Chapter 2

Heigh ho! Ho heigh!There am I,A tall plant of cotton.

Little Girl.How do you look?

Spirit of Cotton.My leaves are green like the maple. I have lovely blossoms. They are white the first day and pink the next.

Little Girl.I thought you said that you were a cotton plant.

Spirit of Cotton.So I did. My blossoms fall off, and then—

Heigh ho! Ho heigh!There am I,A nice bunch of cotton.

Little Girl.Is that all?

Spirit of Cotton.No, I have some friends who will tell you more about my life. (Goes out and returns leading a little girl by the hand.) This is my friend from India. (Goes out again.)

Little Girl.How did you get here?

Maiden from India.I heard the Spirit of Cotton calling and I obeyed.

Little Girl(pointing to a map of Asia which is pinned on Maiden from India). Is this your country?

Maiden from India.Yes, I have come to tell you something about cotton in my country. Cotton was first raised in my country. That was long, long, long ago.

Little Girl.A hundred years ago?

Maiden from India.We knew how to weave cotton thousands of years ago.

Little Girl.Did you know how to weave well?

Maiden from India.We made such fine dresses that you could draw a whole one through your ring.

Little Girl.I don't believe I could draw my dress through my ring.

Maiden from India.I know you couldn't.

Spirit of Cotton(outside). Heigh ho! Ho heigh!

Maiden from India.I must return. The Spirit of Cotton is calling. (Goes out.)

Spirit of Cotton(comes in, leading a little girl by the hand). This is my friend from Egypt. She has something to tell you too. (Goes out.)

Little Girl.Do you know about cotton?

Maiden from Egypt.Yes, we knew how to use cotton long before your country was even heard of.

Little Girl.Is this your country (pointing to a map)?

Maiden from Egypt.Yes.

Little Girl.Did your people like cotton dresses?

Maiden from Egypt.Yes; just think how warm those woolen ones were.

Little Girl.I guess every one who ever lived must have liked cotton.

Maiden from Egypt.All good children do now.

Spirit of Cotton(outside). Heigh ho! Ho heigh!

Maiden from Egypt.I must go. I hear the Spirit of Cotton calling.

Spirit of Cotton(bringing a little girl into the room). This is my friend from America. (Goes out again.)

Little Girl.I know you. We studied that map in school. You are from the United States. What did America have to do with cotton?

Maiden from America.When Columbus first landed on the Bahama Islands the natives came out to his ships in canoes, bringing cotton thread and yarn to trade.

Little Girl.That was in 1492, wasn't it?

Maiden from America.Yes, it was 427 years ago.

Little Girl.Why did you put all this cotton here (points to cotton pasted on different states)?

Maiden from America.They are the cotton states.

Little Girl.I know which ones they are—North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. Did America do anything wonderful with cotton?

Maiden from America.Yes; we raise more cotton than any other place in the world. It is the best cotton too.

Little Girl.I am so glad of that. We won't let India and Egypt get ahead of us, will we?

Maiden from America.Of course not. All good little girls must help too.

Little Girl.I shall always like cotton after this.

Spirit of Cotton(outside). Heigh ho! Ho heigh!

Maiden from America.I hear the Spirit of Cotton calling; I must go. (Goes out.)

Spirit of Cotton(leading a boy into the room). This is my friend Eli Whitney. (Goes out.)

Eli Whitney.I am the Spirit of Eli Whitney. I was born in Massachusetts in 1765. One day when my father went to church, I took his watch to pieces and put it together again. Then I thought I would go to Yale College. When I finished Yale College I went to Georgia. I heard everyone there talking about cotton. They were trying to find out how to get the seeds out of it more easily. I invented the cotton gin.

Little Girl.What happened then?

Eli Whitney.One man could now clean fifty times as much cotton as he could before.

Spirit of Cotton(outside). Heigh ho! Ho heigh!

Eli Whitney.I hear the Spirit of Cotton calling; I must go. (Goes out.)

Little Girl(waking up). Where is the spirit of Cotton? Where is the Maiden from India? Where is the Spirit of Eli Whitney? It must have been a dream! I guess I got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I will always like cotton after this. I am going out to play now.

