[F]ByMary H. Howliston. FromCat Tails and Other Tales, by this author, in which book music for words given here will be found. Price, paper binding, twenty-five cents; cloth binding, forty cents.
[F]ByMary H. Howliston. FromCat Tails and Other Tales, by this author, in which book music for words given here will be found. Price, paper binding, twenty-five cents; cloth binding, forty cents.
(EnterMessengerfrom the back, marches between the two lines to the front.Boysform in semicircle behind him.)
Messenger:
What threatens the UnionIn this land of ours?There appears a new flag,Of the Stars and Bars."United we stand,Divided we fall."Who now can save us?On whom shall we call?
First Soldier:
From Lincoln I have come todayOur Lincoln!With justice he will take his place,Our Lincoln!With courage on his noble brow,He will protect the Union now,We all salute; to him we bow,Our Lincoln!
(Allgive Flag Salute.)
Messenger:
From Lincoln I have come todayTo call for Volunteers!Other messengers are on their wayTo call for Volunteers.Shall we now see our flag bowed low?No, to meet the Southerners we'll go,Marching while the bugles blowThe call for Volunteers!
All:
The time has come for strife and war,Blow, bugles, blow!The soldier boys are called once more,Blow, bugles, blow!Bear your message far and wide,Ring out through all the countryside,We are a Nation's hope and pride,Blow, bugles, blow!
(ExitAll,as bugle call is heard.)
SCENE II—The War
Severalboys with drums march in front of tents, which have been arranged on the stage. They sing, beating drums softly during chorus, and march around the tents.
Tune:MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA
Marching toward the battlefield,We go with sword and drum;Marching toward the battlefield,O, see the army come.Rat-a-tat, a-rat-a-tat, So loudly beats the drum, While we are singing of Lincoln.
Chorus:Hurrah! hurrah! who'll be a Volunteer? Hurrah! hurrah! O what have we to fear? Join the chorus every one, the army marches on, While we are singing of Lincoln.
Marching on to victory,O, hear the drums beat low,Marching on to victory,Now see the army go.Wave the bonnie stars and stripes, Up high where all may see, While we are singing of Lincoln.
Chorus: Hurrah! hurrah! etc.
(Drummer Boysretire to tents. EnterSoldier Boys,carrying guns. They are led by aCaptain,who gives the commands in the following drill:)
Boys march by 2's, 4's or 6's and line up for drill.
Drill
Salute! Gun held in right hand, top resting on shoulder, raise left hand to forehead.
Present, arms! Hold gun in front with right hand, grasp with left hand.
Order, arms! Large end of gun on floor, gun held by right hand, left hand at side.
Shoulder, arms! Guns on right shoulder.
Port, arms! Grasp gun in center, with right hand, hold diagonally across chest.
Extend, arms right! Hold with both hands, right arm extended, left hand resting on chest.
Extend, arms left! Same with left arm extended, etc.
Aim! Rest gun on shoulder, raised with both hands.
About, face! Face around.
Forward, march! March about tents, while tune ofTRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP, THE BOYS ARE MARCHING, is softly played. Retire in or back of tents.
(A sentinel,Scott,comes out to keep guard, walks up and down many times, and finally leans up against one of the tents and falls asleep. He is discovered by theCaptain,who comes on stage.)
Captain(comes forward):
What ho! the guard is asleep!What, then, if the enemy come,Creeping stealthily over the hillWith never the sound of drum?By surprise our camp they'd take.Sleeping guard, awake! awake!
(Scottawakes and salutesCaptain.)
Captain:
For this offense you shall be tried,'Twas indeed a sad mistake.Who shall guard the camp tonight,If no guard here is awake?
Soldiers(come forward):
'Tis wearisome the watch to keep,Alas! alas! he fell asleep!Alas! alas! he fell asleep!
(Scottis led off bySoldiersto be tried by court-martial.)
Old Soldier(enters):
Scott is a bonnie soldier boy:He's honest, brave and true;He is worthy still to bearThe Red and White and Blue.Alas! alas! he will come home,Sentenced soon to die,Beloved by all his comrades, nowWith bowed heads they march by.
(Re-enterAll,singing one verse ofJUST BEFORE THE BATTLE, MOTHER.)
Captain(toScott):
There is but one who can save you now;From a cabin home he came,He is our honored President,And Lincoln is his name!Then to our honored President,For pardon we will go,We will march if there be hopeNo more with heads bowed low.
(ExitAll.)
(Boys,in make-up of negroes enter. They sing the following song, and imitate banjo playing while singing the chorus.)
THE SUNNY SOUTHLAND[G]
'Way down in the sunny Southland,Lives the little black boy, you know,His mother sings a lullaby,To the tune of the old banjo.Chorus:Plunkety-plunk, plunkety-plunk,Down in the cotton-field we go.Plunkety-plunk, plunkety-plunk,Plunkety-plunk, plunk-plunk, banjo.'Way down in the sunny Southland,Where the sky is so bright and blue,The black boy on the banjo stringsLikes to play the same tune to you.Chorus: Plunkety-plunk, etc.'Way down in the sunny SouthlandYou will hear this sweet lullaby,The wee black boy must go to sleep,For the Sandman is passing by.Chorus: Plunkety-plunk, etc.Soldiers(return, shouting):Hurrah! Scott is pardoned.
(They repeat the last four lines of their first song and march off.)
