Gift: A Play in One Act: by Marie A. Foley Samuel French: Publisher 28-30 West Thirty-eighth Street: New York LONDON Samuel French, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street, Strand PRICE THIRTY^FIVE CENTS THE STAR IN THE EAST. Bible play in four acts by Anna Jane Harnwelt. 9 males, 4 females. Flays a full evening. Biblical costumes. This four act drama is one of the prize plays resulting from the contest recently held by the Drama League of America in the hope of securing much needed Biblical scenes for use in the religious schools. A drama of the Book of Esther. It is written in blank verse, and adheres closely to the Bible narrative. Mor- decai is the star role for a man, but the characters of Esther, Vashti and the King are almost equally good. The very beautiful and dramatic setting of the Old Testament story makes it quite as interesting as a secular production, though it is especially suit- able for church or Sunday School use. Settings as simple or as elaborate as desired. Price 35 cents. JEPTHAH'S DAUGHTER. Biblical drama in 1 act, l)y Elma Ehrlich Levinger. S males, 6 females. This one-act drama of the time of Esther is one of the prize plays resulting from the contest recently held by the Drama League of America in the hope of securing much needed material on Biblical themes for use in the religious schools. It presents the familiar story from a new and dramatic angle, with a strong element of suspense. The characters are vividly drawn, the dialogue poetic without being stilted. It may be presented either with simple settings and a small group, or as a pageant play with elaborate scenic effects, a large cast and interpolated choruses and group dances. Price 35 cents. THE NATIVITY. A Christmas festival composed entirely of selec- tions from the Bible story of the Nativity, arranged as a mystery play. It is accompanied by carols and is adapted for easy pro- duction by children or young people, to be given as a service at Christmas time in the churches. The "Nativity" was published a few years ago in the "Youth's Companion." Since that time there has been so large a demand for it by churches of all de- nominations we have arranged for its publication. Price, 35 cents. SAMUEL FRENCH, Publisher, 28-30 West 38th Street THE GIFT A PLAY IN ONE ACT BY MARIE A. FOLEY Copyright, 1921, by Samuel French Amateurs may present this play without payment of roj'alty. All other rights reserved. New York SAMUEL FRENCH Publisher 28-30 West 38th Street London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street Strand -^'^'^^^^ \^ CHARACTERS Joel, a little lame boy HuLDAH, the woman of the house Malachi, her father A Stranger, who is blind Gabriel I • i r > u-u Martha [ neighbor s children The scene is laid in a little town of Judea. The action passes in the home of Huldah. Time — A.D. 30. THE GIFT was first performed in New York City, Nov. 5, 1920, with the following cast: Joel Miss Margery Nilson Huldah Mm Janet O'Ryan Malachi H. O'Ryan A Stranger v9. O'Connell Gabriel Miss Ruth Willman Martha Miss Rita McAleenan MAR -9|922©CI.D 6019 3 *w>> I THE GIFT The Scene represents the interior of Huldah's home. The walls are of unfinished stone. In the middle of the back zvall is a zvindozv looking out upon the roadzvay. To the right of this is a door leading to the open air. In the zvall on the right is an opening through zvhich can be seen a fire burning upon the earthen floor. Near this opening is a stone bench. A couch is across the corner of left side of room. Near the couch is a table formed of two stones and a slab. On the table are sovie earthen bowls and some coarse bread and fruit. An animal-skin cover over couch completes the furnishing of the room. At rise of curtain Malachi, a very old man with white hair and beard is lying upon the couch. He is quite feeble and looks as if he had not long to live. (He must be lying with his head nearest to the audience as he must not be too much in the picture at all times. Joel, a serious, frail-looking boy of twelve years, sits upon the bench. A crudely made pair of crutches stands against the bench. Joel is finishing a zvreath he has been making of white roses. He examines the wreath very care- fully, often breaking a thorn from a stem. 6 THE GIFT Joel's fingers are pricked and bleeding from the thorns; and though he stops now and again to carry a pricked finger to his mouth, he goes bravely on to finish his work. A knock is heard at the door. Joel rises quickly, takes his crutches and starts toward the door. Before he can reach it, however, the door is pushed open and Gabriel, a boy of Joel's own age, enters. Both boys are dressed in white tunics belted in at the zvaist. They are barefooted. The old man passively watches the boys, feebly smiling a greeting to the visitor. Joel. Oh, 'tis thou, Gabriel ! Come in and sit down. Gabriel. Yes, Joel. (To Malachi.; How art