The Cat and His Servant

Prepared by Alice Lewis, Teacher of Second Grade, Bangs School, Asbury Park

Dramatized from story of same name

Characters: Farmer, Cat, Fox, Wolf, Bear, Rabbit, Cow, Sheep.

Materials used: Small branches of tree, box for house, cards with printed names of animals.

Scene:The Forest.

Enter the Farmer and the Cat

Farmer.—I have a cat. He is very wild so I will take him to the forest. (Puts cat in bag and takes him to tree.) I will leave him here. (Takes off bag and leaves the cat.)

Cat.I will build a house for myself and be the owner of this forest. (Brings in box and nails boards.) Now my house is done.

Enter the Fox

Fox.Good morning. What fine fur you have! What long whiskers you have! Who are you?

Cat.I am Ivan, the owner of this forest.

Fox.May I be your servant?

Cat.Yes; you may. Come into my house. (Both go in house.) I am hungry. Go out and get me something to eat.

Fox.I will go. (Goes into forest and meets Wolf.)

Wolf.Good morning.

Fox.Good morning.

Wolf.I have not seen you for a long time. Where are you living now?

Fox.I am living with Ivan. I am his servant.

Wolf.Who is Ivan?

Fox.He is the owner of this forest.

Wolf.May I come with you and see Ivan?

Fox.Yes; if you will promise to bring a sheep with you. If you do not Ivan will eat you.

Wolf.I will go and get one. (Leaves the fox and hunts for a sheep.)

Enter the Bear

Bear.Good morning, Mr. Fox.

Fox.Good morning, Mr. Bear.

Bear.I have not seen you for a long time. Where are you living?

Fox.I am living with Ivan. I am his servant.

Bear.Who is Ivan?

Fox.He is the owner of this forest.

Bear.May I go with you and see him?

Fox.Yes, but you must promise to bring a cow with you or Ivan will eat you.

Bear.I will go and get one. (Leaves the fox and hunts for a cow.)

The Fox returns to the house and enters

Cat.Did you bring me something to eat?

Fox.No; but I have sent for something and it will be here soon.

Cat.All right; we will wait.

Enter Wolf with a sheep and Bear with a cow

Bear.Good morning, Mr. Wolf. Where are you going?

Wolf.Good morning. I am going to see Ivan, the owner of this forest.

Bear.So am I. Let us go together.

Bear and Wolf walk to Cat's house and place sheep and cow near door

Wolf.You knock on the door.

Bear.No; you knock on the door. I am afraid.

Wolf.So am I. Shall we ask Mr. Rabbit to do it?

Bear.Yes; you ask him.

Wolf(calling to a rabbit who is passing). Hello, Mr. Rabbit; will you knock at the Cat's door for us?

Rabbit.Yes, I will.(Knocks.)

Bear and Wolf hide behind the trees and bushes

Cat(coming out of his house with the Fox and noticing the cow and sheep lying by the door). Look! here is what you got for my dinner. There is only enough for two bites.

Bear(to himself). How hungry he is. A cow would be enough to eat for four bears and he says it is only enough for two bites. What a terrible animal he is.

Cat(seeing Wolf behind the bushes). Look! there is a mouse. I must catch him and eat him. (Chases Wolf away.) I think I hear another mouse. (Sees Bear and tries to catch him but fails.) I am so tired that I cannot run at all. Let us sit by the door and eat our dinner. (Cat and Fox sit down and eat the sheep and cow.)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

See Bibliographyat end of monograph.

COLUMBUS DAY

October 12

Columbus, seeking the back door of Asia, found himself knocking at the front door of America.

James Russell Lowell

COLUMBUS DAY

J. CAYCE MORRISON, SUPERVISING PRINCIPAL, LEONIA

October 12, 1492! What a date in the world's history—the linking of the new world with the old—the dreams of a dreamer come true—the opening of the gates to a newer and better home for man—the promise of—America!