[G]Music for this will be found underSongsin another part of this book.
[G]Music for this will be found underSongsin another part of this book.
SCENE III—After the War
Lincoln'spicture is placed on a ladder or easel, the children that recite placing flags and garlands of flowers about it.
RECITATION BY THREE BOYS WITH THREE FLAGS
First Boy:
The flag that speaks of men made free,The flag of sword and drum,'Tis the bonniest banner in all the world,The flag of battles won.
Second Boy:
The flag that speaks of Gettysburg,Upheld by faithful menAmid the battle's storm and strife,Shall wave for us again.
Third Boy:
The flag that waves o'er Lincoln now,Means freedom for the slave;So waves the bonnie stars and stripesO'er many a patriot's grave.
All:
No North, no South, no East, no West,A union of all states is best;One flag for all is a nation's pride,The Blue and the Gray lay side by side.
A Girl(comes on stage and recites):
OUR HERO
Today the flags are flying,For a hero that we love;We all sing of Lincoln,While waves the flag above.Bring out the bonnie banners,Flags of shining stripes and stars,Lincoln was our country's hero,And the victory is ours.
Another Girl(enters and recites):
OUR LINCOLN
Crown him with wreaths of evergreen,Our Lincoln.Bring fairest flowers ever seen,For Lincoln.Crown him today with fragrant flowers,The war is o'er, the victory is ours,Above all men this great man towers,Our Lincoln.Crown him with gentle words of love,Our Lincoln;And place the banners high aboveFor Lincoln.Raise high the flag of liberty,For one who set the slaves all free,Ring out his praises from sea to sea,Our Lincoln.
(Childrencarrying flags and flowers and having shields on their breasts, each bearing one letter to spell the word "Lincoln," enter. The cards bearing the letters are hung from the neck, and when children enter are blank side toward audience. Each child turns his letter to view of the audience after reciting his lines and disposing of his flowers and flag. They stand in order, and when through reciting, place the flowers and flags around the portrait of Lincoln.)
L:Lincoln's name we all repeat,And bring for him our flowers sweet.I:In peace or war a nation's pride,We place our banners by his side.N:No North, no South today is seen,We bring our wreaths of evergreen.C:Crown him with honest words of love,And place the stars and stripes above.O:One nation and one flag is best,Place flowers where our hero rests.L:Lincoln, we all love to bringTributes, while of thee we sing.N:No more he hears the bugle's call,We scatter flowers over all.
All(return, grouping themselves nicely and sing):
LINCOLN DEAR[H]
Wave the bonnie banners high,O Lincoln dear!A host of children passing by,O Lincoln dear,Will sing to you their sweetest song,As they now proudly march along,For laurels unto you belong,O Lincoln dear.
Chorus:Wave the banners high,The Red, the White, the Blue;Wave the banners high,To Lincoln dear we're true.O wave the bonnie banners,How proudly they all sway,We wave the Red, the White, the Blue,For Lincoln dear today.Bonnie flags shall crown you now,O Lincoln dear,We place them by your noble brow,O Lincoln dear,And fairer far than monument,The love from our young hearts is sent,You were our honored President,O Lincoln dear.Chorus:Wave the banners, etc.
[H]Music for this will be found underSongsin another part of this book.
[H]Music for this will be found underSongsin another part of this book.
A FLAG EXERCISE
L. F. Armitage
FOR EIGHT LITTLE GIRLS AND BOYS, EACH CARRYING A FLAG
First Child:
What flag is this?
Second:
This is our country's flag,This flag so fine.It is my father's flagAnd it is mine.
Third:
What are its colors?
Fourth:
White stars in a field of blue,Stripes white and red.See our "Red, White and Blue"Waving o'erhead (waving flags).
Fifth:
What do these colors mean?
Sixth:
White means, Be always pure!Red means, Be brave!Blue means, Be ever true!Long may it wave.
Seventh:
Why are the flags up today?
Eighth:
All these United States,Many in one,Honor this glorious name—Abraham Lincoln.
All(sing):
Tune:AULD LANG SYNE
We wave[I]the flag, the bonny flagOf red and white and blue.This flag that floats o'er land and sea,To it we will be true.Then[I]hail the flag, this bonny flag,We'll give it three times three;God bless the land that owns this flag,The land of liberty.
—Primary Education
[I]Waving flags.
[I]Waving flags.
THE WOODEN FIRE-SHOVEL
Clara J. Denton
A DIALOGUE FOR THREE GIRLS AND TWO BOYS
CHARACTERS
Mrs. Lincoln,mother of the familyMr. Lincoln,father of sameSarah,step-daughter of Mrs. Lincoln and sister to "Abe"
COSTUMES
Mrs. Lincoln: Dark calico gown very plainly made, wide gingham apron, hair parted in the middle, combed straight back from the face, and arranged in knot at back. Let this character be taller than the other girls, if possible.
Mr. Lincoln: Blue overalls and blouse. This character should be taller than the other boys.
Sarah: Short, plainly-made calico gown; hair arranged in two long braids, fastened together by dark thread.
John Johnston: Blue overalls and blouse, battered fur cap.
Matilda Johnston: Gown like Sarah's although different in color, hair also done up like Sarah's.
