don't I tell you? There's the foiue lady on the sate beyant. Would she be after having her fortune towld, I dunno? Patience. No. I do not believe in such negromin- strels}-. Maria. Necromanc}'. Oh ! what a mistake ! Tom. Well, I don't know. The fates p'int that way. Onless I can tell her fate, I'll not be permitted to oblige 3'ez. Maria. Oh, do. Patience ! Other Girls. Yes, Patience, do ! Job. Yes, do, dear — I mean,3Iiss Patience. Patience. Well, if it will please j'ou, I will conde- scend to the examination. {Aiiproaches Tom, and offers her hand. He takes it. The Girls crowd about Mm.) Tom. Faith, that's a good hand, — a foine large hand ; and yez a fortune. You've gowld and galore. {Enter Mrs. Candor, nnperxeived, at bacJc, with her hat and shawl; she stands by piano.) Ah ! but what's this? Ah ! Yis, it's the way of the wourld. There's a young man close by. Patience {trying to release her hand). It's no such thing. Let me go ! Tom. It's the truth Pm tellin'. Job. She's a-goin' to let tlie cat out of the bag. Patience. I don't want to hear an}' more. Tom. Aisy, aisy ! It's the fates wills it ! He loves A THORN AMONG THE ROSES. 221 3'cz, lioney, and 3'ou love him ; and wliat will love not do, honey? He drops from his higii estate, puts on the waiter's apron, and follows you, — liis heart all the time cryin', ''Have Patience!" Owld Job, him as had the cutaneous irruptions, had patience, and go shall Job Seedling have Patience. Girls (in cJiorus). Oh, m}- ! Our Job? PatiencG. No : not your Job, but my Job. I'm not ashamed to own him ! Mrs. Candor {coming forward). I'm ver}' glad to hear it. (Girls start to u. and l.) Girls {in chorus). Mrs. Candor! Tom {aside). My aunt! Oh, here's a pickle. {Hides Jiis head.) Job {aside). There'll be a nice row now ! Mrs. Candor {to Patience). So, young lad}-, con- trary to all rules, you are carr^-ing on a tlirtation under my very nose. Girls {in chorus). It's awful! wicked! O Pa- tience ! Patience. "Well, what is a poor girl to do? Job loves me, and I love Job; and — and {sobbiyig) yon couldn't be so Avicked as to part two-wo-wo young lovers ! Job. Yes ; born for each other, — " Two roses on one stalk ! " Them's us. Patience and Job. 3frs. Candor. You, Master Job, will bo wanted here no more ; and as for you. Miss Patience, a word with 3'ou. {They go l., and talk in dumb shoioT) 19* 222 A THOEN AMONG THE E0SE3, Bridget. Faith, I'll git the o\\ld woman out of the way. {To Tom.) AVhist, come away ! {Takes hold of him, and shakes him.) The misthress will be the death of yez. Coome ! Tom {aside) . Away wid yez ! Bridget. Away wid yerself, or there'll be throuble whin the misthress claps her e3'e onto 3'ez. Coome, coome ! {Palling her.) Mrs. Candor. Yes, Patience, I think it best j'ou should close your connection with the school at once. {Turns to Tom.) But who is Ihis? Bridget. If ^-ez plaise, she's a cousin of mine from County Cob-Cob — something ; and, if yez plaise, she's a fortune-teller. Tom. Af yez plaise, would I tell 3'ez fate, mis- thress ? Ifrs. Candor. No : let me tell j'ours. Bo3's that deceive tHeir elders will never come to good. Tom {jumps iqj, and throivs off cloak and bonnet). Discovered ! Girls {in chorus). It's Tom ! Oh, it's Tom ! Bridget. Well, I niver ! 'Pon m}' sowl ! I dhouted the accint of his muthcr-tongue. Count}' Cob-Cob ! Oh, 3-ez a ga}- desaver ! Tom. It was the gruel, aunt. It flew to ni}' head. Mrs. Candor. Oh, 3-ou scamp ! Pack up 3-our bag, and off to school at once : 3'ou have made a fine dis- turbance here. Tom. I meant no harm, aunt. I was anxious to come home to taste 3'our mince-pies ; eli, Bridget? Bridget. It's a greedy epicac 3'ez are, anyhow. A Tnor.N AMONG THE TvOSES. 223 Tom. Your tongue and pickles. You -wouldn't give me time to explain, and I was so homesick ! Let me sta}^ my time out. Girls (in chorus). Oh, do, Mrs. Candor, do ! Mrs. Candor. No : back you go. Y'ou've given me a fright, made me travel a mile to the doctor's, and set my school in commotion. No, sir ; back A'Ou go. I'll have no thorns among my roses. Tom. Ah ! but I removed the thorns, aunt. I think I'll get back, though. 