The story of Columbus is a story of romance, of patient perseverance, of high endeavor, of noble resolve—a story that grips and thrills. Every boy and every girl who feels the story wants to discover a new world; and out of that desire may well come the discovery of America—its aims, ideals, opportunities. The Columbus Day program is an opportunity to discover the new world into which we are emerging. Even childhood in the school may come to glimpse that which lies beyond and feel the exultation of the sailor who cried, "Land! Land!"

The materials of this program are largely suggestive. It is hoped that they may be of service in program making from kindergarten to high school.

The school program of most value is that which results from the creative genius of the children themselves. Let children live the life of Columbus in imagination and they will create their own program and express it in costume, tableaux, music, composition, acting, and dialog. The merit of the Columbus Day program will lie in its leading children, through their own expression, to a better understanding of their country, to a broader conception of patriotism.

SUBJECTS FOR COMPOSITION OR ORAL REPORTS

Marco PoloA flat worldThe new idea—sailing west to reach the eastThe dangers of the western seaThe attempted mutiny (See Irving's "Life of Columbus")The signs of landColumbus in chainsSan SalvadorOctober 12, 1492The Columbian Exposition, 1892The discovery of America, 1919What Columbus would do today

A Little Program for Columbus Day

Recitation

(By three boys bearing the American flag, the Spanish flag, and a drum)

Recitation

(By eight girls carrying banners that bear letters spelling "Columbus")

Crowning Columbus

(Recitation by four children. Picture of Columbus on easel. Children place on it evergreen and flower wreaths and flags)

What We Can Do

(Recitation by two small boys, carrying flag)

Recitation

(By a very small child, carrying a flag)

My beautiful flag,You are waving today,To honor a hero true;Columbus who gave usOur dear native land,Our land of the Red, White and Blue.

Recitation

(By a very small child, carrying a flag)

I'll wave my flag for Discovery Day,And before I get frightenedI'll scamper away.

Columbus Game

The children stand in a circle. They choose one to represent Columbus. The children all sing the song (given below). As they sing the fifth line Columbus points to three children, who become the Nina (baby), the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. These three children come inside the circle, and wave arms up and down as though sailing. The children now all repeat the song, marching round in the circle, waving arms up and down, and the children inside the circle skip round also.

The song is then repeated, children standing in a circle, and the three chosen as Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria choose three children to take their places by pointing at any three children in the circle.

Game may continue as long as desired or until all have had a chance to go inside the circle.[A]

[A]The story of Columbus may be dramatized in connection with this game.

Song

Columbus was a sailor boy,Many years ago.A great ship was the sailor's joy,Many years ago.The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria,Little vessels three,The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria,Sailed out across the sea.

Laura Rountree Smith

My Little Ship

Once I made a little ship,Down beside the sea;And I said, "Come now, dear winds,And blow it back to me!"O little ship that sails the sea.O wind that blows it back to me!

Song

Tune, Lightly Row

Wave the flags, wave the flags;We are sailor boys at play;Wave the flags, wave the flags,On Columbus Day.O'er the waters we will go,Singing, singing, as we row;Wave the flags to and fro,On Columbus Day. (Children wave flags)Cross the flags, cross the flags,With their pretty colors gay;Cross the flags, cross the flags,On Columbus Day.We would like to sail, 'tis true,O'er the waters bright and blue,So we cross the flags for youOn Columbus Day. (Children cross flags)

Cross the flags, cross the flags,With their pretty colors gay;Cross the flags, cross the flags,On Columbus Day.We would like to sail, 'tis true,O'er the waters bright and blue,So we cross the flags for youOn Columbus Day. (Children cross flags)

Laura Rountree Smith

Recitation for Very Little Boys

1st—Columbus was a sailor bold,At least that's what I have been told.2d—I would also like to sail the sea,If not too far from mother's knee.3d—He had three ships to sail the sea,One ship would be enough for me.4th—In the Nina I would go;But what if stormy winds should blow?5th—In the Pinta I'll set sail;That ship has weathered many a gale.6th—The Santa Maria waits for me;O how I love to sail the sea.7th—At night we'll glide across the foam,But wish ourselves quite safe at home.8th—Kind friends, I hope you understand,We are really happier far on land.(All join hands and run to seats)Then come, dear sailors, hand in hand,We'll run to seek the nearest land!