SCENE
Veryplain interior. Pine table at center. Split-bottom rocker near it. Two old-fashioned wooden chairs placed a few feet apart at right-front, the same at left-front. At left-rear is a pine cupboard, on the open shelves of which are some cheap earthen dishes. This cupboard must be placed so that the characters can pass behind it to reach the suggested fireplace. Several skins of animals may be tacked about the walls; a pair of deer-antlers should also be in evidence. An old-fashioned gun with powder-horn might be hung in a conspicuous position. A wool spinning-wheel would add to the old-time effect.
Veryplain interior. Pine table at center. Split-bottom rocker near it. Two old-fashioned wooden chairs placed a few feet apart at right-front, the same at left-front. At left-rear is a pine cupboard, on the open shelves of which are some cheap earthen dishes. This cupboard must be placed so that the characters can pass behind it to reach the suggested fireplace. Several skins of animals may be tacked about the walls; a pair of deer-antlers should also be in evidence. An old-fashioned gun with powder-horn might be hung in a conspicuous position. A wool spinning-wheel would add to the old-time effect.
Mrs. LincolnandSarahare discovered; the former, seated in the rocker, is mending a pair of ragged overalls, which, as she talks, she from time to time holds up and spreads out as if looking for holes.Sarah, at rear of stage, is sweeping vigorously.
Mrs. Lincoln: Dear me, Sarah! what a dust you do kick up (coughs); you'll choke me to death.
Sarah(sweeping more gently): Excuse me, but you see, the dirt is all here, and I suppose the only way to get it outisto kick it up; but I'll try to be more careful.
Voice(behind scenes): Abe, Abe, O, Abe.
Mrs. Lincoln: How strange it is that I just can't teach John not to stand and call out that way. I've tried ever since he was a baby to make him go to anyone that he wants.
Sarah: I suppose he thinks it doesn't matter as long as he's just calling Abe.
Mrs. Lincoln: But it does matter, because it's a bad habit, and a bad habit is mighty easy to get and mighty hard to lose. I don't have a bit of trouble teaching all those things to Abe. Dear me, he's such a good, obedient boy; I don't believe he'll live to grow up (sighs).
Sarah: O, yes he will, mother; he's too full of mischief to die; besides, he's the strongest boy for his age that there is anywhere around here. He picked Matilda and me both up yesterday and carried us clear to the woods. We kicked and screamed (laughs) and squirmed,but oh my! we're just like a pair of dolls to him. He set us down at the edge of the woods, then started on a run. We started too, but he was in the barn and clear at the top of the corn-stalks stacked in the mow before we were half way to the house (laughs). Don't worry about his dying, mother.
Voice(again): Abe, Abe, O, Abe.
Mrs. Lincoln: What shall I do with that boy?
Sarah: Don't do anything. Just let him keep right on howling until he gets tired of it.
Mrs. Lincoln: But I'm tired of hearing him.
Sarah: Shall I go and make him keep still? (Laughs and gesticulates.)
John(enters at right): Where's Abe, mother? I've been calling and calling him. (Sits in chair at right-front.)
Sarah: Yes, we thought we heard something.
Mrs. Lincoln: Take off your hat, my son. I do wish you didn't need telling that so often.
John(removes hat): But I want Abe.
Mrs. Lincoln: What for?
John: To help me carry in the wood. There's a big storm coming.
Mrs. Lincoln: Well, he isn't here.
John: Isn't here? What do you mean? I didn't see him go away.
Mrs. Lincoln: No, he went away while you were gone to the woods with your father's lunch. This is his birthday, so I let him walk to Gentryville to get me some thread. You folks wear out your clothes so fast that it takes a lot of thread to keep you from being bundles of rags.
John(sulkily): And must I get that wood in all alone?
Mrs. Lincoln: That won't hurt you. Don't you remember the other day when you had the tooth-ache, Abe got in all the wood and wouldn't let you do a thing?
Matilda(enters at left from behind cupboard): Hurry up, John, and bring in some wood, the fire is getting low. Don't you feel chilly, mother?
Mrs. Lincoln: Yes, it is getting cold here. Run along, John, that's a good boy. Abe will get it all in tomorrow night, I'm sure.
Sarah: Yes, or else when he's rich and famous maybe he'll let you live with him. Mother is so sure he's bound to be a great man.
John(rising): O, well, Abe's all right, I don't mind.
Mrs. Lincoln: Yes, you children like to laugh at the things I say about Abe, but I know any boy—or girl either, for that matter—who's so anxious to learn, can't help amounting to something some day. You just wait and see.
Mr. Lincoln(enters at right): What's that, mother? What shall we see if we wait? Guess we'll have to wait a good while if we see anything very great around these diggings.
Sarah: O, ma's just bragging about Abe again.
Mr. Lincoln(goes toMrs. Lincolnand lays hand on her shoulder): You're good to the chap, Sallie, that's a fact. I'm glad I brought you here to be a mother to him. But sometimes I wonder if it's just the thing for you to encourage him to do so much reading, for I know you do encourage him.
Matilda: I should say she does! Why, the rest of us young ones have to go around on our tip-toes and talk in whispers when Abe gets his nose in a book.
Mr. Lincoln: Isn't that a little hard on the others, Sallie?
Matilda(quickly): Oh, my!wedon't mind. Weliketo have Abe read, and we think he's mighty good to tell the rest of us all about what he reads.
Sarah: That he does. You just ought to hear him, pa, tell the story of Pilgrim's Progress.
