THE PROVING OF ABRAHAM

THE ANIMALS LEAVE THE ARKTHE ANIMALS LEAVE THE ARKTHE ANIMALS LEAVE THE ARKClick for larger image.

THE ANIMALS LEAVE THE ARK

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Japheth(appearing at window):O father, in the east a dove is seen,And in his bill, an olive branch, right green.(Noahdisappears within ark and returns, bearing dove and olive twig.)Noah:O Lord, blessed be thou for aye,That us hath comforted this day,And turned toward us thy face.Yet once again, sweet dove, go forth,To the east, west, south and north,And find a resting place.If thou come not again to me,Then full plainly can I seeThe flood is over by God's piteous grace.(He sends dove forth again.)Noah's Wife(opening door):The dove returns not; it is gone for aye.Let us go forth out of the ark, I pray.Noah:Ah, Lord, honored must thou be.All the earth's dry, I can see.Noah's Wife:Son-nes, open wide the door;See the plank be shoved ashore;Lead the animals beforeRight merrily.First Son's Wife(beckoning others):Sisters, come; dance and sing!The earth is all a-blossoming.Second Son's Wife:Sing and dance with glee and mirth;For the floods have left the earth.Third Son's Wife:Raise your voices with a shout:All Three Wives:We're out of the ark at last! We're out!(The wives dance in a little circle and sing.)

Japheth(appearing at window):

O father, in the east a dove is seen,And in his bill, an olive branch, right green.

(Noahdisappears within ark and returns, bearing dove and olive twig.)

Noah:

O Lord, blessed be thou for aye,That us hath comforted this day,And turned toward us thy face.Yet once again, sweet dove, go forth,To the east, west, south and north,And find a resting place.If thou come not again to me,Then full plainly can I seeThe flood is over by God's piteous grace.

(He sends dove forth again.)

Noah's Wife(opening door):

The dove returns not; it is gone for aye.Let us go forth out of the ark, I pray.

Noah:

Ah, Lord, honored must thou be.All the earth's dry, I can see.

Noah's Wife:

Son-nes, open wide the door;See the plank be shoved ashore;Lead the animals beforeRight merrily.

First Son's Wife(beckoning others):

Sisters, come; dance and sing!The earth is all a-blossoming.

Second Son's Wife:

Sing and dance with glee and mirth;For the floods have left the earth.

Third Son's Wife:

Raise your voices with a shout:

All Three Wives:

We're out of the ark at last! We're out!

(The wives dance in a little circle and sing.)

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Old English

THE RAINBOWTHE RAINBOWTHE RAINBOWClick to view larger image.

THE RAINBOW

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Noah(scandalized, descends upon them):Peace! A psalm of thanks now raise,Unto God with hymns of praise,For his mighty and his wondrous ways.(All gather about altar of stones.)Lord God in majesty,That such grace hath granted meAlone of mankind saved to be,Therefore make I offering meet,A sacrifice of savor sweet;And let the incense mount unto thy heavenly seat.(Japhethbrings a sacrifice;Noahlays it on altar. If the play be out of doors, they offer it up by fire. Enter theMessenger.)Messenger:Noah, list ye God, his will:To obey is better stillThan sacrifice; and thou hast God obeyed.God doth promise now through me,Never again a flood shall be.Thou hast done in all things as he said.My bow between you and meIn the firmament shall be;By this token you shall seeThat man and woman shall nevermoreBe wasted with water as hath been before.(Here let a rainbow appear in the sky.)Now when falleth fast the rain,I will bring the sun again;And this bow shall plain be seenAs token that my wrath and spleenShall never wakened be.The bow-string is turned towards you;And toward me is bent the bow.That such weather shall be no mo'e,I promise thee.God's blessing, Noah, I give thee here(Blesses him; all kneel),For vengeance shall no more appear.And now farewell, my darling dear.(Messengergoes.)

Noah(scandalized, descends upon them):

Peace! A psalm of thanks now raise,Unto God with hymns of praise,For his mighty and his wondrous ways.

(All gather about altar of stones.)

Lord God in majesty,That such grace hath granted meAlone of mankind saved to be,Therefore make I offering meet,A sacrifice of savor sweet;And let the incense mount unto thy heavenly seat.

(Japhethbrings a sacrifice;Noahlays it on altar. If the play be out of doors, they offer it up by fire. Enter theMessenger.)

Messenger:

Noah, list ye God, his will:To obey is better stillThan sacrifice; and thou hast God obeyed.God doth promise now through me,Never again a flood shall be.Thou hast done in all things as he said.My bow between you and meIn the firmament shall be;By this token you shall seeThat man and woman shall nevermoreBe wasted with water as hath been before.

(Here let a rainbow appear in the sky.)