1st—Columbus was a sailor bold,At least that's what I have been told.

2d—I would also like to sail the sea,If not too far from mother's knee.

3d—He had three ships to sail the sea,One ship would be enough for me.

4th—In the Nina I would go;But what if stormy winds should blow?

5th—In the Pinta I'll set sail;That ship has weathered many a gale.

6th—The Santa Maria waits for me;O how I love to sail the sea.

7th—At night we'll glide across the foam,But wish ourselves quite safe at home.

8th—Kind friends, I hope you understand,We are really happier far on land.

(All join hands and run to seats)

Then come, dear sailors, hand in hand,We'll run to seek the nearest land!

Play

(Ferdinand and Isabella on their thrones, chairs with a red drapery concealing them.)

Enter Columbus and followers, bowing low

Columbus

O most gracious majesties!

Ferdinand

My wise men say your scheme is vain,So your plan I must disdain;If asyousay this earth is roundNo one could stay upon the ground.

(Bows his head and looks very wise. Columbus looks sadly around and sighs. Queen Isabella stretches forth her hand.)

Queen

I have talked to the Abbot kind,And he has made me change my mind.Take these and these (dropping her bracelets and necklaces into Columbus' hat) and may you be,Successful in your quest at sea.

Columbus and followers

Long live, long live Isabella the queen!Such generous faith has seldom been seen.Long live, long live Isabella the queen!

All(except Columbus, who bows as he listens)

Here's to Columbus, so brave and so true,Who will soon sail west on the ocean blueTo—find—the—land—of—India.

Headed by king and queen all march around and off

One returns

Columbus safely made his voyageAnd now, though he never knew it,He discovered this land, the fair land of our birth,The greatest nation on all the earth.

(Displays flag)

All except Columbus return and sing America

Mary R. Campbell

Recitation

(By three boys)

1st—Columbus dared to cross the seaWhere none had gone before;And sailing west from Palos, Spain,He came to our front door.2d—His men were only prisonersQueen Isabel set free;For other men, they did not dareTo cross the unknown sea.3d—He had no friend to share his hope;No one could understand;Now all men honor his great name,Who first saw our dear land.All—If we can only be as trueTo our best selves as he,Speak truth, keep faith, be brave and pure,True heroes we shall be.

1st—Columbus dared to cross the seaWhere none had gone before;And sailing west from Palos, Spain,He came to our front door.

2d—His men were only prisonersQueen Isabel set free;For other men, they did not dareTo cross the unknown sea.

3d—He had no friend to share his hope;No one could understand;Now all men honor his great name,Who first saw our dear land.

All—If we can only be as trueTo our best selves as he,Speak truth, keep faith, be brave and pure,True heroes we shall be.

Discovery Day

I wonder what ColumbusWould think of us today,Just stepping out from '92,Four centuries on, we'll say.With aeroplanes and warships,And submarine affairs,He'd surely think the mighty seaWas putting on some airs.Discovery Day, we greet you;You're only just begun;Industry, art, and science now,Begin their race to run.But brighter than these wonders,More beautiful to see,Democracy's fair smile beginsTo dawn o'er land and sea.Discovery Day! When FreedomShall reign in every land,When nations know their brotherhood,And naught but good is grand.America, thy missionBe this: discover nowAworldsafe for Democracy.'Tis ours to teach it how.

I wonder what ColumbusWould think of us today,Just stepping out from '92,Four centuries on, we'll say.

With aeroplanes and warships,And submarine affairs,He'd surely think the mighty seaWas putting on some airs.

Discovery Day, we greet you;You're only just begun;Industry, art, and science now,Begin their race to run.

But brighter than these wonders,More beautiful to see,Democracy's fair smile beginsTo dawn o'er land and sea.

Discovery Day! When FreedomShall reign in every land,When nations know their brotherhood,And naught but good is grand.

America, thy missionBe this: discover nowAworldsafe for Democracy.'Tis ours to teach it how.

