♫ Click here to play song.
George: Ef that hain't de most disrisponsible niggah gal dat eber breaved de bref o' life! If I's lak she am I'd run off tomowow and jine dem Linkum sojas, but I jes' cain't do it. I jes' keep a-wonderin' what dey all will do at home widout me. Well, I reckon I'll go hunt up mammy. (Exits at right.)
Sally(enters at left carrying open letter): Poor Cousin Bessie Helen, she has left her beautiful Alabama home with all its grand furniture and has run away with her brothers and sisters to grandpa's home here in Tennessee. What a foolish thing for her to do. (Reads from letter): "When they told me the Yankee soldiers were coming I couldn't think of anything but to get away safely with the children before the soldiers came in and butchered us all." Howfoolishshe was! I am sure the officers would have seen that she came to no harm. (Goes to Lincoln's portrait and places her hand upon it.) It is plain that she has never looked uponyournoble face. If she had she would have felt, as I do, that at least some small measure of your beautiful spirit must be scattered abroad through your army to keep the men from harming helpless widows and children. But, poor Bessie! she has only heard dreadful stories about you, and so, with her mother in her grave, and her father fighting against the Yankees she could see no safety except in flight. I must write to her and tell her something of our beloved Lincoln and the army which he controls. (Albertenters at left.) O, Albert, I am so glad you have come in just now. I have here a letter from Cousin Bessie; she is at grandfather's here in Tennessee.
Albert: In Tennessee?
Sally: Yes, read her letter; she was so afraid of the Yankee soldiers.
Albert: And well she might be, the hounds!
Sally: Hush! (placing right-hand forefinger to lips): Albert, do you forget that our father is one of them?
Albert(walking up and down excitedly): Indeed, Idon'tforget! I think of it every hour, and it isthatwhich makes me so furious. How can he accept those low-down Northerners as his associates?
Sally: Brother, be still! Look at that face! (Points to Lincoln's portrait.)Heis a Northerner, altho' he was born in Kentucky, and for his sake I love them all.
Albert: Then you must hate all your friends and relatives that are fighting against him.
Sally: No, no, dear brother, I do not. Don't you remember how the grand Lincoln closed his inaugural address? "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone,——"
Albert(interrupting): There, stop, I will not listen to any more of his stuff.
Sally(continuing rapidly): "All over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." Are those not wonderful words?
Albert: Stuff and sentimentalism, that's what they are!
Sally: O, Albert, how can you talk so? Think of it! Today is his birthday; today you should delight to honor him.
Albert: His birthday! Who cares?
Sally: Everyone should give thanks for this day.
Albert(laughing): What nonsense you talk, Sally Caroline.
Sally: Well, you will see. The time will come when the Country will celebrate his birthday just as they now do Washington's.
Albert: O, come now, that's too much. It's badenough to know that we are to have another four years of his tyranny, without hearing you sing his praises.
Sally: But, you'llhaveto hear it; the war will soon be over, and he will be proclaimed as the Savior of his Country.
Albert: O, stop! The war is not anywhere near over: it is but begun. I'll not listen to this talk any longer. I resent it. I'll not hear any more of Abraham Lincoln. (Goes up stage in great excitement.)
Sally(excitedly): Why, Albert! How can you talk so? Why you sound just like a rebel.
Albert(turns and coming to center stands): And that is just what I am, a rebel! A rebel against the tyranny of Abraham Lincoln.
(Sallydrops into rocking-chair at left-front; buries her face in her handkerchief and sobs violently.)
Albert(comes down): There, there, little sister! don't take on so; surely you have known my sentiments before this.
Sally(rising): O, but you never talked quite so wickedly before. How could you say things like that with his noble, benign face looking straight at you?
Albert(scornfully): Noble, benign face, indeed! I'll tear it into ribbons. I have put up with this thing long enough. (He goes toward picture.Sallyruns quickly, intercepts him, and stands in front of picture, placing her arms protectingly across it.)
Albert: Stand aside!
Sally: Never!
Albert(loudly): Stand aside, I say!
Sally: Never!
Mrs. Mortimer(enters at right): Children, what in the world are you doing? Albert, was that you speaking like that to your sister? I could hardly believe my ears. (Albertgoes to sofa and buries his face in his hands.)What in the world are you doing, Sally Caroline? Come and sit down.