thou, Father Malachi? Malachi. Not so well to-day, Gabriel. Each day brings me nearer the end. Gabriel. I'm sorry, Father Malachi. (Both Boys go to bench. Joel takes up wreath again.) Gabriel. Thou 'rt going, art thou not, Joel? Joel. To see the Galilean? — Yes, as soon as Huldah comes in. Gabriel. Why dost thou call thy mother Hul- dah, Joel? Joel. My mother? — Huldah's not my mother. Didst thou not know that, Gabriel? Gabriel. No. Joel. My mother's dead. — I just live with Hul- dah and Father Malachi. Gabriel. Oh. — (Pause.) — What art thou mak- ing, Joel? THE GIFT 7 Joel. A crown. (Holding it up.) Is it not fine? — (Shyly.) It's — it's for — the Galilean. Gabrifx. All the roses thou didst grow! — Art thou going to take it with thee ? Joel. Yes. Gabriel. Dost thou really think He can cure thee? Joel. Why, Gabriel! — Of course He can. — I'm going to ask Him to. — That's why I thought — I thought He might like my roses. — Smell them, Ga- briel. (Holding wreath toward Gabriel. J Gabriel. It's a fine gift, Joel. He likes flowers, I think. Mother says He talks about them when He preaches. About lilies in the fields and about birds, too. Joel. I wish my roses were lilies. Gabriel. But these are just as nice. No one but thee has such fine flowers, Joel. Joel. When one is not strong, to take the sheep to the pastures, it is easy to grow flowers. Gabriel. (Pointing to wreath) Oh, Joel, look ! Look at the spots! Red spots! — (Noticing Joel's hands.) .Your hands! — Oh, Joel, it's blood! See how thou hast stained thy roses. Joel. Oh, Gabriel! I didn't mean to. I must have done it breaking off the thorns. — Dost thou think He'll notice ? I have no more roses. I clipped them all this morning. Gabriel. (Trying to console his friend) Well — they — smell just as sweet, Joel, and the thorns can't prick Him now. Joel. But dost thou think He'll notice ? Gabriel. Oh, I'll tell thee. — Lay the wreath on the ground near His feet, then He can get the nice smell and the spots won't matter. Joel. Suppose He should pick it up 8 THE GIFT Gabriel. Well, maybe He won't mind the spots when He sees the thorns are all off. Joel. I suppose that's the best we can do. Gabriel. I wish I had something as nice as that to give Him. Joel. Thou canst help carry it, Gabriel, then it'll be from both of us. Gabriel. May I? — It's really thine, Joel. Thou hast made it, and the flowers art thine, but if thou truly dost not mind I'd like to help give it. Joel. Thou shalt, Gabriel. Malachi. (Who has been listening to the BoysJ Thou art a good boy, Joel. ^Enter Huldah. She comes in quickly. She is carrying an urn of zvater which she places upon the floor. She is a sharp, energetic woman, dressed in the loose gown of the day. She be- gins at once to set the room in order and to ar- range some food upon the table.) Huldah. The neighbors will be starting shortly. Malachi. Where, Huldah? — To the mount to hear the Galilean ? Huldah. Yes. We're all going again. — We'll be gone most of the day. Malachi. Thou 'rt not going again? Huldah. Why not? — Everybody's going. Malachi. But Huldah. Dost thou think I'll not go again when all the others are going? What'll they think if I don't? — That I'm afraid to hear the Galilean! — He Malachi. Thou worriest too much about what the neighbors think, Huldah. — This Galilean must be a most holy and God-fearing man. They say He THE GIFT 9 hath been given the grace of a wonderful power to HuLDAH. No one doubts He is a holy man. But many foolish tales have been spread about His heal- ing power. — One shouldn't believe all one hears. / haven't seen Him perform any miracles. — We like to listen to Him, though ; He speaks in a pleasing way. He tells Malachi. He tells thee of thy faults — in a soft manner? In parables — they say? HuLDAii. He tells me no faults. He makes me feel quite good. That's why I like to hear Him. — One never knows how good he is until he hears a man like the Galilean. Malachi. (Surprised) He speaks of no fail- ings, no weaknesses, no HuLDAH. Oh. yes, He tells many that others have. He is most wise and He so young. — Yester- day He told us a parable about a sower who went out and sowed seeds, and how some of the seeds fell among thorns and were choked to death. When He explained that these seeds were like some people who allow the cares and pleasures of this life to choke them, I thought it was well neighbor Emanuel was there. If anyone needed that sermon, Emanuel did. Malachi. Was there nothing in the parable for thee? HuLDAH. Certainly. — A wise man as He is wouldn't forget to mention that some of the seed naturally fell on good ground. — It is well there are some of us can set a good example for others. Malachi. It is well thou canst feel that way. Few people, especially good ones, ever feel so satis- fied with themselves. HuLDAH. Why shouldn't we be satisfied when we know what we are? — We should be satisfied with lo THE GIFT what we have, too, I say. Thou shouldst have heard the Galilean tell a parable about discontented people : the laborers in the vineyard not being^ satisfied with the wag^e they got. — Whilst He was speaking- I couldn't help looking right at neighbor Rachel. She's never satisfied with what she has of this world's goods. Malachi. She gives much to the poor. It's for them she wants more. Not for herself. HuLDAH. That's no excuse. She should be con- tented with what she has. — If she didn't have much, she wouldn't have to give anything to the poor. Malachi. Thou judgest thy neighbors in thy own way, Huldah. — I wish thou wouldst not leave me alone to-day. — I am very weak. — One of my spells might come on Huldah. Leave thee alone ! — And the house open to anyone who wants to come in ? — Certainly not ! Malachi. Thou wilt stay, then ? Huldah. That I will not! — Joel must stay, the same as yesterday. ('Joel looks up quickly at Huldah.^ Malachi. The boy hath set his heart on seeing the Galilean. Huldah. He hath? — Well, he is not to go. He must stay here ! Joel. Oh, Huldah, I want Huldah. Thou canst not go. That settles it. Thou hast to stay here with Father Malachi. Malachi. Take the boy with thee. then. — The house and I'll be all right till thy return. Take him along with thee. Huldah. After thy saying thou art afraid to stay here alone? Malachi. I am fearful of the spells. — If one THE GIFT II comes, well The end is so near now it doesn't matter much. Take him with thee. HuLDAH. He's not to go, I tell thee!— What would everyone say if thou wert to die here all alone? — Why does he want to be dragging himself in all that crowd ? I'm sure I don't want to be both- ered with him. — Here I'll leave some bread and fruit on the table for ye both. Joel. (Hesitatingly) I thought I might — I thought — I wanted to ask Him HuLDAH. Ask Him? — Ask whom? — What? Joel. The Galilean. — Ask Him to cure me — my lame HuLDAH. Nonsense! — Who hath been filling thy head with such notions? — As if He could! Joel. (Rising and going excitedly on his crutches toward Huldahj Oh, He can! — I know He can — He hath HuLDAH. Talk! Rubbish! — Get such silly no- tions out of thy head at once. — There were many crippled people there yesterday ; — why didn't He cure them ? Joel. Maybe they didn't ask Him. — Maybe they didn't know — didn't believe He could. — Oh, Huldah, may I go? Huldah. Thou canst not tell me He wouldn't have done it if He could — with all those people look- ing at Him. — No, thou shalt not go and be the laugh- ing stock of all the neighbors. They'll think I put such notions into thy head. Joel. No, they won't. — Please, Huldah. — If thou art afraid of that I'll go up very close to Him and ask Him so no one else will hear. I know He will do it. Huldah. They won't let you near the Galilean. They sent all the children away from Him yester- day. And right, too. Why should He want to be 12 THE GIFT bothered with a rabble of children hanging around Him. I'd like to know. — Now sit down and say no more about it. I must go at once. (Gets her cloak and puts it on.) Joel. (Goes sadly hack to bench) Oh! — ^And the crown. He won't get that, now. Gabriel. Maybe Huldah would give it to Him for thee. Let's ask her if she'll take it. HuLDAH. Take what? Joel, We thought maybe thou wouldst Wilt thou take our crown and give it to the Galilean for us, Huldah? — We made it 'specially for Him. Huldah. (Coming toivard the Bovsj What next? — Of all the ridiculous ideas this is the worst! — Thou art losing tbv^wits akogether, Joel ! — And look at my floor^mtn^d^r'Mid leaves! Suppose some of the neighbors were to come in at this mo- ment, what kind of a housewife would they think I am? Joel. I'll tidy it, Huldah. — Wilt thou not take the crown to Him? Huldah. (Exasperated) Wouldst thou have me seem an idiot before everyone? — It's food and drink the Galilean needs — with His wandering over the country — not roses. Joel. (Brightening) Couldst thou not give Him some bread and fruit with the crown? Then Huldah. Me give Him bread and fruit? — As poor as we are? Let them who have plenty give Him food ; I'll not ! — Here, give me that. (Hold- ing out her hand for the zvreath.) Thou wouldst moon over it all day ! Joel. (Giving her the zvreath) Then thou wilt take it ? Huldah. (Throwing wreath through opening into fire) Into the fire with it! That's what I'll do with it ! Now let that be an end of thy nonsense. THE GIFT 13 Clean up that floor and act as if thou hadst some sense. No one would ever think I had the bringing up of thee. (She goes briskly across the room and gives a couple of stabs at straightening covers over Malachi.) Joel. (Sobbing) Oh, the beautiful crown, the beautiful crown! Malachi. (To Huldah; Why didst thou do it, Huldah? Huldah. Now if thou begin taking sides with him, he'll never get sense. Gabriel. Oh, Joel, it's too bad. — It was such a fine crown. ^Gabriel takes a stick from floor and hooks the crown out of the fire, all black and burnt, but still in its circular shape.) Joel. (Trying with difficulty to force back his sobs) It's spoiled, Gabriel — it's all .spoiled! Gabriel. (Putting wreath on bench beside Joel j Yes, it's no good now. Huldah. (Preparing to leave) Now stop this wailing and keep an eye to the house and Father Malachi. (Looking out of the window.) The neigh- bors are already gathering at the cross-roads ; I must go. (A knock is heard at door. Huldah opens it. En- ter Stranger. He steps in, groping and trembling toward the door-jamb. He leans against it thoroughly exhausted. Though his eyes are sightless and deep lines of suffering mark his face yet in it is such a look of kindness and patience as to give him a spiritual beauty. 14 THE GIFT He is about forty years of age hut looks aider. He carries a heavy staff.) Stranger. Blessings, kind people. I beg a little rest and a morsel of bread. I have been traveling a long time, often losing my way. HuLDAH. Go to those who have food to spare. Stranger. Let me rest a little then. Malachi. Huldah, canst thou not give Joel. Oh, do. He's blind I Huldah. (Ignoring both Malachi and Joel^ Thou hadst better go further while yet thou hast strength. There's trouble enough under this roof with a crippled child and a bed-ridden old man here. Stranger. Wilt thou Huldah. Thou canst not stop here. I am go- ing now to hear the Galilean. Stranger. (Seeming to gain new life) The Galilean ! — Thou art going to the Galilean ! — I have come a long way to find the Galilean. — May — may I go with thee? — Is it very far from here where He is now? Huldah. Yee, it is some little distance — but I am not going directly there. I am going first to meet the neighbors. Stranger. But may I Huldah. The road is hard and steep; I could not guide thee. People like thee who canst not help themselves should stay at home, not be wandering the country-side. Thou only givest trouble to every- one. Stranger. Be kind, dear woman — I have come a long distance Huldah. (Impatiently) Thou couldst not keep up with us. My advice is: give up this foolhardy journey and let others tell thee what the Galilean THE GIFT 15 says. Thou art foolish to wear thyself out like this. Stranger. I seek the Galilean to beg His help — my sight. HuLDAH. Teh! — I thought only children had such silly notions ! Stranger. He can cure me — He will — if I ask Him. Huldah. Hast thou seen Him cure anyone? No, of course not — nor I, and I have eyes to see. I believe what I see and thou wouldst do better not to believe all thou hearest. He couldn't possibly do all the wonderful things people say He does. Stranger. I know the Galilean can give me my sight if thou wilt only guide me to Him. I may miss Him altogether while He is in Judea. I beg thee ! (In his pleading he starts tozvard center of room, but staggers and nearly falls. Gabriel and Joel go to his assistance and lead him to bench.) HuLDAH. There! — Now dost thou see thy folly in not contenting thyself at home? Thou art unable to stand. (Looking out of the zvindow.) Mercy! Here I am wasting my time and the neighbors well up the road. (Exits hurriedly.) Gabriel. (Jumping up) Oh, Joel, I promised to meet mother and Martha at the cross-roads. I must run. Good-bye. (Exits running.) (The Stranger closes his eyes and lets his head sink weakly down on his chest.) Joel. (In alarm) Thou art ill ! . Stranger. It'll pass. — a little faint- JoEL. (Rising and going at once toward table) Thou art hungry. — Thou hast had nothing i6 THE GIFT Stranger. True ! — I have had nothing since Joel. (Coming back with his share of bread and fruit) Here, eat this. Stranger. (Lifting his head weakly) But — did — not Joel. It is mine to give. Stranger. No, no — it's for thyself. Thou must not give it away. Malachi. Give him my share, Joel. Joel. No, Father Malachi. Thou art old and ill. Thou must have thine. Malachi. Thou art young — ^thy life is before thee. Joel. Thou knowest, Father Malachi, Huldah would scold me if I gave away what didn't belong to me. — Here, friend, eat something — ^thou wilt feel stronger. Stranger. But not thy food, boyX^ Joel. Thou mayest as well take it; I shall not eat it. I'm not hungry. — Huldah says I eat too much as it is for my size. Thou and Father Malachi are big and need more than I do. Stranger. (Not deceived by Joel's speech, but gratefully taking proffered food) Thou knowest what it is to suffer, little lame one. May God re- ward thee. Joel. (Seating himself beside the stranger) I hope when thou art stronger, thou wilt be able to find the Galilean. When some one can cure thee, it must be much worse going on being blind than being lame. Stranger. Thou wouldst like to go to the Gali- lean, too? Joel. Yes, but Huldah Stranger. Thy mother? Joel. No, my mother is dead. I live with Hul- dah. THE GIFT 17 Stranger. She wouldn't let thee go either. (To himself) She'd move the world only by her vision of it. Joel. She says it is all nonsense, as she told thee ; — so she wouldn't stay here with Father Malachi and let me go. Stranger. Thou couldst go if someone were to stay here? Joel. Yes. — But there's no use now. Huldah says they won't let children go near the Galilean. Gabriel and I were going to take Him the crown, too. But now that's burnt. He might have had it if only Huldah had taken it. Gabriel's mother says He likes flowers. Stranger. Flowers? Crown? Joel. Yes, this — (Putting burnt wreath into the Stranger's hands.) We made it specially for Him. When Huldah told us children weren't allowed near the Galilean we asked her to take it to Him. But she said it was foolishness and threw the crown into the fire. Stranger. I think that was very wrong. It was not hers to throw into the fire. (Running his fingers around the wreath's circle.) It's still a crown. Joel. Only to touch. — Not to look upon. It's black and burnt. The color's all gone. Stranger. But not the thought that fashioned it. (Speaking slowly) The Galilean would know that. — May I take thy gift to the Galilean, little lame one? Joel. Oh, no! It would never do now. — It is quite spoiled. Stranger. The Galilean will understand. Joel. But thou The neighbors Wouldst thou not mind? — Before the crown was burnt Hul- dah said they would laugh at her if she gave it to Him. — It was beautiful then. — Now it is black and i8 THE GIFT ugly. I am sure they would laugh at thee for giving such a gift. Stranger. The Galilean wouldn't laugh. Joel. No — He would feel sorry it was burnt. Stranger. (Rising and slipping the wreath on his arm) I am feeling stronger now, thanks to thee, little lame one. — I shall try to finish my journey. God has permitted me to come this far ; something tells me He will let me find the Galilean. — I am sorry thou canst not go too. — Maybe (A knock is heard at the door. But before anyone in the room can open the door, it is flung open by Martha, who enters, breathless and excited. She is a girl about ten years of age and is dressed, much like the boys, in a girdled tunic.) Martha. (Without seeing the Stranger, who is between the door and the window) Joel, Joel — mother says we can go near the Galilean. We can go quite near, — because — because yesterday the Gali- lean chided the people for sending the children away from Him. He said "Suffer the little children to come unto Me — for such " Oh, I don't remem- ber the rest — something about the kingdom of Heaven. Canst thou not come, Joel? Oh, do comgj^ Joel. (His face lighting zuith pleasure) Oh, Martha ! — (Then his spirits fall) — I'm afraid Martha. (Mistaking his fear) Thou needst not be afraid — He's most kind, mother says. He puts His arms around the children and His hands on their heads. He even lets the babies climb up on His knees. And Hannah says His eyes look so kind at thee — and — and — He's beautiful! Joel. Oh, I'm not afraid of Him, Martha. I want to go to Him. But I can't go. Father Malacht could not be left alone. — Huldah's srone. THE GIFT 19 Martha. Oh ! (Looking toward Malachi^ Yes. — I'm sorry thou canst not go, Joel. — And He goes to Galilee after to-day. Thou wilt never see Him. Joel. (Hardly able to restrain his disappoint- ment) Oh, Martha! Martha. It's too bad, Joel. — Never mind, we'll tell thee all about Him when we come back. — I must hurry after the others. Good-bye. (EXITS hurriedly.) Joel. (Entirely forgetting that the stranger is still in the room, sobs out) Oh — if Huldah had stayed — if only she had-- Malachi. Joel, Joel, go. Go along. — See, I'm all right. Thou needst not stay. See, I'm quite strong — (Attempts to sit up, but in the effort gasps and falls back upon the pillow.) Joel. (Very much frightened, hurries over to Malachi j Oh, Father Malachi! What have I done? Oh, thou shouldst not — thou shouldst not have tried Here, drink this — (Giving Malachi medicine from, earthen bowl.) There! I am sorry I made thee suffer. Please think no more about me. I shan't leave thee. (Helps Malachi rest more comfortably on the pillow.) I was a baby to cry, but I couldn't help it. I'll not cry any more. (Joel goes back to bench, but stops as he sees the stranger still standing near the window.) Joel. Oh — forgive me. — The door is over here. I forgot thou couldst not see it. (Goes to lead him.) I'll start thee on the right road, then Stranger. (Making no move to go) Listen, little lame one — ^thou hast been kind to me. Thou hast given me food and a place to rest. Let me do 20 THE GIFT something in return for thee. — I shall stay here while thou goest to the Galilean. Joel. No, no, I could not let thee. Stranger. Come, let me stay. — I have been blind so long I am quite used to it — ^but thou — thou art young. — I have been thinking, too, that perhaps I should not find the Galilean, whilst thou — thou wilt find the Galilean at once. Come, go at once before He leaves the mount. Joel. (His face lighting with hope, but still hesi- tating) But should I Stranger. Thou dost not want to sit around all thy life seeing other boys running about, climbing trees, wading in the brooks — always merry. It is thy right. The right of all boys. And thou wilt be able to help with the sheep in the pastures or work in the vineyards ; then thy — thy Huldah will be kinder to thee. — Hurry, go at once lest thou miss Him. He goes to Galilee to-morrow, thou knowest. — Thou wilt find me here on thy return. Joel. But thou — thou hast truly giv- up want- ing Stranger. I've given up thinking I can find Him. If I should go and miss Him then neither of us would be cured. Just think of the joy thee wilt give me when thou comest back — running in with- out thy crutches. Joel. I suppose thou art right, kind friend. Thou mightst not find Him. — Oh, if thou wilt stay I shall be so happy. — Won't it be wonderful when I come back ? Stranger. Yes, it will. Now hurry. I shall re- main here until thy return. Joel. Oh, I am so happy ! (Starts toward door, then turns to Malachi) Thou wilt be all right? Thou dost not mind — dost thou, Father Malachi? — This kind THE GIFT 21 Malachi (Interrupting) Yes, I hear! Joel. 1 11 hurry right back. (EXITS as hurriedly as he can.) V rr/t^ Stranger go^es slowly groping his imy to the bench _ Thmkmg Malachi cannot see him drops his head tnto his hands, giving way to the disappointment he cannot help feeling at havina to give up so much.) Malachi. (Who has been watching him) Chil- dren are all alike.— I didn't think Joel would Stranger (Startled at Malachi^s voice, lifts fiis head, and controls himself.) Oh '—It's all right I don't mind that much. I wanted him to ^o It is not for children to give up when even I cannot (The door is suddenly opened and Joel ENTERS quickly and closes the door with determination.) Stranger. Who Joel. (Coming at once to the side of Stranger) Uh, fnend, I cannot go— I cannot. I cannot let thee stay here whilst I go. Thou hast got to go thyself Thou must— It's just a straight road from here' 1 hou couldst not possibly lose thy way. Thou art sure to find Him. Stranger. (Rising) What's this? Not goincr? Joel. (His voice breaking) No,— I can't I— I just thought out there— suppose— suppose I were— (i>huts his eyes and takes a few steps, groping for- ward.) Oh, It's terrible !-Thou nevef to see the flames burn m the fire— never to see the grass nor the trees— nor the sun shining in the brook— oh— and never to see how beautiful flowers are'— It's dreadful! Everything dark— oh, so dark! Seein<- 22 THE GIFT nothing all the time! — (Opening his eyes.) Oh, thou must go. Thou shalt go. (Joel takes the Stranger by the arm and tries to lead him toward the door.) Stranger. No, no. I want thee- JoEL. Oh, but thou must go. Canst thou not un- derstand? — I've got everything whilst thou — thou hast walked rough ways — ^thou hast been hungry — people have hurt thee — while all the time thou hast had nothing but blackness. Now, when thou couldst have — thou wilt not. Thou givest up thy chance and wantest me to go — while I, I've done nothing — (Catching sight of wreath which is still on the Stranger's arm) — done nothing but make a little crown. No wonder God wouldn't let me give it to the Galilean. He let it get burnt on purpose. Please, please, wilt thou not go at once? (He takes the Stranger and puts him outside the door.) There, go straight ahead, up that road until thou comest to the place where He is. (Exit Stranger with the wreath on his arm.) (Joel closes the door and goes to the window, where he watches the Stranger make his way up the road.) Joel. I hope he gets there in time. I do hope so. — And I nearly kept him from going. How I could do such a thing Malachi. (Slowly) Yes — I wondered, too, Joel. I did not think thou wouldst cause sorrow like that to others. Joel. Thou must have been ashamed of me, Father Malachi. THE GIFT Malachi. Thou knowest Joel. (At zvindow) Oh — two travelers have stopped our stranger and are talking to him. They shouldn't detain him. — I wish they were going his way, but they're not. They could take him with them if they were. (Sharply) Oh, is he ill? — He hath fallen down — no, he's on his knees before one of the travelers. Is he frightened? What can the traveler be saying to him ? Oh, he hath taken hold of the traveler's hand! — What can it mean? (Goes quickly to door, as if he would run out, hut changes his mind and comes hack to windmv.) The Traveler has His hand on our stranger's head. I can see now the Traveler is smiling at him. He makes our stranger stand up again. Maybe they will turn back and take him to the Galilean. How I wish they would. Why — why — our stranger hath thrown him- self down again on his knees. He's kissing the Traveler's feet! Could it be — no, — why — he's giv- ing the Traveler my crown ! — No, it's a crown of red roses the Traveler has in His hands. Oh, He is turning — He is looking this way. He holds the crown out to me. Why He beckons (In his excitement Joel rushes to the door and flings it open to rush out. His crutches at his first move fall front under his arms and go crashing to the floor. Joel, however, does not realize that he has crossed the floor without their aid. Malachi, at the sound of the crutches striking the floor, rises suddenly to a half-sitting pos- ture.) Joel. (At door) He hath gone ! Malachi. Joel, Joel ! Thy crutches — thou- JoEL. (Turning toward Malachi^ Why, why, -(Looks at crutches on floor, then at himself stand- 24 THE GIFT ing alone in the middle of the floor. He then takes a few steps to make sure he is not dreaming, then shouts:) I can walk ! (Rushes over and throws his arms around Malachi's neck) Oh, Father Malachi, I can ! — I can walk ! The Galilean ! 'Twas He ! Malachi. It was ! (Slowly sinks back upon his pillow.) The Galilean! (The Stranger, no longer blind, without his staff, but bearing in his hand a crown of red roses, steps joyously into the room.) Stranger. Little lame one Joel. (Looks steadily at the stranger for a sec- ond, then shouts with joy:) Thou canst see! Oh, Father Malachi, look — (Dances about the room.) It was the Galilean, I, know — I know. See, I, too — both of us See, I don't need the crutches any- more ! (Stopping seriously) 'Twas thee told Him about my wanting- — didst thou not? Stranger, I gave Him thy crown. This — (Ex- tending red crown to Joelj — He sends in return Joel. For me? — 'Tis much lovelier than mine ever was. Oh, how can I thank Him? — (Turns to Malachij Look, Father (Turning again to Stranger^ Shall I not give the crown to Father Malachi, so he'll have something too ? It will make him happy. (Goes to couch.) . Malachi. (Softly) He — takes — me — ^to my — happiness. (Closes his eyes forever.) (Joel, placing wreath over Malacht's hands, real- ises what has happened. Slowly he slips down by the side of the couch, looking for a moment with awe at the old man's calm face. Then, in fuller understanding, smiles the reflection of Malachi's happiness.) THE GIFT 25 Stranger. (Stepping tozvard couch and looking at Malachi J He's found his ! Voice of Huldah. (Just outside the door) Af- ter all our trouble, to think we missed Him. — He must have passed this way, too. Stranger. (Reverently) Yes, He passed this way. (The door begins to open, but before Huldah can be seen THE CURTAIN IS DRAWN. ^^V.?^ Sv^^^.^? ^^?^- A P'ay in one act by Elizabeth Mctadden. Adapted from the story of the same name by R. M Alden. Especially recommended as a Christmas play because: It teaches the story of the Christ child, rather than the Byzantine legend of Santa Claus. It may be adapted to the ritual of any Christian denomination by slight changes of costume and setting. It offers a rare opportunity for exquisite church music. It may be given in the barest room, against a background of Christmas greens, or It may be presented with the most lavish equipment of a profes- sional theatre, yet both productions will thrill the imagination and touch the heart. It teaches the beauty of a charity that gives heart and service as well as gold. Price, 35 cents. ^SoM^-^^^^^a^Lf^^^^' '^--^*'«'i ^y Virginia A. Gris- wpld. This 13 the Bible story of the birth of the Christ, using the Bible language as far as possible. It lends itself to four scenes: Ihe hill country of Judea, the throne-room of Herod, the market- place in Bethlehem and the stable with the manger. It can be produced m the simplest manner on a platform, or with all the oriental setting and accessories which the imagination and means can provide. Plays about an hour, and any number of people, adults and children can be used. Makes an admirable Christmas enter- Uinment and is well adapted for the use of churches and schools. iPnce, 35 cents. ^"t?re?^P^'^^^F^S?^ CHRISTMAS. A Christmas play in tev rHVTc^^f^o^-'"'^'^i^^"^"°". "^^y'"*"- The NIGHT BE- T CHRISTMAS is a little play in three acts which may be produced well withm an hour. The first act presents the wonclrous and hurried night before Christmas preparation activities in Santa's workshop at the North Pole. The second act is a night before Christmas home bed-chamber incident, involving the desperate situa- tion resulting from a childish difference between two brothers, which difference— made up" true— introduces, also, the woeful possibilities ot bantas calamitou^ displeasure. (In this and the last act the children 3 classic. "The Night Before Christmas," is dramatized.) in the ♦hird act All's well that ends well." A quartette supplies the music. Ihis little play has groztm during years of local use by the author and others. Its unbroken success in stirring and impressing the children (and the 'grown-ups," too— whom, also, the author aimed to reach) was urged as a reason for its publication. Strongly recommended as an entertainment for the holiday season. Price 30 cents. ' A DREAM ON CHRISTMAS EVE. a very cleasine enter tainment for little folks by Ina Home. Time about thirty minStes; but It can be lengthened to any duration by the further introduction of each child s specialty. The costumes are according to the char- acter represented and are easily made. The story is the dream of a little girl on Christmas eve, m which she views the good things »£m. cir '^u° i^^Vy^ on the morrow. Santa Claus enters and while filling the stocking tells a story of the little people to whom he gives his presents. Then the Christmas pudding enters and tells how she was made. Then the pumpkin pie, the holly, mistletoe ice cream, crackers, candy, etc., enter and tell their stories. The olay ts easy to give, and can be held in the class room, Sunday-school or a home. Price, 30 centa. '^^iS T^^tS,^^^^ ^^"^'^o'r,^ .o'"''?ina! entertainment for children ^ •■ ^- S"^*"-^"" Edward Weitzel, with some new and up-to-date music. No special number required. Particularly adapted to school °[-ij °°^y'^u,. ?* entMtainments. One of the best entertainments for children published. Price 30 cents. SAMUEL FRENCH, Publisher, 28-30 West 38th Street J-lBRfiRY Qp SOUTHUMBERLAND'S YULE-TIDEj a fascinating and practical community Christmae masque, by C. Arthur Coan. This delightful festival is written in the spirit of the traditional Yule celebrations of olden days, and is so conceived as to permit the whole school or community, old, young, rich or poor, to take an active part. The costumes are fully described and the instructions are in detail. Suitable for community or school usfi. Price, SO cents, MOTHER GOOSE'S CHRISTMAS VISIT. An entirely new and original entertainment for children by Edith Thompson Langley. This very pleasing entertainment embraces riiost of the Mother Goose ^characters, and any number of children, boys and girls', young and old, can take part. Songs and specialties can be introduced and the action prolonged to any length of time desired. It introduces Santa Claus and the Christmas tree and all the favorite characters of the little ones. It is an admirable entertainment for the Christmas holidays, and is printed complete with music, sug- gestions for staging, costuming, etc. Flays about an hour. This entertainment has always been a great success wherever produced. Price, 30 cents. THE GIFT. A symbolic play in one act by Marie A. Foley. The action passes in a simple room of a little house near Judea during the lifetime of Our Lord. The characters are two men, one woman and three children. The costumes — tunic draperies — make it easily possible to be played by an all female cast. Joel, a little lame boy, firmly believes the Galilean can cure him of his lameness if he will go and ask Him. In preparation the boy makes a wreath of white roses as a gift ior the Galilean. Huldah, with whom Joel lives, a woman with neither heart nor imagination, ridicules the boy's faith: throws the wreath into the fire and frustrates the boy's going by leaving him in sole charge of her father, an aged and infirm man. A stranger, blind, also seeking the Galilean, to regain his sight, stops at the door for food and rest. The boy takes him in. Acci- dentally the stranger comes in contact with the charred wreath which Joel has dragged from the fire. The stranger hears about the wreath's purpose and offers to carry it to the Galilean. Joel explans it's sorry plight. "The Galilean will understand," answers the stranger. "But it is black and ugly," exclaims the boy. "But not the heart that fashioned it," he is answered. The stranger then learns of the boy's desire to be cured and offers himself to remain there with the aged man while the boy goes to get his heart's desire. The boy accepts the stranger's great sacrifice (much to the disappoint- ment of the old invalid) and leaves the house. However, in a few minutes the boy is back again crying out that he .cannot go. "It is much worse being blind than being lame." The stranger is put upon the road by the boy to seek the Galilean. The boy watching him through the windov? sees the stranger meet with a Traveller, sees the giving of his burnt wreath to the Traveller, its trans- formation into beautiful crimson roses as it touches the Traveller's hands, then the return of the stranger no longer blind to the house. In his joy the boy leaps across the room to the door to find that his crutches have dropped to the floor and he has leaped across the room unaided — pured. The play ends with much joy for all three in the room while outside is heard the voice of the unbeliever, "Strange we missed Him; He must have passed this way." The stranger answers, "Yes, He passed this way." Price, 35 cents. SAMUEL FRENCH, Publisher, 28-30 West 38th Street