The Flag of Spain

Tune—Long, Long Ago

There was a flag that waved all over SpainLong, long ago; long, long ago.And many sailors had gone forth in vain,Long, long ago, long ago.Then came the ships and Columbus set sail;Proudly the vessels withstood every gale.Then came the cry, "Blessed land, land we hail,"Long, long ago, long ago.

Columbus

A dreamer they called him,And mocked him to scorn,But O, through this dreamerA new world was born.A new land whose watchwordIs ringing afar—"Democracy! Freedom!"That none shall dare mar.A nation whose visionIs making it beHumanity's championOn land and on sea.America, my land,A dream gave thee birth;Through vision thou'st conqueredIn all realms of worth.Thy spirit shall beckonTill all nations heed,And follow in wisdomThe path thou dost lead.

A dreamer they called him,And mocked him to scorn,But O, through this dreamerA new world was born.

A new land whose watchwordIs ringing afar—"Democracy! Freedom!"That none shall dare mar.

A nation whose visionIs making it beHumanity's championOn land and on sea.

America, my land,A dream gave thee birth;Through vision thou'st conqueredIn all realms of worth.

Thy spirit shall beckonTill all nations heed,And follow in wisdomThe path thou dost lead.

CLASS EXERCISE FOR COLUMBUS DAY

The foundation for these exercises should be laid in previous class recitations and specially prepared class compositions which relate developing incidents in the life of Columbus. Several periods used in the preparation of these oral and written exercises will be time well spent. Select the composition which portrays the life pictures most clearly and effectively; and as the writer reads his story, let other members of the class give tableaux or act scenes apropos. The children should be encouraged to initiate their own ideas and execute their own mental pictures in costume, arrangement, facial expression, etc.

The following are mentionedsuggestively:

Acts portraying the life of Columbus

1. Columbus, the boyBoy of nine to eleven years, seated, intently studying a geography,orBoy whittling a wooden toy ship.2. Columbus, the manLarger boy, posing as a dreamer, gazing at and studying the stars,orLarger boy drawing maps, appearing wise and thoughtful.(Let others stand aside, smiling and mockingly pointing.)3. Columbus' appearance before King Ferdinand and Queen IsabellaKing and Queen, dressed in royal style, on improvised throne; Columbus kneeling before them; the queen offering him her jewels.4. On shipboardBoys representing mutinous sailors, their faces depicting fear, anger, dejection—dressed sailor fashion.Columbus displaying confidence, courage and patience—dressed in short full trousers, cape over his shoulders thrown back on one side. Let facial expressions and actions change to show land has been sighted.5. The landingColumbus planting the flag of Spain in the New World. Sailors (all with uncovered heads) kneeling. Indians (let the boys wear Indian suits) watching from the outskirts, one falling down in worship.

1. Columbus, the boy

Boy of nine to eleven years, seated, intently studying a geography,

Boy whittling a wooden toy ship.

2. Columbus, the man

Larger boy, posing as a dreamer, gazing at and studying the stars,or

Larger boy drawing maps, appearing wise and thoughtful.

(Let others stand aside, smiling and mockingly pointing.)

3. Columbus' appearance before King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

King and Queen, dressed in royal style, on improvised throne; Columbus kneeling before them; the queen offering him her jewels.

4. On shipboard

Boys representing mutinous sailors, their faces depicting fear, anger, dejection—dressed sailor fashion.

Columbus displaying confidence, courage and patience—dressed in short full trousers, cape over his shoulders thrown back on one side. Let facial expressions and actions change to show land has been sighted.

5. The landing

Columbus planting the flag of Spain in the New World. Sailors (all with uncovered heads) kneeling. Indians (let the boys wear Indian suits) watching from the outskirts, one falling down in worship.

6. The return receptionKing Ferdinand and Queen Isabella on throne, dressed as before, with guards on either side. Ladies-in-waiting, noblemen, etc., dressed in 15th century style, grouped about. Columbus enters (to music). All bow low except king and queen, who rise to meet him. Columbus kneels before them, kisses the queen's hand and rises.Indians enter (with bow and arrow) and gaze in wonder about. One Indian plucks Columbus by sleeve and gruntingly interrogates him concerning some wonder in the room—a picture of the king and queen, decorated with Spanish flags. The king takes the hand of the Indian, places it in Columbus' hand and, covering them with his own left hand, raises the right to signify his blessing upon the newly found land.Music gives the signal for the recessional. All fall into line and march out—guards, king, queen, Columbus, ladies, and courtiers. The Indians follow irregularly.