Sally: No, mother, not until Albert promises me that he will not molest this picture.
Mrs. Mortimer: Molest that picture! Why should he? Your father paid ten good dollars of United States money for that picture and I reckon Albert doesn't want to waste money like that. Come here, Albert. (She sits in rocking-chair at right-front.) Do come away from that picture, Sally Caroline; how ridiculous you look spread out there. Come away, I say!
Sally: No, mother; not until Albert promises me that he will not harm this picture.
Mrs. Mortimer: Of course he will not harm it. I can answer for that. Harm a picture which his father loves so well? I cannot imagine my son doing a deed like that. Albert, come to me.
Albert(rising): Mother, I see that I have no place here. I will get across the line some way this very day, and join the Confederate Army. (Sallyruns to him.)
Mrs. Mortimer(rises): What! My son fight against the old flag?
Sally: Albert, Albert; O, you cannot mean it!
Albert: Mother, you are a Southern woman; you ought to bid me godspeed.
Mrs. Mortimer: Yes, I am a Southern woman, but I am the descendant of men who helped to bind these States together, and no child of mine shall, with my consent, help to sever them. You shallnotgo, Albert.
Albert: Mother, I must! I shall—go. (Exit at right, running.SallyandMrs. Mortimerthrow their arms about each other and sink upon the sofa.)
Curtain
Here may be introduced a short drill of the Blue and the Gray if desirable. It would certainly have a pleasing effect and would tend to add variety and spice to the entertainment.
ACT II
Fifeand drum heard playingYANKEE DOODLE, behind scenes.Auntie Tempdiscovered dusting the furniture.
Auntie Temp: Never seen nuthin' lak dem chilluns. Dat dere Clementina Diana she's jes' nuthin' but a no-'count shif'less niggah eber sence dem Linkum sojas come 'round heah. She found dat ole fife somewha's 'round an' she jes' blow on it all day long (puffing in her excitement); cain't get nuthin' else out'n her, an' Gawge Washington Augustus! (laughing) golly, he's jes' 's bad, he des poun' de old drum. O, deah, mighty queah times when niggahs jes' tinks dey's got nuthin' to do but stan' 'round and make jig music.
Mrs. Mortimer(enters at right): Aunt Temp, those children of yours can make pretty good music. I think we'll have to send them to that new Fisk University, just founded. (Sits in rocking-chair at right-front.)
Auntie Temp: Lan' sakes alive, Miss' Em'line! what de wo'ld you-all do dat foh? Suah dem chilluns ain't done nuthin' foh to shet dem up in de what ye call it, tentiarity.
Mrs. Mortimer: O, Aunt Temp, I didn't say thePenitentiary. I said theUniversity; that's where they educate the darkies, you know, and when they are natural musicians like your children, they teach them all the branches of music.
Auntie Temp: What! eddicate de niggahs! I hain't nevah seen no good come o' dat. I'll eddicate that Gawge Washington Augustus to saw wood, and Clementina Diana has jes' nachuallygotto lea'n to make a hoe-cake 's good 's her mammy kin. I cain't see no use o' nuthin' else. Lan' sakes, I reckon what's good enoughfor dere ole niggah mammy 's good enough for dem two black niggahs. (Placing arms akimbo and holding head up proudly.)
Mrs. Mortimer: But everything's changed now, you know, Aunt Temp: there aren't any slaves any more, and so we must teach you colored people to take care of yourselves.
Auntie Temp: Yes, I know, I yerd lots o' dat kin' o' talk jes' dese yere days, but I reckon I jes' stays right heah wif you-alls twell I dies.
Clementina(running in from right): O, mammy, did you-all heah de music?
Auntie Temp: Go 'long ye good-foh-nuthin' shif'less niggah; doan ye see de mist'ess?
Clementina(turns and ducks her head and shoulders: a rude imitation of a curtsy): O, 'scuse me Miss' Em'line. I was jes' plum' crazy ovah dat fife. Golly, but dat's fine!
Mrs. Mortimer: You can play as well as a man, Clementina: come here. (Mrs. MortimertakesClementina'shand and leads her to Lincoln's picture.) Do you know who this is?