Now when falleth fast the rain,I will bring the sun again;And this bow shall plain be seenAs token that my wrath and spleenShall never wakened be.The bow-string is turned towards you;And toward me is bent the bow.That such weather shall be no mo'e,I promise thee.God's blessing, Noah, I give thee here

(Blesses him; all kneel),

For vengeance shall no more appear.And now farewell, my darling dear.

(Messengergoes.)

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Gaudeamus page 1Gaudeamus page 2Gaudeamus page 3

(Noah,hisWife,hisSonsandSons' Wivesmove slowly off. TheAnimalsform a circle and dance.)

ABRAHAMABRAHAMABRAHAMClick for larger image.

ABRAHAM

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The Prologue takes the place of scenery or program.

(ThePrologue,or theServantofAbraham(acting asPrologue),enters and bows low; then, drawing himself erect, points to imaginary scenery.)Prologue: This is the tent of Abraham, the father of his people, where he lives with Sarai, his wife, and his son, Isaac, whom he loves above all else.I am the servant of Abraham.Lo, Abraham enters now with Isaac. (TheProloguegoes.)(Abrahamenters, leaning onIsaac.)Isaac(pointing): My father, behold the lambs yonder!Abraham: Aye, my son, they are for the sacrifice. I offer them up to God for a thank-offering that he hath given thee to me, O my son. (Seats himself.)Isaac(clinging close to him): Dost thou love me more than the little lambs?Abraham(embracing him): I love thee more than all that is in heaven or earth.Isaac(struggling): My father, let me go; I would go play with the lambs.Abraham(releasing him): Then go, my son.(Isaacruns out.Abrahamremains seated; then suddenly he starts, rises, and stands with arms uplifted in prayer.)Abraham:Here am I, Lord. (He listens with strong emotion.) O Lord, Lord, what is this thou dost require of me? Must I give up Isaac to thee, Isaac the joy of mine old age? (There is a pause while he prays silently; then he speaks humbly.) Nevertheless, not my will, O Lord, but thine be done. (There is another pause; then he calls.) Isaac! Isaac!(Isaacruns in.)Isaac:Here am I, father.Abraham:Get ye wood for a burnt-offering, and saddle ye the ass, for I will go up upon the mount to sacrifice.Isaac:Aye, father, and shall I go with thee?Abraham:Thou shalt indeed go with me, thou and the servant. Get thee gone. (Isaacruns out.) Not my will, O Lord, but thine! O Lord, I will trust in thee.(Isaacenters, carrying a bundle of fagots.)Isaac:My father, all is ready. The ass is saddled, and I have here wood for the burnt-offering.Abraham(placing his arm about him): Come, my son. (They go slowly out.)(ThePrologueorServantenters.)Prologue:Behold, now Abraham and Isaac approach the mountains of Moriah. I, the servant, follow after. (He follows them.)(AbrahamandIsaac,having made the circuit of the room, approach.)Abraham:This is the mountain on which I shall sacrifice. (To servant.) Abide thou yonder with the ass. I and the lad will worship; then I will come again to thee. (TheServantbows and withdraws.)Isaac:My father?Abraham:Here am I, my son.Isaac:My father, behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt-offering?Abraham:O my son, God will provide the sacrifice. (Bends over him.) O my son, before thou wert born I longed for thee, and since thou wast a little lad I have loved thee with a greater love than I have given my God. Now I am punished. For the Lord hath commanded me, saying: "Take thou thine son, thine only son whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and offer him up for a burnt-offering upon the mountains." O my son, I shall do even as the Lord hath commanded me, for all his ways are perfect. Fare thee well. (He embraces him.)Isaac(fearfully): Father—father—I—I fear—Abraham:Kneel thou upon the wood.(Isaackneels;Abrahamraises his knife to slay; a voice calls from distance.)Voice of Messenger:Abraham! Abraham!Isaac:Hark, O my father! A voice calls, "Abraham."Abraham(with knife still raised): Here am I, Lord!(TheMessengerenters and staysAbraham'shand.)Messenger:O Abraham, thus saith the Lord: "Because thou hast put thy trust in me, therefore will Ideliver thee. Lay not thine hand upon the lad, for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me."Abraham(raising arms to heaven): O Lord, blessed be the man that trusteth in thee.Isaac(jumping up): Lo, father, a ram is there, caught in the thicket. Lo, I shall fetch the ram for sacrifice. (He runs out.)Messenger:Moreover, thus saith the Lord God: "In blessing, I will bless thee, and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, for I have PROVED thee." (TheMessengergoes out.)(Isaacruns in with great excitement.)Isaac:My father, the ram is caught; I will carry the wood yonder. (Runs out.)Abraham:O God, thou hast tried me and known me. O see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Goes with arms upraised.)(TheServantorEpilogueadvances.)Epilogue:Mark the perfect man, and behold the up-right: for the end of that man is peace. (He goes out.)

