!;! JEPTHA'S | 9f DAUGHTER JAMES MONROE CROMER Class Book Copyright^?. COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. jXuvca JVL hsYWvu^' Jeptha's Daughter A Drama in Five Acts By James Monroe Cromer, D.D. BOSTON THE GORHAM PRESS 1916 Copyright, 1916, by James Monroe Cromer All Rights Reserved 1 &j NOV 24 1916 The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. ©OLD 4 5 509 TO HER WHOSE SIMPLE YOUNG LIFE AND CHARACTER WERE MUCH LIKE THE HEROINE OF THIS LITTLE BOOK, AND TO WHOM THE AUTHOR OWES SO MUCH FOR THE MORAL AND SPIRITUAL TREND OF HIS LIFE, AND WHO AT THE RIPE AGE OF EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS STILL LIVES "MY MOTHER " THIS LITTLE BOOK IS DEDICATED Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/jepthasdaughterdOOcrom PREFACE No portion of the Old Testament scrip- tures has had more charms for the author than this little story in which Jeptha's daughter is the heroine. The dramatic form in which it appears is intended to make it more real and impressive. It also suggests possibilities for presenting on the stage, fur- nishing ample scope for the very best talent. Since the moving picture shows have monop- olized the melodramatic, with its sensational and agonizing situations of romance and ad- venture, there would seem to be place for plays of the higher moral and spiritual order found in this work. But the book is sent forth for the use and interest of the common reader, which it is hoped its form will the more easily secure. Especially should the young be inspired by the lofty sentiments and ideals embodied in the character of Jeptha's daughter. It is with the consciousness that its perusal must do good that it is sent forth with the prayer that the blessings of the God of Jeptha's daughter may attend all who may read it. CONTENTS Act One. — The Estrangement Act Two. — The Repentance Act Three. — The Vow . . . Act Four. — The Sacrifice Act Five. — The Year of Jubilee 13 26 43 58 85 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER DRAMATIS PERSONS Jeptha's Daughter Jeptha The Shepherd Captain Hazael and Soldiers Elders of Gilead Jeptha's Brethren King of Ammonites Ambassadors Ephraimite Virgins Messengers Priest Chorus JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Opening Chorus Curtain rises on full chorus and all parts O the land of Gilead, Land of promise from our God, Land of rivers, hills and dales, Land by generations trod, Come we now to sing of Thee— Verdant land beside the sea. Fertile vales of Ajalon, Bright with nature's golden crown. O the land of Gilead, Land of sorrow, land of war. Elah's vales are red with blood, Shed by foes from near and far, Burdened by long slavery, Gone is all our liberty, Hear, O God, our cry to Thee, Send some hand to set us free. ii 12 OPENING CHORUS Stricken land of Gilead, Rent by factions sore and deep, Threaten'd by internal strife; Thou, O God, Thy vigil keep, Heal the broken friendship's ties, Stay the tears of pleading eyes, Blight the seed of Amnion's hate, In Thy hands we yield our fate, Amen. Chorus Recedes, Second Curtain Drops, Leaving Characters for Act One on Stage ACT ONE The Estrangement scene first Characters: Jeptha's Daughter and the Young Captain (Jeptha's Daughter at well with pitcher filled with water. Young Captain comes with sheep. She veils face. Captain ap- proaches, saluting.) Captain. Thou daughter fair, of Gilead, I pray Thee, give me drink. Jeptha's Daughter. The wells our fathers dug Are deep, and thou hast nought with which to draw. (She lifts pitcher, he takes and drinks, sheep appear behind fence.) 13 14 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Thy flocks are thirsty, too, I'll give them drink. (She draws water. He prevents.) Captain. But stay thy hand, kind maid, I'll draw for thee. Jeptha's Daughter. But who art thou whom God has sent to show This token of good will? Captain. I'm captain of The royal guards who watch against the foe, And keep my father's flocks in times of peace. Jeptha's Daughter. That wast my father's bodyguard? Captain. Who is Thy father, child? Jeptha's Daughter. The judge of Gilead. ACT ONE 15 Captain. The chief, whose skill and spirit, bold, so long Defended us against our enemies? Jeptha's Daughter. Yea, even he, who, banish' d from his home, Now