Part Two
“Political Freedomâ€
[It is a long garden stair which we are shown, a stair suggested by some of the planting we have already seen but which begins its Georgian graciousness just where the Meeting House stood a moment since. It rises in shallow steps broken by broad levels, three of them, if possible, and on each of the levels, a bench, very simple and dignified. These levels will hereinafter be referred to as the first, second and third landings. The third is a long terrace, lined, in its central portion, by a chaste and lovely balustrade which extends to a planting of delicately trimmed shrubbery. The whole scene has the look of some exquisite New England garden of the eighteenth century.The musical accompaniment of this revelation is serenity itself. Freedom stands on the lowermost step of the stair. She wears more than ever gorgeous raiment. She stands there as though she paused in her ascent to look back into the audience. On either side of the stair, the Choir of speakers is banked, thirty-two in all, dressed pictorially, yet not so brightly as to distract the eye from the action of the play.]
[It is a long garden stair which we are shown, a stair suggested by some of the planting we have already seen but which begins its Georgian graciousness just where the Meeting House stood a moment since. It rises in shallow steps broken by broad levels, three of them, if possible, and on each of the levels, a bench, very simple and dignified. These levels will hereinafter be referred to as the first, second and third landings. The third is a long terrace, lined, in its central portion, by a chaste and lovely balustrade which extends to a planting of delicately trimmed shrubbery. The whole scene has the look of some exquisite New England garden of the eighteenth century.
The musical accompaniment of this revelation is serenity itself. Freedom stands on the lowermost step of the stair. She wears more than ever gorgeous raiment. She stands there as though she paused in her ascent to look back into the audience. On either side of the stair, the Choir of speakers is banked, thirty-two in all, dressed pictorially, yet not so brightly as to distract the eye from the action of the play.]
Freedom
Revolt is the way of Freedom,And the progress of Freedom is Change.
(Then a wild cry.)
Bloodily! Bloodily!Revolt! Revolt! Revolt!
(Then more calmly.)
Look that you curb us not,My men and I;For present liberties enslave tomorrow,And present triumphs shackle future years.We see no limit set upon our purposeShort of the Godhead ... so, restrain us not.Be it here sworn:These dead of LexingtonHave not vainly died,These livingHave not vainly dreamed.
[She goes on up the stair.]
[She goes on up the stair.]
The Choir
(Almost a whisper.)
These dead....
The Chorus
(Off stage, an echo of the burial song.)
God, tell our fathers how their sons have died!
The Chronicler
The story of the American Freedom is begun.
[The singing subsides and Freedom turns again, lifting her right arm in a supreme gesture of command. Thereupon light blazes over the first Spokesman and the clarion words of Patrick Henry break from his lips.]
[The singing subsides and Freedom turns again, lifting her right arm in a supreme gesture of command. Thereupon light blazes over the first Spokesman and the clarion words of Patrick Henry break from his lips.]
The First Spokesman
Appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts! There is no peace! Our brethren are already in the field!
[Another gesture from Freedom and the second Spokesman is illuminated to shout, as his antiphonal response, the words of Tom Paine.]
[Another gesture from Freedom and the second Spokesman is illuminated to shout, as his antiphonal response, the words of Tom Paine.]
The Second Spokesman
Oh, ye that love mankind, stand forth! Oh, ye that dare oppose the tyranny and the tyrant, stand forth!
The First Spokesman
Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!
The Second Spokesman
Freedom hath been hunted round the globe. England hath given her warning to depart. Oh, receive the fugitive and prepare, in time, an asylum for mankind!
[Freedom’s two arms go wildly up.]
[Freedom’s two arms go wildly up.]
A Great Shout from the Hills
Give me liberty or give me death!
Freedom
Who shall be master of this high event,And take revolt beneath his government?
The Choir
Washington! Washington! Washington!
Freedom
An hour, a destiny,And the need of manFor leadership, these threeGod answers perfectly;And, in the tumult and the darkness, lo,A hero comesSo solemnly,And the shoutings die and the drumsAre still and the vanOf battle takes its leader so,And the race, its guardian,And none has been more greatly strong than heIn resolution and humility.
The Choir
(Almost in a whisper.)
Washington!