(ThePrologue,or theServantofAbraham(acting asPrologue),enters and bows low; then, drawing himself erect, points to imaginary scenery.)

Prologue: This is the tent of Abraham, the father of his people, where he lives with Sarai, his wife, and his son, Isaac, whom he loves above all else.

I am the servant of Abraham.

Lo, Abraham enters now with Isaac. (TheProloguegoes.)

(Abrahamenters, leaning onIsaac.)

Isaac(pointing): My father, behold the lambs yonder!

Abraham: Aye, my son, they are for the sacrifice. I offer them up to God for a thank-offering that he hath given thee to me, O my son. (Seats himself.)

Isaac(clinging close to him): Dost thou love me more than the little lambs?

Abraham(embracing him): I love thee more than all that is in heaven or earth.

Isaac(struggling): My father, let me go; I would go play with the lambs.

Abraham(releasing him): Then go, my son.

(Isaacruns out.Abrahamremains seated; then suddenly he starts, rises, and stands with arms uplifted in prayer.)

Abraham:Here am I, Lord. (He listens with strong emotion.) O Lord, Lord, what is this thou dost require of me? Must I give up Isaac to thee, Isaac the joy of mine old age? (There is a pause while he prays silently; then he speaks humbly.) Nevertheless, not my will, O Lord, but thine be done. (There is another pause; then he calls.) Isaac! Isaac!

(Isaacruns in.)

Isaac:Here am I, father.

Abraham:Get ye wood for a burnt-offering, and saddle ye the ass, for I will go up upon the mount to sacrifice.

Isaac:Aye, father, and shall I go with thee?

Abraham:Thou shalt indeed go with me, thou and the servant. Get thee gone. (Isaacruns out.) Not my will, O Lord, but thine! O Lord, I will trust in thee.

(Isaacenters, carrying a bundle of fagots.)

Isaac:My father, all is ready. The ass is saddled, and I have here wood for the burnt-offering.

Abraham(placing his arm about him): Come, my son. (They go slowly out.)

(ThePrologueorServantenters.)

Prologue:Behold, now Abraham and Isaac approach the mountains of Moriah. I, the servant, follow after. (He follows them.)

(AbrahamandIsaac,having made the circuit of the room, approach.)

Abraham:This is the mountain on which I shall sacrifice. (To servant.) Abide thou yonder with the ass. I and the lad will worship; then I will come again to thee. (TheServantbows and withdraws.)

Isaac:My father?

Abraham:Here am I, my son.

Isaac:My father, behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt-offering?

Abraham:O my son, God will provide the sacrifice. (Bends over him.) O my son, before thou wert born I longed for thee, and since thou wast a little lad I have loved thee with a greater love than I have given my God. Now I am punished. For the Lord hath commanded me, saying: "Take thou thine son, thine only son whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and offer him up for a burnt-offering upon the mountains." O my son, I shall do even as the Lord hath commanded me, for all his ways are perfect. Fare thee well. (He embraces him.)

Isaac(fearfully): Father—father—I—I fear—

Abraham:Kneel thou upon the wood.

(Isaackneels;Abrahamraises his knife to slay; a voice calls from distance.)

Voice of Messenger:Abraham! Abraham!

Isaac:Hark, O my father! A voice calls, "Abraham."

Abraham(with knife still raised): Here am I, Lord!

(TheMessengerenters and staysAbraham'shand.)

Messenger:O Abraham, thus saith the Lord: "Because thou hast put thy trust in me, therefore will Ideliver thee. Lay not thine hand upon the lad, for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me."

Abraham(raising arms to heaven): O Lord, blessed be the man that trusteth in thee.

Isaac(jumping up): Lo, father, a ram is there, caught in the thicket. Lo, I shall fetch the ram for sacrifice. (He runs out.)

Messenger:Moreover, thus saith the Lord God: "In blessing, I will bless thee, and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, for I have PROVED thee." (TheMessengergoes out.)

(Isaacruns in with great excitement.)

Isaac:My father, the ram is caught; I will carry the wood yonder. (Runs out.)

Abraham:O God, thou hast tried me and known me. O see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Goes with arms upraised.)

(TheServantorEpilogueadvances.)

Epilogue:Mark the perfect man, and behold the up-right: for the end of that man is peace. (He goes out.)

MOSES IN THE BULRUSHESMOSES IN THE BULRUSHESMOSES IN THE BULRUSHESClick to view larger image.

MOSES IN THE BULRUSHES

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A marshy place by a river. If a little scenery is desired, take an old window-shade, sketch upon it reeds and cat-tails, and cut it so that when the little sister hides behind it she may appear to be looking through the reeds. The Prologue may unfold this as she speaks, and then hold it up so as to conceal herself.