6. The return reception

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella on throne, dressed as before, with guards on either side. Ladies-in-waiting, noblemen, etc., dressed in 15th century style, grouped about. Columbus enters (to music). All bow low except king and queen, who rise to meet him. Columbus kneels before them, kisses the queen's hand and rises.

Indians enter (with bow and arrow) and gaze in wonder about. One Indian plucks Columbus by sleeve and gruntingly interrogates him concerning some wonder in the room—a picture of the king and queen, decorated with Spanish flags. The king takes the hand of the Indian, places it in Columbus' hand and, covering them with his own left hand, raises the right to signify his blessing upon the newly found land.

Music gives the signal for the recessional. All fall into line and march out—guards, king, queen, Columbus, ladies, and courtiers. The Indians follow irregularly.

THE BOY COLUMBUS

"'Tis a wonderful story," I hear you say,"How he struggled and worked and plead and prayed,And faced every danger undismayed,With a will that would neither break nor bend,And discovered a new world in the end—But what does it teach to a boy of today?All the worlds are discovered, you know, of course,All the rivers are traced to their utmost source;There is nothing left for a boy to find,If he had ever so much a mindTo become a discoverer famous;And if we'd much rather read a bookAbout some one else, and the risks he took,Why nobody, surely, can blame us."So you think all the worlds are discovered now;All the lands have been charted and sailed about,Their mountains climbed, their secrets found out;All the seas have been sailed and their currents known—To the uttermost isles the winds have blownThey have carried a venturing prow?Yet there lie all about us new worlds, everywhere,That await their discoverer's footfall; spread fairAre electrical worlds that no eye has yet seen,And mechanical worlds that lie hidden sereneAnd await their Columbus securely.There are new worlds in Science and new worlds in Art,And the boy who will work with his head and his heartWill discover his new world surely.

So you think all the worlds are discovered now;All the lands have been charted and sailed about,Their mountains climbed, their secrets found out;All the seas have been sailed and their currents known—To the uttermost isles the winds have blownThey have carried a venturing prow?Yet there lie all about us new worlds, everywhere,That await their discoverer's footfall; spread fairAre electrical worlds that no eye has yet seen,And mechanical worlds that lie hidden sereneAnd await their Columbus securely.There are new worlds in Science and new worlds in Art,And the boy who will work with his head and his heartWill discover his new world surely.

COLUMBUS AND THE EGG

One day Columbus was at a dinner which a Spanish gentleman had given in his honor, and several persons were present who were jealous of the great Admiral's success. They were proud, conceited fellows, and they very soon began to try to make Columbus uncomfortable.

"You have discovered strange lands beyond the seas," they said, "but what of that? We do not see why there should be so much said about it. Anybody can sail across the ocean; and anybody can coast along the islands on the other side, just as you have done. It is the simplest thing in the world."

Columbus made no answer; but after a while he took an egg from a dish and said to the company:

"Who among you, gentlemen, can make this egg stand on end?"

One by one those at the table tried the experiment. When the egg had gone entirely around and none had succeeded, all said that it could not be done.

Then Columbus took the egg and struck its small end gently upon the table so as to break the shell a little. After that there was no trouble in making it stand upright.

"Gentlemen," said he, "what is easier than to do this which you said was impossible? It is the simplest thing in the world. Anybody can do it—after he has been shown how!"

COLUMBUS DAY

(Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Normal School)

This entertainment is simply an attempt to give a few of the most dramatic incidents in the life of Columbus as connected with his discovery of the New World. Other scenes could be readily added, although it would require some care to avoid an anti-climax.

A. In Spain at the Council of Salamanca

Before this scene is presented give a brief explanation and description of the early life of Columbus and his attempts to obtain aid.