roams an exile in the land of Tob. Captain. The shame of Gilead, nor shall we gain _ Our liberties till he return to lead. Jeptha's Daughter. Thou speakest well, my lord, God speed the day When he shall be aveng'd of all his wrongs, — Captain. And when by his command our armies shall Be sent against the foe, and Gilead Again be free. Jeptha's Daughter. May God, Jehovah, grant It true, that I my father soon shall see. 1 6 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Farewell, kind friend, farewell. May God thee keep. (She turns to go. Captain restrains her and offers her token of his love.) Captain. Fair daughter, thou of Israel's seed, accept This humble gift, — the token of my love. (He puts bracelet on her arm. Kisses her hand.) The lustre of thine eye hath pierced my heart, And open'd up the fountains of my soul. (She bows and turns to go.) Fair maid, thou gift of God, fare- well, farewell. SECOND SCENE (Land of Tob. Hazael, King of Damas- cus. Jeptha, Judge of Gilead. Hazael' s Band) Hazael. Ah, by the beard of Moloch, Judah land ACT ONE 17 Is glorious. On mountain peaks the oaks Majestic stand, and verdant fields, all fleck' d With bleating flocks and lowing herds, do make Of Bashan such a land that Israel's seers By right were mov'd by inspiration giv'n. Jeptha. It is the land of promise, which our God Jehovah gave His bondage seed for home And worship true. Hazael. The gift is worthy of A god. For age on age has past and gone, And nations, too, — in pageant grand (all bright With glory, each its own), in turn have fjll'd These fertile plains with cities, — built by art Divine, upon the banks of silv'ry streams, — 1 8 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER And pass'd away, like moving shad- ows, to Oblivion. All, all has chang'd, ex- cept Those tow'ring oaks, — the pride of Bashan's hills. Jeptha. Ah yes, Hazael, sparkling Jabbok, like A jewell'd necklace, set with rarest gems, Adorns the bosom of these fertile plains. But only as a phantom does it rise Before my eyes, creating little else Than admiration. For, my heart, so sick For Gilead, remains untouch'd by all This loveliness. Hazael. I hope that Jeptha's heart Is not so wed to native land that it Is blind to all the beauty God has giv'n > To this His chosen clime. But tell what charms In Gilead, my lord, that you so cling To it. Your kindred, you have said, have thrust ACT ONE 19 You from your father's house, and you have turn'd Your back on Gilead, to seek a home Congenial to your finer sense. Jeptha. My poor Old father yet remains, and loves me still, I'm sure, in spite of all. Sometimes my heart Reproaches me for leaving him among Unruly sons. His lot my heart would share. Hazael. Faint hearts condemn themselves. Think not of him, My Jeptha, for he dealt with you in such Unkindness, — standing by with no concern, While you, his son, were robb'd by foulest plot Of all your patrimony's share, by those Who spent it all in rioting, and did Not lift his hand in your defense. And you 20 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER So fam'd for worth and ev'ry manly grace ! Jeptha. He's old and powerless, Hazael, and I Am not his lawful son, but child of her His fav'rite concubine. With her I shar'd His love, e'en when he took a wife and was Again a sire. But soon his wife look'd on My mother and her son with envious eyes. She taught her sons to hate, who sought by arts Of all device to wean my father from His love for me, and drive me from his house. (Covers his face in grief.) I did not ask their love, and did not know What sorrow was until my mother died, And then I suffer'd double hate from all. (Again covers his head in grief-) By manly sports, and in defense against ACT ONE 21 Our enemies, I sought to gain their love. But fame acquired thus inereas'd their hate Until they caus'd my father, invalid, To rob me of my heritage, and drive Me from his door. And yet I love him still. Hazael. For shame, dear Jeptha, had you not some friend To plead your cause? Jeptha. Nay, none of ample pow'r To break the phalanx strong of those who stood The closest in my father's confidence. Hazael. Had I been you, I'd call'd the elders of The town and forc'd your brethren to give up Your share in the estate. Jeptha. And that is what I did, and