(ThePrologueadvances. She unfolds the curtain of reeds as she speaks.)Prologue:This is Egypt. The wicked Pharaoh holds the children of Israel in bondage; but they are grown so many that he fears them. Therefore he has commanded that all boy babies be taken from their mothers' arms and put to death.But the mothers seek to hide their babies.Look and behold the marshy waters of the River Nile; tall reeds grow here; it is the hiding place one mother has chosen. See, she and the sister of the babe come now to hide him from the soldiers of Pharaoh. (She raises the curtain of reeds above her head, or passes out.)(Enter the littleSisterbearing the ark of bulrushes. She looks this way and that way; then she calls softly.)Sister:Mother, this way! The wicked soldiers will not find him here.(TheMotherenters bearing theBaby.)Mother:Is there no one in sight? (She looks anxiously about.)Sister:No one!Mother(embracing the child): O my son, the cruelPharaoh would slay thee, but the Lord is gracious; he will save.Sister:Here is the ark of bulrushes; I have daubed it well with pitch. Shall I lay it among the flags at the river's brink?(TheMothernods. TheSisterarranges the coverings in the basket. TheMotherhugs the child.)Mother:O my baby! (She places child in basket.)Sister(peering into distance): Mother, sh-h-h! I see the daughter of Pharaoh in the distance; she cometh to bathe in the river. Oh—if she should discover us!Mother(looking up anxiously): God's will be done!Sister(still peering out): One of her maidens is a child of Israel, but the other is a proud Egyptian. See, now they stop to bathe.Mother(rising from her knees): I must return lest I be missed at home when the soldiers make the daily search for children; but do thou watch beside the child, and in the nighttime I will return with food.Sister:That will I, mother. I will hide in the tall reeds yonder. (TheMothermoves away;Sisterruns after her.) But, mother, if they discover the babe, what must I do?Mother(earnestly): Surely God will teach thee. Pray. (She goes.)Sister(crouching beside ark): O God, let no one hurt my little brother! O God, I pray thee. (She sings a lullaby.)

(ThePrologueadvances. She unfolds the curtain of reeds as she speaks.)

Prologue:This is Egypt. The wicked Pharaoh holds the children of Israel in bondage; but they are grown so many that he fears them. Therefore he has commanded that all boy babies be taken from their mothers' arms and put to death.

But the mothers seek to hide their babies.

Look and behold the marshy waters of the River Nile; tall reeds grow here; it is the hiding place one mother has chosen. See, she and the sister of the babe come now to hide him from the soldiers of Pharaoh. (She raises the curtain of reeds above her head, or passes out.)

(Enter the littleSisterbearing the ark of bulrushes. She looks this way and that way; then she calls softly.)

Sister:Mother, this way! The wicked soldiers will not find him here.

(TheMotherenters bearing theBaby.)

Mother:Is there no one in sight? (She looks anxiously about.)

Sister:No one!

Mother(embracing the child): O my son, the cruelPharaoh would slay thee, but the Lord is gracious; he will save.

Sister:Here is the ark of bulrushes; I have daubed it well with pitch. Shall I lay it among the flags at the river's brink?

(TheMothernods. TheSisterarranges the coverings in the basket. TheMotherhugs the child.)

Mother:O my baby! (She places child in basket.)

Sister(peering into distance): Mother, sh-h-h! I see the daughter of Pharaoh in the distance; she cometh to bathe in the river. Oh—if she should discover us!

Mother(looking up anxiously): God's will be done!

Sister(still peering out): One of her maidens is a child of Israel, but the other is a proud Egyptian. See, now they stop to bathe.

Mother(rising from her knees): I must return lest I be missed at home when the soldiers make the daily search for children; but do thou watch beside the child, and in the nighttime I will return with food.

Sister:That will I, mother. I will hide in the tall reeds yonder. (TheMothermoves away;Sisterruns after her.) But, mother, if they discover the babe, what must I do?

Mother(earnestly): Surely God will teach thee. Pray. (She goes.)

Sister(crouching beside ark): O God, let no one hurt my little brother! O God, I pray thee. (She sings a lullaby.)

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Lullaby, "Coventry Carol"

musical notationmusical notation

(TheSisterlooks up, startled, then flees behind the reeds as theDaughter of Pharaohapproaches, followed bySlavesbearing fans.)Daughter of Pharaoh:Come, maidens, we will rest by the river's brink, where the flag flowers grow. (She approaches nearer.) But what is that, floating upon the water?Egyptian Slave:Lady, it is a babe.Daughter of Pharaoh:Go fetch it, girl. No doubt it is one of the Hebrew children.Egyptian Slave:A Hebrew brat? I will not touch it, I!(TheDaughter of Pharaohraises her hand and strikes the saucy maid, as the other slave, theMaid of Israel,brings the babe.) (Or kneels beside it.)Slave of Israel:O lady, see how beautiful!Egyptian Slave:Let it die, even as Pharaoh commanded.