[Three men have ridden into the scene. They are Patrick Henry, Edmund Pendleton and George Washington. There to meet them come the President of the Continental Congress and Members of Congress. Washington dismounts and advances until the President and he stand face to face.]
[Three men have ridden into the scene. They are Patrick Henry, Edmund Pendleton and George Washington. There to meet them come the President of the Continental Congress and Members of Congress. Washington dismounts and advances until the President and he stand face to face.]
The President of Congress
(Very solemnly.)
We, reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, conduct and fidelity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be general and commander-in-chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces now raised or to be raised by them for the defense of American Liberty.
[He presents the sword of office to Washington who stands looking very seriously at it.]
[He presents the sword of office to Washington who stands looking very seriously at it.]
Washington
I beg it may be remembered that I this day declare with utmost sincerity I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with. But, as it has been a kind of destiny that has thrown me upon this service, I shall hope that my undertaking it is designed to answer some good purpose.
[He accepts the sword. A great sigh comes like a hope from all around.A roll of snare drums far away and the groupings shift so that Washington and Freedom stand alone together and the others draw aside. Drum rhythms succeed one another until they resolve into two themes. The one, played by the kettledrums, follows the syncopation of the Spokesmen’s words. The other, played by thesnare drums, marks the time of a march. To this accompaniment, the Continental Army comes upon the scene. First, the farmers who have left their ploughs to join Warren for Bunker Hill. Then the tatterdemalion army of which Washington took command for the siege of Boston. Then the mob takes on form and appearance and order such as it must have had to accomplish Burgoyne’s defeat, and the retreat through Jersey. At the same time the Choir has begun to intone the Declaration of Independence. The two Spokesmen listen and take up their shouted responses. And the intoning runs rhythmically, following the accents of the kettledrums which, in their turn, follow the accents of Jefferson’s prose.]
[He accepts the sword. A great sigh comes like a hope from all around.
A roll of snare drums far away and the groupings shift so that Washington and Freedom stand alone together and the others draw aside. Drum rhythms succeed one another until they resolve into two themes. The one, played by the kettledrums, follows the syncopation of the Spokesmen’s words. The other, played by thesnare drums, marks the time of a march. To this accompaniment, the Continental Army comes upon the scene. First, the farmers who have left their ploughs to join Warren for Bunker Hill. Then the tatterdemalion army of which Washington took command for the siege of Boston. Then the mob takes on form and appearance and order such as it must have had to accomplish Burgoyne’s defeat, and the retreat through Jersey. At the same time the Choir has begun to intone the Declaration of Independence. The two Spokesmen listen and take up their shouted responses. And the intoning runs rhythmically, following the accents of the kettledrums which, in their turn, follow the accents of Jefferson’s prose.]
Four Voices from the Choir
When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another....
Eight Voices from the Choir
(Upon a higher note.)
And to assume among the powers of the earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them....
Four Voices from the Choir
(Upon the same note as before.)
They should declare the causes which impel them to the separation....
The First Spokesman
We hold these truths to be self-evident....
Freedom
All men are created free and equal....
The Second Spokesman
Endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights....
Freedom with Four Voices
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness....
The First Spokesman
To secure these rights governments are instituted among men....
The Second Spokesman
Deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed....
Four Voices from the Choir
Whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends....
Eight Voices from the Choir
(Upon a higher note.)
It is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it....
Twelve Voices from the Choir
(Upon a still higher note.)
And to institute new government to provide new guards for their future security.
The First Spokesman and Four Voices
We, therefore....
The Second Spokesman and Four Voices
The representatives of the United States of America....
The First Spokesman and Four Voices
(Upon a higher note.)
In general congress assembled....
The Second Spokesman and Four Voices
(Upon the same note.)
Appealing to the supreme judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions....
Freedom and Four Voices
Do, in the name and authority of the good people of these colonies....
(Four more Voices.)
Solemnly publish and declare....
(Full Choir crescendo.)
That these United States are and of right ought to be free and independent states....
[The army is assembled and cheers its chief with three mighty huzzas which are part of a triumphant burst of melody. Washington stands immobile and Freedom, likewise, above and behind him. The music dies into mourning. The light dies except upon Washington and the central and most ragged group which, in varied attitudes of weariness, sinks to the ground about him. The light is dismal.]