Clementina(looking very serious): Suah I duz, Miss' Em'line; dis heah (lays her hand on picture) is de good Massa Linkum what said to all de people eve'ywha's, up in the Norf 'n' down in de Souf, dat dere shouldn't nevah no moah be any slaves anywha's. (Joyfully and enthusiastically): Golly, but I's glad he done libed.
Mrs. Mortimer(bowing head sorrowfully and speaking slowly and softly): Yes, indeed, we are all glad of that: and now you may go, Clementine.
Clementina(comes down whileMrs. Mortimerremains looking at picture.Clementina,when near right exit, turns and runs back toMrs. Mortimer): O, I say,Miss' Em'line, de good Marsa Linkum done gone dead now, an' won't dey take us all back foh slaves ag'in?
Mrs. Mortimer(coming down): No, you poor child, don't be afraid, slavery is done with forever and forever. No one can ever undo the work of Abraham Lincoln.
Clementina: Golly! I's glad o' dat. Bress de Lawd foh Abraham Linkum. (Dances a few steps and then exits at right, running.)
Auntie Temp: She hain't got no sense Miss' Em'line, so you-all mus' jes' nachually fohgive her foh jes' fohgettin' 'bout what all dis yere wah cost you-all. (Bowing head and speaking softly and sadly.) But I knows, I knows, Miss' Em'line, an' I's powe'ful sorry foh you-all. (Exit at right, head still bowed.)
Mrs. Mortimer(sits in rocking-chair at right-front): Yes, the costhasbeen great (speaking slowly and weighing each word carefully), O, how great! and our noble leader who said he now longed only to bind up the Nation's wounds has been taken from us. How will it be now, I wonder? They tell me the war is over. Lee has surrendered—but where, O where (rises and walks up and down) are my poor husband and our boy? It has been long since I have had a letter from either. Perhaps they have both died fighting for the cause in which each believed. Poor, misguided Albert! how could he ever have gone against the flag of his forefathers? (Exit at left.)
George(enters at right): Dat air Clementina Diana's jes' too much for my institution. She dinks 'case Miss' Em'line told her she done play de fife's good as a man dat she's de bigges' pickanninny on dis yere plantation. But I'll show her she cain't come none o' her friskom-fa'i'cation ovah Gawge Washington Augustus. Dis yere niggah ain't no slave no moah, an' he's gwine show dat li'l' niggah gal what's what. (Fife behind scenes.) Dah she's at it ag'in. (EnterClementinaat right, running and waving fife in air and shouting, Hurrah!) What'sde matta, you crazy niggah gal? Ye des done gone out o' yore senses (runs to her and shakes her).
Clementina: Git yore dwum, Gawge Washington 'Gustus, and come on wif me: de marsa's a-comin'!
George: O, go 'long wif yore crazy talk, de massa's done gone de'd befoh dis yere. Ye s'pose he lib an' not sen' a perscripshun to de mist'ess befoh dis yere? No, dem mis'able reb bullets get him foh dis yere. I knows. (Pointing finger at her): Go 'long wid ye now! (Goes up stage.)
Clementina: Now, doan ye be so sma't, Gawge Washington 'Gustus; he's comin' foh suah—I seed 'im.
George(comes down quickly): Seed 'im? Ya mis'able good-foh-nuthin' lyin' niggah gal, how could ye seed 'im?
Clementina(slowly and solemnly): I seed a tramp comin' 'way obah de fields. I kin'a sca'd an' 'spishus. I tak Miss' Em'line's spy-glass and I looked and I seed 'twas marsa. (Dances a few steps, singing, "Marsa's come."They both run out at right. Fife and drum is heard, playingYANKEE DOODLEbehind scenes.)
Mrs. Mortimer(withSally,run in at left): I was sure I heard Clem's voice singing, "Marsa come," but there's no one here. O, why did she do it? (Drops into rocking-chair at left-front.Sallyruns to her.) It was wicked of her to do a thing like that. And that dreadful tune! Sally Caroline, I think you'll have to go out and make them keep still. (Music grows fainter.)
Sally: Never mind, mother dear, they are going away now. They'll soon be out of hearing. I'll see what they are about. (Exits at right.)
Mrs. Mortimer: I never, never, want to hear that tune again. I shall always associate it with this bitter disappointment. O, I was so sure my poor husband had come. I wonder what made the child think of singing that? But, then, she is only a child; she cannot understand (buries her face in handkerchief and sobs).