(TheSisterlooks up, startled, then flees behind the reeds as theDaughter of Pharaohapproaches, followed bySlavesbearing fans.)

Daughter of Pharaoh:Come, maidens, we will rest by the river's brink, where the flag flowers grow. (She approaches nearer.) But what is that, floating upon the water?

Egyptian Slave:Lady, it is a babe.

Daughter of Pharaoh:Go fetch it, girl. No doubt it is one of the Hebrew children.

Egyptian Slave:A Hebrew brat? I will not touch it, I!

(TheDaughter of Pharaohraises her hand and strikes the saucy maid, as the other slave, theMaid of Israel,brings the babe.) (Or kneels beside it.)

Slave of Israel:O lady, see how beautiful!

Egyptian Slave:Let it die, even as Pharaoh commanded.

THE DAUGHTER OF PHARAOH NAMES MOSESTHE DAUGHTER OF PHARAOH NAMES MOSESTHE DAUGHTER OF PHARAOH NAMES MOSESClick to view larger image.

THE DAUGHTER OF PHARAOH NAMES MOSES

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Slave of Israel:O lady, let it live! Think how the mother loved it. See how cunningly the ark is daubed with pitch and hidden here, 'midst the flag-flowers.Egyptian Slave:If you let it live, you let live one more enemy to Pharaoh.Daughter of Pharaoh:Hold thy tongue, girl. (She looks doubtfully at child.)Egyptian Slave(exultingly): Here come the guard of Pharaoh; they will see the babe and slay it. (She points to distance. All look.)Daughter of Pharaoh:What to do? Think, girl, use thy wits. (ToSlave of Israel.)(The littleSisterrushes from reeds and kneels.)Sister:O lady, lady, shall I go and call a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?Daughter of Pharaoh:Go—go quickly. (She looks apprehensively about.)Egyptian Slave:The soldiers cross the river.(The little Sister returns, followed by theMother.)Sister(panting): Lady, I have brought a nurse.Daughter of Pharaoh:Woman, take thou this child and nurse it for me, and I will give thee wages. (Gives a piece of gold.)Mother(taking child): Daughter of Pharaoh, may the God of Israel bless thee.Daughter of Pharaoh(turning to go): Fare thee well.Egyptian Slave(cries): The soldiers!Daughter of Pharaoh(turning back): Fear ye not.(All huddle behind her. She faces theSoldiersas they enter and salute.)First Soldier: Daughter of Pharaoh, we make search for Hebrew children. One hath escaped us.Daughter of Pharaoh(haughtily): Who art thou to question me? Pass on.Second Soldier: But—the babe yonder? (Points.)Daughter of Pharaoh: Is the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter. Pass ye by. (She waves them away. They salute and go. She takes the child in her arms and embraces him.) I love the child. (She gives theChildto hisMotherand turns to go; then she turns back.) Call the child "Moses," for that means, "Drawn up out of the water," and remember he is dear to me for thatIhave saved him. (She goes out followed by her maids.)(TheMotherandSisterkneel with theChild.)Mother(prays): O God of Israel, bless thou this child, and asthouhast drawn him up out of the water, grant that he may be the means, through thee, to lift his people out of slavery. (They rise and go.)(TheEpiloguefolds curtain, advances to front of stage, and holds up hand.)Epilogue:O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name:Make known his doings among the peoples.He sent Moses his servant,And Aaron whom he had chosen.And he brought forth his people with joy,And his chosen with singing.(TheEpiloguegoes.)

Slave of Israel:O lady, let it live! Think how the mother loved it. See how cunningly the ark is daubed with pitch and hidden here, 'midst the flag-flowers.

Egyptian Slave:If you let it live, you let live one more enemy to Pharaoh.

Daughter of Pharaoh:Hold thy tongue, girl. (She looks doubtfully at child.)

Egyptian Slave(exultingly): Here come the guard of Pharaoh; they will see the babe and slay it. (She points to distance. All look.)

Daughter of Pharaoh:What to do? Think, girl, use thy wits. (ToSlave of Israel.)

(The littleSisterrushes from reeds and kneels.)

Sister:O lady, lady, shall I go and call a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?

Daughter of Pharaoh:Go—go quickly. (She looks apprehensively about.)

Egyptian Slave:The soldiers cross the river.

(The little Sister returns, followed by theMother.)

Sister(panting): Lady, I have brought a nurse.

Daughter of Pharaoh:Woman, take thou this child and nurse it for me, and I will give thee wages. (Gives a piece of gold.)

Mother(taking child): Daughter of Pharaoh, may the God of Israel bless thee.

Daughter of Pharaoh(turning to go): Fare thee well.

Egyptian Slave(cries): The soldiers!