[The army is assembled and cheers its chief with three mighty huzzas which are part of a triumphant burst of melody. Washington stands immobile and Freedom, likewise, above and behind him. The music dies into mourning. The light dies except upon Washington and the central and most ragged group which, in varied attitudes of weariness, sinks to the ground about him. The light is dismal.]
The Chronicler
(Rising and speaking to the audience.)
The soul of an event is the vision which God sets before its hero; its life hangs upon the faith men bring to it. The heroes of God’s choosing make Him manifest to man; but the faith of man is a wretched thing. Now this event fares mournfully, for the army of revolt is more cruelly driven by the doubts and jealousies of man than by the winds and snows of winter, and the meaning of Freedom is forgotten in the fact of hardship. Within himself and his great enterprise the chieftain stands steadfast, concerned only with the omen and the pity of the time.
[Men’s voices sing again, weakly. The song is the hymn of Washington’s soldiers which they sang about the campfires of Valley Forge. The soldiers move about, warming their bodies wretchedly at imaginary campfires.]
[Men’s voices sing again, weakly. The song is the hymn of Washington’s soldiers which they sang about the campfires of Valley Forge. The soldiers move about, warming their bodies wretchedly at imaginary campfires.]
Chorus
Lessons of war from him we takeAnd manly weapons learn to wield;Strong bows of steel with ease we break,Forced by our stronger arms to yield.’Tis God that still supports our right,His just revenge our foes pursues;’Tis He, that, with resistless might,Fierce nations to His power subdues.
[Washington, as the chorus dies, moves at last and begins to speak, and his men crouch about his feet as in the dim light of campfires.]
[Washington, as the chorus dies, moves at last and begins to speak, and his men crouch about his feet as in the dim light of campfires.]
Washington
What is to become of the army this winter? We are barefoot and naked. Soldiers are not made of sticks and stones to occupy a cold, bleak hill and sleep under frost and snow without clothes or blankets. Unless some great and capital change takes place, this army must inevitably starve, dissolve or disperse. From my soul I pity these miseries which it is not in my power to relieve or prevent.
[The light fades except upon Washington and Freedom.]
[The light fades except upon Washington and Freedom.]
Freedom
I have cried out your name to the broad heavens,I have given your courage to the stars to shout.Be of good cheer, my leader,The strong and the young have heard and will give answer,The day is not yet lost.
[Washington looks hopefully into her beautiful, pitiful face as she bends over him. The light leaves them and the Chronicler rises.]
[Washington looks hopefully into her beautiful, pitiful face as she bends over him. The light leaves them and the Chronicler rises.]
The Chronicler
How differently fare the enemies of Freedom! In Philadelphia where the British are, is a time of plenty and of high festival.
[There is music, suddenly and very bright and as the light floods the scene, two British soldiers have run in with regimental colors which conceal Freedom and Washington and the stair from our view. Then a gay crowd troops on to the stage and a double column of grenadiers in scarlet coats. The soldiers quickly form the three sides of a rectangle and General Howe and Major Andre ride into their midst. Ladies are there, richly clad and elaborately coiffured. Musicians are there with huge bass viols and sundry eccentric instruments of the period. When all the crowd are assembled, General Howe and Major Andre ride down to the water’s edge to welcome two barges. In one of them is the English Queen of Beauty and, in the other, the American Queen of Beauty. Each of the queens is attended by a bevy of damsels in Turkish costumes. General Howe leads the English Queen to her throne. Major Andre performs the same function for the American Queen. The damsels follow them and the barges are pulled away out of sight.Immediately the two queens have been enthroned, twelve knights ride into the scene, dressed in eighteenth century adaptations of the habiliments of chivalry. They divide into two parties, the Knights of the Blended Rose and the Knights of the Burning Mountain. Each party salutes its queen and the mock tournament is played out, terminating in an exchange of pistol fire without casualties. Then the horses are led off and theknights and the ladies all join in a brilliant, stately dance which ends in a picture centering in the two queens, each one of whom has removed a slipper from which her particular knight is drinking wine.Then the rout is scattered by the sound of cannon and all the gay folk run screaming and darkness gathers except for a single ray of light which strikes across the stage. Into this a horseman gallops frantically.]
