The Ye^<""^ Einter'hx.»nr>»en"ts RpWl r s^_c^ This book is DUE on the last date stamped belo i^^ m. ^^28 \m MAR 3 195! JAR 1 ^ W?9 ^ APR 3 PN 4271 Southern Branch of the University of California Los Angeles Form L I PN 4271 LI16 --!.-' THE.IUSTWCTOR S£T?IES OF f.ENTt'Kr^" INMENTS THE YEAR'S Entertainments APRIL A Collection of Recitations, Dialogues, Songs, Exercises, Etc., Arranged as Programs for Special Days and Occasions, Providinp- ^ "ach Month of tL Qo Year Compiled and Arranged by INEZ N. McFEE ■!>Co^\ft 1909 V. A. uVVLN PUBLISHING CO. DANSVILLE, N. Y. PREFACE I have here made onlj' a uosegay of culled flowers, and have brought uotliing of my own but the string that ties them. — • Montaigue. THE YEAR'S ENTERTAINMENTS has been compiled with the ex- pectation that it will prove to be truly a help to teachers in providing suitable material for Friday Afternoon Exercises, for celebrating Special Days, and for commemorating the birth of noted authors. It contains a great abundance of material in the form of Recitations, Readings, Dia- logues, Songs, Exercises, Quotations, etc. The material is largely arranged under the specimen programs given, which include suggestions for Schoolroom Decoration and general directions for successful production. For convenience the book is arranged according to months, and issued in parts, as well as in complete form. Great utility will be found in the book even for those who do not wish to celebrate the Special Days or follow complete programs. The amount and quality of the contents affords a treasure house for Friday Afternoon Ex- ercises of a miscellaneous character, General Rhetoricals and Entertainments which will be thoroughly utilized and highly appreciated by the busy teacher. The Memory Gems and Quotations furnished for every month, are of them- selves a feature of much value, and susceptible of varied uses. ""Read, and when thou hast considered thy purchase, thou wilt call the price of' it a charity to thyself.''"' I. N. McF. LiscoMB, Iowa. Copyright, 1909, by F. A Owen Publishing Co. TN 4-2-1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS THE SELECTIONS from the writings of Joho Greenleaf Wbittier, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, James Russell Lowell, Alice and Phoebe Cary, and Lucy Larcom are used by permission of and special arrangement with Houghton, MiflBin & Co.. the authorized publishers of the writings of these authors. We wish to make particular mention of the ready kindness of A. Flanagan & Co., in allowing us the valued privilege of quoting many beautiful songs from Hanson's Song Series: — Golden Glees, Silvery Notes, Merry Melodies, Merry Songs, Primary and Calisthenic Songs, Victorious Songs, and New Century Songs. For permission to use other copyrighted matter grateful acknowledgemct is made to Chas. Scribner's Sons, D. Appple- ton & Co., Whittaker & Rr.y Co. , also to numerous other pub- lishers and authors from whose publications many beautiful and appropriate poems and extracts have been selected. Great pains have been taken to secure proper authority, when such was known to be necessary, for the use of every- thing in this book. It is believed that no one's rights have been infringed in tlie use ot any material herein contained. If any such infringement has occurred, it lias been uninten- tional, and apologies are herewith extended to those effected. NOTE — Any of the Music Rooks incnlioned in connection 7vilh the songs in these pages can be furnished by the Publishers of this book. GENERAL TABLE OF CONTENTS For full Alphabetical Index giving every selection see back pages of book. MONTH OF SEPTEMBER— Pages i to 40 September Program Program for the Commemoration of Eugene Field's Birth. Program for Parents Day. MONTH OF OCTOBER— Pages 41 to 72 Miscellaneous Program for October, Primary Grade Miscellaneous Program for October, Intermediate and Grammar Grades Program for Columbus' Day MONTH OF NOVEMBER— Pages 73 to io4 Thanksgiving, Primary Grades Thanksgiving, Grammar and Inter- mediate Grades Misotllaueous Program for Library Day MONTH OF DECEMBER— Pages 105 to 145 A Program for Whittier's Birthday Christmas in the Primary Grades Christmas in the Grammar and Inter- mediate Grades MONTH OF JANUARY— Pages 146 to 180 New Year's in the Primary Grades New Year's in the Grammar and In- termediate Grades A Miscellaneous Program for Fore- father's Day (Dec. 21st) MONTH OF FEBRUARY— Pages 181 to 228 Program for Washington's Birthday Program for Lincoln's Birthday Program for Valentine's Day Program for Longfellow's Birthday MONTH OF MARCH— Pages 229 to 260 A Miscellaneous Spring-Time Program A Program for Lowell's Birthday (Feb. 22) Selections for a Labor Program MONTH OF APRIL— Pages 261 to 300 A Program for Easter Arbor Day Program A Bird Day Program MONTH OF MAY— Pages 301 to 332 A Memorial Day Program A Temperance Program MONTH OF JUNE— Pages 333 to 364 A Program for Flag Day A June Time Program • . . Miscellaneous ^ - - . APRIL The Birdies' Bail - j( u --2; — \—\- ^^ — - — ^ — ^ — ^--* — -H Pf ^ — \ 1. Spring once said to the night -in -gale, I mean to give you birds a ball: 2. Sooa tliey came from bush and tree, .. Sing-ing sweet their songs of glee ; 3. The cuckoo and wren they danc'd for life, The raven wal tz'd with tlie yellow- bird's-wife.The . ^^^: Sifii IT. -I— — ■V- V— 1/- -W—\—i H ^ H- !•: -b — >j^— ^ — c — ^-n Pray,ma'am, askthebird-ies all,- The birds and bird - ies, great and small.' Each one fresh from its co -sy nest,- .... Each one drest in its Sun - day best, awk-ward owl, and the bashful jay, "Wished each other a" "very good day." §^. gy 4^ ^-| ^:l — — — ' ^ '. — t « 4 tf 1 ->;-N-N N >• :OEl3(3^: I^-5j -j-J — ? — s: — ^-^- — \- Trala la la la la, Trala la la la la, Trala la la la la, Trala la la la. zi2=A:d^_-^3 o -9—0- Ti-a la la la la la, Tra la la la la la, Tra la la la la la la. Ht -0 0—0—0- -fl ^ — fc^-^ :7i=*=P= N - N — N- -•— • — 0- -0- -(^ I THE YEAR'S ENTERTAINMENTS APRIL April ! April ! Are You Here ? April ! April ! are you here? , , . , Oh, how fresh the wind is blowing! See ' 'the sky is bright and clear, O, how green the grass is growing! April! April! are you here? April! April! is it you? . . See how fair the flowers are springing Sun IS warm and brooks are clear, Oh, how glad the birds are