'Twill be such an item for the papers ! — "■ Romantic episode at Rosebush In- stitute." 3lrs. Candor. Would j'ou ruin me ? Tom. Then don't send me away hungry. Stuff me ■with mince-pies, so that I can't utter a word, and the world shall never know how a homesick }outh proved that love, in the halls of learning, is but a Thorn among the Roses. Curtain. A CHEISTMAS CAEOL. 225 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. [Arranged as an entertainment from Dickens's Christmas Story.] CHARACTEES. Ebejtezer Scroooe. Jacob Makley, the shadow. Fke0, Scrooge's nephew. Bob Cratchit. Tiny Tqi. Boy. The Ghost of Christmas Past. The Ghost of Christmas Present. The Ghost of Christmas To Cosee. COSTUMES. Scrooge. Rusty suit of black; gray wig. Marley. Bhie coat with brass buttons; breeches; top-boots with tassels ; chain about his waist, with padlocks and keys fastened upon it; at the end, a cash-box; very wliite face; white wig, with hair standing up. Fred. Handsome modern costume; light overcoat; red scarf tied loosely about his neck; gloves; hat. Bob Cratchit. Rusty blue coat; shabby pants; iron-gray wig; large white comforter about his neck. Tiny Tim. Roundabout jacket ; comforter about his neck ; crutch ; cap. 227 228 A CHEISTMAS CAROL, Boy. Jacket; large cap; very red nose; large mittens ; comforter ahont Lis neck. Christsias Past. A little girl ; sliort white spangled dress ; wliite stockings; shoes; a wig of long white hair. Chkistmas Present. Purple robe reaching to the floor, triuinied with fur; long, brown, curly hair; full brown beard; on his head " a holly-wreath, set here and there with shining icicles; " a belt around Ms waist, to which is attached a scabbard. "Christmas to Cojee. Long black robe, with hood eutii-ely con- cealing his features. These costumes can be altered or improved by reference to Fields, Osgood, & Co.'s illustrated Christmas Carol. Arrangement. This entertainment is arranged for a stage eigh- teen feet wide by fourteen feet deep. A curtain, to draw up, is required between the audience and the performers. Half way ui> the stage, another curtain, to separate in the centre, and draw aside; the front curtain should be green, the back dark fabric. The front of the stage represents Scrooge's office, where the dream (in this version) occurs. The back is used for the pictures. For home representation, the same arrangement can be easily carried out. The performer is du-ected as though standing uiion the stage, facing audience. A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 229 STA^^ I. Scene. — Scrooge's office, l. , a loio desk, at which sits Scrooge, in a large arm-chair, r., a high desk, with a tall stool; candle hurning %tpon the desk, c, a low stool. Bob standing by the desk with a poker in his hand; one foot advanced, as though creeping q^L., looking at ii(;ROOG^ivith an anxious exjrression. Scrooge (looking round) . Here, you ! don't 3-011 do it ; don't you do it ! Haven't I told you, that, if you venture to waste my coals^ 'twill be necessary for us to part? Haven't I? (Bob drops the poker, gets upon stool, and tries to warm his hands at the candle.) Fred {oiitside, r.). A merry Christmas, uncle! Ha, ha, ha ! {Enters r.) A merry Christmas ! God save you ! Scrooge. Bah! humbug! Fred. Christmas a humbug, uncle? You don't mean that, I'm sure. Scrooge. I do. Out upon merry Christmas! What's Christmas-time to you but a time for paying bills without money, — a time for finding yourself a year older, and not an hour richer ? Bah ! If I had my will, every idiot who goes about with " Merry Christmas " on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding, and burned with a stake of holly through his heart, he should. 