[There is music, suddenly and very bright and as the light floods the scene, two British soldiers have run in with regimental colors which conceal Freedom and Washington and the stair from our view. Then a gay crowd troops on to the stage and a double column of grenadiers in scarlet coats. The soldiers quickly form the three sides of a rectangle and General Howe and Major Andre ride into their midst. Ladies are there, richly clad and elaborately coiffured. Musicians are there with huge bass viols and sundry eccentric instruments of the period. When all the crowd are assembled, General Howe and Major Andre ride down to the water’s edge to welcome two barges. In one of them is the English Queen of Beauty and, in the other, the American Queen of Beauty. Each of the queens is attended by a bevy of damsels in Turkish costumes. General Howe leads the English Queen to her throne. Major Andre performs the same function for the American Queen. The damsels follow them and the barges are pulled away out of sight.
Immediately the two queens have been enthroned, twelve knights ride into the scene, dressed in eighteenth century adaptations of the habiliments of chivalry. They divide into two parties, the Knights of the Blended Rose and the Knights of the Burning Mountain. Each party salutes its queen and the mock tournament is played out, terminating in an exchange of pistol fire without casualties. Then the horses are led off and theknights and the ladies all join in a brilliant, stately dance which ends in a picture centering in the two queens, each one of whom has removed a slipper from which her particular knight is drinking wine.
Then the rout is scattered by the sound of cannon and all the gay folk run screaming and darkness gathers except for a single ray of light which strikes across the stage. Into this a horseman gallops frantically.]
The Horseman
(Shouting.)
Yorktown! Yorktown is taken!
[At the same time, Freedom and Washington and his army have been revealed. Cannon boom and flash over their joyous faces and the army breaks into frenzied cheering. The Chronicler leaps to his feet.]
[At the same time, Freedom and Washington and his army have been revealed. Cannon boom and flash over their joyous faces and the army breaks into frenzied cheering. The Chronicler leaps to his feet.]
The Chronicler
Yorktown! The first goal is won!
[Light spreads once more over the scene and, to the old English tune of “The World is Upside Down,†Cornwallis’ army marches out of Yorktown and surrenders. Freedom dominates the whole scene in her exultation. “The World is Upside Down†becomes a triumphal march and all the multitude of the people prance into the scene. Then dissonance creeps into the music and discord into the movement of the crowd. The Chronicler rises.]
[Light spreads once more over the scene and, to the old English tune of “The World is Upside Down,†Cornwallis’ army marches out of Yorktown and surrenders. Freedom dominates the whole scene in her exultation. “The World is Upside Down†becomes a triumphal march and all the multitude of the people prance into the scene. Then dissonance creeps into the music and discord into the movement of the crowd. The Chronicler rises.]
The Chronicler
Chaos succeeds revolt and triumph gives way to greed and hatred and what was harmony in war becomes jealousy and faction, for the faith of the people is dead and the united colonies break asunder, each one for itself.
[Loyalists are singled out, perhaps, and stoned and jostled from the scene. Cheers become snarls. The multitude separates into small units, thirteen of them. These seem to wrangle among themselves, then, like so many socks, to turn inside out so that each menaces the other. The light over the multitude is murky. The music subsides to a low, ominous sound.All this time Washington has stood imperturbably upon the stair, looking grimly down with the eloquence and understanding of a great fatalism. Freedom, however, is amazed. She wrings her hands in despair. She cries out in anguish.]
[Loyalists are singled out, perhaps, and stoned and jostled from the scene. Cheers become snarls. The multitude separates into small units, thirteen of them. These seem to wrangle among themselves, then, like so many socks, to turn inside out so that each menaces the other. The light over the multitude is murky. The music subsides to a low, ominous sound.
All this time Washington has stood imperturbably upon the stair, looking grimly down with the eloquence and understanding of a great fatalism. Freedom, however, is amazed. She wrings her hands in despair. She cries out in anguish.]
Freedom
Sowing salvation, do I reapHavoc for harvest?
The Chronicler
Upon the human tempest descends, once more, the calm of leadership. A marvelous boy emerges. The word is Hamilton’s.
Freedom
Ah!
[She watches anxiously as Hamilton steps out of the gloom and comes up into the light about herself and Washington. Hope revives in her. She reaches her arms out toward him. Light shines upon the Spokesmen.]
[She watches anxiously as Hamilton steps out of the gloom and comes up into the light about herself and Washington. Hope revives in her. She reaches her arms out toward him. Light shines upon the Spokesmen.]