Matilda: O, pa wouldn't like that as well as he would Æsop's Fables; just get him to tell you some ofthosestories some time.
John: And all about Robinson Crusoe, too, pa, and the queer times he had. You'd likethat, I know.
Mr. Lincoln: Well, it may be all right, but I don't like to see a big, strapping boy like Abe spending his time over books, to say nothing of the hours he wastes running around borrowing them. Why, I'll bet he has read every book in this county.
Mrs. Lincoln: So he has! He was wishing just the other day that he knew of some more books that he could borrow: he said he had "read every book that he had heard of within a circuit of fifty miles."
Matilda: And, pa, if you could only hear him when he climbs on the table and makes speeches. I just tell you, Abe is heaps of fun.
Mr. Lincoln: I dare say he is, but that doesn't get the work done. It's all right for sickly fellows to be spending their time getting learning, but a big, strong fellow like Abe will always be able to earn his living by hard work.
Mrs. Lincoln: Of course he'll beableto, but you'll find out he'll not do it. I tell you there are other plans laid away in that big head of his.
Mr. Lincoln: Well, well, he'll have you to thank if he ever does amount to anything, that's sure. (Shivers.) But it's cold in here, what on earth is the matter with your fire?
John(aside): Time for me to run. (Exit at right, hurriedly.)
Mr. Lincoln(turning toward cupboard): It's funny you young ones can't look after the fire when ma's busy.
John, you go bring in some wood! (Looks around.) O, he's gone after it, I guess—about time. (Disappears behind cupboard.)
Mrs. Lincoln(to girls): Don't tell pa that John was waiting for Abe to help him. If you do they'll both get a scolding, maybe.
Matilda: And you, too, for letting Abe go away. (Alllaugh.)
(Johnenters at right, carrying wood, which he drops noisily behind cupboard.)
Mrs. Lincoln(starting up): John, why do you drop the wood in that noisy way? (Johnre-appears and comes down.) After all my talking to you, it does seem as if you might learn to be more quiet about it.
Matilda: Yes, when Abe——
Sarah(catching her by the arm): Hush, Matilda! if you keep on (they come down to right front) you'll make John hate Abe. Don't hold him up to Johnallthe time as a pattern.
Matilda(sighs): But, you know, Sarah, Abe is so different. He never does any of those disagreeable things that John is always doing. I remember, when we first came here, ma told Abe to take off his hat when he came into the house, and she never has had to tell him the second time; but she is still trying to hammer it into John.
Sarah: Yes, dear, I know, and Abe is so kind to everyone and so thoughtful of other people's comfort. I am so glad he is my brother, and I only wish I were half as good and kind as he.
Matilda: Yes, and so jolly, too.
Sarah: Only sometimes he looks so sad—that must be when he's hungry for more books.
John(coming towards them): What are you two girls talking about over here?
(Mr. Lincolnappears from behind cupboard, carrying a large wooden shovel, the blade of which is covered with black figures. He comes down, confrontingMrs. Lincoln.)
Mr. Lincoln: Mother, what in the world is this?
Mrs. Lincoln(laughing): O, those are Abe's sums.
Mr. Lincoln: Sums! I vum! Sums! What did he make them with?
Mrs. Lincoln: A piece of burnt wood.
Mr. Lincoln: I vum! Sums! Where did he learn todosums?
Mrs. Lincoln: O, he picked it up.
Mr. Lincoln: I bet you taught him! didn't you, Sallie? Come now, own up.
Mrs. Lincoln: Well, I helped him a little, but he's far ahead of me now; he's ciphered clear through that old ragged arithmetic that's been kicking around the house.
Mr. Lincoln(turning shovel over): But both sides are covered. What's he going to do now?
Mrs. Lincoln: O, he'll take the shaving knife and whittle it all off, then he'll have a "new slate," as he says.
Mr. Lincoln(holding up shovel): A new slate! Sums! Well, I vum!
(Whistle heard behind scenes.)
Mrs. Lincoln(rising): There he comes now. Put the shovel away, and don't scold him, pa.
Mr. Lincoln: Sums! I vum! (Exit quickly behind cupboard.)
Curtain
THE PROPHECY
Clara J. Denton
A DIALOGUE FOR ONE GIRL AND TWO BOYS
CHARACTERS
JohnThomasHelen
COSTUMES
The characterswear suits made as nearly as possible in the style of seventy years ago. For hints as to proper styles consult pictures in old books—a brief description is, however, given.The boys' trousers are long and loose; the jackets are short and tight-fitting, with small sleeves. The jackets are made open in front, and short, close-fitting vests, buttoning to the neck, are worn under them. White turn-over collars surmount the whole. These suits may be made of the cheapest material. Or, if preferred, the boys may be arrayed in blue overalls and "jumpers"; this will save much labor and inconvenience.The girl wears a short, full-skirted gown of pink calico, the waist made plain, fitting closely and buttoning up the back. The hair should hang in two long braids, the ends tied together with a green ribbon.
The characterswear suits made as nearly as possible in the style of seventy years ago. For hints as to proper styles consult pictures in old books—a brief description is, however, given.
The boys' trousers are long and loose; the jackets are short and tight-fitting, with small sleeves. The jackets are made open in front, and short, close-fitting vests, buttoning to the neck, are worn under them. White turn-over collars surmount the whole. These suits may be made of the cheapest material. Or, if preferred, the boys may be arrayed in blue overalls and "jumpers"; this will save much labor and inconvenience.