which affects me most, for they 22 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Refus'd and wrought the deeper in- jury. Though faithful I to them in keep- ing off Invading tribes, and raising high the fame Of Gilead, they would not grant my rights. Hazael. And think you not that they were purchas'd by Your father's gold? Jeptha. From father so infirm, And brothers envious I little hop'd, But from my country I did not expect Such base ingratitude. So deeply did I feel this shaft of enmity, I shook The dust from off my feet against them all, And left them, vowing never to re- turn. Hazael. A brave resolve, my noble Jeptha; come And think no more of such false friends, and turn To those who now with open arms do wait ACT ONE 23 To welcome you. But trust yourself to my Advice, and, by old Baal, the coun- trymen Of Gilead shall rue the day they drove You from their land. Jeptha. Be gentle, kind Haza'l, It breaks my heart to hear you an- swer thus. Before I join your band, I must exact Agreement that I ne'er be ask'd to slay My countrymen. Against the wily foes Of Canaanites and Ammonites I'll go With all my strength, but not the people of My native land. Altho' they've sorely hurt And injur'd me, I'll never lift my arm To do them harm. I'm yours, if you accept Me thus. I cannot turn against my own. 24 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Hazael. Your wishes I shall surely heed. We are Too proud to have the noble Jeptha in Our ranks to fail in anything he may Demand. But follow me, kind sir, our friends Are waiting in the cave below the hill, And you shall find a welcome suited to Your worth, and scope for all your bravery. {Jeptha shudders at the thought of joining an alien hand, and hesi- tates. ) I read your inner strife. But we are not A horde of bandits, bent on robbery. Like you, we're men of rank who've felt rebuff From this cold world and have with- drawn to pass Our time in deeds of arms and rev- elry. For I'm related to the princess proud Of Napthali, and am reluctant as Yourself to sully my good name by deeds Of rapine and of violence. Come on, ACT ONE 25 My Jeptha, friend, to our retreat, and learn The fellowship of royal noblemen. {They reach the cave and are re- ceived with shouts.) Soldiers (Hazael's Band). Huzza, huzza, our king and Jeptha, judge Of Gilead! Huzza! Let all the gods Of Ashteroth rejoice. Huzza, huzza. Hazael. Now enter, lordly Jeptha, and enjoy The true abode of happiness. Forget Th' ungrateful land you left behind and let Your soul find peace and joy among our band Of ardent patriots. Huzza ! huzza ! (All join in huzzas as curtain falls.) ACT TWO The Repentance {Characters: Hazael, Jeptha, Elders, — Jeptha's Brethren.) {They prepare a feast. Jeptha looks sadly out of the cave. Hazael notices it.) Hazael. What thinkest thou of thy new friends and their Attempt to welcome thee? Their friendship's true. {Jeptha only looks sad. No an- swer.) Art tir'd so soon of banqueting? The lord Of Canaan was an expert judge of wine. His season'd wares are good as Hel- bon's brand. {Pauses. Jeptha still downcast. Hazael continues pouring wine.) 26 ACT TWO 27 Why thus so sad, my captain brave? Dost think Of Gilead? and pine for those best known For treachery? Your gloom is worthy of A nobler cause than unrequited love. Jeptha. Hazael, all the years I've spent in true Devotion to my native land arise Before my mind and dull my sense of due Appreciation, and I think of home. Hazael. Thou hast no home ! Exoatriated by The envy of unworthy kin, and those Who rivall'd thee for honors on the field, Thou wert an exile in a foreign land. Jeptha. 'Tis true, but still the blood of loyalty Cannot so quickly cool. My heart still warms For those with whom my youthful days were spent. 