20 230 A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Fred. Uncle ! Scrooge. Nephew, keep Christmass in j'our own way, and let me keep it in mine. Fred. Keep it ! But 3'ou don't keep it. Scrooge. Let me leave it. alone, tlien. Much good may it do you ! Much good it has ever done you. Fred. There are man}- good things, from which I might have derived good, hy which I have not profited, I dare say Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have alwa^'s thought of Christmas-time when it has come round, apart from the veneration due to its sacred origin (if any thing belonging to it can be apart from that), as a good time, — a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time, — the only time I know of in the long calendar of the j'ear when men and women seem, by one consent, to open their shut-up hearts freel}', and to think of people below them as if the}' reall}' were fel- low-travellers to the grave, and not another race of creatures, bound on other journey's. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and loill do me good ; and I say, God bless it ! (Bob claps his hands heartily.) Scrooge. Let me hear another sound from j'ou, and j-ou'U keep 3'our Christmas b^' losing 3'our situation. {To Fred.) You're quite a powerful speaker, sir. I wonder you don't go into Parliament. Fred. Don't be angry, uncle. Come, dine with us to-morrow. Scrooge. I'll see j-ou — (Bob sneezes violently.) What's the matter with you2 A CHRISTMAS CAHOL. 231 Fred. Come, uncle ; say "Yes." Scrooge. No. Fred. But^vhy? why? Scrooge. Why did 3-011 get married? Fred. Because 1 fell in love. Scrooge. Because you fell in love ! {Sudderdy turns to his desk.) Good afternoon. Fred. Na}-, uncle, you never came to see me before that happened. Why give it as a reason for not com- ing now? Scrooge. Good afternoon. Fred. I want nothing from you : I ask nothing from 3'ou. Whj' cannot we be friends? Scrooge. Good afternoon. Fred. I am soit}', with all my heart, to find you so resolute. But I have made the trial, in homage to Christmas ; and I'll keep my Christmas humor to the last. So a merry Christmas, uncle ! Scrooge. Good afternoon. Fred. And a happy new 3'ear ! Scrooge. Good afternoon. Fred {turns to r.) Bob Cratchit, a merrj' Christ- mas ! Boh {shakes Fred's hand). ■ A merry Christmas, sii'. God bless it ! Fred. Ay, God bless it ! and a happ}' new year. JBob. And a happy new year, sir ; God bless that too! Fred. Ay, ay. Bob ; God bless that too. lE.vit, r. Scrooge. Here, j'ou ! Bob {Jumping off stool) . Yes, sir. 232 A CHEISTMAS CAROL, Scrooge. You'll want all day to-morrow,*! suppose? Boh. If quite convenient, sir. Scrooge. It's not convenient, and it's not fair. If I was to stop half-a-crown for it, you'd think j-ourself mightil}' ill-used, I'll be bound. Bob. Yes, sir. Scrooge. And j-et 3'ou don't think me ill-used, when I pay a day's wages for no work. Bob. It's only once a year, sir. Scrooge. A poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every twenty-fifth day of December. Well, you can't have it. Bob. But, sir — Scrooge. You can't have it. I shall expect you here earlier to-morrow. Bob. But, sir — Scrooge. No more. Go ! (Bob, loitJi a very rue- ful face, puts on his hat, looks at Scrooge, and goes slowly out R.) Scrooge {turns his chair round to face c.) There's another fellow, m}^ clerk, with fifteen shillings a week, and a wife and family, talking about a " merry Christ- mas ! " I'll retire to Bedlam. I don't make merry myself at Christmas, and I can't afford to make idle people merr}'. I help to support the prisons and the workhouses. They cost enough, and those Avho are badl}^ off can go there. Merr^^ Christmas ! Pooh ! bah! humbug, humbug! {Bell rings r., bell rings l,., and then r. and l. together.) Mercy! what's that? (Music, piano, slow and solemn. Enter n., Marley, dragging his chain, moving sloio. Sto2'>s c, looJang at A CnmSTMAS CAROL. 233 Scrooge ; a bandage of wJdte doth, passing under Ids jaivs, tied on top of his head.) How now? "What do 3'ou want with me ? Marley. Much. Scrooge. A\^ho are 3-011 ? 3farley. Ask me who I loas. Scrooge. Who tvere 3'Ou, then? Marley. In life, I was 3-our partner, Jacob Marlc3-. Scrooge. Can — can you sit down ? Marley. I can. Scrooge. Do it, tlien. (Makley sits on stool, c, facing Scrooge.) Marley. You don't believe in me. Scrooge. I don't. 3Iarley. "What evidence would 3'ou have of ni3' realit3', be3'ond that of your senses? Scrooge. I don't know. 3Iarley. "Wh3' do 3'ou doubt your senses? Scrooge. Because a little thing afl'ects them. A slio'lit disorder of the stomach makes them cheats. You nia}- be an undigested blot of beef, a bit of mus- tard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an underdone potato. There's more of grav3' than grave about 3'ou, whatever you are. (Marlev takes the bandage from his head; his jaw drops.) Mercy! Dreadful appari- tion, why do you trouble me? AVhy do spirits -walk the earth ? and wh3' do they come to me ? Marley. It is required of ever3- man, that the spirit "within him should walk abroad among his fellow-men, and travel far and wide ; and, if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. M3; 20* 234 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. spirit never walked be3'ond the counting-house. Mark me ! in life my spirit never moved beyond the narrow limits of our money-changing hole ; and weary journeys lie before me. Scrooge. Seven j-ears dead, and travelling all the time ! You travel fast. Marley. On the wings of the wmd. Scrooge. You might have got over a great quantity of ground in seven years. Marley. Oh, blind man ! blind man ! not to know that ages of incessant labor by immortal creatures for this earth, must pass into eternity before the good of which it is susceptible is all developed ; not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunities misused. Yet I was like this man. 1 once was like this mail. Scrooge. But you were always a good man of business, Jacob. Marley. Business ! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business. Charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. Hear me ; m^' time is nearl}- gone. Scrooge. I will ; but don't be hard upon me. Don't be flowery, Jacob, pray. 3Iarley. I am here to-night, to warn 3-ou that 3'ou have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate ; a chance and hope of my procuring, Ebenezer. Scrooge. You were always a good friend to me. Thank'ee. Marley {rising), Y'ou will be haunted by three spirits. A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 235 Scrooge. Is tliat the chance and hope j'ou men- tioned, Jacob? I — I think I'd rather not.* Marley. Without their visits you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. Expect the first to-niglit, when the bell tolls one. Expect the second to-morrow night at the same hour ; the third upon the next night, when the last stroke of twelve has ceased to vibrate. Look to see me no more ; and look that, for 3'our own sake, j'ou remember what has passed between us. {Music as before. Marley walks backward to r.,/o?- loivecl by Scrooge, tvith the same sloio step. Marley goes off R. As Scrooge reaches the r., bell tolls one: he turns. At the same moment, the Spirit op Christ- mas Past appears., c, entering at the opening in back curtain.) Scrooge. Are you the spirit whose coming was fore- told to me? Sjiirit. I am. Scrooge. Who and what are 3'ou ? Spirit. I am the Ghost of Chi'istmas Past. Scrooge. Long past? Spirit. No : jom* past. The things that 3'ou w ill see with me are shadows of the things that have been. They will have no consciousness of us. Scrooge. What business brought 3'Ou here ? Sjwit. Your welfare. Look! (A^feps l., Scrooge E. Music. The back curtains are draicn, showing a hoy sitting at a desk, r., loith an open book before him.) Scrooge. It is myself. (A man dressed as Ali Bab A, with an axe across his shoulder, ^)asses sloiobj and noiselessly across stage back of desk, r. ?o l.) 236 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Wh}', it's All Baba ! It's clear, old, honest Ali Baba. Yes, 3'es ; ' I know. One da}-, Christmas-time, when 3-onder solitary child was left here all alone, he did come here the first time, just like that poor boy. (Robinson Crusoe, ivith a parrot perched iipoii his Jinger, crosses from 11. to l. For costumes^ the per- formers can considt the picture-books.) There's Rob- inson. There's the parrot, — green body and yellow tail, with a thing like a lettuce growing out of the top of his head ; there he is. Poor Robin Crusoe, he called him, when he came home after sailing round the island. " Poor Robin Crusoe ! Where have you been, Robin Crusoe?" Ah! poor boy, poor boy ! {Cur- tain closes.) I wish {puts his hand in his pocTcet) — but it's too late now. Spirit. What is the matter? Scrooge. Nothing, nothing. There was a boy sino'incr a Christmas carol at my door last night. 