Hamilton
The business of America’s happiness is yet to be done.
(The crowd snarls more loudly than ever.)
There is something noble and magnificent in the perspective of a great Federal Republic.... There is something proportionally diminutive and contemptible in the prospect of petty states with the appearance only of union.
The First Spokesman
(To Freedom, speaking Hamilton’s words.)
Happy America, if those to whom thou hast entrusted the guardianship of thy infancy know how to provide for thy future repose!
[From the people, a mocking laugh.]
[From the people, a mocking laugh.]
The Second Spokesman
(Also speaking Hamilton’s words.)
Miserable and undone if their negligence or ignorance permits the spirit of discord to erect her banner on the ruins of your tranquillity!
[Again the laughter of the people.Washington looks toward Hamilton who comes up nearer his chief. Freedom blesses him. The crowd shake their fists at him and turn away their faces. The laughter develops into a horrible jeer. Then Freedom speaks and the groups gather more closely together. But from each one of them, during her words, certain individuals detach themselves and move hesitantly until they stand about Hamilton’s feet.]
[Again the laughter of the people.
Washington looks toward Hamilton who comes up nearer his chief. Freedom blesses him. The crowd shake their fists at him and turn away their faces. The laughter develops into a horrible jeer. Then Freedom speaks and the groups gather more closely together. But from each one of them, during her words, certain individuals detach themselves and move hesitantly until they stand about Hamilton’s feet.]
Freedom
Will you hear me, People?I understand you, People, as none other can,I serve you, People, as none other can;I tell you, here is your proving time.I bid you cast envy out from your hearts.For none will work you injustice, now, save only yourselves,And no folly will lead you astray now, but your own folly,Therefore, bestir you, People!You may not deny your leaders or your cause or me!You cannot, People, for we are your life!
Hamilton
(To Freedom.)
Tell them this Convention shall never rise until the Constitution is adopted!
Freedom
Marvelous Boy,Do you speak, now.
Hamilton
(Swinging to the people.)
Here, my countrymen, let us make a firm stand for our safety, our tranquillity, our dignity, our reputation. It belongs to us to vindicate the honor of the human race. Union will enable us to do it.... The necessity of a constitution is imminent. A nation without a national government is an awful spectacle. Why, then, do you hesitate? The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of the consent of the people. The stream of national power ought to flow immediately from that pure original fountain of all legitimate authority. Let the thirteen states, bound together in an indissoluble union, concur in erecting one great American system, consecrated to the steady administration of the laws, dedicated to the protection of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition, of faction, of anarchy, able to dictate the terms of connection between the old world and the new!
[Gradually as he spoke, the groups have merged, slowly and diffidently, but surely. At the end they stand all together about his feet, looking up into his face. And the music crashes superbly out and light blazes upon the Spokesmen. And, as they begin to speak, the crowd joins hands and lifts linked arms high, as if to take an oath.]
[Gradually as he spoke, the groups have merged, slowly and diffidently, but surely. At the end they stand all together about his feet, looking up into his face. And the music crashes superbly out and light blazes upon the Spokesmen. And, as they begin to speak, the crowd joins hands and lifts linked arms high, as if to take an oath.]
The First Spokesman and Four Voices
We, the people of the United States....
The Second Spokesman and Eight Voices
In order to form a more perfect union...
The First Spokesman and Twelve Voices
Establish justice...
The Second Spokesman and Sixteen Voices
Ensure domestic tranquillity...
The First Spokesman and Twenty Voices
Provide for the common defense...
The Second Spokesman and Twenty-Four Voices
Promote the general welfare...
The First Spokesman and Twenty-Eight Voices
And secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity...
The Second Spokesman and Full Choir
Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
[The triumphant music again and a shout of joy from all the people and Freedom lifts grateful hands to heaven.]
[The triumphant music again and a shout of joy from all the people and Freedom lifts grateful hands to heaven.]
Four Voices of the Choir
(Intoning upon a high note.)
No law respecting an established religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievance.
The Full Choir
(Sotto voce upon a higher note.)
Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable!
Freedom
We here highly resolve that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.