Auntie Temp(enters at left and goes to side ofMrs. Mortimer): O, now, Miss' Em'line! Doan, honey, doan do dat, pore soul. Yore ole mammy knows jes' how't feels—come, now, obah heah on de sofi, an' hab a good rest. (Puts arms about her and leads her to sofa, putting pillow under her head, etc., while talking to her.) Dere, dere, honey, doan ye feel bad any moah. We-all tak de bes' caah of ye an' make ye des's happy as we kin. Des tink, Miss' Em'line, dere's Miss Sally Car'line, de lubliest angel anybuddy eber seed; she done tak des de bes' caah of ye, so des chirk up, chirk up, Miss' Em'line. Come, now, honey, tu'n obah an' go a-sleep, yore ole mammy covah ye up.
Mrs. Mortimer: And, Auntie Temp, don't ever let those children play Yankee Doodle around the house again.
Auntie Temp: Dat I won't, honey, I'll go this minnit an' see 'bout it. (Comes down stage.Sallyenters at right. They meet at right-front.)
Sally(in excited undertone): Auntie Temp, what do you think? (Catches her by the arm and dances and jumps around in glee.) Father is coming across the field from the west! Your children have gone to meet him. And as I was looking around, I saw another figure coming slowly from the south. I took the glass, which was lying on the porch, and it is Albert!
Auntie Temp(excitedly): Laws honey, ye doan mean it?
Sally: Hush! I am afraid the excitement will be too much for mother. O, what shall we do? They may come rushing in any minute. (Fife and drum heard.Mrs. Mortimergroans.)
Auntie Temp: See to yore pore ma, Miss Sally Car'line, I got ter make dem niggahs shet up. (Exit at right. Music ceases in a moment.)
Mrs. Mortimer(sitting up): O, good Auntie Temp!What a comfort she is to me; she promised to make those children stop that tune and she has done it. (Sighs.)
Sally(kneeling beside her): But, mother dear, wouldn't you like to hear the fife and drum playing Yankee Doodle if it was played for joy?
Mrs. Mortimer(jumping up): For joy? What can you mean, Sally Caroline?
Sally(rising and throwing arms aboutMrs. Mortimer): Don't get excited. It means, dearest mother, that you are to be happy again.
Mrs. Mortimer: O, Sally Caroline, don't deceive me! Do you mean——
Sally(interrupting): Yes, yes, it means that they (leads her slowly toward right exit) are both coming across the fields: one from the west and one from the south, and, even now, they may be in the door-yard. (Mrs. Mortimerhurries.) There, there, dear, do not overtax your strength. Remember, too, they are much changed, and you mustn't give 'way when you meet them. (Exeunt at right.)
Clementina(enters at right, waving fife, followed byGeorge,carrying drum): Golly, wa'n't that fine? Seems lak I cu'd jes' dance mah feet off.
George: Well, ye jes' keep still, ye good-foh-nuthin' niggah gal. Nebah seed sich a crazy gal nowahs, Dere, dey's comin' now, ye better go hide.
(Clementinaruns up and stands behind Lincoln's portrait so that only her face is visible.Mrs. Mortimer,Mr. MortimerandAlbertenter at right.Mrs. Mortimeris between the two and their arms are linked.Sallyfollows closely behind, andAuntie Temp,who is behind the others, goes toGeorgeand stands beside him.)
Mrs. Mortimer: It seems too good to be true that I havebothmy dear ones at home again.
Albert(breaks away from his mother and runs to Lincoln's portrait, laying his hand upon it): And,mother, I am cured of my folly. I have seen him, and I am glad the old flag was victorious.
All(excitedly): Haveseenhim?
Sally: O, tell us about him!
Albert(coming down):[J]It was at Richmond. I had been taken prisoner with two other young fellows. We were shut up in an old store. The President came there with some of his friends and just a few of his sailors. He passed the store and saw us staring from the window. O, the look that came over his face I can never describe, as he called out: "Break in that door and let those boys go home to their mothers." In a second we were free.
[J]This incident is purely fictitious and is given only as what might have happened, being quite in keeping with Lincoln's character.
[J]This incident is purely fictitious and is given only as what might have happened, being quite in keeping with Lincoln's character.
Auntie Temp: De Lawd bress him!