1 should like to have given him something. That's all. Spirit. Let us see another Christmas. {Curtains are drawri, disclosing " Fezziwig's Dance." R., sits an old lady in cap and spectacles., her hands raised in admiration; c, is Fezziwig, in the act of '•'• cutting.'" He is a large man; lohite stocJcings, knee-breeches, shoes with buckles, long white loaist- coat, brown coat, large ivhite cravat, and wig. He stands upon his toes, with feet crossed, his counte- nance radiant IV ith enjoyment. Opposite him, Mrs. F., as though dancing, one hand on her ioaist, the other above her head; bright petticoat, dress tucked A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 237 up, €02^, and gray loig. r. and l. of tJiis couple, three young ivomen and three young men; costumes- same as Mii. and Mrs. Fezziwig, icith the exception of the zvig. They stand leaning forivard, ivith their hands together, as though apjylauding. In front of Fezziwig, a little boy, imitating Fezziwig. Behind all, a musician, standing in a chair, in the act of fiddling; music (violin), '■'- Sir Roger de Coverley." The characters should he cdl ready, and take their places, instantly the curtain falls on the previous pic- ture, as the time is very short.) Scrooge. Why, it's Fezziwig, — bless his old heart ! — my master Fezziwig alive again ; and there's Dick AVilkins, to be sure. He was very much attached to me, was Dick. Poor Dick ! Dear, dear ! those were happy times. How grateful we were ! {Curtains close on p)icture.) Spirit. A small matter, to make these silly people so full of gratitude. Scrooge. Small? Spirit. Why, is it not? He has spent but a few pounds of 3'our mortal money, — three or four, perhaps. Is that so much, that he deserves this praise? Scrooge. It isn't that, Spirit. He has the power to make his people happy or unhappy, — to make their service light or burdensome, a pleasure or a toil. The happiness he gives is quite as great as though it cost a fortune. Spirit. What is the matter? Scrooge. Nothing particular. 238 A CHRISTMAS CAKOL. Spirit. Something, 1 think. Scrooge. No, no. I should like to he able to say a word or two to my clerk just now : that's all. Spirit. My time grows short. Quick ! (^Curtains ewe drawn, disclosing a young girl sitting upon a lounge. Beside her a young man stands, with his arms folded. She is looldng aivay, he looking down at her. Costumes same as in " Fezziwig's Dance.") Scrooge. Again myself. Spirit. Listen. (T/ie characters in the picture speak, with soft music while they are speaking.) Girl. It matters little — to you, very little. An- other idol has displaced me ; and if it can cheer and confort 3'ou in time to come, as I would have tried to do, I have no just cause to grieve. Youth. What idol has displaced you? Girl. A golden one. You fear the world too much. I have seen yoxxx noble aspirations fall off, one by one, until the master passion — gain — engrosses you ; have I not? Youth. What then? Even if I have grown so much wiser, what then? I am not changed towards you. Have I ever sought release from our engagement? Girl. In words, no. Never. Youth. In what, then? A CHRISTMAS CAEOL. 239 GirJ. In a changed nature ; in an altered spirit ; in another atmospliere of life, another hope as its great end. If 3'ou were free to-day, to-morrow, j-esterda^-, can even I believe that you would choose a dowerless girl? or, choosing her, do I not know that your repent- ance and regret would surely follow ? I do ; and I re- lease you, with a full heart, for the love of him 3'ou once were. Scrooge. Spirit, remove me from this place. Spirit. I told you these were shadows of the things that have been. That they are what they are, do not blame me. Scrooge. Away, I say ! I cannot bear it. Leave me. Away, away ! Haunt me no longer ! {Falls into chair., l., and covers his face with his hands. The SriRiT stands at the side of his chair, pointing at the picture. The front curtain slowly descends.) 