The girl wears a short, full-skirted gown of pink calico, the waist made plain, fitting closely and buttoning up the back. The hair should hang in two long braids, the ends tied together with a green ribbon.
SCENE
The stageis set to represent a schoolroom, with blackboards and maps on the walls, and cheap plain benches and desks in an orderly arrangement. A small pine table, on which are some books and a hand-bell, is in the center. Behind this table is an old-fashioned wooden chair for the teacher. Shabby and battered books are piled neatly on the various desks.
The stageis set to represent a schoolroom, with blackboards and maps on the walls, and cheap plain benches and desks in an orderly arrangement. A small pine table, on which are some books and a hand-bell, is in the center. Behind this table is an old-fashioned wooden chair for the teacher. Shabby and battered books are piled neatly on the various desks.
John(enters at right, comes to one of the desks, seats himself, and opens a book): Here is this miserable sum again. I suppose I've justgotto get it done before the teacher comes; but I can't make head or tail of the thing. Let me see (reads): "If the half of four be three, what will three-fourths of twenty be?" (Closes book with a bang.) Was there ever any stuff like that? Everybody knows that half of four can't be three, so what's the use of wearing out a fellow's brains, 'speciallywhen he's like me and hasn't any to spare, over a silly thing like that? O, gee, I believe I'll run away. I hate this school, school, all the time. If father would only let me stay at home and plough.
Thomas(enters at right): What's that, Jack? Didn't I hear you say something about ploughing?
John(rises and leaves desk, both boys come down): Yes, I was just wishing I could stay at home and plough instead of coming to school and worrying my head over fractions. I hate them.
Thomas(goes to another desk and takes up book): I don't mind fractions, but here's this awful geography lesson. Teacher said if I didn't have it this morning I'd have to stay in all the noon hour and learn it. What good will it ever do me, I'd like to know, to get the names of all these islands in my head? I don't mean to be a sailor, and if I should be I guess I'd learn the names of places fast enough when I came to them.
John(puts his hand onThomas'shoulder): Say, Tom, let's run away where they can't make us go to school. We know enough now.
Thomas: So we do; we can write our names, and say the multiplication table. What more need a fellow know?
John: We can work for the farmers until we get a little money and then——
Helen(enters at right and comes down): O boys, aren't you ashamed? I overheard your bad plans; how can you talk that way about going to school instead of being glad that you have the chance to go?
John:Gladof the chance? Ho, ho, that's funny.
Thomas: I should say so, as if anybody was evergladto go to school. (Both boys laugh heartily.Helenstands silently gazing at them.)
John: Why, that beats everything! "Glad to go toschool!" I don't believe there ever was such a thing as a fellow beinggladto go to school.
Helen: I'm sure I'm glad.
Thomas(snapping his fingers scornfully and turning away): Yes, but you're agirl. I suppose it's all right for agirlto be glad.
John: I said I didn't believe there was such a thing as afellowbeing glad to go to school. You're not a fellow, are you? (Both boys laugh and cross over.)
Thomas: If I was a girl I dare say I'd like to go to school. Of course, that's better than rocking the baby and washing the dishes—butfellows! I tell you they have better ways to pass their time, eh! Jackie? (Pokes him in the ribs. Both laugh.)
Helen: Well, it's a lucky thing for the world that all boys aren't like you, else where would our great men come from if all the boys were as willing to remain great know-nothings as you two are?
John: O, who wants to be great? Great men have to work, and to sit up nights and worry about things. I'd rather be a plough-boy than a great man any time.
Thomas: So would I! Nothing to worry about, just follow the horse and keep the plough straight.
Helen: Well, there's one thing of which both of you may be pretty sure.
Both: What's that?
Helen: You are in a fair way to get what you want. You will both be plough-boys until you are too old to hold the plough, and then you can go to the poorhouse, where the "great men" whom you despise will make laws to take care of you.
Thomas: That's just it; now you are coming around to John's statement. We will not have to worry; others will do that, you see.
Helen(impatiently): Boys, why don't you brace up and study as you ought to? What's the use of all thisfoolish talk? You know you don't mean a word of it! (Goes up stage.)
John: We do mean it, too, don't we, Tom?
Thomas:You'rethe one that talks foolishness. You said some boys would be "glad of our chance to go to school."
Helen(coming down quickly): Yes, and it's true, too. I heard my father telling last night about a boy living out in the woods beyond Gentryville who'd give almost anything for your chance. He's never been to school but a few months in his whole life, and—
Thomas: O, no wonder he thinks he'd like it, he doesn't know anything about it. I thought it was fun, too, when I was in the primer class.
John: Yes, so did I.
Helen: Well, he's beyond the primer class, I tell you. He knows the old Webster spelling book all by heart, father says.
John: How'd he learn it if he hasn't been to school? Your stories don't hitch very well, Miss Preachie.
Helen: He learned it all by himself, lying on the floor nights in front of the big fireplace. They are too poor to have even a grease light.
Thomas: Must think a lot of that old spelling book. (Both laugh.)
Helen: Of course he thinks a lot of it. He thinks a lot ofanybook. Father heard a man telling down at the store that this boy cut four cords of wood for some one, just to get apieceof a book.