Characters: Churchmen and counselors at the court of Spain (seven to ten) and Columbus.

Costumes: Thechurchmenare dressed in long black garments, except two, who have black capes with white underneath. Columbus wears a long, black garment or coat, which plainly shows the poverty of its owner.

Tableau I—Columbus before the Council at Salamanca

The characters are arranged somewhat as in a picture of this scene found in the Perry pictures. A picture of this scene is also found inLossing's History of the United States, volume I. Only the chief characters are shown in this tableau. Three churchmen or counselors are in center near Columbus; two at left, one pointing mockingly, or making fun of Columbus; two stand haughtily in the back, and there may also be two or three at right. Columbus has a partly open roll of parchment in one hand and is pointing with the other. One of the churchmen in the center has an open Bible in his hand, and another has a book which he is holding out to Columbus.

B. On Shipboard

Characters: Columbus, the mate, other sailors.

Costumes: Columbus, red cape; sailors, sweaters and sailor caps.

Tableau II—Nearing Land; Columbus and the Mate

The conversation in Joaquin Miller's "Columbus" takes place between Columbus and mate. The sailors are in the background, one holding a lantern. Between the different parts of his conversation with Columbus, the mate goes to consult with the sailors. The last stanza of the poem is given by some one from the wings. When the reader reaches the line, "A light! A light!" Columbus and the mate change their position. Columbus points and the mate raises his arm, peering forward. (Picture in "Leading Facts of American History," by Montgomery, revised edition. Also in "Stepping Stones of American History.")

C. In the new world

Characters: Columbus, three noblemen, eight sailors, six Indians.

Costumes: Columbus and the noblemen wear the Spanish costume of the fifteenth century (described later). Sailors wear sweaters and sailor caps made from blue, red or grey cambric. Indians wear Indian suits (nearly all boys have or may obtain them from any clothing store). They carry bows and arrows or tomahawks. The spears and swords for this and the following scene are made from wood, bronzed to look like silver. The tall cross is made of wood and stained with shellac. The banner of the expedition is white, with a green cross. Over the initials F and Y (Ferdinand and Ysabella) are two gilt crowns.

Tableau III—The landing of Columbus

The characters are posed from Vanderlyn's painting of the scene in the Capitol at Washington. Reproductions are found in many histories and among the Perry pictures. Columbus holds the banner of the expedition in one hand, and a drawn sword in the other. One of the men has a tall staff with the top in form of a cross; two others hold tall spears. The Indians are peering out at the white men from the sides of the stage; one of them is down on the stage with his head bowed on his hands, worshipping the strangers; the others seem to be full of fear and curiosity.

D. At Barcelona in Spain

Before this scene is presented a description of the reception of Columbus by the king and queen upon his return to Spain is given. This scene is more elaborate than any of the others.

Characters and costumes: Queen, red robe, purple figured front; collar and trimmings of ermine. She wears a crown. Ermine is made of cotton with little pieces of black cloth sewed on it, crown of cardboard covered with gilt paper. Dress cheesecloth with a front of silkoline.

King wears purple full, short trousers (trunks), purple doublet, purple cape and gilt crown. The trousers and cape are trimmed with ermine.

The two guards have black trousers (trunks) and red capes, collars, and knee pieces made from silver paper; they wear storm hats covered with silver paper, and carry spears.

The two ladies-in-waiting wear dresses fixed to resemble the dress of the period. They have high headpieces shaped like cornucopias, made from cardboard covered with gilt paper, and with long veils draped over them; this was one style of headpiece worn in the fifteenth century.

The eight churchmen, eight sailors and six Indians are dressed as in previous scenes.

The little page of Columbus is dressed in his own white suit.

Columbus wears grey and red clothing. The ten noblemen wear combinations of bright colors.

The general plan in regard to the dress of the Spanish nobility in the time of Columbus is to have the full, short trousers (trunks) made of one color and slashed with another; the upper garment or doublet made of figured silkoline; the cape of one color lined with another, worn turned back over one shoulder; pointed collars and cuffs of white glazed or silver paper; and soft felt hats with plumes. Each nobleman carries a sword.