240 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. STAVE T^VO. Lively music. Curtain rises, sJiowing Scrooge's of- Jice, as before. Scrooge sitting in chair, loolcivg at hack stage, the curtains of tvhich are draion, disclos- ing the Ghost of Christmas Present, who sits upon a seat covered tvith red, his right arm leaning upon a barrel. In his lap is a bowl of steaming punch; in his left hand, a torch [red fire, such as is used in tableaux, placed in a holloio at the end of a stick, ivill produce the desired effecf] ; round him are strewn articles, such as are given for presents. After a feiu seconds, Christmas Present rises, and comes for- icard. The curtains close. Spirit. Look np, look up, and know me better, man. I am the Ghost of Chiistmas Present. Look upon me. (Scrooge sloitiy rises, and moves round him, looking closely at him. 3lusic continues. This is to give an opportunity to set the stage for the next picture.) You have never seen the like of me before ? Scrooge.. Never. Spirit. Have never walked forth with the younger members of my family ; meaning (for I am very young) my elders born in these later years ? Scrooge. I don't think I have. I'm afraid I have not. Have you had many brothers, Spirit? Sjyirit. More than eighteen hundred. Scrooge. A tremendous family to pro^'ide for. Spirit, show me what you will. Last night I learnt a A CHRISTMAS CAEOL. 241 lesson which is workiug now. To-night, if j'ou have aught to teach me, let uie profit b}' it. tS2ni'it. Look well upon the pictures I disclose. [Spirit retires r., Scrooge, l, (Curtains open, disclosing "Bob Cratchit's Christ- mas." Table, c, covered with while cloth; plates. L. of table sits Martha, a young lady about eighteen ; broicn dress, ivhite collar and cuffs ; hair neatly ar- ranged. Beside her, a boy of ten; jacket, ivith an enormous dickey and black cravat ; his hands raised and clasped, r. of table, a boy, tuith a large ruffled collar; his fork in his mouth. Next him, a girl of eight, loith her spoon thrust into her mouth. At the farther corner of table, r., sits Bob Cratchit, icith Tiny Tim sitting upon his knee. Mrs. Cratchit, dressed in plaid, stands at back of table, holding in both hands a plate bearing a plum-pudding, rather small, ivith a bunch of holly stuck in the top of it, and alcohol blazing around it. All eyes are fixed upon the pudding. Ex2)ression upon the faces joyful and expectant. Music lively.) Scrooge. It's my clerk. Bob Cratchit. Spirit. Ay, Bob Cratchit, who pockets on Saturdaj-s but fifteen copies of his Christian name ; and yet the Ghost of Christmas Present blesses his four-roomed house with the sprinklings of his torch. Bob Cratchit {raising a cup). A meny Christmas to us all, ni}' dears ! God bless us ! All {in picture) . God bless us ! 21 242 A CHEISTMAS CAEOL. Tiny Tim. God bless us, everj^ one! {Curtain closes.) Scrooge. Spirit, tell me if Tin}' Tim will live. Spirit. I see a vacant seat in the poor cliimne^'-cor- ner, and a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die. Scrooge. No, no ! Oh, no, kind Spirit ; say he will be spared. Sjiirit. If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, none other of my race will find him here. What then? If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. Scrooge. My very words, when I was asked to give a trifle for the poor ! Spirit. Man, — if man you be in heart, not ada- mant, — forbear that wretched cant until you have dis- covered what the surplus is, and where it is. Will you decide what men shall live, what men shall die? It may be, that, in the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless, and less fit to live, than