28 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Hazael. No obligation known to human code Can hold against the deeds of traitor hands. Jeptha. And thus I've tried to wean my heart away From childhood's bonds. But some- thing deep within Reproaches me for haste in breaking off A life-long fellowship, refusing to Defend my native land against the sword Of heartless enemies. I would re- turn And lead my people out against the foe. (Hazael sets down the cup out of which he had been pouring wine, and frowns at Jeptha.) Hazael. Ingratitude, it seems, is common trait In Gilead. When robb'd and driven from Thy childhood home, I took thee with the heart And ardor of a friend, and gave thee place ACT TWO 29 Of confidence, in captaincy of all My troops, and thou without return hast spurn'd It all. Hast thou at all considered this? Jeptha. Do not so hotly speak to one so sad. I've not resolv'd to go. My con- science, soft, Has kept reproaching me. It whis- pers in My heart the truth long learn'd, — For evil, good To give. And should I listen to its voice, I know that God would give me vic- tory Against the foes who dare to waste our land. Hazael. Believe me, Jeptha, no such jeopardy Confronts your native land. Your kindred have Devis'd a plot to lure you to their camp To take your life. Their coward souls, afire With hate, lose all repose while Jeptha lives. 30 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Jeptha. It may be so. A tender conscience oft May play one false and lead where judgment would Refuse to go. I'll banish these re- grets, Renew my vows of loyalty to thee, My friend, and try to compensate for all The kindness lavish'd on my humble self. {Jeptha looks out and speaks ex- citedly.) Behold, Haza'l, what kind of men are those Who come through yonder plain? (Hazael turns and looks.) Hazael. A company Is heading tow'rd the tower, — they've pass'd the lake. (Pauses, — both looking.) And now they near the summit of the hill. (Jeptha recognizes, turns sadly, covers with mantle.) Hazael. I now can see. The rulers come from out ACT TWO 31 Of Gilead, bedeck'd in purple robes ! What brings them here? Their city must be set Upon by enemies. {Turning to Jeptha.) They're seeking aid From thee they so despis'd! What quick remorse ! {Jeptha assumes form of pray'r.) Jeptha. O God, my fathers, and my native land! {Both look again.) Hazael. But see, the elders, too, in camel train And stately equipage, do follow them ! Some pending doom must threaten Gilead To drive these men, so frail with age, from home On such a dang'rous task. Does Jeptha see? {Jeptha now recognizes his wicked brethren.) Jeptha. They are my wicked brethren, come to call Me back to lead their troops. The Dastard Souls ! ! 32 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER How dare they face the man on whom they dealt Such injury? Perfidious treachery ! ! (Jeptha proudly stands with Hazael. Company approaches, saluting. Elder speaks.) Elder. My noble Jeptha, since you heeded not Our messengers, we've come ourselves to seek Your aid against the Ammonites, who press Us sore, and dare to take our land and make Us slaves. These elders of your city, here, And these, your father's sons, have ventur'd all This pilgrimage to gain your royal aid. Jeptha. For men of such ripe years, your minds have chang'd With sudden haste. How short the time since ye Did drive me from your doors, and now ye come To win me back! My heart resents your plea. ACT TWO 33 Elder. Our need indeed is great, and though we were Too proud to follow Jeptha then, our God Has scourg'd us sore, and made us penitent. Jeptha. It was my pleasure, once, and highest joy To serve you all, defending native land. But you were jealous of my pow'r, and drove Me hence, and now in your distress you pray Me to return. Such motive I dis- dain. Elder. But see our need. Do not our suit deny. Reject us not. Our armies call you to Their head in full command. No man in all Our ranks can lead them to success. Your name, Resounding at our walls, would rally all, 34 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER And terror strike to all our foes, and make Old Gilead free. Such honor comes to few. Jeptha. Of this you should have thought be- fore, but now, — {Jeptha turns from them with re- fusing gesture.) Elder. Turn not away. Wouldst thou be- hold thy home Laid waste by enemies, thy country- men Made slaves, and lovely Gil'ad be no more? {Jeptha, in much anger.) Jeptha. What home, what countrymen and kin have I? {Brothers advance, offering sword and gold.) Elder. Behold thy brethren here, repentant deep For all their wrongs, who yield their gold, — their all, And offer thee their sword, insignia Of pow'r! Thy frozen heart must surely melt. ACT TWO 35 {Jeptha turns away, motioning them back.) Jeptha. Nay, nay, do not allow them here, — these men Who sought my life, disowning me, and robb'd Me of my heritage. I cannot see Their face. Humiliation and re- proach And perfidy for years, would bar my heart Against their plea. Let them at once be gone. {Silence. Young men hesitate. Jep- tha assumes attitude of pray'r. Young men turn pleadingly.) And yet as worshipper of God, the Just, Who taught me to forgive, I hesitate. ( Young men advance, bow to wel- come Jeptha.) I would not add the greater crime of death And bondage to my countrymen. Two wrongs Do not make right. I cannot square accounts By doing greater wrong. My heart relents. 