The gold brought by the sailors may be made by gilding stones.

Tableau IV—Reception of Columbus by King and Queen

In center of stage is raised platform or throne with two or three steps leading up to it: this throne is covered with figured raw silk (yellow and brown). Chairs are placed on throne for king and queen.

The scene is an attempt to represent the reception of Columbus on his return to Spain after his first voyage. (See painting by Ricardo Balaca, the Spanish artist, of Columbus before Ferdinand and Isabella at Barcelona.)

A march may be played on the piano while the different characters in the tableau come on the stage and take their proper positions. First the two royal guards march to the throne, taking positions one on each side, so that the king and queen may pass between them in mounting the platform. They are followed by the king and queen, and then the ladies-in-waiting. The king and queen mount the platform and take seats; the ladies wait in front of the platform until the king and queen are seated, then they take positions on each side of the throne. The guards, after the king and queen are seated, take positions on the platform in the rear.All these come as one group in the procession, with only a little space between them.

Next come the churchmen. One of them carries the tall cross. They take their places at the right of the queen.

The Indians come, shuffling across the stage to the extreme left of the king and queen. Of course they know nothing of keeping time to the music or paying homage to royalty.

The sailors march upon the stage, each bringing something from the New World—gold, a stuffed bird, or some product. Each in turn approaches the king and queen, kneels, and then places whatever he carries at the side of the platform, and takes his place on the left.

The noblemen, one by one, come in with great dignity, go to the front of the throne, kneel and salute with their swords. Then they go to the right of the stage.

Finally the music sounds a more triumphal note, announcing the approach of the hero of the occasion. Columbus is preceded by his page, carrying the banner of the expedition. The page kneels to the king and queen, then goes to the left, where he is to stand just back of the place reserved for Columbus.

As Columbus approaches the throne, the king and queen rise and come forward to do him honor. Columbus kneels, kisses the queen's hand, then rises and points out to the king and queen the treasures which his sailors have brought. He also brings forward one of the Indians. The king and queen regard everything with interest. After this, at a signal given on the piano, all kneel to give thanks for the discovery of the New World. The Te Deum Laudamus is chanted or the Doxology is sung.

This is the end of the reception.

This scene may be simplified, if desired, and given in the form of two tableaux. Columbus kneeling before the queen and king and Columbus telling his story may be given separately. There need not be as many characters in the scene. See the picture, "Reception of Columbus" (adapted from the picture by Ricardo Balaca) in "America's Story for American Children," by Mara L. Pratt.

It would be easy to give the substance of this entertainment in any schoolroom and without costumes. Even with these limitations the story of Columbus would become more real to the children in this way than it could be made by any description.

A good description of the reception of Columbus in Spain after his first voyage is given in the "Life of Columbus," by Washington Irving.

A description and picture of the banner of the expedition may be found in Lossing's "History of the United States," volume I.

Music that may be used: "Columbus Song," taken from "1492"; the "New Hail Columbia."

THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA

It was on the morning of Friday, 12th of October, 1492, that Columbus first beheld the New World....

No sooner did he land than he threw himself upon his knees, kissed the earth, and returned thanks to God with tears of joy. His example was followed by the rest, whose hearts indeed overflowed with the same feelings of gratitude.

Columbus then rising drew his sword, displayed the royal standard, and ... took solemn possession in the name of the Castilian sovereigns, giving the island the name of San Salvador. Having complied with the requisite forms and ceremonies, he now called upon all present to take the oath of obedience to him, as admiral and viceroy, representing the persons of the sovereigns.

The feelings of the crew now burst forth in the most extravagant transports.... They thronged around the Admiral in their overflowing zeal. Some embraced him, others kissed his hands. Those who had been most mutinous and turbulent during the voyage, were now most devoted and enthusiastic. Some begged favors of him, as of a man who had already wealth and honors in his gift. Many abject spirits, who had outraged him by their insolence, now crouched as it were at his feet, begging pardon for all the trouble they had caused him, and offering for the future the blindest obedience to his commands.

Washington Irving

IMMORTAL MORN

Back to Index Next