this poor man's child. Scrooge. He must live ! he must live ! Poor Bob ! poor Bob ! Sjnrit. Come ; look upon another picture. (Music lively. Curtain rises upon jncttire of " Blind Man's Buff at Nephew Fred's." Characters in full evening costume, — gentlemen, ivhite vests and white ties, black clothes; ladies, rich and tasty. In the c. stands a gentleman, blindfolded, leaning forward, A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 2-43 groping ivitJi Jiis Jiands, tlie right Jiand just toutJiing a young lady, icJio is half turned from him, but who is looking back with a smile upon her face. Beside her stands a gentleman icith his finger ^ipon his lip. Behind the blindfolded gentleman, Nephew Fred, rdth his head throivn back, his mouth open, as though laughing. On the l., ayoicnglady, leaning forward, loith her fan to her lips; next her, a gentleman, hold- ing the blindfolded gentleman by the coat-tail, his other hand upon his side, his head throicn back, and mouth open, as though laughing. A boy in front of the party, on his knees, icith finger pointing up to the blindfolded gentleman.) Scrooge. Fred's house ! Spirit. Ay, your nephew, making mcrrj^ If j'ou lis- ten, 3'ou will hear him say of his Uncle Scrooge, " He may rail at Christmas till he dies ; but he can't help ' thinking better of it — I defy him — if he finds me going there in good temper, year after year, and say- ing, ' Uncle Scrooge, how are 3'ou? ' " Scrooge. And I refused his invitation, — I refused it ! I couldn't do it again, if I had the chance. O Fred, Fred ! A merry Christmas, and God bless you ! {Front curtain descends quickly.) 244 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. STAVE THREE. Scrooge's office, as before. Back curtains drawn. The Ghost of Christmas Future standing., -r., point- ing down; Scrooge heside Mm, l. Mournfid music. Scrooge. Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Ghost of the Future, I fear you more than anj' spectre I have seen ; but as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as 1 hope to live to be another man from what I was, I have borne you company, and did it with a thankful heart. Spectre, something informs me that our parting moment is at hand. I know it, but I know not how. Tell me who that man was with the covered fiice, whom we saw lying dead, of whom the merchants in the street spoke so carelessly, at whom the vul- tures of the dead sneered and jested. (The Spirit raises his hand, then points behind him.) Before I draw near to that stone to which you point, answer me one question. Are these the shadows of the things that will be? or are they shadows of things that may he, only? {The ^vuiii points as before.) Men's courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in, they must lead ; but, if the courses be departed from, the ends will change. Say it is thus with what j'ou show me. {The Spirit moves to r., turns, and points to back, lohere a gravestone leans against the tvall, let- tered ' ' Ebenezer Scrooge." The position of the Spirit should hide it till this. Scrooge staggers back till he reaches chair, l.) Am I that man who lay upon the bed? No, Spirit! Oh, no, no! Spirit, hear me I A CHEISTMAS CAROL. 245 I am not the man I was, I will not be the man I must ha\e been but for this intercourse. Wliy show me this, if I am past all hope? Assure me that I 3-et may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life. {The Spirit slowly lets his hand drop by his side.) I will honor Christmas in my heart, and tiy to keep it all the year. I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The spirits of all these shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone ! {Sinks into chair. The cxirtains slowly close. Bells outside ringing a merry peal. Masic lively. Scrooge starts from his chair.) What's this, my own office! {Runs across stage.) Hallo ! what's to-day? Boy {outside, r.). Eh? Scrooge. What's to-day, my fine fellow? Boy {outside, R.). To-day? AYhy, Christmas Day. Scrooge {dancing about). It's Christmas Day. I haven't missed it. Hallo, my