Daughter of Pharaoh(turning back): Fear ye not.

(All huddle behind her. She faces theSoldiersas they enter and salute.)

First Soldier: Daughter of Pharaoh, we make search for Hebrew children. One hath escaped us.

Daughter of Pharaoh(haughtily): Who art thou to question me? Pass on.

Second Soldier: But—the babe yonder? (Points.)

Daughter of Pharaoh: Is the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter. Pass ye by. (She waves them away. They salute and go. She takes the child in her arms and embraces him.) I love the child. (She gives theChildto hisMotherand turns to go; then she turns back.) Call the child "Moses," for that means, "Drawn up out of the water," and remember he is dear to me for thatIhave saved him. (She goes out followed by her maids.)

(TheMotherandSisterkneel with theChild.)

Mother(prays): O God of Israel, bless thou this child, and asthouhast drawn him up out of the water, grant that he may be the means, through thee, to lift his people out of slavery. (They rise and go.)

(TheEpiloguefolds curtain, advances to front of stage, and holds up hand.)

Epilogue:

O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name:Make known his doings among the peoples.He sent Moses his servant,And Aaron whom he had chosen.And he brought forth his people with joy,And his chosen with singing.

(TheEpiloguegoes.)

A PAGE OF PHARAOHA PAGE OF PHARAOHA PAGE OF PHARAOHClick to view larger image.

A PAGE OF PHARAOH

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There is no actual change of scenery in this play, description serving the purpose.

(EnterPharaoh,followed bySoldierscarrying the litter of his deadSon.TheEgyptiansfollow, thenMosesandAaron.)First Egyptian(bowing low): O Pharaoh, let the children of Israel go. Lo, there is mourning in the land of Egypt because thou keepest them in bondage. (He points to theSonofPharaoh.)Egyptians:Woe, woe, woe! Yea, the god of Israel is a jealous god!Pharaoh:O Moses and Aaron, evil have ye wrought in the land of Egypt, and accursed is the land while the children of Israel remain.Rise ye, get ye forth from my people, lest your god smite us, and we be all dead men. (He passes out followed bySoldierscarrying litter.)Moses(toChildren of IsraelorClass): Ho, men of Israel! (They stand.) Pharaoh commands, "Cease ye the burden of Egypt!"Children of Israel(shout): To God the glory! (They rush into aisle.)Aaron:Assemble ye your wives and little ones, your camels and your asses. God leads us to a land of milk and honey. On now to Canaan, to the promised land!Children of Israel(shout): The promised land!(Aaronleads; theChildren of Israelfollow;Mosesbrings up the rear. They march toward the back of the room singing.)

(EnterPharaoh,followed bySoldierscarrying the litter of his deadSon.TheEgyptiansfollow, thenMosesandAaron.)

First Egyptian(bowing low): O Pharaoh, let the children of Israel go. Lo, there is mourning in the land of Egypt because thou keepest them in bondage. (He points to theSonofPharaoh.)

Egyptians:Woe, woe, woe! Yea, the god of Israel is a jealous god!

Pharaoh:O Moses and Aaron, evil have ye wrought in the land of Egypt, and accursed is the land while the children of Israel remain.

Rise ye, get ye forth from my people, lest your god smite us, and we be all dead men. (He passes out followed bySoldierscarrying litter.)

Moses(toChildren of IsraelorClass): Ho, men of Israel! (They stand.) Pharaoh commands, "Cease ye the burden of Egypt!"

Children of Israel(shout): To God the glory! (They rush into aisle.)

Aaron:Assemble ye your wives and little ones, your camels and your asses. God leads us to a land of milk and honey. On now to Canaan, to the promised land!

Children of Israel(shout): The promised land!

(Aaronleads; theChildren of Israelfollow;Mosesbrings up the rear. They march toward the back of the room singing.)

Listen:[audio/mpeg][audio/ogg; codecs=opus][midi]Sheet Music:[pdf]Music XML:[XML]

Listen:[audio/mpeg][audio/ogg; codecs=opus][midi]

Sheet Music:[pdf]

Music XML:[XML]

Song: "The Promised Land,"by Unknown Author

(Adapted).