singing! April', April! is it you? April! April! vou are herel Though your smiling turn to weeping, Thuueh your skies grow cold and drear, _ Though your gentle winds are sleeping: April ! April ! you are here ! ^ ^ , , ^ —Dora Read Goodale. Memory Gems "Hark, how the blackbird whistles' Hark, how the song-sparrow trills! What are they calling with snowflakes falling And April cold on the hills? And wliat is the chick-a-dee saying? And what do the bluebirds mean? You'd think »)y their playing, they'd all come Maying, When hardly a border is green. Ho, ho! tliey are as wise as merry. They know what the sun is about ; And all without worry, they twitter and hurry Inviting the tlowers to come out. " I cannot tell what you say, green leaves, I cannot tell what you say ; But I know there is a spirit in you, And a word in you this day." "Up. Up! the blackbirds say. Tulip and lily and sweet daffodilly, Awake for the coming of May ; Up NMtli the simri-e mytha. Open your eyes so blue ! Fleur-de-lis, violet, quick to your toilet, The bluebird is calling you, Chick-a-dee talks to the wind-flower, - 'Ho brave little fellow, awake! The North-wind, blowing, may bite you in going _ , But the sun has a kiss for yoni sake. vSong-sparrow twitters in singing,— 'Peepirom your leaf-hi(iden nest. Sweetly salute us, darling arbutus Baby on April's breast.' " "In the heart of a seed Buried deep, so deep, A dear little plant Lav fa'^t asleep. 'Wake!' said the sunshine^ 'And creep to tlie light,' •Wake!' said the voice ()1 the raindrops bright. Tlie little plant heard And it rose to see What the wonderful Outside world might be.' 264 THE YEAR'S E.V'JERTA/NMENTS "Up from the suiiliug earth, Comes there a voice of mirth, Our hearts to cheer; Listen where willows lean, Lovingly o'er the stream, Listen, where the pine trees dream. Springtime is here. "Let us sing merrily. Blithely and cheerily, With the new year; Join in the chorus. Loud swelling o'er us ; Joy is before us, Springtime is here." Suggested Poems and Stories For the Teacher's Readmg and for Dis- cussion with the Pupils: — April — Samuel Longfellow. The Voice of the Grass — S. R. Boyle. Robin's Come— ^. W. Caldzvell. The Bluebird— 7'. B. Aldrich. The O'Lincoln Family—^. Flagg. Sunthin' in a Pastoral hine—Biglow Papers, No. Six. Lowell. Now the Noisy Winds are Still. An April Girl. Out of the S'ky—Mrs. Dodge ' ' When Life is Voung. ' ' A Song of Spring. A Spring Meeting. April Showers. In April — Lovejoy' s'' Na- ture in Verse." April. Robin's Apology. In the Or- chard — P. D. Sherman. Sir Robin. Sister and Bluebird. — Lucy La r com. April—//. H. fackson. The First Flowers— Whittier. April Day. Return of Spring — Long- fellow. Early Spring — Tennyson. Return of the Birds — Bryant. A Song of Easter. The Robin. In the Lilac Bush (a robin) — Celia Thaxter. Robin. Bluebird — Emily Dickinson. Robin Badfellow. Robin. A Mystery. The Crows. How the Flowers Grow. Rain in Spring. Spring Time — From " Ln the Child World'' by Gabriel Setoun. Story of Easter — Bible. Parable of the Sower — Bible. Myths and Fairy Tales: — Awakening Life. Persephone. Sleeping Beauty. Idun and her Apples. Siegfried and Brunhulde. Wooing of Gerd. Flower Myths and Stories: — Narcissus. For Picture Study Easter Morning, (809). He is Risen, {Si^)— Block horst. Easter Morning, (798). The Marys at the vSepulchre, (7972) — Hoffmatt. Mary Magdalene at Sepulchre, (962) — Burne-fones. The Resurrection, (216) — Gaddi. Holy Women at the Tomb, (3330) — Ender. Feeding the Hens, {^20)— Millet. Nature Pictures (Colored) of native ^irds and flowers. APRIL 265 Miscellaneous Program for Easter Song QiiotatioU'S Rt-citfltioii Acrostic Song Recitation Concert Recita'.i iii Recitation Recitation Song Recitation Concert Recitation Reading Recitation Soug Easter Mary Easter Endless Glory - Ea'r^ter iHowers Ring Happy Bells Legend of Easter Eggs Easter - Natnre's Easter Music Easter Time The Star That Became a Lily Easter Bells Recitation Recitation Exercise (three children 1 Recitation Tableau . . - - Song - - - - Easter Lilies Nature's Greeting Again An Easter Lily I'.a-tcr Morn (See ru-t\ire by Hoffman,) Easter Snowdrops, waking from your sleep, Violets, that from Ijlne hoods peep, Bloodioot, blooming by the rill, Stately lily, daffodil,— \Vliat sweet message do you bring? Is it only: "This is Spring?" Snow-drops, violets, lilies 'vhite, In the answer all unite: "Tiirough the mold we heard a voice Calling to the earth : ' Rejoice !' So we left the ground to rise, Off'iing incense to the skies." Little birds the chorus swell, Humming bees the tidings tell, Butterflies lilt shining wings, Ev'ry child with gladness sings; With the flow'rs rejoicing, say: "Christ is ris'n on Easter day !" From "Sougs ill Season," A. Hlaiia.i,':iii riil)lish«-rs. Quotations Ciirist Cometh and the earth is glad ; earth's large self-conscious heart A glowing tide ol rapture pours through everv (|iiiikened part. — Iluirh iMcMilliiin. IMowers are the sweetest tilings God ever made and did ii.t Is known indeed of men : Such glory on the pathway. It falls again on all Who hear the King in blessing. And hasten at His call. Rise, King of grace and glory. This hallowed Easter-tide, Nor from Thy ransomed people Let even death divide ; For yet again doth heaven Throw all its gates apart, And send the sacred Easier Straight from its glowing heart Selected. Easter — An Acrostic E is for the blessed Easter. A is the jo}' of all men. S is for sweet carols. T is our beautiful thoughts. E is for earnest words. R is our risen Lord. Endless Glory Early dew and gentle rain, Flow'rs that deck the verdant plain. Joyous birds on pinions fair. Gliding thro' the balmy air: Chorus — Praise the Lord, our God and King, Let the earth his wonders sing, Let his mighty works proclaim Endless glory to His name. Sun and moon whose luster bright Rules the day aud cheers the night, Years and seasons as 3'e roll, .Stars that shine from pole to pole. Chorus, APRIL 267 Angels heck'ning to His will, Round His throne attending still, All ye heav'nly hosts above, Sing your great Creator's love. Chorus. Easter Flowers {The speaker should carry a basket oj 'lou'ers Tt'hich should be placed in a prom- 'ncnt place at I lie close of the recitation .) Me— wges of God's dear love iJo llie-iC flowers hear; He who ^vitli a gracious hand C. Ives the-^e colors rare Will reuieniber you and me W ilii as true a care. So 1 bring love's offering On this Easter Day, Flowers fair that to each heart Softly seem to say : ■ ■ Death no more can over you Hold eternal ssvay." .