Albert: And, mother, when I stood face to face with him I saw that not half had been told me of his goodness and his greatness. And when I heard of his death a day or two ago, as I was begging my way across the country, to get home, I wept like a child. I knew then, as others will know later, that this was the end of life for the greatest American this country ever had.
Auntie Temp: De Lawd save us! I's mighty scar'd o' what 'comes of us pore niggahs now.
Sally(going toAuntie Tempand putting hand on her shoulder): You have nothing to fear from this time forth, Auntie Temp. Although Abraham Lincoln is dead, hisspiritwill liveforeverin the land.
Albert(comes to front-center): Yes, and he has taught the American Nation, in his own immortal words, "that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Curtain
SUGGESTIVE PROGRAM
RECOMMENDED BY THE NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
At a signal from the principal the pupils in ordered ranks, hands to the side, face the flag. At another signal every pupil gives the flag the military salute as follows: The right hand lifted, palm downward, the forefinger touching the forehead above the eye. Standing thus all repeat slowly: "I pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." At the words "to my flag," the right hand is extended gracefully, palm upward towards the flag, and remains in this gesture till the end of the affirmation, whereupon all hands immediately drop to the side. Where a silent salute is given, the flag is borne between the standing lines or in front of a single line, and the hands remain at salute until the flag-bearer reaches the center of the room, when, at a given signal, every hand is dropped.
At a signal from the principal the pupils in ordered ranks, hands to the side, face the flag. At another signal every pupil gives the flag the military salute as follows: The right hand lifted, palm downward, the forefinger touching the forehead above the eye. Standing thus all repeat slowly: "I pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." At the words "to my flag," the right hand is extended gracefully, palm upward towards the flag, and remains in this gesture till the end of the affirmation, whereupon all hands immediately drop to the side. Where a silent salute is given, the flag is borne between the standing lines or in front of a single line, and the hands remain at salute until the flag-bearer reaches the center of the room, when, at a given signal, every hand is dropped.
DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX
OLD GLORY
Marie Irish
A PRIMARY FLAG DRILL FOR FIVE LITTLE GIRLS AND FIVE LITTLE BOYS
Costumes: Each child carries a flag of fairly good size and wears a soldier cap. The caps are made of red, white and blue tissue paper and should be provided with an elastic cord that passes under the chin to hold them in place. Children also wear on each shoulder an epaulet, made of strips of cambric, an inch wide, one white, one red and one blue, sewed up in a cluster.
Costumes: Each child carries a flag of fairly good size and wears a soldier cap. The caps are made of red, white and blue tissue paper and should be provided with an elastic cord that passes under the chin to hold them in place. Children also wear on each shoulder an epaulet, made of strips of cambric, an inch wide, one white, one red and one blue, sewed up in a cluster.
Music: A patriotic march.
Children enter in two files, the boys coming on at the right corner of front of stage and the girls at the left corner of front. The boys march up the right side, across back and down the left side of stage, while the girls at the same time pass up the left side, across back and down the right side of stage. On reaching the corners of front the two lines pass diagonally to center of back, first boy and first girl form a couple, each two on reaching center of back do the same, and the couples march down the center of stage to the front. During the opening march the flag is held in right hand, resting against right side, but on forming couples each couple raises flags and holds them high, staffs crossed. At the front the boys turn to right, girls to left, pass to corners of front, up sides and on reaching the back they form two lines across back of stage, girls on front line with boys back of them. Mark time, then march—five abreast—down to near-front of stage, where the lines halt, and as they do so they stand farenough apart to allow a person to pass between them. During this march the flags have been held again at right side, but now each one holds flag high. The boy nearest left of stage now leads the boys along the line of girls, going in front of the first one, back of the second, in front of the third, back of the fourth, etc. Boys return to places and halt, then girl nearest the right of stage leads the line of girls along the line of boys, going behind the first boy, in front of second, back of third, etc. The girls return to places and halt, then all hold flags with staff standing upright and resting on left shoulder. All speak:
In times of peace dear Old Glory doth waveO'er homes and schools in this land of the brave;(Hold flags out in front of bodies, staffs perpendicular.)In times of trouble it stands for the Right,And says that Justice is greater than might;(Raise flags and wave them above heads.)In times of battle, its colors so brightLead on to Victory, though fierce be the fight.