musical notationmusical notation

(The Egyptians watch with interest.)First Egyptian:A mighty army!Second Egyptian:Six hundred thousand strong!Third Egyptian:Pharaoh will rue the day when he let these slaves escape from the land of Egypt.First Egyptian:There he cometh in mad haste.(Pharaohenters followed byPageandSoldiers.)Pharaoh:Lo, it repents me that I have let Israel go. Let my soldiers go after them and scourge them back. On the Red Sea shore we will come up with them. On, my men, on!(Pharaoh,theEgyptiansandSoldiersrush down aisle after theChildren of Israel.They, in the meantime, have made the circuit of the room, or church, and re-enter the stage, or chancel, singing.)Song:Same Music as before."Flowing with honey is the promised land;Flowing with honey is the promised land.Where our God shall lead us, we will go.O hasten to the promised land!"Chorus:As before.Aaron:Men of Israel, before us stretches the Red Sea water; here we will make our camp.Miriam(clutching his arm): O Aaron, look! Behind us see the shining spears! Behind us cometh Pharaoh and his hosts. Where now is Moses?An Israelite:And before, stretches the Red Sea water. How may we cross? Where now is Moses?Another Israelite:We shall be brought to Egypt again as slaves. Where now is Moses?(Mosespushes his way through the people.)Aaron and Others:O Moses, why hast thou thus dealt with us?Another Israelite:It were better for us to serve in the land of Egypt, than that we die here in the wilderness.Moses:Fear ye not. Stand still and see the salvation of your God. For the Egyptians which ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them no more forever. (He stretches out his rod.)Miriam(exultingly): The Red Sea parts! The waves do mount on either side like giant cliffs, upheld by a monster hand. See how the waves do lash and foam! See! See!Moses:Forward, ye men of Israel!(They pass down the central aisle, singing.)Song:Same Music as before.Through Red Sea waters to the promised land!Through Red Sea waters to the promised land!Where our God shall lead us, we will go.O hasten to the promised land!Chorus:As before.(Pharaohand his men, having pursued theChildren of Israelaround the room, appear on the stage.)First Egyptian:O Pharaoh, thy soldiers have them in a trap. Before stretches the Red Sea water, and behind, behold thy shining spears!Pharaoh:On, my men, on!(TheEgyptiansand theSoldiersrush after theChildren of Israel.Pharaohand hisPageremain.)Page:See, see, the Red Sea parts! The children of Israel walk on it dryshod. Verily, their god is God.Pharaoh(loudly): Is their god more than I? Who is Jehovah? On, my men, on!Page:Thy soldiers obey; thy army follows after through the sea. (A pause of ten seconds while they peer into distance.) The high waves tremble—O let thy soldiers haste! (A pause of ten seconds. Then he cries, trembling and hiding his eyes.) O lord, the waves! The waves!Pharaoh:Waves, stand ye back! I, Pharaoh, bid ye stay!

(The Egyptians watch with interest.)

First Egyptian:A mighty army!

Second Egyptian:Six hundred thousand strong!

Third Egyptian:Pharaoh will rue the day when he let these slaves escape from the land of Egypt.

First Egyptian:There he cometh in mad haste.

(Pharaohenters followed byPageandSoldiers.)

Pharaoh:Lo, it repents me that I have let Israel go. Let my soldiers go after them and scourge them back. On the Red Sea shore we will come up with them. On, my men, on!

(Pharaoh,theEgyptiansandSoldiersrush down aisle after theChildren of Israel.They, in the meantime, have made the circuit of the room, or church, and re-enter the stage, or chancel, singing.)

Song:Same Music as before.

"Flowing with honey is the promised land;Flowing with honey is the promised land.Where our God shall lead us, we will go.O hasten to the promised land!"

Chorus:As before.

Aaron:Men of Israel, before us stretches the Red Sea water; here we will make our camp.

Miriam(clutching his arm): O Aaron, look! Behind us see the shining spears! Behind us cometh Pharaoh and his hosts. Where now is Moses?

An Israelite:And before, stretches the Red Sea water. How may we cross? Where now is Moses?

Another Israelite:We shall be brought to Egypt again as slaves. Where now is Moses?

(Mosespushes his way through the people.)

Aaron and Others:O Moses, why hast thou thus dealt with us?

Another Israelite:It were better for us to serve in the land of Egypt, than that we die here in the wilderness.

Moses:Fear ye not. Stand still and see the salvation of your God. For the Egyptians which ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them no more forever. (He stretches out his rod.)

Miriam(exultingly): The Red Sea parts! The waves do mount on either side like giant cliffs, upheld by a monster hand. See how the waves do lash and foam! See! See!

Moses:Forward, ye men of Israel!

(They pass down the central aisle, singing.)

Song:Same Music as before.

Through Red Sea waters to the promised land!Through Red Sea waters to the promised land!Where our God shall lead us, we will go.O hasten to the promised land!

Chorus:As before.

(Pharaohand his men, having pursued theChildren of Israelaround the room, appear on the stage.)

First Egyptian:O Pharaoh, thy soldiers have them in a trap. Before stretches the Red Sea water, and behind, behold thy shining spears!

Pharaoh:On, my men, on!

(TheEgyptiansand theSoldiersrush after theChildren of Israel.Pharaohand hisPageremain.)

Page:See, see, the Red Sea parts! The children of Israel walk on it dryshod. Verily, their god is God.

Pharaoh(loudly): Is their god more than I? Who is Jehovah? On, my men, on!