John: O, wanted to read the Arabian Nights, probably.
Helen: But it wasn't the Arabian Nights that he bought; it was the Life of Washington.
Thomas: What's the use ofhisreading the Life of Washington? He's nothing but poor, white trash—toopoor, you say, even to have a grease light. He'll never be anybody.
Helen: Don't you be too sure of that. I tell you that boy will be a great man. Some day you'll hear of him yet.
John: Just because he was fool enough to cut four cords of wood for apieceof a book?
Thomas: Well, I'd have had the whole book or nothing.
John: So would I (sneering). Why he was a fool. O, yes, we'll hear of him, of course. We'll read about him in the back part of the spelling book where the blank leaves are. But what's his name, do you know?
Helen: Yes, father told me. His name is Abraham Lincoln: remember it, boys, for I am quite sure you will hear it again some day.
Thomas: Of course we'll remember it; couldn't forget it if we tried. A boy that was as big a greeny as that.
John: I tell you, Helen, the next time that you have to write one of those things which you like so well—a composition—you can write it about "The Two Cuts, or The Wood That Was Cut for a Cut Book." My! but that will be fine. (Both laugh boisterously.)
Helen: Well, you may laugh, boys, but you'll find there'll be plenty of people to write about him, and it may be it will be done while you are yet alive to read the books, and more than that—
(Shouts heard from behind scenes.)
John(running off at right): Come on, Tom, I hear the boys forming for "There, old cat"; we'll be too late.
Thomas: But, how about your sum and my geography lesson? The teacher'll do something dreadful to us.
John(calling back over his shoulder): Bother on them, we'll have time to study after school calls: if wedon't, who cares? Let Abraham Lincoln do the studying while we are having fun. Come on, come on. (Exit at right.)
Helen: Don't go, Tom; stay and have a perfect lesson for once.
Thomas: O, I've heard preaching enough for one morning. (Exit at right, running.)
Helen: That's the way it always ends. If I try to have them mend their ways, they just make fun of me for "preaching." (Goes to a desk and takes up book, opens it and sits at desk.) I'm only a girl, of course, but I am going to imitate poor Abe by trying to get a little knowledge into my head. But what foolish boystheyare, and some day when Abraham Lincoln is a great man and everyone is talking about the wonderful things he is doing, John and Tom will be standing around whittling sticks and growling because they couldn't be as "lucky as Abraham Lincoln." Well, ifIam anywhere around, I'll tell them of the things they said this morning. I know I shall never forget them. (Becomes intent on book.)
Curtain
CAPTAIN LINCOLN
Clara J. Denton
A DIALOGUE FOR FIVE BOYS
CHARACTERS
Captain LincolnLieutenant DashPrivate DunnSergeant FreeGerolomo,the Indian
COSTUMES
Soldiers: For the four soldiers, suitable military outfits.Indian: If a wig of long black hair is obtainable, part the hair and make into two heavy braids, twisting yellow or red flannel through the braids which hang down close to the face on eitherside. If a wig is impossible, decorate a strip of pasteboard with chicken feathers and fasten it around the head. Wear a brightly colored blanket thrown over a pair of overalls and dark cotton shirt. Wear moccasins. Carry old-fashioned gun.The character of Lincoln must be taken by boy much taller than the others.
Soldiers: For the four soldiers, suitable military outfits.
Indian: If a wig of long black hair is obtainable, part the hair and make into two heavy braids, twisting yellow or red flannel through the braids which hang down close to the face on eitherside. If a wig is impossible, decorate a strip of pasteboard with chicken feathers and fasten it around the head. Wear a brightly colored blanket thrown over a pair of overalls and dark cotton shirt. Wear moccasins. Carry old-fashioned gun.
The character of Lincoln must be taken by boy much taller than the others.
SCENE
Camp; tent in foreground with flap up, showing rude bed, gun, knapsack, etc.
Camp; tent in foreground with flap up, showing rude bed, gun, knapsack, etc.
Lieutenant DashandSergeant Freeare discovered lying at full length not far from tent.
Lieutenant(rising): Well, I must say, I'm mighty tired lying 'round here waiting for that boat to come.
Sergeant(yawns and rolls over): Guess we'll never get where the Indians are if we wait for that boat. Wish we could all swim across the river. Captain Lincoln's getting mighty tired of waiting, too.
Lieutenant: No wonder! Such an unruly lot as he has to hold in check here.
Sergeant: Yes, think of his being blamed for that rowdy crowd breaking into the storehouse and drinking up all the whiskey. He didn't know a thing about it until it was all over.
Lieutenant(walking up and down): Yes, but you see that's the way things go; he's at the head of the company and he just has to stand the blame for all their meannesses. I should think they'd be a little careful of their doings for they all like him, or seem to, anyway.
Sergeant: You see, they just didn't think, that's the trouble with them.
Lieutenant: Perhaps they'll be more careful after this, that is if they like him as well as they pretend to.
Sergeant(jumping up): Oh, that's all real; they like him, you can depend on that. Didn't you ever hear how he came to be captain?
Lieutenant: No, I have often wondered about it, for he's young for that position. Tell me all about it if you can. (Seats himself on ground near door of tent.)