\s the tender plants escaped I'forn the pris'niug mold, So has Christ death's bondage burst, Death so grim and cold. This I think the. message true That these blossoms hold. — CI a ra J. Den ton . Ring Happy Bells (A Concert Recitation) Ring happy bells of Easter-time! The world is glad to hear^our chime. Across \side tiehls of melting snow, The winds of summer softly blow And birds and streams repeat the chime Ot Easter-time. Ring, happy bells of Easter-time ! Tlie world takes up 3'oi\r chant sublime; "The Lord is risen !" The niglit of fear Has passed away, and heaven (.iraws near; We breathe the air ol that blest clime At Easter-time. Ring, liappy bells of Easter-time! Our happy hearts give back your chime! The Lord is risen! We die no more! He ojjens wide the heavenly door ; He meets us while to Him we climb, At Easter-time. — Lucy Larcoiii. Legend of Easter Eggs Trinity bells, with their hollow lungs. And their vibrant lips and tlieir brazen tongues. Over the roofs ol the city pour Their Ka-ter music witii joyous roar, Till the s(jaring notes to the sun are rolled. As he swings along in his path of gold. "Dearest ^)apa," saj's uiy boy to me, .^s he merrily climbs on his mother's knee, " Wliv are these eggs that you see me hold Colored so finely with blue and golil? And what is the wonderful bird that lays Sucli beautiful eggs on Easter days?" "You have heard, my boy, of the Man wlio died. Crowned with keen thorns and crucified ; And how Joseph the wealthy — whoTU Ood rewarded- Cared for the corpse of tlie martyred Lord, .And piously tombed it within the rock. And closed tlie gate with a niiglity block. 'Now, close l)y the tomb a fair tree grew, Willi ])eiiduloiis leaves and blossoms of blue; And fleep in the green tree's shatlowy brea»l A beautiful singing-bird sat on her nest, Whivh w;is bordered willi mes like mal.uhite, ,\n.iges bearing to God. 'We arise and we praise him together'" With a flutter of patal and wings, The anthem of spirits immortal Rings back from created things. And nothing is left wholly sjjeechless ; For the dumbest life that we know May utter itself through another And double its gladness so! The trees have the winds to sing for them ; The rock and the hill have the streams; And the mountain the thunderous torrrents That waken okl Earth from her dreams. She awakes to the Easter music ; Her bosom with praise overflows; The forest breaks forth into singing, For the desert has bloomed as the rose. And whether in trances ot silence We lliink of our Lord arisen, Or whether we carol with angels .\t the open door of his prison. He will give us an equal welcome Whatever the tribute we "nring ; For to Him who can read the heart's music To blossom with love is to sing. — Lucy Larcoin. Easter Time (Concert Recitation) Willow branches whit'ning 'Neath tiie April skies; Sodden meadows bright' ning. Where the warm sun lies, Robin Redbreast -^winging, In a tree top high. Swollen brooklets singing — Easter draweth nigh ! Tender fledgelings hushing Eager to take wing; Trees and hedges flushing With the joy of spring. Crocus linds up-springing Tlirougii the cold ilark sward, Living incense bringing To the risen Lord. — Alary j\/ . Jytcfiuuiid. The Star That Became a Lily f)nce a beautiful star came down to earth. For a long time it had watclierl the cliil- rlren at play in the green fields, and the star said, "I love those little Red children. I would like to go down and live witii them." So one night the star shot down, down, till it last it stood out upon a big plain. The people in the wigwam village saw it, and ran to look at it. "I have come, O good people," said the star, "to dwell with you on the earl.i. , I love to watcli you in your wigwams. I love to see yf)n make your birch canoes. I Imvc til \\atrh your children at their play. Till inr, fluii, where I may dwell. It iMii-l be where I cau see you all, and wliere al iiigiit I can look ii]) to my home in the -kic" 270 TIIIL 1 l-.A K'S nx TEK TA IN MEMS Tiien one chief said, "Dwell here upon the mountain top; where you can overlool- the plain. The clouds will come down and rest upon the high peaks, and each morn ing y(ju nia\- greet the sun." "Dwell here npoii the hillsides," said another chief, "for there the flowers grov hrighte.-l, and the '-un is warmest." "Dwell in the forests," said a third chief, "for there the sweet violets grow. -ani llie air is cool, and the smell of spruce is in the air." But the star thought the mountain was too far away, as it could not see the childrei from such a height, and it was they it wanted to ue near. The hillside, too, the stai thought, was far awaj', and the forest, it was sure, was too dark and dreary. But one day, the star saw a beautiful little lake. The water was verj' clear,— out could see the skies and the clouds in it. At night the stars shone down into its waters. The water was soft and warm, and the star was pleased to see it ripple and dauce. I liked to see the sunlight glimmer on the waters. The children loved the lake, too; they played all day on its banks, and often pad- dled out upon it witli their little canoes. "I will dwell right here," the star said, "for then I can be near the children." And so, when the sun had set, the star floated down upon the waters. It sent its ray? way down beneath the waters ; and the Red children are sure these rays took root Perhaps they did, for sure enough, the very next morning there was a beautiful lil.^ upon the waters. Its roots reached away down into the rich earth, its petals were pure white, and it had a heart of rich yellow gold. "No flower has a perfume so sweet," the children cried. Then the}' rowed out to look at it. "It is the star," the children said; "it will dwell with us forever, and we will cal it the Lily vStar." Then the children rowed back to the shore. They did not plm!. the lilj', but each morning they went to see it. "Dear, beautiful lily I" tliej- would say. By and by it opened wide its petals; and the air was filled with svvcetuess. Then other lilies grew up around it; and after a time these Water Lilies, or Li I) Stars, as the children called them, were floating on the waters of the lakes everywhere — Stories of the Red Children, Dorothy Brooks. Easter Bells Hark! The Easter Bells are ringing To and fro, Notes of joy and comfort bringing vSweet and low. Up from the toml) wherein He lav. Came the Sa\ionr this blest day, •Ridding the sorrowing on their way Forward go. Hark! The Easter Bells are swelling Loud and clear ; Over plain and valley telling Christ is here. Death at last has lost its sling, Tlie gra\e no more dari< horror^ brin;. While the Iiapjiy Seraplis sing Hjmus of cheer. Hark I The Easter Belis are chiming Here and there, Praising, praving, pulsing, rhyming Through the air. "Now, may i-very sin be shriven, Every heart from doubt be riven. Since our Lonl this day is Risen," Men declare. Hark I The Easter Bells are ringing. To and fro. While the angelic choirs are singing Sweet and low. Let peace and love your liearts adorn, Let not sorrow on your inow be worn. On this Resurrection :M'>rn Paeaus flow. — Susan Rcnnuk. APRIL 271 Easter Lilies "Gather the lilies," the minister said, Aud little maid Marjorie raised her head. "Gather sweet lilies of love, to bring Aud lay at the feet of our risen King!" Little maid Marjorie lifted her eyes, Bright with the light of a glad surprise, To the minister's kind and beaming face. As he uttered these words of truth and grace. 'Twas Easter morn, aud Marjorie knew, As she sat so still in tlie high-backed pew, That Jesus, the Sou of God, had risen. And entered in glorj- into heaven. And her heart ^vas glad this Easter day, For here she had suddenlj' found a way To honor the Lord who loved her so, And had died that she to heaven might go. So after the last short prayer was said, Back to her home she quickh' sped. And up to her own dear little room. Where, by a window, all in bloom. Two Easter lilies, wliite and fair, Drank in the sunshine and soft spring air, .\ud seemed to be singing a silent song To the Lord of heaven this Easter morn Little maid Marjorie's eyes grew dim. But she softly said: "It is all for Him!'' .•\nd she plucked the blossoms, and turned away, Tliougli a tear in oue waxeu chalice lay. Then down the steps to the street she went. On her errand of love and duty bent, .\nd the passers-by looked up and smiled kx. sight ot the lilies and the child. Suddenlv little maid Marjorie turned. kxxA her tender lieart with pity burned, For a cripple boy stood at her side, .\nd with wistful glances the lilies eyed. She looked from him lo the blossoms fair — "Surely the l)les^etl Cbri-.t will spare One of these flow'r-^ for the rri])[jle boy Who knows so little of love and joy." So, with a smile of tender grace. She raised her eyes to the thin, pale face. "Here, take this lily; 'tis all for you!" Tlien on lier way to ihe churc h she (lew. She softly ascended the old '-lone steps, .\nd entered the bnilding wilii parted lips .^nd two little hand-, that tightly pressea The one white blossom against her breast. 'Twas all so still tiiat tlic little mai I^Krd." .\nd lilllc maid Marjorie -ww liic form Of a womau in garments old and worn, Who knelt in tears at the altar rail, With lips that murmured a pitiful tale. Marjorie went to the woman's side: "O, please be happy this Easter-tide! Here, take this lily, aud may God bless Aud fill your heart witli joyfulnes-." The womau smiled through her tearful eyes, And gradually hushed her litter sighs; But sweet maid Marjorit^s eyes grew dim — "I have left no lilies to give to Him!" O, dearjuaid Marjorie, augels sing The song of your lilies before the King; He knows the love that would fain have given, .■\nd treasures remembrance up in heaven. Have }'ou forgotten tlie words of love That He left us before He went above? "Inasmuch as ve did it to these," said He, "Ye did it, My brethren, unto Me!" . — Alice Garland Steele Nature's Greeting The birdies came up from the vSouthhnul And found that the winter was gone, And Ihey said, " We must see about singing For Easter is coming on." The flowers awoke in the forest And they found that the skies were clear, And they said, " We must see about bloom- ing For Easter will soon be here." The leaves all came out on tlie elm tree And danced with the breezes in glee, And they said,' ' We must see about grow ing, Easter is coming you see." The birdies called down to the flowers, "O say, will our singing now n the bright Easter morning When the worlil was w.ikiug tf> rise, 111 lb'- •-"Mg, "He i-- risru, is ri-^en,' Tlieir chorus r.ang to the skic-. 27^ THE YEAR'S ENTERTAINMENTS Again (For Tliree Children) First Child— Again the Spring! Again the Easter L,!!}'! Again the soft warm air with odors rite: Again the tender green on hil] and valley : Again the miracle of risen life ! Second Child — Again from the dark mold of their entombing, In all their lovely robes of radiant hue, The crocus and the violet are blooming, The self-same flowers our earliest cliildhood knew. Third Child— Again the birds in joyous flocks are winging, Chirping their songs of love and resting days; Again the sound of happy children singing, Along the lanes and in the woodland ways. All' Hark ! "Peace on earth, good will to man, Christ, the Lord, hath risen today." An Easter Lily 'Tis dawn in Palestine. The morning stars Have sung themselves away, like dying swans. A winged glory flutters in the east. And rising, sweeps its pinions up the sky Like some great bird-of-paradise. In haste A glad young breeze lifts up the heavy heads Of dreaming flowers, and wakes them with a kiss. No time for sleeping now! The day has come — Arid such a day as never broke, on earth. El-fore! The world's first Easter morn, wliich is To tear the veil of mystery from Death And show its face to be not Death, but Lite ! A birth into a richer, grander life, Of which earth's deepest joys are but the types And misty shadowings. There lies the clue To God's great secret, and upon tl)is da}' He gives the key into tlie hand of man ! Along yon dust-white stretch of road, and thro' The singing, scented, dawn-kissed fields, there comes A woman, hast'ning from the city gates, White-robed and flinging back her veil to cool Her fevered face against the flower-sweet breath Aiid soft caresses of the morning air; A face both beautiful and piteous. Whose eyes — that once intoxicated half Jerusalem — have had tlieir niadd'ning power Washed out by many bitter tears, and now Like liui])id pools in shadowy hollows lie, Life's blue sky screened forever from their sight By interlacing foliage of pain. Tlir dawn ra^s twine tlieir fingers in her Iiair, WhObS gold-bfi^hl meshes fling their dazzle back APRIL 273 Like answering smiles. It is the Magdalen — Her story, like her face, most deeply sad, Yet strangely, marvelously beautiful ! A hurricane of passion had engulfed Her dawning maidenhood, and swept it out — A poor, frail bark — upon life's blackest sea. Where myriad monsters sought to drag it down. Until the voice of him of Nazareth Cried, "Peace!" and stilled the tempest suddenly. As some crushed, half-wrecked ves-,el is drawn in. * At last, to quiet haven — so her sonl. Storm-tossed, a wreck indeed, found anchorage In that great port of peace, the Master's love. All lesser loves were naught— this soul touched hers With holy hands, and lo ! that touch of fire Consumed the outer robe of vileuess, showed Her white within — and from her drew sweet chords Of music, like the play of master-hands Upon an organ's keys. Poor Magdalen ! One look into that pure face taught her all ; As by a liglituing-fiash she read her past^ A nightmare, evermore ! She saw the thing Called life, and what it means; and love became Far grander than her heart had dreamed. 'Twas (^od ! And therefore pure and fair as his own flowers. Her woman-soul found, then, its power of speech. Its long-sought utterance. A perfect love Had stretched its hands to clasp her groping ones. And she was saved ! The glory blinded her. But she could follow on, her hand held fast In that strong hand that ne'er would fail her now. So dreamed she sadly, heeding not the words The Master spoke of coming cross and death. Till those sad warnings were fulfilled, indeed, With awful suddenness! At first half-stunned — Then waked to anguish by his sufferings Which held her at his side in breathless woe Thro' those long, tortured hours of Calvary — She lost her laith, her hope — all, save her love , That lived, and broke her heart, when his difl l)reak Upon the cross I 'Tis over, now — tlu- j')v That has transformed her life in tliese la-;t yi'ars — Ay, buried there with tliat dear lorm wliich she Helped lay away within the new-made t(jml). Some of the Ma'-ter's followers hail dreanieii Of eartlily kiiigrioin, eartlily king, and thfv His lo\al, loving ministers; and some Ilafl lioped for mysii-rie>, and glorious >ights And miracles— for lieaven on eartli ; but she - She liad but loved him, tound in him her ln-avi-n. Her ];eriect J)ea(e and rest and sympathy! Now he is gone, and she once more adrift Upon a worhi that mocks her and dtricU-s. What wonder that, in this sw<'ct Kaster dawn — Thnn;.;h, \et, it differs not from otlier da>\ti-. 1 <» her — slie hastens, 'mid the waking flowers 274. THE YEAR'S ENTKRTA/XMENTS And glad-voiced birds, to that fair garden-spot Of peace, where rests the well-beloved dead, And flies from living men, to find s;id joy ' In leaning her poor Jiead against the stone That holds her all ! And it, perchance, she find Some kind, strong hand to roll away the stone, 'Twill soften mucli her pain to lay fresh spice And ointment on the body of her Lord. But look ! Some other has been here — the stone Is down — the tomb yawns widely ! Mary stops, A dumb fear clutching at her heart, and casts One swift look 'round the slumbrous burial-spot. Yes, quite alone ; — no creature near, save birds And fresh-robed flowers; — a scene of utter peace. She starts — then falters — hastens on again, And stooping, trembling, looks into the tomb. Empty! "O God!" "O God !"— The body gone. The poor, pierced body of her soul's beloved! Gone — vanished — ^leaving not a trace or sign. Save folded grave-clothes lying by themselves! What hands have stol'n him forth? What rough, base hands And wherefore? — Who can bear him malice now. Or seek to further harm that loving heart Their hate has tortured, broken, slowly stilled! It is too much, this last drop in the cup! Her frail form, shaken with wild, gasping sobs, Sways like a wind-torn blossom to tlie ground; The darkest hour of her soul's despair Enfolds her in its icy arms, and blinds Her to the breaking of the day of joy Which draws so near — is, even now, at hand! A subtile tremor thro' the garden steals — A sigh of sudden, hushed expectancy. As tlio' the leaves and flowers lield their breath. For lo! there stands a Presence in their midst, Who smiles upon them with the eyes of God! They recognize him, and reach out soft hands To touch liim, as young children show their love. But lie has heard the agonized heart-cry Ot yon poor broken flower of womanhood. And passes sottly, swiftly to her side. "Why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?" — the words Fall sweetly, yet on dull, unheeding ears. vSlie sees him with but poor, tear-blinded eyes. And thro' the gold haze of her falling hair, A qniv'ring sigh breaks from her; "Ah!" she moans, "They've ta'en away my Lord, and I know not Where they have laid him!" Then — one last faint liope Quick-springing in her heart — "O sir, if tliou Hast borne him hence, I pray thee tell me where Thou'st laid him; then will I — yea, even I, With these weak woman-hands — take up my Lord And carry him away to some forgotten spot. Where never foot of enemy shall come To trouble him ; where only flowers, and birds. And the soft, dreaming e3'es of the far stars Shall watch his earthly resting-place; and where, ArKir. 275 Oi silent, moon-white uij^ht>, or in .«ome dawn A^ lre«bly radiant as tlii~, may steal Those few poor souls who love his nieniorv And can not long be absent from his side !" The shaking voice grows faint, again with tears, The trembling form droops lower at the feet Of th? white Majesty she scarcely sees. And then— like sudden music sweeping thro' The solemn hush of great cathedral aisles, The \oice of the dear Crucified and Risen Sweeps thro' the dnuib soul of the Magdalen With one sweet " Mary !" — How it echoes down The world's dim centuries, and grandly strikes An answering cliord in every woman's breast That ihriils bent-ath its touch! The voice of God — Which calls vast worlds and systems into life. Ant', is tlie perfect music of all time, Speaks, now, one simple woman's simple name In tones that knit all woman-hearts to him Forevt-rmore, because of the love-note Of tender, comprehending s\'mpathy That vibrates through them ! Ah, dear Lord, she knows Thee n\- Willows now are ])eeping l'"r(>in the cots where they've been sleeping. R Roliiii Retlbreast clears his throat To trill for us his sweetest note. I Aiul 'tis now the Insects waken From the long, long sleep they've taken. N N is for Nests and nesting time When birds return from warmer ciime. Green springs the Grass o'er meadow-land When ADril fairies wave their wand. The grand old Trees, we learn today, Are nionarclis of our Arbor Day. ( // nut desired for Arbor Day rccitatirn . litis verse may be substituted for letter J .) Tlic Treis in tlre-^s of freshest green Tall mouarchs are of stateliest mien. Spring's Infant l)lossonis, birds and bees Are waiting wanner sun and breeze. M One sign of spring we know full well, When Maple buds begin to swell. E Earth dons her robes of brightest green A fresher world was never seen. yThe ehildren sing the same stanza as ol the beginning and pass offstage, aeeordmg to diagram and direetions. ) — May R. Collins. Sugar Season* '_8— 4— T-J 1 1 r-1 ^ . P » ^ r— f=^ 1 L [V— 4 " * ^ ^ !> ^ < # ^ - J ^ ^i i -& Here we come with shouts and buckets, Spoons and keitles, every one; What's the reason? Suj^ar sea-^on, And the sap' begun to run. IIor~es crunch across the snowpaths. Loaded sieds oi sap they pull ; What's the reason? Sugar sea -on, And the pails are brimming full. *Used by special permission of the author ami composer, .\lice K- AUcii and Chas. K. Boyd. Sap in kettles, watch it bubble. Try it, see the fine threads coil ; \Vhat'^ the reason? Sugar season. And the sap's begun to Ijoil. Sugar cakes — all sorts and sizes — See, our little ba-kets hold ; What's the reason? Sugar season. And our sugar must be sold. Apple Seed John Poor Johnny was bended well-nigh double With years of care, and toil, and trouble; Rut Ills large old heart still felt the need Of doing for others some kitidlv deed. "But wliat can I do?" old Johnny said : "I, who work so hard for daily brend? It takes heaps of money to do nnuh uotxl I am fir t^'o poor to do as I would. " APRIL 279 Tbe^ld man .sal thiukiug deeply awhile, Then over his features gleamed a snnle; And he chipped his hands with childish glee, And said to himself, "There's a way for me!" He worked and he worked with might and main, But uo one knew the plan in his brain. H<_ took the ripe apples in pay for chores. And carefulh' cut from them all the ores. With a bag full of cores he wandered away, Anil uo man saw him for many a dav. With knapsack over his shoulder sluug, He marched along and whistled or sung. He seemed to roam with uo object in view, Like one who had nothing on earth to do; But, journeyiu'4 thus o'er the prairies wide, He paused now and then, and his bag untied. Witli pointed cane, deep holes he would bore. And in every hole ho placed a core; Then covered llit-m well and left them there, In keeping of -unshine, rain, and air. Sometimes for days he wadeil through grass, And saw not a living creature pass; Buc ofleu, when sinking to sleep in the dark, He heard the owls lioot and prairie-dogs ijark. Sometime- a log cal)iii came in view. Where Joliiin}' was sure to find jobs to do, By wliich he gained stores of bread and meat. And welcome rest for his weary feet. Ht had full many a story to tell, And goodly livmns that he sang right well ; He to-^ed u]) the babies and joined the boys In many a game full of fun and noise. And he seemed so hearty in work or play, •Men, women and boys all urged him to stay ; But he always said, "I have something to do. \nd 1 niu-l go on U> carry it through." The boys, \sh() were r.ure to follow him round, Soon found what it was tiiat he ])nt in the ground ; \nd so, as time passed, and he traveled on, J*!verv one called him, "Old .\pple-Sced John." Whenever he'd used the whole of his store, He went into cities and worked for more ; Then he marched back to the wilds again. And planted seed on hillside and plain. In cities, some said the old man was crazj-, While others said he was only lazy ; But he took uo notice of jibes and jeers ; He knew he was working for future years. So he kept on traveling far and wide, Till his old limbs failed him and he died. He said at last, " 'Tis comfort to feel I've done good in the world, though not a great deal." Wear}' travelers, journeying west. In the shade of his trees find a pleasant rest ; And they often start with glad surprise, At the ros}' fruit that round them lies, And if they inquire whence came such trees. Where not a branch once swayed in tlie breeze. The answer still comes, as they travel on, "These trees were planted hy 'Apple Seed- John.' " — Lydia Maria Child. Crcwn the Spade {A pupil hearing an ordinat y gaidi n spade comes upon the stage, and rccitis. This spade is undecorated.) Crown the spade on Arbor Day Of every tool the king. The spade digs u]) the little tree We ior our festal bring ; The spade makes ready for the place The little tree must own When it is from its brothers brought And coaxed to dwell alone ; The spade then brings the richer soil AikI s])rea(ls it all arouml. And still with kindly services It often seeks that ground. Then, while we celebrate the trees Ami all their virtues trace. The spades in lu)lirlay attire Our festival A\\\\\ grace. ( This pupil leaves the stage and four nihcrs enter. They carry dtcuratrd \pade\ that look as pretty as Janey ribbon % or pupei ran make them. Each recites in turn.\ .\way to the forest, ho, ho! 'Tis there that the voung saplings gr<»« 'J" is there we m.iy find wliat we please Wlnii sfj-king for Arbf>r Day tri. -. ^80 THE YEAR'S ENTERTAINMENTS Awaj- to the forest, ho, ho ! With spades on our shoulders we go. There fair little trees we shall find. And l)ring tlieui to places more kiud. Awav to the forest, ho, ho! Willi merriest footsteps we go To make a most diligent search 'Mong hickory, maple and birch. Then hack from the forest, ho, ho! And proudly our gleanings we'll show. Perhaps each small Arbor Day tree A father of forests may be. The Four Sunbeams Four little sunbeams came earthward one day, Shining and dancing along on their way. Resolved that their course should be blest. "Let us try;" they all whispered: "some kindness io do, Not seek our own pleasuring all the day through, Then meet in the eve at the west." One sunbeam ran in at a low cottage door, And played "hide-and-seek" with a child on the floor, Till baby laughed loud in his glee. And chased with delight his strange playmate so bright, The liitle hands grasping in vain for the light That ever before them would flee. One crept to the couch where an invalid lay. And brought him a dream of the sweet summer day, Its bird-song and beauty and bloom. Till pain was forgotten and weary unrest, And in fancy he roamed through the scenes he loved best, Far away from the dim, darkened room. One stole to the heart of a flower that was sad, And loved and caressed her until she was glad And lifted her white face again ; For love brings content to the lowliest lot, And finds something sweet in the dreariest spot, And lightens all labor and pain. And one, where a little blind girl sat alone, Not sliaring the mirth of her playfellows, shone On hands that were folded and pale. And kis-ed the poor eyes that had never known sight, Tliat never would gaze on the beautiful light Till angels had lifted the veil. .■\t last, when the shadows of evening were falling, ■ And the sun, their great father, his children was calling, l'"our sniibeanis sped into the \\'est. All ^aid, "We have found that in seeking the pleasure Of others, we fill to the full our own measure," — Then softly they sank to their rest. —St. Nicholas. Arbor Day Brevities Arbor Day was started in Nebraska in 1872. J. Sterling Morton was the founder of it. Practically all of the States and Territories ha- e adopted Arbor Day, and miUious of trees are set out every year. The first public planting of trees in honor of the memory of distiuguisheu people took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, several years ago. APRIL 2«1 Our country has made a great mistake in cutting down so many trees and spoiling our splendid forests. Trees not only make the earth more beautiful to look at and enjoy, but they do a grout deal of good beside. I'orests affect the climate of a conntry. They prevent extremes of heat and cold, and the sudden changes in weather that s])oil the cr()])s. Forests help the farmers by forming a wall that protects the growing crops. More rain falls every year in the forests than in the open fields. A jiortion of this rain is caught by the leaves and held, and then drojiped down afterwards to the earth gradually. This is better for the soil than if it all fell upon the earth at once. The carpet of leaves in the forests makes the. earth there like a sponge, and it takes up the rains and melting snows and holds them and lets the moisture down into the soil, little by little. This spongy leaf-mold keeps the earth from freezing so hard there so that it can take up the rain. Old limbs and trunks of trees and big roots that stand out on the surface stop the water that comes pouring down the hillsides, and slowly fills the springs and rivers. When the forests are cut down and the ground burnetl over, the leaf}' sponge-like mold is burned too, and the melting snows and rainfalls rush down the hills and do great harm. Large roots of trees will push their way under ground and into rocks and make little hollow places for the water to run through, and that keeps the springs open all the year. If trees are planted in sandy deserts by and by good soil will he formed, where other things can grow. Then people can live in tiiese places. Trees make the air purer. The leaves take in the impure air which we breathe out. They make it over in their little cells and give it l)ack to us pure air again. Trees give out a great deal of moisture. A town or city without any trees would be a great deal hotter and drier in the summer time. The Poets and Arbor Day {Pupils stand by desks atid a/ler naming authors recite the quotattons.) First Pupil — Whittier said: " Give fools their gold, and knaves their power ; Let fortune's Imlililes rise and fall ; Who sows a fielil or trains a flower. Or plants a tree is more than all." Second Pupil — Ben Johnson wrote: "Not merely growing like a tree In bulk doth make man belter be. Or standing long an oak tiiree hundred years, To fall a log at last, dry, bald and sear. A lily of a day is fairer f.ir in May ; Although it fall and die tliat night. It was the ])lanl and flower of light. In small prf)i)orUons we ju>t beauties see, And in short measure life may perfect be. " Third Pupil — Holmes said: "In fact there's not liing that keeps its youth, vSo far as I know, but a tree and truth." Fourth Pupil — Morris wrote: "To me the world's an open book 01 sweet and pleasant jioetry ; I read it in the running l)rook That sings its way toward the sea. It whispers in the leaves ol trees. The swelling grain, the waving grass, And in the cool, fresh evening breeze, That crisjjs the wavelets as they pass. "Tlie flowers below, the stars above, In all tlieir l)looni and brightness given. An-, like the attributes of love. The poetry of earth and heaven; Thus, nature's volume, read aright. Attunes ihe soul to minstrelsy Tingeing life's clou// — Longfellow said: "If tliou ar» worn and heart beset With sorros\''+.tliat thou wouldst forgot, If thou wnnld^t read a h-'^'-on th;>t will keep Thy heart fr-, Showers and sunsiiine, bird:- and flowers. And you'll have an April U.iy. A Chorus of the Flowers (Six Children) [Each c III lei carries the tioiucr which he represents. ) First Child — I am the honeysuckle, With my drooping lie.ul. And early in the springtime I don my dress of red. I grow in quiet wooi look at me. Second Chi Id — I am the dandelion, Yellow, as \ce me Till y slioiit for glee. I grow b}- ever)' wayside, .\nd when I've Iiad \\\\ d.-y I spread my wings so silvery .ind fly away. Thiid Child— When God made all the flowers He gave each one a name; -Vnd when the others all had gone k little lilne one came, And said, in trembling whisper, "My name has been forgot," Tlien the good Father called her Forget-me-not. l-\fii>th Child — .\ fern, the people call me, Um always clothed in green; 1 live in every forest — ', You've seen me oft, I ween. Sometimes I leave the shadow I To grow beside the way ; Y'ou'll see me as jou par;S ; Some nice, fine d.iy. APRIL '^X^'.^ Fif'tti Child — 1 am tlie gaj- nasturtium, I tiloom in ganien- fine, Aiiiouo \\nt yrumltT llowt-rs Mv sleiiiier stalk I iw ine. Brijjlit oranjie is ni)' color The eyes of all to piease. I have a tube of houey For all the bees. Si.vUi Child— I am the little violet In 1113- purple dress; I hide myself so safely Tliat you d never guess There was a ^ower so near you, Ne-tliiig at your feet; And that is \vh3- I send j'ou M}' fragrance sweet. — Lucy Wheilock. The Tree Planter We are building for the future ; Every loyal youth and lad In his .M;iy-tinie seed or sapling Founds a dsvelling green and glad, Where ihc song birds of the morning Konnd their cradle-honies will l)iay. And the rain will store its treasure For the streams that wear awav. — :iekclcd. Planting; a Cherry Tree Dear little, l)right little Kobin-, Witli \our co/.y home in view. When hjv tree has grown A- big a> your own I'll have \\\\> haigain wiih yo-.i , If you'll tf\: (lie >lugs And the woriur^ and Ijugs, Vou may taste of the cherries, too. l)-ar old, fu^-y old Top- Knot. V'.^ riicrije- for >"ii The Pussy Willow The brook is brimming with melting >now, The maple sap is running, .A.nd on the highest elm, a crow His coal-black wings is sunning. A close green bud, the Mayflower lie> Upon a mossy pillow; .\nd sweet and low, the south wind blow-. And through the i)rown field> calling gof- "Come, Pu>sy ! Pussy Willow! Within your close brown wrapper stir! Come out and show your silver fur' Come, Pussy! Pussy Willow'" Soon red will bud the maple-trees, The bJuebirds will be singing, The yellow tassels in the breeze Be from the poplars swinging. .■\nd rosy will the Mayflower be Upon Its mossy pillow. ''But you must come the first of ah,— Come, Puss3' ■'' is the south wind s call • 'Come, Pussy! Pussy Willow! ' A iairy gift to children dear, The downy firstling of the year. "Come Pussy I Pussy Wiiow'" ■-Selected. We Love the Trees J'int Child— f iove a tree in spring, When tlie tir-l green leaves Cfune mii. And llie birds build their iu-»ts and can. I Their sweet songs round al)onl. Second Child — I love a tree in suramer. When in the noon-tide heat, The reapers tie in its sharlow On the greeuswaril, cool and sweet. ■Jhnd Child— I iove a tree in autumn. When Frost, the painter old, Has touched with his brush its branches, .-^nd left them all crimson and gold. l-oiitth Child— I love a tree in winter, Mid -now and ue and clou.SG 77//: ) 7:. / A".s' /:-.\' /V'.A" T. I LVMHNTS Amy sat down on a sloiie and Ihonght "11 seems to me all creatures have some work to do, and tliey seem to like it ; hut I do not believe flowers have anything to do." So she walked up to a red poppy and said: ' 'Beautiful red poppy, do flowers work?" "Of course we do," said the poppy. "I have to take great care to gather all tlit red rays the good sun sends down to nie, and I must keep them in uiy silken petals for you to use, and the yreen rays must l)e untatigled and held by my glossy leaves, and my roots must drink water, my flowers must watch the days not to let the seed- time pass by — ah, my child, I assure you we are a busy family, and that is why we art so happy. " Amy -walked slowly homeward and said to her mother, — "The squirrels, bees, ants, and even the flowers have something to do. I am the only idle one ; please give me siiinethiug to do." Then her mother brought her a towel to hem, which she had begun so long before that she had cjuite forgotten it. She worked very faithfully, and grew to be an in- dustrious woman, never forgetting that work makes us happier than idleness. — Anon. My Favorite Tree (If possible, let each pupil carry a branch of the tree he describes.) First Pupil — I speak for the Elm. It is a noble tree. It has the shape of a Greek vase and such rich foliage running down the trunk to the very roots, as if a vine were wreathed about it. Second Pupil — My favorite is the Maple. What a splendid cupola of leaves it builds tip into the sky. And in autumn, its crimson is so rich one might call it the blush of the woods ! Third Pupil — The Birch is a tree for me. How like a shaft of ivory it gleams in the daylight woods! How the moonlight turns it into pearl! Fourth Pupil — Wh.it a tree is the Oak ! First a tiny needle, rising toward the sun, a wreath of green to endure for ages. The '■liild gathers the violet at its foot; as a fioy, he pockets the acorns; as a man, he looks at its towering heights and makes il the emblem of his ambition. Fifth Pupil — The Oak may be the king of the lowlands, but the Pine is king of the hills. There he lifts his haughty head like a warrior and when he is roused to meet tii.o storm, the battle-crv he sends down the wind is heanl above all the \oices of the lireen wood. All- Hail to the trees! Patient and generous, mothers of mankind; Arching the hills, the minstrels of tlie wind, .Spring's glorious fly nest, Each one dressed i n his Sunday best. Chorus. Cljorii; Chorus. APRIL 'xm The wren and the woodpecker dauc'd for lifo, The raven waltz'd witli the yellow bird's wilt;, The awkward owl and the ba-ldul jay Wish'd each other a very fine day. Tlie woodpecker came from his hole in llie tree, And presented his bill to ihe couipany, Berries ripe and cherries red, T'was a very large bill the birdies said. They danc'd all day till the sun was low, Then the mother birds prepared to j^o, When one and all both great antl small, Flew home to their uests from the birdies' ball. Quotations A gush of bird song, a patter of dew, A cloud and a rainbow's warning ; Sudden sunshine and perfect blue — An April day in the morning. ^Harriet Prescoll Spofford. God sent his singers upon earth With songs of gladness and of mirth, That they might touch the hearts of men. And bring them back to heaven again. — Henry W'adswoylh Loui^/cllow. Sleep, little pigeon, and fold your wings, — Little blue pigeon with velvet eyes; Sleep to the singing of mother bird swinging — Swinging the nest where her little one lies. — E Kg cue Field. The sweetest bird i)uilds near the ground, The loveliest flowers spring low. And we must stoop tor liappiness If we its worth would know. — Swain. The air for the wing of the sparrow, The nest for the robin and wren; But always the path that is narrow And straight for the children of men. — Alice Cary. There are notes of joy from the hang-bird and wnii, And tlie go-