With flags held at right sides the girls now pass up the right side of stage while boys pass up the left side. At center of back form couples, raise flags and cross staffs, march in couples down center of stage to front. At front the first couple halts, second couple goes to right of first and halts in line, third couple to left of first, fourth couple to right of second, fifth to left of third. If stage is large enough let them stand in straight line across front, otherwise they can stand in curved line. The children now speak, one at a time. Each one holds the flag in position at right side until he or she speaks.
First Child(holding flag extended, arm's length at right side):
One little flag says children must be true;
Second Child(holding staff of flag horizontal along left shoulder, flag hanging down lengthwise at left side; first child now holds flag in same way):
Two flags say that we must be honest, too.
Third Child(holding staff of flag diagonally across chest, flag on left shoulder; first and second children hold flags the same):
Three flags say boys and girls must upright live;
Fourth Child(staff of flag perpendicular and resting on left shoulder; first three hold flags the same):
Four flags say, "Be unselfish when you give".
Fifth Child(holding flag in left hand, extended at left side; first four hold flags the same):
Five flags teach us, "Let Justice be your song";
Sixth Child(holding flag same as No. 2, but on right shoulder; first five children holding flags the same):
Six flags say we must grow up brave and strong.
Seventh Child(holding flag as No. 3, but on right shoulder; first six the same):
Seven flags say, "Be loyal to the Right";
Eighth Child(holding flag as No. 4, but on right shoulder, while first seven hold flags the same):
Eight flags say, "Love your home with all your might".
Ninth Child(holding flag out in front of body, staff perpendicular; first eight hold flags the same):
Nine flags say, "Do not idle time away";
Tenth Child(raising flag and holding it a little to the right side of body; first nine hold flags the same):
Ten flags say we must study hard each day,
All(in concert, waving flags above heads):
So we may grow up wise,An honor to our land;Fit subjects of Old Glory,Our starry banner grand.
The center couple now marches down to center of front, couple to its right follows, couple to left of first comes next, the couple to right of second, and fifth couple last. All march, in couples, to corner of right of stage, up right side, across to center of back, down center of stage to front, across to left corner of front and off stage.
THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
Marie Irish
A FLAG SALUTE, MARCH AND DRILL FOR ELEVEN INTERMEDIATE GRADE CHILDREN
One boycarries a flag considerably larger than the other ten carry. This boy we will call the Color-bearer. This march may be given by eleven boys or by six boys and five girls.
One boycarries a flag considerably larger than the other ten carry. This boy we will call the Color-bearer. This march may be given by eleven boys or by six boys and five girls.
Music: A patriotic march.
The children enter in single file at left corner of the line, then, if girls take part, a girl next, then a back of stage, Color-bearer with large flag leading boy, etc. File marches across back of stage, back again to left side, diagonally to right corner of front, back to left corner of back, down left side, across front of stage, back to left corner and up left side, thus:
Then from left corner of back pass to center of back, down center of stage to front, where Color-bearer turns to right, first girl to left, next boy to right, next girl to left, etc. Pass to corners of front, up sides of stage, across to center of back, where the Color-bearer remains standing, while the next boy and first girl form a couple, each two do the same, couples march down stage till first couple is near front. Halt, couples face each other, standing about three feet apart. The Color-bearer now passes down between the two lines and halts at front of stage, facing audience. The couple nearest back of stage now marches down between lines, goes to right and halts, next couple comes down and goes to left, etc., thus:
The file stands in curved line back of Color-bearer. Music changes toSTAR-SPANGLED BANNER. The children in the line stand with flags held at right side, as during the march, till the music gets to "Oh! say, does the star-spangled banner still wave," when they raise flags and wave them slowly, till close of music. The piece is played through once and then music ceases, the Color-bearer raises his flag, holding it quite high. The others take flags in left hands and hold at left sides. When the large flag is raised they all say:
I pledge my head, (touch head with right hand) my heart, (lay hand over heart) and my hand, (raise right hand)To loyally serve my native land; (drop hand at side)I pledge my power, my honor, and my might (step forward with right foot)To keep my country's name forever bright. (Step back in line.)I pledge the zeal and strength of this right hand (raise right hand)To keep Old Glory floating o'er our land. (Point to flag.)