[Then the music bursts forth again and the first president is inaugurated. The scene is best described in the words of Lear’s diary. “All the churches in the city were opened and prayers offered up to the Great Ruler of the Universe for the preservation of the President. The troops of the city paraded.... The procession moved forward, the troops marching in front with all the ensigns of military parade. Next came the committees and heads of departments in their carriages, the foreign ministers and a long train of citizens.... About two hundred yards before we reached the hall we descended from our carriages and passed through the troops who were drawn up on either side, into the hall and the Senate Chamber where we found the Vice-President and the House of Representatives assembled. They received the President in a most respectful manner and the Vice-President conducted him to a balcony. The oath was administered in public by Chancellor Livingstone who proclaimed him President of the United States.â€]
[Then the music bursts forth again and the first president is inaugurated. The scene is best described in the words of Lear’s diary. “All the churches in the city were opened and prayers offered up to the Great Ruler of the Universe for the preservation of the President. The troops of the city paraded.... The procession moved forward, the troops marching in front with all the ensigns of military parade. Next came the committees and heads of departments in their carriages, the foreign ministers and a long train of citizens.... About two hundred yards before we reached the hall we descended from our carriages and passed through the troops who were drawn up on either side, into the hall and the Senate Chamber where we found the Vice-President and the House of Representatives assembled. They received the President in a most respectful manner and the Vice-President conducted him to a balcony. The oath was administered in public by Chancellor Livingstone who proclaimed him President of the United States.â€]
Washington
My station is new. I walk on untrodden ground. With God’s help, I readily engage with you in the task of making a nation happy.
The People
God save our Washington! Long live our beloved President!
[The celebration of Washington’s inauguration is then enacted with a torchlight procession, lanterns and transparencies and the frantic joy of the crowd and much singing of “Yankee Doodle.â€
[The celebration of Washington’s inauguration is then enacted with a torchlight procession, lanterns and transparencies and the frantic joy of the crowd and much singing of “Yankee Doodle.â€
The scene darkens with the dying of the jubilation.The Chronicler rises.]
The scene darkens with the dying of the jubilation.
The Chronicler rises.]
The Chronicler
The eight years of administration pass. The faith of the people again grows cold. New voices speak flattery and falsehood and sow the seed of disaster to come. But the leaders are steadfast, always, and, even in farewell, the end of their leadership is wisdom.
[The only light, now, shines upon the group of Freedom, Washington and Hamilton. The people stand, in the shadow, absolutely still and unresponsive.]
[The only light, now, shines upon the group of Freedom, Washington and Hamilton. The people stand, in the shadow, absolutely still and unresponsive.]
Washington
The time has come for me to return to retirement. Choice and prudence invite me to quit the scene. But a solicitude for your welfare which cannot end but with my life prompts me to offer to your solemn contemplation some sentiments which appear to me all important to the permanency of your felicity as a people.
Freedom
This is the warning word.
Washington
The power and right to establish government presuppose the duty to obey government. Providence connects the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue. Avoid the necessity of overgrown military establishments! Be warned against the baneful effects of the spirit of party! Promote institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. It is folly for one nation to look for disinterested favors from another. It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.
The Chronicler
The counsel is spoken. The farewell remains.
Washington
I shall carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view my errors with indulgence and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.
[There is an instant of silence. Then Freedom puts her hands on the shoulders of Washington and Hamilton and looks into their eyes and the distant Chorus sings.]
[There is an instant of silence. Then Freedom puts her hands on the shoulders of Washington and Hamilton and looks into their eyes and the distant Chorus sings.]
The Chorus
And in regions farSuch heroes bring ye forthAs those from whom we cameAnd plant our nameUnder that starNot known unto our north.
And in regions farSuch heroes bring ye forthAs those from whom we cameAnd plant our nameUnder that starNot known unto our north.
Freedom
(Speaking above the Chorus.)
Ever and ever more,Under the western stars,Over the western lands,My leaders,Your names,Your words,Your dreams!
[She turns with the two men and goes a few steps with them into the darkness above them. Then they go up and she is last seen looking after them. Darkness takes the entire scene.]
[She turns with the two men and goes a few steps with them into the darkness above them. Then they go up and she is last seen looking after them. Darkness takes the entire scene.]
The Chorus
And in regions far,Such heroes bring ye forth,As those from whom we came....
And in regions far,Such heroes bring ye forth,As those from whom we came....