fine fellow ! Boy {entering, r.). Hallo! Scrooge. Do you know the poulterer's, in the next street but one, at the corner? Boy. I should hope I did. Scrooge. An intelligent boy ; a remarkable boy ! Do you know whether they've sold the prize turkey that was hanging up there ? Not the little prize tur- key, the big one. Boy. Wliat ! the one as big as me ? Scrooge {rubbing his hands). Ha, ha, ha! What a delightful boy ! It's a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my buek. 21* 246 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Boy. It's hanging there now. Scrooge. Is it? Go and bu}^ it. Boy {with Jinrjer to his nose). Walk-er. Scrooge. No, no : I am in earnest. Go and buy it, and tell 'em to bring it here, that I may give thera the directions. Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less than five minutes, and I'll give you half-a-crown. (Exit boy in a hurry, ii.) What a delightful bo}' ! See him run ! I'll send him to Bob Cratchit's. He sha'n't know who scut it. It's twice the size of Tin}- Tim. Joe Miller never made such a joke as sending it to Bob's will be. I forget he's to be here to-day. Oh, if he'd only come late! {Sits at desl:, l.) Here he is, sure enough! {Enter Bob, r., loolcing very de- jected. Takes off his hat arid comforter, and gets npon stool.) {Gruffly.) Hallo! Avhat do you mean by coming here at this time of dav? Bob. I am very sorry, sir. I am behind m}' time. Scrooge. You are? Yes, I think you are. Step this way, if 30U please. Bob {getting dozen from stool) . I'm very sorry — Scrooge. Are you ? What do you mean b}' coming here at this time? Now, I'll tell you what, my man; I'm not going to stand this thing anv longer ; and therefore {jumjjs vp, and gives Bob a dig in the ribs) I'm about to raise your salary. (Bob runs to his desJi, and gets a ruler, looking frightened.) A merry Christ- mas, Bob! {Sla2'>s him in the back.) A merrier Christmas, Bob, my*good fellow, than I have given you for many a year. I'll raise j-our salary, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 247 endeavor to assist your struggling famih' ; and we'll discuss your affairs to-morrow over a Christmas bowl of sparkling bishop, Bob. Home to your family, and have a merr}* Christmas, and in the morning make up the fires, and buy a second coal-scuttle before you dot another ?, Bob Cratchit. Fred {outside, R.). A merry Christmas ! {Enters, R.) Here I am again, uncle. Scrooge {running to him., and shalcing hands). A merry Christmas, Fred ! I'm going to dine with 3'ou. Fred. That's right, uncle. You'll find a merrj' eompau}-. Scrooge. You can't tell me. I know 'em all. My niece. Plumper, the fat sister. Wonderful part}' ! won- derful games ! wonderful unanimitj' ! wonderful happi- ness ! Fred. We'll have a meny Christmas. Scrooge. A3', that we will. Henceforth I will honor Christmas in ni}' heart, and tr}' to keep it all the year. I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. {Sinks to his knees.) God bless us all ! Fred i ^ , > {sink to their knees). God bless us all ! Bob ) ^ {Music: curtains at back are dratvn, disclosing '■'■A Christmas Picture." In the centre, the Ghost of Christmas Present, seated as before, ivith his torch raised, red Jire blazing in it. At his l., the blind- folded gentleman, in the same 2yo sit ion as before, with the ladjf getting away from him; on his l., the lady tvith the fan; r. of Christmas Present, Mrs. 248 A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Cratchit, roith the ptcdding in her hands; Martha at her r., ivith Tiny Tim in her arms. Two of the children opposite them, loolcing at the jJudding. Tiny Tim speaks, lohen curtain is fairly draion, " God bless us every one!" " The Christmas Carol" \_see p. 64] is then sung by an invisible chorus; and the front curtain falls upon the whole picture.) UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. ViA^ 1 9 lB5t) IAR25 1957 NOV 2 6 ,9/3 %45 1975 rni L9-100m-9,'52(A3105)444 ^C SOUTHERrj REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 681 336 ^ -"^ '»*■ .*?* •*