I pledge my head, (touch head with right hand) my heart, (lay hand over heart) and my hand, (raise right hand)
To loyally serve my native land; (drop hand at side)
I pledge my power, my honor, and my might (step forward with right foot)
To keep my country's name forever bright. (Step back in line.)
I pledge the zeal and strength of this right hand (raise right hand)
To keep Old Glory floating o'er our land. (Point to flag.)
The flags are now held in right hands, out in front of bodies:
A flag for the sailor, skimming the sea,A flag for the soldier, guarding the lea,A flag for the patriot, proud to be free,A flag forYOU, (flags extended to audience) and a flag forME! (At this flags are laid lovingly across chests and held with both hands.)
A flag for the sailor, skimming the sea,
A flag for the soldier, guarding the lea,
A flag for the patriot, proud to be free,
A flag forYOU, (flags extended to audience) and a flag forME! (At this flags are laid lovingly across chests and held with both hands.)
Flags are now waved above heads and the line exclaims:
"America forever! (flags held out at right) one nation (flags out at left) one country, (step forward and hold flags high, pointing toward audience) one flag!"
Step back in line and hold flags at right sides while the chorus ofCOLUMBIA, THE GEM OF THE OCEAN, is played softly. At the conclusion of that the music changes to a march. The Color-bearer leads and the others fall in line back of him in the same order as on entering the stage at beginning, passing in single file to right corner of front, up right side, across back, half way down left side, then across stage. The last four children halt in line, the others pass up right side, across to center of back and down center of stage. The Color-bearer halts in center, the others take places and stand thus:
Nos. 8 and 9 face back of stage; 5, 6 and 7 face left; 10 and 11 face front; 2, 3 and 4 face right; then lines march once around, No. 1 (Color-bearer) standing as the pivot on which others turn. Keep lines perfectly straight while marching, those on outside going faster to preserve perfect movement. After rotating once, halt. Color-bearer raises flag high, others raise flags and repeat:
I pledge allegiance to my flag—the best in any land,And to the Republic for which this flag doth stand;One nation, indivisible, the pride of great and small,One flag, emblem of Liberty and Justice for us all.
Color-bearer then marches to front of line, in front of No. 2, leads to right of stage, all following in order, up to back, across to center of back, down to center, where lines form thus:
Lines march around, describing circle, those on outside a large one and others smaller, then Color-bearer takes position at back of stage, the others form two lines of five each, across stage. Color-bearer gives following orders, in sharp, quick tones:
Order, flag! Rest flag on floor at right side, holding with right hand.
Carry, flag! Raise flag and hold in right hand, staff nearly vertical, top resting against right shoulder, arm straight at side.
Present, flag! Move flag to center of body, top in front of face, grasp staff with left hand, also.
Left shoulder, flag! Flag placed on left shoulder.
Right shoulder, flag! Flag placed on right shoulder.
Carry, flag! As before.
Port, flag! Grasp staff a little below center, hold diagonally across chest, upper end resting on left shoulder.
Carry, flag! As before.
Parade, rest! Right foot six inches to rear, left knee slightly bent, rest flag staff on floor in front of center of body and grasp it at top with both hands.
Carry, flag! As before.
Surrender, flag! Lay flag on floor in front of body.
Recover, flag! Bend forward, pick up flag, hold it in front of body, staff horizontal.
Carry, flag! As before.
Fix, flag! Kneel on right knee and stand staff of flag upon left knee, staff vertical.
Triumph, flag! Stand, wave flag high above head.
Color-bearer now marches down center of stage to front, members fall in line back of him in same order as on entering at beginning. At right corner of front second boy steps up by first girl, third boy by second girl, etc. Form couples, Color-bearer marching alone at head. Pass up right side, across to center of back, down center of stage, across to left corner front, up left side and off stage.
CIVIL WAR DAUGHTERS
Marie Irish
MARCH, SONG AND DRILL FOR TWELVE GIRLS OF THE INTERMEDIATE OR GRAMMAR GRADES
Costumes: Four girls wear red dresses, four wear white and four blue. Each girl wears two streamers, about nine inches wideand a yard to a yard and a quarter long, depending on the size of the girl, pinned on left of chest, thus:
Costumes: Four girls wear red dresses, four wear white and four blue. Each girl wears two streamers, about nine inches wideand a yard to a yard and a quarter long, depending on the size of the girl, pinned on left of chest, thus: