PS 3531 .028 P6 1917 PRICE 25 CENTS S copvi LLY IN HISTORY-LAND or Glimpses of Washington BECKLEY- ORDY COMPANY Chica4»o BEST BOOKS AND HELPS FOR TEACHERS OF ALL GRADES Morning Exercises for All the Year. By Joseph C. Sindelar, author of the "Nixie Bunny" books, etc. Contains over 300 exercises^ arranged day by day, there being an exercise for each morning of the ten school months, beginning with the first day in Sep- tember and ending with the last day in June. 252 large pages. Cloth. Price, 76 cents. Language Games for All Grades, By Alhambra G. Deming, Princi- pal Washington School, Winona, Minn. Designed to establish the habit of correct speech and to increase the child's vocabulary. 90 pages. Cloth. Price (with 53 cards for pupils* use), 75 cents. Easy Things to Draw. By D. R. Augsburg. A teacher's handbook, with 203 simple drawings for reproducing on the blackboard. 77 large pages. Paper, Price, 35 cents. Simplex Class Record. 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PAINTON I' Author of The Value of X Dialogues and Plays for Entertainment Days Specialty entertainments for Little Folks The Prize essay BECKLEY- CARDY COMPANY CHICAGO P5 353I COPYRIGHT 1917 BY BECKI.EY-CARDY COMPANY CI.D J8G16 1^ DEC 31 1917 o^D / CHAEACTERS Polly .A Schoolgirl Fancy .A Fairy George Washington As Boy George Washington As Youth and Man Father of Washington Colonial Gentleman Martha Washington Wife of Washington Marquis de Lafayette French Nobleman General *Braddock British Officer Chancellor Livingston Clergyman Indian, Sentry, Three Ladies, Six Men, and Several Boys. Note: This play must not he supposed to he an attempt at historical representation, for no pains has been taken to make it historically cor- rect, that not being the purpose -for luhich it was written. Indeed, in many places, the -'facts in the case" have been sacrificed to the scenic effect. It is simply a dream, a rendition of 'Tolly in Hi story -Land" if you please, and the author asks that you kindly consider it from that standpoint alone, and let it furnish yon and i/our audiences the enter- tainment for which it was solely created. COSTUMES Polly : Should wear dark dress and white apron. Fancy : Like conventional fairy. Fluffy white dress ; white slippers and stockings. Gauz}^ wings ; wand. Washington, as Boy: Should be dressed preferably as a miniature George Washington. See portraits. Washington, as Youth and Man: First as British officer; second in Colonial uniform and civilian dress of that period. See portraits and copj^ as nearly as possible. Father of Washington: Middle-aged man in costume of English gentleman of that day. Let costume be of sober colors. Martha Washington: Follow costume of portraits. Quiet colors. Lafayette: Uniform of French general. Braddock: Uniform of British general. Livingston : Clerical robes of Episcopal Church. Ladies: Same as Mrs. Washington. Indian: Leggins; feather head-dress; war paint. Sentry and Soldiers: Knee breeches; waisted coats; three- cornered hats. BOYS: Same as men. Consult historical pictures for all costumes. POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND ACT I— IN BOYHOOD Scene I: A Room Polly is discovered seated at desk, with large hook, studying. Polly : Oh, dear me ! I will never, never, never learn this history lesson, I know I won't. It is too hard for any- thing,— that 's what it is ! And Miss White says it ought to be just as easy as nothing to learn all about Washington because it is his birthday, when we are supposed to think about nothing else. Humph ! much she knows about it ! Jack says it 's all nonsense to make such a fuss every year about "George Birthington's Washday" when mamma has a washday every week. He says he hears so much about him every year that he almost wishes sometimes that he had never had a birthday at all. Of course Jack 's a very, very naughty boy to say such things, and I don't pay a bit of attention to such — such — treason as that ; but, still, who can possibly get up a real live interest in a man who lived so many years ago? Of course, we honor him for being the Father of Our Country, and all that sort of thing. Jack sa3^s the country would have been in a horrid mess if it hadn't had any father at all — [giggles] — but, dear me ! I suppose I am almost as naughty as he is when I repeat the wicked things he says. [Sighs.] I don't want to be bad, but when I read over and over again all the great things he did, I just can't make it seem any more than a fairy tale after all. He just won 't seem real to me, no matter how hard I study about him and try to make myself feel right — away down in here ! [Hand on 5 6 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND heart.] [Rises, yawns, and stretches.] Anyway, I 'm too tired, and worn out, and — well, what mamma calls fidgety, — to read another word of it now. I 'm just going to lie down and rest a little while, and perhaps I can do better when I get up. [Lies sofa and closes eyes.] Enter Fancy, who goes to hack of sofa and looks down at Polly a moment in silence. Fancy : Poor little girl, you 're tired, I know ; Now off to Dreamland quickly go ; George Washington, so brave and true, I — Fancy — will make real to you. [Waves wand over Polly as curtain falls.] kSceneII: a Garden. Small cherry tree lies on side. The hoy Washington stands, holding hatchet and looking at tree ruefully. Polly enters Right, after a pause. Polly : Who are you, little bo}^ ? and what are you doing ? Washington: Don't you know me? I thought everybody knew me. Why, I 'm George Washington, and this is my birthday. Polly : Oh, yes, of course ! How very silly and stupid of me to forget so soon ! But, you see, it alwaj^s seems like a fairy tale to me. Washington : A fairy tale ? Well, it is no fairy tale to me, I can assure you. [Sighs.] I only wish it was ! Polly: Why? Washington: Why, don't you see? This is my father's favorite cherry tree, and I 've cut it down. Polly : You did ? Washington: Yes, I did — all alone — with my new hatchet — see? [Shoivs hatchet with childish pride — then remem- POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND 7 hers and sighs.] But I really don't know what father will say ! Polly : Pshaw ! he may never find out that you did it ! Washington : Oh, yes; he will ! He '11 ask. Polly: But you don't have to tell him, do you? Just say you don't know. Washington [surprised and puzzled] : But I do know, you see! Polly: But what of that? You needn't be such a silly as to tell him so ! Washington : Why, I can 't tell a lie ! Polly: You can't? [Washington shakes head.] Pshaw, that 's easy ! / can ! Father enters Left. Father: Who cut down that cherry tree,— my favorite cherry tree? [Polly and George hang heads.] George, do yon know? Polly [tvhispering to Washington] : Just tell him ''No." He '11 believe you. Washington [looking up hravely] : Father, I cannot tell a lie. I did it myself— with my little hatchet. Father [turning away, sadly]: Oh, my son! my son! I would rather have had you tell a thousand lies than to cut down my best cherry tree ! Polly : I 've heard something like that before, it seems to me, but it doesn't sound exactly right! Father: Th%t 's right, little girl! It doesn't seem to have just the right ring to it. [Scratches head, perplexedly.] But I declare, I can't straighten it out to save me! [Thinks a ynoment.] Well, never mind! If it isn't his- torically correct in every word, it is an accurate expres- sion of the Twentieth Century code, anyway— so let it stand. curtain 8 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND Scene III: The Same, with tree removed. Six hoys stand in military attitude, in straight line at left. Boy Washington stands in front as captain. Polly enters Right. Polly : I declare, if there is n 't that same little boy, again ! And he doesn't look a bit older. If you please, boy, are you George Washington? Washington : Of course I am ! But I have n 't time to talk to you now. I 'm yery busy. Polly : But what are you doing ? Washington : Why, can 't you see ? But no — of course not ! Girls never can ! I 'm training these boys to be soldiers. Polly : Soldiers ? Washington: Yes. Don't you think soldiers are fine? My brother 's a soldier. Polly: Y-e-e-s ! — I suppose so. But they kill folks some- times, don't they? Washington : Only when they have to ! Polly : These are nice looking boys. They don 't look cruel. Washington : They 're rather awkward, but I -guess they '11 learn §ome time. If you '11 keep real quiet, I '11 let you stand there and watch us. Think you can ? Polly : Oh, yes, I 'm sure I can ! Do let me stay ! Washington: Boys, salute! [Boys how to Polly, awk- wardly.] Oh, no, no, no! that 's not the way. Give the right salute — this way! [Gives military- salute. Boys imitate him, very aivkivardly.] Can't you do better than that? [They repeat it.] That 's better. Polly [howing] : Oh, that 's lovely! It is ever so nice of you to treat me so politely. Washington [sternly] : Didn't you say you 'd keep quiet? Polly : Oh, do please forgive me this time. I forgot ! Washington: Yes, girls always do. POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND 9 [Here introduce a simple gun drill, Washington acting as captain. Now and then he should make them go through with some of the motions. (See Act II.) When all is over, he turns to Polly.] They do very well for beginners, I think. How do you like it 1 Polly : Oh, it was fine, — simply fine ! And I think you are just wonderful ! Washington [straightening himself up proudly] : I 'm George Washington ! [Boys cluster around him, kneel on one knee, and present arms. Polly hows low to him as curtain falls.] ACT II— IN WAR Scene I : A Battlefield. Six soldiers in line at left, firing off right, aiming very care- fully. Just a few steps in front of line stands General Braddock, commanding them. He walks back and forth, saying a word, here and there, between firing. Firing is continually heard off right, as if from the enemy. Wash- ington kneels on one knee, aiming to right. He also is slightly in advance of the six. Braddock: Let everyone pick his man, and aim carefully. Shoot, and shoot to kill. Remember, it is now a life and death question with each one of us. Ready now ! — kneel — aim — fire ! [All fire. Second Soldier and Fifth Soldier falL Washington calmly aims again. The others appear greatly excited and frightened, and stare at him, amazed at his calm7iess.] Polly enters at back of stage, looking puzzled. Polly : I thought I heard somebody shooting. I wonder if it was in this direction. Why, what can this be? It must be a battle — a regular, real live battle. Oh, dear me ! I never thought that war was half so horrible as this! And that lieutenant there looks just like Washington. Braddock: Stand back, girl! Don't get in our way now! Ready — kneel — aim — fire ! [They fire again. First Soldier and Third Soldier fall. Polly stands at the center entrance, ivatching with horror-stricken face, yet fascinated by the scene.] 10 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND 11 Polly: Oh — I remember now! That is General Braddock. I knew he looked like some picture I had seen, but couldn't just place him before; but it certainly is he, for he looks just like that picture of him in my history. So this must be — why, of course! We had " Braddock 's Defeat" in our lesson just the other day, but somehow I could n 't realize what a horrible thing it meant. Braddock : Advance ! [All that are left step to near right entrance, keeping in perfect step and line.] Halt! [They halt.] Ready now — once more — kneel — aim — fire! [They fire. Braddock throws up his arms, screams, and falls. Fourth Soldier also falls. Sixth Soldier runs off right. Washington kneels by Braddock, gives him hrandy, examines wound, etc. Sixth Sol- dier finally re-enters right, hringing an Indian as prisoner. His hands are tied behind him. Polly steps up to them.] Polly [to Sixth Soldier] : If you please, Mr. Soldier, isn't that lieutenant's name George Washington? SiXTPi Soldier: Of course! Is it possible there is anybody in America — or even in the world — who doesn't know George Washington ? Don 't you go to school ? Polly : Yes ; of course I go to school. But, don 't you know, history 's awfully hard ! Sixth Soldier : If it is so hard for you to study it, what do you think it can be for us to live it ? Polly : Oh, I begin to see a little of it now. It is terrible — terrible, and — so dreadfully real, don't you know ! Sixth Soldier [scornfidly] : Real? Polly [shuddering, and nodding assent] : I was so afraid Washington would get shot ! Indian [pointing to Washington, excitedly]: He? He? White war chief ? [V01A.Y nods.] Ugh! He bewitched man. Big Indian 'f raid he ! Big Indian aim at he three, 12 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND — four, — five times ! — No hit ! [Shakes head.] The Great Spirit save he ! Ugh ! Sixth Soldier : Yes, indeed, Mr. Red Man. The Great Spirit has a mighty work for him to do ; and though you had aimed at him an hundred times, — a,ye, and ten times an hundred times, — all of your bullets must have gone wide of the mark. [Indian stares at Washington in amazement and terror. Then drops to knees in fear, shaking.] Indian : Me good Indian ! Ugh ! very good Indian ! No want hurt pale-face War Chief ! [Polly walks and stands behind Washington. He still bends over Braddock, but raises his right hand in appeal to heaven and looks up. Polly kneels. All hold position while curtain falls.] Scene II: A Camp. Tent in backgrotmd, — old and worn. Six soldiers, very ragged and pale, are grouped in center. All should be barefoot, or nearly so. General Washington ivalks about, restlessly, as if thinking deeply. Sentry patrols across back of stage at regular intervals. Washington pauses, and looks at each in turn. Washington [pityingly] : Can we hold out a few days more, my brave men ? Polly enters Left, and listens. First Soldier [rubbing sore foot] : So long as this foot lasts. General, you may know that I shall be at my post. Second Soldier: If you do not freeze or starve! [First Soldier 7iods sadly.] Washington: Ah, my brave men, I do not need to tell you how deeply I sympathize with you in the hardships you have undergone, nor how greatly I honor you all for the POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND 13 bravery, forbearance, and patriotism you have shown. I have written to Congress a second petition, and, if relief is not speedy, there is nothing for us to do but to dissolve. [Boivs head, and goes to right entrance, shading eyes, and looking off to right.] Third Soldier [aside] : Always the same fearless general who crossed the Delaware ! Fourth Soldier-. Aye — a hundred such rivers, with ten times the difficulties, would never keep him from his goal. [All shake heads etnphatically , looking at Washington with reverence and love.] Polly : This must surely be Valley Forge we studied about last week. Oh, those poor, poor men ! How I wish I could feed and dress them all, and warm them up by our big coal fire ! [Fifth Soldier begins to whistle ^'Yankee Doodle.'' After one stanza, WxVShington walks to him and lays hand on his shoidder.] Washington : That 's right, my brave fellow. Keep up your courage ! Polly : How good he is to them ! — just as I 've always read that he was ! How they must love him ! [Bugle call off right. All rise stiffly, and as if in much pain, with difficidty falling into line.] Washington : Ready ! — March ! [All start to march off right, very slowly, limping, etc.] Polly : It 's easy enough to see why they always say of him, "First in War." [Starts off left, slowly, thinking, as curtain falls.] 14 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND Scene III : A Plain Room. Six or more soldiers sit around stage, looking off at either side, occasionally, as though expecting someone. Polly enters from near front, and watches them with puzzled expression. Second Soldier: Ah, but it will be sad to say the parting word to our beloved general. He has fought with us, rode with us, and — First Soldier [interrupting] : Starved with us! [All nod.] Second Soldier : Yes — yes ! He has been almost a father to us all for so long. Would we could be his soldiers forever ! Third Soldier : It will be sad for him, also ! Fourth Soldier : Aye, more so than we will ever know ! Fifth Soldier : He is not one to show his heart to anyone ! Sixth Soldier-. And yet we have always known how noble, how true, and how great a heart it is, and how large a place his soldiers hold in it ! All [tenderly]: True! Fourth Soldier: 'Sh! He is coming. [All rise and remain standing in respectful attitudes as Washington enters from hack. He pauses a moment, looking sadly at each in turn, then speaks with husky voice.] Washington: ''With a heart full of love and gratitude, I must now take my leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable. I cannot come to each of you to take my leave, but shall be obliged to you if each of you will come and take me by the hand." — (Washington's exact words.) [The one nearest to him turns to him. Washington takes his hand and embraces him tearfully. Each POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND 15 one in turn does the same, Washington showing the same sorrow and ajfection for each. He then starts out, hut, passing hy Polly, sees her, pauses, and lays his hand on her head.] Well, little girl, who are you? Polly [bewildered] : Please, sir, I 'm just — just — just — Polly ! Washington : And how did you come here ? Polly : I — I — don't know, sir! Washington: Do you know who I am? Polly : Oh, yes, sir ! You are General Washington ! I 've read all about you in my history, you see, and I 've seen you lots of times just lately, it seems to me. Washington [smiling, hut astonished] : Seen me? — in pic- tures, I suppose. I* oIjIjY [puzzled] : No — yes — I' don't know! . Washington : Well, never mind where ! You won 't forget me, will you? [Shakes hands with her.] Polly [emphatically]: No, sir ! never, never again ! Never! [Washington smiles at her vehemence, and lays hand indulgently upon her head. Then he turns, waves hand again to Soldiers in farewell. They how very low as he passes out and curtain falls.] ACT III— IN OFFICE Scene I: A Balcony. Easily arranged hy having a raised platform, or large box at hack of stage draped with the American flag. On it is a center table, holding a crimson cushion, upon which rests an elegant Bible. Enter Polly from near front, looking all around. Polly : Well, where am I now ? Dear me ! what grand and wonderful things I am seeing nearly all the time now ! I wonder if I '11 ever get back to my home and school again. This must be History-Land, for everything looks just like j)ictures I 've seen in my history ; and, somehow, what they all say sounds like it, too. There come a lot of men now, but I don't see Washington this time. I '11 just listen to what they are talking about and see if I can find out where he is. Enter Six Men in civilian attire, three from right, and three from left. They form columns at each side, one behind the other, but a little bit out at right or left, so as to be in fidl view of audience. Then enters Livingston from center, and stands between columns at left of table, looking at them. First Citizen : It must be very near time for the ceremony. Soon we shall have a president — a president who knows, because he has proved, that ''all men are born free and equal" — a president who is grand and noble and true, and all that a president should be. Fifth Citizen [from opposite side] : Yes, indeed, it is well that he who was ''first in war" should also be "first in 16 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND 17 peace," for he always must be ''first in the hearts of his countrymen. ' ' Third Citizen : Aye, God is always with him. What a pity it is that he has no children to follow in his footsteps. Fourth Citizen : Nay, not so ! God left him childless that he might be the ''Father of His Country." [All how heads reverently as Washington enters slowly, at center, and stands on right side of table. He hows to them also, — very low, with hand on heart. Then with a glance at Livingston, who opens the Bihle, lays his hand upon the hook.] Livingston [reads] : "Do you now solemnly affirm, in the presence of these witnesses, and in the sight of Almighty God, that you will perform the duties of the office to which you are now elected, according to the best of your ability and knowledge, and will endeavor to so regulate your conduct and that of your people as shall be in per- fect accordance with the will of Almighty God and with the Constitution of the United States?" Washington [raising hand to heaven and looking up]-. I swear, so help me God! [All sing "America" as curtain falls.] Scene II : A Hall. Potted plants here and there. Four couples arranged for minuet, Washington leading witR a lady, followed hy Lafayette and Martha Washington. All are laugh- ing as curtain rises. Polly enters Center. Polly : Oh, dear me, where am I now ? What a fine crowd ! I 'm not dressed fit to be seen, I 'm sure. But I am going to watch them. There 's Washington — and there 's Martha Washington, too ! — just as though she had stepped 18 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND right out of her picture frame for a dance. I wish all the ladies I know would dress that way all the time. And — oh, my ! that is Lafayette with her, I know ! How fine he is! [Minuet is danced, Polly watchi7ig.] Polly [clapping hands]: Wasn't that fine? Why don't people always dance that Avay, instead of whirling and bobbing around the way Sister does? Martha Washington [coming to her] : Why, here 's a nice little girl. Who are you, my dear? [The others talk together and langh, not noticing ]\Irs. Washington and Polly.] Polly : Why, I 'm— I 'm— Polly ! Martha Washington: Polly who? Polly [trying to think] : Polly — Poll}^ — Polly — why, I de- clare I 've forgotten who I am. Everything seems so strange to me. Guess I must be just plain Polly. Martha Washington: You don't look so plain, dear, but you do look dazed. Would n 't you like to dance ? Polly : Oh, would n 't I, though ! But, you see, I don 't know how. And besides I 'm not dressed fine enough. Martha Washington: Why, I think you look very nice — ■ yes, I do, child — and I am sure the President will be glad to show you the steps. Polly: The President? — AVashington? Oh, no, no! He wouldn't want to be bothered with a little girl like me. Martha Washington: Oh, you don't know the President yet. He is not only the bravest man who ever lived, but also the most courteous gentleman, with the biggest, kind- est heart in the whole world ! And he loves all amusement and recreation so much — especially the dance. [Calls.] Mr. President ! [Washington hows low to the gronp, making his excnses for leaving them, and crosses to Martha and Polly, howing low to them, his hand on heart.] POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND 19 Here is a little girl, Mr. President, who would like to learn to dance the minuet. I am sure, Your Excellency, that you will be glad to teach her. Washington: I shall be delighted, I am sure. Come on, little lady — this way, now ! [Takes her hand, and they dance a few minuet figures. All joining in, with a few stately steps, as curtain falls.] Scene III : A Banquet Hall. Table set for eight. Those of previous scene, except Wash- ington's minuet partner, seated at table. Martha Washington and Lafayette at foot; a chair beside Washington vacant. Washington at head. Polly enters, and All look up. Washington : Ah, there 's my little partner of the ball. She must sit down with us and make our number complete. [Rises, bows low to Polly, and then, taking the tips of her fingers, escorts her to the vacant chair. All have risen with Washington and stand behind their chairs, with old-fashioned courtesy.] Ladies and gentlemen — my partner! [All bow low to Polly.] Little lady — my friends! [Polly attempts to bow to each in turn; is much embar- rassed. Thenhiji^ sit.] Polly : If you please, sir — I mean, Mr. President ! Washington: Well, what is it? You mustn't be afraid of me. Polly : I 'm not exactly afraid — not of you, anyway — but — where am I? Washington: In the Executive Mansion, my dear child. Polly [amazed] : The White House? 20 POLLY IN HISTOEY-LAND Washington [nods assent] : And at a banquet table ! ]\LvRTHA Washington [smiling at Polly] : This is the Presi- dent's farewell dinner, you know, Poll^. We are to leave all this grandeur and luxury now, and go back tc our quiet home at INIount Vernon. Polly : Oh, my ! are n 't you sorry ? Martha Washington : Oh, no ! I shall be glad to have the President all to myself again. But he will not be Presi- dent then! Washington: No — just plain George Washington. A Lady: But always "First in the hearts of his coun- trymen ! ' ' Lafayette: And the "Father of His Country.'* Washington [bowing his thanks to hoth speakers, and then rising, glass in hand] : Ladies and gentlemen, this is the last time that I shall drink your health as a public man. I do it with sincerity, wishing you all possible happiness. (Washington's exact words.) [All rise, sadly, and drink the toast silently. Then sing softly the last stanza of ^'America'' as curtain falls.] ACT IV— IN PRIVATE LIFE Scene I: A Garden. Washington sits in rustic chair reading hook. Polly enters, and walks up to him. He lays his hook aside and hows politely. Washington : Well, if here is n 't my wondering little friend again, as full of curiosity as ever! And what do you think of Mount Vernon, my child? Polly : Oh, it is lovely ! Everything is just lovely — but — I can 't find my way out ; and I 'd like to see my mamma and my teacher again. I don't even know where my home is. I 'm lost, I guess. Washington : Never mind. It 's easy enough to be lost in History-Land — eh, my dear? But still, when you once learn the right way to search for it, nothing in History is really hard to find. ''History repeats itself," you know. Polly : It never did for me. I used to wish it would, though, for some of it was always so hard for me to repeat. But is this really History? Washington : Something like it, is n 't it ? But, pardon me, I was forgetting that you don 't like history, was n 't I ? Polly [surprised] : Why, how did you know? Washington [smiling quizzically] : Oh, I know a great many things besides history ! Polly : Anyway, I '11 always like history after this — I 'm sure I shall! Washington : That 's right ! I hope you will. And now, to help you still more to remember me in times to come, sit down beside me for awhile. My days on earth are drawing to a close. I have, at the most, only a few of 21 22 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND them left, and I would like, before I go, to give you a few good rules to remember all your life and to model your daily conduct by, so that you may feel, at the close of your life, that you have lived your time as profitably and wisely as I have tried to live mine. Will you listen ? Polly [sits at his feet] : Of course, I will, sir. And I thank you so much for taking so much time and trouble for just poor little me. I shall be glad — very glad — to do as you say ! "Washington : That 's a good child. These rules are what I call ''Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Com- pany." Did you never hear of them? Polly : Oh, yes — yes — why, my teacher — Washington [holding up his hand to stop her] : Very well, then. You seem to be such a well-mannered little girl that I am sure you will try to remember and practice them. Polly: Indeed, I will, sir! Why, my mamma says that — Washington [holding np hand again]: Yes, yes, I know! In the first place, Polly, don't you think you may be a little bit vain of your clothes? Polly [timidly] : Why, I 'm not dressed a bit fine or elegant, am 1 1 Washington : No, but you 'd like to be, would n 't you ? [Polly hangs head.] Listen: ''In your apparel be modest, and endeavor to accommodate nature, rather than procure admiration. Keep to the fashions of your equals, such as are civil and orderly, with respect to time and place." Polly [looking down at her shoes and stockings and smoothing her apron carefully] : I am sure, sir, I — Washington [shaking finger at her playfidly] : And again: "Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you to see if you be well-decked, if your shoes fit well, if your stockings set neatly, and clothes handsomely." POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND 23 Polly: But don't you think, sir, that — Washington [warningly] : "Speak not when others speak, sit not when others stand, and walk not when others stop. " [Polly hangs head.] And do you have a great many friends, child? Polly: Oh, yes, sir! I do like lots of friends! Washington : Well, ' ' Be courteous to all, but intimate with few ; and let that few be well chosen before you give them your confidence." Polly : I will remember, sir ; and that horrid Grace Jackson needn't try to stick herself along with me, either! Washington : ' ' Speak no evil of the absent, for it is unjust. ' ' Polly : But, really, sir, they say that she is — that she really — Washington : "Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of anyone." Polly : But she has been so mean to me, and when the teacher had to punish her for whispering, I was just as glad of it as I could be, and — and — Washington : ' ' Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy." [Polly hangs head, begins to hum to herself, as if hored, and taps with her foot on the floor, drumming on the seat with her fingers.] "In the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming voice, nor drum with jour fingers or feet." [Polly laughs.] "Let your countenance be pleasant but, in serious matters, somewhat grave." Polly : Thank you, sir. I '11 try and remember, and never slight any of "Washington's Maxims" again. Washington: I am sure you will not. There are fifty-four of them, you know, but I will not worry you with any more just now. But, child, as we part let me entreat you to "Labor to keep ever alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience. ' ' [He rises, and she jumps up at once.] 24 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND Polly [repeating as if hy rote]: "Sit not when others stand." [Washington smiles and lays his hand on her head, and she looks up at him reverently, as curtain falls.] Scene II: Washington's Tomb. A representation of Washington's tomb in the background. This is easily made of pasteboard and bunting. A soldier on guard patrols just back of it. Bell tolls of right. Polly enters Left. Polly: Oh, it is a grave— and that is surely a figure of Washington. Can it be Washington's tomb? I '11 ask. [To Sentry.] Is this where Washington is buried? Sentry [saluting] : Yes, Miss, here "he sleeps beneath the willows, first in peace, and first in war." [Polly stands, looking at it sadly. After a long pause she turns to face left and buries face in handkerchief, while a quartet behi7id scenes sings, from "Mount Vernon Bells'''':] Long ago the warrior slumbered — Our country's Father slept; Long among the angels numbered — They the hero's soul have kept. But the children's children love him, And his name revere; So, where Avillows wave above him, Sweetly still his knell you hear. Chorus : Tolling and knelling. With a sad, sweet sound. O'er the waves the tones are swelling, By Mount Vernon's sacred ground. [Polly turns, and shakes hands with the Sentry, then speaks to him.] *Music for this may be found in New-Common School Song Book, 40 cents. POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND 25 Polly [to Sentry — speaks or sings, as preferred] : Tell, while sweet adieux are swelling, Till I come again, He within the hearts is dwelling Of his loving countrymen. [She passes off slowly to left, while concealed quartet repeats the chorus softly, and curtain falls.] Scene III : Same as Scene I, in Act I. Polly enters Right. Looks all around amazed. Polly : \Vell, for goodness sake ! Here I am at home again, at last. And everything looks just as natural as can be. But how I ever got here, I am sure I don't know! Though, for that matter, how I ever got away from here, I'm sure I don't know! Anyway, I'm just as tired as I can be— tired half to death! And if here isn't my dear old history, just where I must have laid it down ! How could I ever have fancied it wasn't real and interesting? Dear old Washington! He '11 always be alive to me after this, and how I shall love him ! I wish all the other children in my grade could have been with me. Sometime I '11 go to all those lovely places again, if I can find the way, and maybe I '11 take some of my friends along— Alice, and Maud, and Mabel, and— oh, yes, Grace Jackson, too ! But I 'm so tired now. I must lie down and rest. I can't stay on my feet a moment longer. [Lies on sofa and yawns, finally going to sleep.] Fancy [ente7^ing softly] : Now, little girl, awake once more To the old life you lived before; Those dreams I gave for Plistory's sake,— But now, my child, awake ! awake ! 26 POLLY IN HISTORY-LAND [Fancy disappears quickly, and Polly wakes, sits up, ruhs eyes.] Polly : Dear me! Why, have I been asleep? I must have been dreaming, then, all this long, lovely time ! Is n 't it too bad that all those fine times I had were just in a dream after all ? Dear me ! Dear me ! and how real they were to me ! Well, anyway, I can always remember them. There 's some comfort in that! And where 's my history? That will be the dearest study I have now — I 'm sure it will — for this dream has surely made me realize how real all those things were when people lived them. And as for Washington ! — ah, no one now can be any happier than I to honor him and his glorious memor}^ on this best day of all the year — Washington's Birthday ! [Reads history.] CURTAIN MORNING EXERCISES FOR ALL THE YEAR A DAY BOOK FOR TEACHERS By Joseph C. Sindelar Author of Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land, Nixie Bunny in Workaday-Land, etc. This is a new work — just published — and the only really complete and systematic book of opening exercises that has yet been issued. It contains over 300 exercises, arranged day by day, there being an exercise for each morning of the ten school months, beginning with the first day in September and ending with the last day in June. There is an appropriate literary quotation for each day — 303 in all, 100 interesting stories, anecdotes and recreations, a goodly nmnber of poems, many birthday exercises and those of the seasons, special day programs, related songs and readings, Bible references, etc. The exercises are in endless variety, emphasizing moral principles and teaching lessons of proper conduct, right thought, ideals of life, and the appreciation of nature, literature, science, and art. Each day- has its own lesson and an abundance of the best material for use therewith. All special days and school occasions, also birthdays of noted men and women, are duly recorded and suitably com- memorated. The material is for all grades, and the teacher will find the book an invaluable aid in her work. 252 pages. Cloth. Price, 75 cents THE BEST CHRISTMAS BOOK Edited by Joseph C. Sindelar There is nothing better or newer published in the way of Christ- mas entertainments. The material contained in this book is fresh and original, much of it having been written specially by Marie Irish, Harriette Wilbur, and Thos. B. Weaver. There is a wealth of new ideas, and a complete program for everyone. It is positively the "Best" book of Christmas entertainment exercises published. Ar- ranged according to grades. The following list of classified contents will show the variety and scope of the work. Contents: 82 recitations, 36 quotations, 4 mono- logues and readings, 10 dialogues, exercises and plays, 7 fancy drills and marches, 4 acrostics and motion songs, 3 tableaux, 4 pantomimes and pantomimed songs, 9 songs with music, 8 songs of new words to old tunes, 14 facts regarding Christmas and Christmas customs in other lands. Illustrated. 192 pages. Paper. Price, 30 cents BECKLEY-CARDY CO. Educational Publishers CHICAGO LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION BY GRADES -»= ^A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS -- ^ — ^ (Jovering the Eight Grades of Elementary Schools By J. M. Hammond Principal of Morse School, Pittsburgh; Pa. This new work should be in the hands of every elementary school teacher, and if so, would go a long way toward meeting the need of ready expression in both oral and written language. The author believes that if the pupil can be made to feel natural, whatever ideas he has will be freely expressed, and with this in view has prepared a series of type lessons in language and composition which are bound to revolutionize the teaching of this subject in the average schoolroom. The book follows well established pedagogical principles and is divided into nine parts: one for each of the eight grades, and the last a review of the year's work by grades. The material has been carefully graded, and more than enough has been presented to cover each year's requirements. Much of it has been tried successfully in the schoolroom, and is therefore offered with confidence that the results will prove most satisfactory. The necessity for the frequent review of language principles and practice is one reason for combining the eight-years' course in one volume. Under this arrangement, the teacher will have ready access to what is offered in the other grades, and will therefore not be compelled to search continually for supplementary work. Beginning with exercises designed to set the young learner at his ease, the work is carried along from grade to grade, with proper and frequent reviews, until he has finished the eight years, equipped with a good working knowledge of expression that should fit him for entrance into the high school, or for embarking upon whatever business he may choose. Present-day methods call for less technical grammar and more actual practice in correct forms, with the statement of principles on which correct usag'i is based, and the author has borne that fact in mind throughout the work. 308 pageso Fully indexed. Cloth. Price, 85 cents BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY PubUshers CHICAGO LANGUAGE GAMES FOR ALL GRADES By Alhambra G. Deming — , Principal Washington School, Winona, Minn. With Introduction by J. N. Adee, Supt. of Schools, Johnstown, Pa. Designed to establish the habit of correct speech and to increase the child's vocabulary. The book contains thirty language games, teaching the correct use of troublesome words and forms of expres- sion in a pleasant way, and which will serve to eliminate the common errors in grammar of oral and written speech among pupils. In his introduction Superintendent Adee says: "The use of correct English is a habit. To get a habit thoroughly rooted in a child's life takes careful drill and constant repetition. Children like to repeat; they enjoy doing and saying things over and over again. There are only twenty or thirty grammatical errors that persistently occur, and if we can put the correct expression for these errors in the form of a game, we will have an excellent motive to get these correct forms frequently repeated and their use a fixed habit on the part of the pupils. This is the purpose of this little book, Language Games for All Grades." It is a volume that will be welcomed by all progressive teachers. 90 pages. Cloth. Price, 40 cents CARDS TO ACCOMPANY LANGUAGE GAMES FOR ALL GRADES Fifty-three cards, size 41/3 x Qy^ inches, for pupils' use. Price, per set, 35 cents EASY THINGS TO DRAW By D. R. Augsburg Prepared particularly as an aid to teachers who lack training in drawing, or who may be in need of drawings made in the simplest possible way — often with but a few strokes of the crayon or pencil. Contains 203 drawings which may be easily transferred to the black- board to illustrate lessons on plants, animals, history, geography, etc. They will also furnish subjects for stories. Every principle of drawing is presented. 77 large pages. Paper. Price, 35 cents BEST PRIMARY SONGS By Amos M. Kellogg A COLLECTION of nearly sixty songs, suitable for primary and intermediate grades, and for ungraded schools. There are morning and welcome songs, nature songs, marching and motion pieces, social and ethical songs, farewell and closing sentiments, etc. The words have been carefully chosen and the music is attractive and simple. 48 pages. Paper. Price, I5 cents; per dozen, $1.50 BECKLEY-CARDY CO. Publishers CHICAGO SOME NEW PUBLICATIONS NIXIE BUNNY IN FARAWAY-LANDS By Joseph C. Sindelar. A rabbit story of the children of other lands and a companion volume to Nixie Bunny in Manners- Land, Nixie Bunny in W orkaday-Land and Nixie Bunny in Holiday-Land. 80 illustrations in colors. 160 pages. Cloth. Price, 45 cents A CHILD'S ROBINSON CRUSOE By William Lewis Nida and Stella Humphrey Nida. Defoe's famous story rewritten in a charming manner for young chil- dren. With 37 illustrations. 160 pages. Cloth. Price, 40 cents STRAIGHT-LINE SEWING CARDS By Bess B. Cleaveland. Fifteen farm and zoo designs, in envelope. Price, 20 cents NUMBER STORIES By Alhambra G. Deming. These stories are to be read to pupils in the intermediate grades. Their primary aim is drill in the essentials of arithmetic as applied to child-experience. 205 pages. Cloth. Price, 60 cents NEW AMERICAN HISTORY AND GOVERN- MENT OUTLINES By A. R. McCook. For teachers and pupils; complete and up-to-date. 120 large pages. Paper. Price, 25 cents ONE HUNDRED STORIES FOR REPRODUCTION By Kate Walker Grove. For use in the primary grades. SO pages. Paper. Price, 20 cents PRIMARY LANGUAGE STORIES By Alhambra G. Deming. On 48 cards, size 5x7 inches, with a manual for teachers. Illustrated. Price, 36 cents NEW COMMON-SCHOOL SONG BOOK By Laura Rountree Smith and Arthur Schuckai. A one-book course in music for schools of mixed grades, with lessons in the principles of music and study exercises. 160 large pages. Boards. Price, 40 cents WEAVER'S NEW SCHOOL SONGS By Thomas B. Weaver. Provides 56 new and pleasing songs of great variety, for all grades. 96 large pages. Paper. Price, 20 cents BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY Publishers CHICAGO SUPPLEMENTARY READERS FOR ALL GRADES — BOW-WOW AND MEW-MEW By Georgiana M. Craik. Edited by Joseph C. Sindelar The Btoiy of a young dog and cat, and one of the few books for beginners in reading that may be classed as literature. The stoi-y, the style, and the moral are all good. 32 illustrations in colors. 95 pages. Cloth. Price, 32 cents THE NIXIE BUNNY BOOKS By Joseph C. Sindelar Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land — A Rabbit Story of Good Manners Nixie Bunny in Workaday-Land — A Rabbit Story of the Occupations Nixie Bunny in Holiday-Land — A Rabbit Story of the Holidays The Nixie Bunny Books have been read by over 75,000 children in two years. They are unsurpassed in popularity by any children'n books ever published. Adopted as supplementary readers in the siecond and third grades by hundreds of towns and cities all over the country, including Chicago, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Worcester (Mass.), etc. Selected by fourteen states for reading circle and school library purposes. They are interestingly written, attractively illustrated, pedagogically arranged, well graded, and teach enough of value to pay for the time spent in their reading. Each book has 144 pages, with from 64 to 90 illustrations in colors. Cloth. Price, each, 45 cents. THE PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL CLASSICS A new scries of reading books, which offers the highest class of literature for all grades at very small cost. No other series at so low a price contains the valuable features of this series, namely: accurate and authentic texts, notes and numbered lines for reference, portraits, biographical sketches, illustrations, new type, good paper and bind- ing, and convenient size. Bow-Bow and Mew-Mew — Craik — Grades 1-2 — 95 pages (12 cents) Peter Rabbit and Other Tales — Grades 2-3 The King of the Golden River — Ruskin— Grades 4-6 Rip Van Winkle and the Author's Account of Himself — Irving — Grades 5-8 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow — Irving — Grades 5-8 Thanatopsis, Sella and Other Poems — Bryant — Grades 5-S The Courtship of Miles Standish — Longfellow — Grades 6-8 The Pied Piper of Hamelin and Other Poems — Browning — Grades 6-8 Evangeline — Longfellow — Grades 6-8 The Great Stone Face — Hawthorne — Grades 6-8 The Man Without a Country — Hale — Grades 6-8 Snow-Bound and Other Poems — Whittier— Grades 6-S Enoch Arden — Tennyson — Grades 6-H. S. The Vision of Sir Launfal and Other Poems — Lowell — Grades 6-H. S. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner — Coleridge — Grades 7-H. S. The Cotter's Saturday Night and Other Poems— Burns — Grades 7-H. S. The Deserted Village (Goldsmith) and Elegy — Gray — Grades 7-H. S. Price, per copy, 5 cents, postpaid, unless otherwise mentioned 128-page illustrated Catalogue of Books mailed upon request BECKLEY-CARDY CO. Publishers CHICAGO LIBRARY OF CONGRESS I 018 348 643 3 *