Sergeant: Well, it was this way; it's not a very long story, but I might as well sit down. (Sits on other side of door.) You see, there were two fellows put up: Kirkpatrick and Lincoln. The vote was taken in a field, by directing the fellows at the command "march," to gather around the one they wanted for captain. The other fellow was a good deal older than Lincoln and I s'pose most folks would say he was better fitted to be captain, but's sure's you live a good big majority went over to Lincoln's side. And I never saw a fellow so tickled as Lincoln was! (Slapping his knee with his right hand.)
Lieutenant: Well, now, they ought to stand by him and not cut up any more rowdy tricks, to have him disgraced by wearing a wooden sword. Better talk to them just as soon as you get a chance.
Sergeant: I will, sir, that I will. (EnterPrivate Dunnat left. He comes down and salutes.)
Private: You just ought to have been up the road with the boys a couple of hours ago. I tell you, we had heaps of fun. Talk about Indians!
Private(crossing over): Indians! (Waving his hands for them to remain calm.) No, just one poor lonesome, hungry Indian—an old one at that.
Private: I guess not! the Captain was there.
Lieutenant: Well, whatdidthey do to make any fun?
Private: Well, they all ran at him with their guns, yelling "Redskin! Scalp him! Kill him! He's what we're after." Then the frightened old fellow drew from his belt a letter and whined out "Me good Injun, me no harm paleface. See—paper; from big white war chief." Someonegrabbed the letter and read it aloud. It was from General Cass and said that the bearer Gerolomo was a friendly Indian and that he must be given food and shelter.
Lieutenant: Forged letter, no doubt.
Sergeant: I bet he was a spy.
Private: That's just what the others said. They all got around him and yelled "Shoot him! Kill him!" till I didn't think the poor beggar's life was worth two bits. He thought so, too, I guess, for he was so scared that he was almost white. They were all around him so that he couldn't run—tell you it looked tough. (Draws long breath.)
Lieutenant: But go on; you said they didn't kill the worthless cur?
Private: "Worthless cur!" Well, I guess not! the Captain heard the men and dashing in among them, he laid his hand on the Indian's shoulder, and he just roared: "The first man that touches him dies!" O, boys, you'd orter been there. (Goes up.)
Sergeant: Come back and tell the rest; what happened then?
Private(comes down): Someone sung out, "O, you're a coward, afraid of an old Indian. Letushave him!" Whew! You'd orter seen himthen. I never see the Captain so mad. "Who says I'm a coward?" he roared, rolling up his sleeves.
Lieutenant: Well, did they fight him? (Laughs.)
Private: Guess not—didn't want to tackle that job. So the Captain after a minute or two took the old Indian by the arm and led him off to feed.
Sergeant: That was just like the Captain, but it may be the old fellow is a spy after all.
Lieutenant: Well, I guess that's the only Indian that we are likely to see and it's too bad of the Captain to spoil the boys' fun. O, here comes the noble red mannow. (Gerolomoenters at right, comes down slowly and timidly.)
Lieutenant: Hullo, there, you redskin! What's your name? (Goes to him.)
Indian: Gerolomo. Me heap good Injun; heap like paleface, bring paleface heap meat. (Shows gun and continues to move on slowly across stage.)
Lieutenant: Stand still, there, and tell us where the rest of your people are; we'd like pretty well to kill a few hundred.
Indian(stands): Big paleface tell Gerolomo go bring venison, go bring duck.
Lieutenant: Well, why don't you do it, then? Better mind him, I tell you, or he'll have you shot.
Indian(shaking head decidedly): No, no, big paleface heap good, heap brave; no harm poor Injun.
Sergeant(going toIndian): You're off now, I'll bet, to tell your people just where to find us and just how many palefaces there are here.
Indian(repeats former business): No, no, Gerolomo go tell big paleface got venison, got duck, got squirrel.
Private(going to him and shaking his fist at him): None o' your lying now. If you go to the Captain with that yarn he'll make short work o' you. The Captain hates a liar, he does.
Indian(whining): Me no lie, me good Injun. Me go tell big paleface me bring venison, me bring duck, me bring squirrel.
Lieutenant(to the others): Listen to that, will you? He'll bring venison, he'll bring duck, he'll bring squirrel. My! but we'll be living high. (Alllaugh.)
Sergeant: We'd like toseeyour venison, your duck, and your squirrel.
Indian(briskly): All right, me bring 'em in, me bring heap meat. (Turns about and moves toward right exit.)
Lieutenant: Better go with him, Dunn, because if he is lying to us, which he probably is, he'll not come back.
Private: All right, come on you "heap good Injun." We'll see what you've got out there. (Exeunt.)
Sergeant(saluting): Hadn't I better go, too, Lieutenant? He may get away from Dunn.
Lieutenant: No, I think Dunn can manage him. But hasn't he learned the trick of telling a good lie?
Sergeant: I should think so. Venison, duck and squirrel, and he's only been in the woods a few hours.
Lieutenant: Well, of course he may be telling the truth, because the woods are full of game, and I daresay the old fellow is a good shot.
(EnterPrivate Dunn,carrying a squirrel in one hand, a duck in the other, followed byGerolomodragging a dead deer. They stop at center.Lieutenant DashandSergeant Freerun to them.)
Lieutenant: Well, really, you old redskin you have told the truth for once in your life.
Indian(lifting his hands and eyes): Me shoot for big paleface. Great Spirit tell Gerolomo where venison, where duck, where squirrel for big paleface. Great Spirit always take care of big paleface. (Captain Lincolnenters at left and comes down slowly, unseen byGerolomo.The others salute.) Big paleface take care poor old Gerolomo.
Captain Lincoln(goes toIndianand lays hand on his shoulder): You have obeyed my orders and kept your promise, the whitest soldier among us all could have done no better.
Tableau
Curtain
WITH FIFE AND DRUM
Clara J. Denton
A PLAY IN TWO ACTS FOR FOUR GIRLS AND THREE BOYS
CHARACTERS
Mrs. Mortimer,mother of the familySally Caroline,the daughterAlbert,the sonMr. Mortimer,father(this character has no lines)Auntie Temp,a negro slaveGeorge Washington Augustus,her sonClementina Diana,her daughter
SCENE
Neathome interior. Old-fashioned hair-cloth sofa at right of stage. Hair-cloth rocking-chair at left. Marble-topped table at center. Easel with large picture of Lincoln near center. Cane seat rocking-chair at left-front, also another at right-front. Crocheted tidies on sofa and all rocking-chairs, and any other minor accessories that will give to the room an old-fashioned appearance.
Neathome interior. Old-fashioned hair-cloth sofa at right of stage. Hair-cloth rocking-chair at left. Marble-topped table at center. Easel with large picture of Lincoln near center. Cane seat rocking-chair at left-front, also another at right-front. Crocheted tidies on sofa and all rocking-chairs, and any other minor accessories that will give to the room an old-fashioned appearance.
COSTUMES
Mrs. MortimerandSally Caroline: For these two characters borrow dresses made during the '60's. If this is impossible, make gowns of some cheap yet good-looking material to represent such. Let the skirt be very full and worn over hoops; the waist plain and tight-fitting with wide flowing sleeves with white muslin undersleeves. Wear a broad, flat, embroidered collar. Mrs. Mortimer wears her hair parted in the middle, two curls on either side of her face, held in place by side-combs; the remainder fastened in a knot at the back. Sally Caroline's hair hangs in curls. Let these costumes be planned and overlooked by a skillful matron who is at least sixty years of age.Albert: In first act he wears an ordinary suit for young man; in second act butternut-color suit, ragged and soiled.Auntie Temp: Bright-colored print gown, wide gingham apron, bright bandanna kerchief tied on head. This character should be represented by a stout person, if possible.George Washington Augustus: Overalls and "jumper" of blue denim.Clementina Diana: Cotton gown. The two last named must wear negro wigs or wigs of black wool. The characters making-upfor negroes should cover the faces with some sort of toilet cream before applying the burnt cork or "black-face" preparation.Mr. Mortimer: United States military uniform faded and ragged.
Mrs. MortimerandSally Caroline: For these two characters borrow dresses made during the '60's. If this is impossible, make gowns of some cheap yet good-looking material to represent such. Let the skirt be very full and worn over hoops; the waist plain and tight-fitting with wide flowing sleeves with white muslin undersleeves. Wear a broad, flat, embroidered collar. Mrs. Mortimer wears her hair parted in the middle, two curls on either side of her face, held in place by side-combs; the remainder fastened in a knot at the back. Sally Caroline's hair hangs in curls. Let these costumes be planned and overlooked by a skillful matron who is at least sixty years of age.
Albert: In first act he wears an ordinary suit for young man; in second act butternut-color suit, ragged and soiled.
Auntie Temp: Bright-colored print gown, wide gingham apron, bright bandanna kerchief tied on head. This character should be represented by a stout person, if possible.
George Washington Augustus: Overalls and "jumper" of blue denim.
Clementina Diana: Cotton gown. The two last named must wear negro wigs or wigs of black wool. The characters making-upfor negroes should cover the faces with some sort of toilet cream before applying the burnt cork or "black-face" preparation.
Mr. Mortimer: United States military uniform faded and ragged.
ACT I
Auntie Temp(before the curtain rises): Gawge Washington Augustus. O, Gawge Washington Augustus, Gawge Washington Augustus, I say. (Curtain rises.Auntie Tempis seen leaving stage at right.)
George(enters at left): I was jes' suah I yerd mammy callin' me in heah. Wondah whar she went? Mighty ha'd times dese is foh de niggahs, dat's suah. What wid ole marsa goin' off wid de Linkum sojas an' young marsa stampin' 'round an' sayin' he foh suah cehtain am agoin' wid de Fed'rates I mos' done wish I hain't nevah been bo'n. I is foh suah.
(Singing behind scenes, a strain of any darkey melody that may be convenient, though the following, is especially appropriate.Georgepauses to listen.)
George(continues after the singing dies out, looking toward right): Dere comes dat worfless Clementina Diana, ef she is my sistah. 'Peahs lak any niggah dat can sing now-a-days ain't got no heart, jes' all gizzahd lak a chicken. (Clementinaenters at right, still singing.) Shet up dere, Clementina Diana, how kin you go a-singin' 'round right in de midst o' dis yere wah when de folkses is a-shootin' each udder down, an' a—an' a——
Clementina: O, pshaw! Gawge Washington Augustus, I didn't make de wah, 'sides I hain't seen none o' it, so I might's well be gay and happy while I kin. Mammy's been a-squawkin' foh ye dis yere long while.
George: Where's she gone ter?
Clementina: O!Idunno. (This in a slipshod way, shrugging her shoulders. Continues singing and exits at left.)