Page:Thy soldiers obey; thy army follows after through the sea. (A pause of ten seconds while they peer into distance.) The high waves tremble—O let thy soldiers haste! (A pause of ten seconds. Then he cries, trembling and hiding his eyes.) O lord, the waves! The waves!

Pharaoh:Waves, stand ye back! I, Pharaoh, bid ye stay!

THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HAIL THE PROMISED LANDTHE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HAIL THE PROMISED LANDTHE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HAIL THE PROMISED LANDClick to view larger image.

THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HAIL THE PROMISED LAND

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Page(looking up): They fall; they crush! Thy army, the waves go over them.Pharaoh(stretching out his arms): O god of Moses, drive the sea apart!Page(promptly): The god of Moses will not hearthyprayer.Pharaoh:The Israelites exult.Children of Israel(in distance):Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?Glorious in holiness—Fearful in praises—Doing wonders!The Lord shall reign forever and ever.Miriam(with a clash of cymbals):I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously.This is my God and I will praise him,My father's God and I will exalt him. (Clash of cymbals.)Children of Israel:Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?Glorious in holiness—Fearful in praises—Doing wonders.The Lord shall reign forever and ever. (Clash of cymbals.)Pharaoh(shaking his clinched fist): Mocked at by god and man!I will raise me a mightier army and follow after.I will pray to the gods of Egypt. (He passes hastily out.)Page(stretches out his arms to the departing Israelites): O God of Moses,Iwill pray to thee. (He goes slowly after Pharaoh.)

Page(looking up): They fall; they crush! Thy army, the waves go over them.

Pharaoh(stretching out his arms): O god of Moses, drive the sea apart!

Page(promptly): The god of Moses will not hearthyprayer.

Pharaoh:The Israelites exult.

Children of Israel(in distance):

Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?Glorious in holiness—Fearful in praises—Doing wonders!The Lord shall reign forever and ever.

Miriam(with a clash of cymbals):

I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously.This is my God and I will praise him,My father's God and I will exalt him. (Clash of cymbals.)

Children of Israel:

Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?Glorious in holiness—Fearful in praises—Doing wonders.The Lord shall reign forever and ever. (Clash of cymbals.)

Pharaoh(shaking his clinched fist): Mocked at by god and man!

I will raise me a mightier army and follow after.

I will pray to the gods of Egypt. (He passes hastily out.)

Page(stretches out his arms to the departing Israelites): O God of Moses,Iwill pray to thee. (He goes slowly after Pharaoh.)

THE CHILD SAMUEL WITH HIS PARENTSTHE CHILD SAMUEL WITH HIS PARENTSTHE CHILD SAMUEL WITH HIS PARENTSClick to view larger image.

THE CHILD SAMUEL WITH HIS PARENTS

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Shiloh, before the door of the tabernacle.

(Enter thePrologue.)Prologue: This is the story of the call of Samuel. The scene is Shiloh, before the door of the tabernacle. Lo, there entereth Eli, priest of Israel. (Prologuewithdraws.)(Eli,the old priest, enters, and stands praying.)Eli: O Lord God, turn thou my sons, I pray thee, from their evil ways. Lo, they come yonder, full of wine and drink, a disgrace to mine old age.(HophniandPhinehascome swaggering in, arm in arm. One has a jug of wine; he drinks and hands it to the other.Eliraises a trembling hand toward them.)Hophni: Hi there, old man, art going to chide again?Phinehas(mockingly): Do not show anger, for anger doth not become a man of God.Eli: My sons, why will ye tempt the Lord your God? Turn from your evil ways and pray. (Lays a hand onHophni.)Hophni(jerking away): I pray not, I! Thou hast ever said the Lord was slow to anger.Eli: Yea, but the cup of your iniquity is full; and I—I suffer in your fall.

(Enter thePrologue.)

Prologue: This is the story of the call of Samuel. The scene is Shiloh, before the door of the tabernacle. Lo, there entereth Eli, priest of Israel. (Prologuewithdraws.)

(Eli,the old priest, enters, and stands praying.)Eli: O Lord God, turn thou my sons, I pray thee, from their evil ways. Lo, they come yonder, full of wine and drink, a disgrace to mine old age.

(HophniandPhinehascome swaggering in, arm in arm. One has a jug of wine; he drinks and hands it to the other.Eliraises a trembling hand toward them.)

Hophni: Hi there, old man, art going to chide again?

Phinehas(mockingly): Do not show anger, for anger doth not become a man of God.

Eli: My sons, why will ye tempt the Lord your God? Turn from your evil ways and pray. (Lays a hand onHophni.)

Hophni(jerking away): I pray not, I! Thou hast ever said the Lord was slow to anger.

Eli: Yea, but the cup of your iniquity is full; and I—I suffer in your fall.

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