36 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER (Young men renew offer of gold.) But not your gold, nor sword have chang'd my mind. I honor God, who rules my heart, and put This kindness there, and taught me to forgive. (Jeptha hesitates, then speaks.) Young men, return, I now forgive. Ye are My father's sons. But stay not here if ye Wish Gil'ad well. Withdraw to yon- der cave Among my friends, and, too, be on your guard. (Jeptha waves them away.) Elder. You do not mean our friendship to betray? We thought your heart of nobler cast than thus To harbor base revenge, appearing to Be kind. You then reject our plea, and send Us to be slaves as our reward for all Our penitence and deep humility? ACT TWO 37 Jeptha. My heart divides between myself and thee. (Hazael frowns at Jeptha.) Elder. If home and native land, and father bow'd With years, do not affect, perhaps thou wilt Remember her, thy daughter, fair and young, And come to our relief that she may live? Jeptha. Dear child! My heart has been so flooded with Unusual care, that I'd forgotten her. {Yields to grief.) My fathers, do not charge me with revenge. My only wish has been to honor God. Forgive me that I've griev'd you thus. But you Know not the suffering my exile cost. {Hesitates.) I'll go to rescue her, my sweet young child. {Hazael steps between them, frowning, and speaks.) 38 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Hazael. My friends, your time is wasted in vain words. All ties between the noble Jeptha and Yourselves are broken off by your own deeds Alone. Ye sent him, empty-handed, — yea, And broken-hearted from your walls. I took Him in, and fed and clotlh'd and cheer'd him in His lonely time of need. He cannot thus So lightly treat his new found friend, for you. {Hazael turns toward Jeptha, ex- pecting him to speak. Hazael continues.) Yea more, I brought him here that he might reap Such fame and riches, as he well deserves, From off the land of enemies, and think Ye not that he is lost to honor in Such low degree, that he'll abandon me, His trusted friend, to be devour'd by those ACT TWO 39 Wild Canaanites; or what is worse, to be Betray'd, at last, by those disowning him, Who thought to end his life by ban- ishment. (Hazael turns and appeals to Jeptha.) Come, Jeptha, speak! ye cannot well betray Nor leave a friend, to you, so tried and true ? Jeptha. 'Tis true as he has said. When I was driv'n From home, to beg, and 'lone to roam in lands Unknown, he shelter'd me, and sav'd my life. I honor him, — ye must return alone. {Elders prostrate themselves.) Elder. Nay, nay, good Jeptha, heed our earnest pray'r And save thy fatherland, and save thy child. Do not refuse our plea. Thy country calls. (Jeptha meditates, faces Elders.) 40 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Jeptha. Arise, my lords, I cannot bear the sight Of these old men, of whom, since childhood, I Have thought as gods, upon their knees, their robes Begrim'd in dust, their beards all wet with tears, — Their trembling hands uplift in pray'r to me As god, and asking aid. My heart relents. {Jeptha stoops to lift them up.) Come now, my lords, arise, dishonor not Yourselves to kneel to me. I'll go ! I'm yours. Receive me as your son, and I will go With you to death to save my native land! {Elders embrace Jeptha. Turning to Hazael Jeptha says.) Farewell, Hazael, I cannot longer stay. Hazael. Thou base ingrate, and willing tool, Farewell. ACT TWO 41 Jeptha. Speak not such words, thou son of Naphtali. For known thou art, as bandit now, in spite Of thy disguise. What dost thou here, when wai- ls wag'd 'gainst Israel? And thou the son Of the great house of Issachar ! And ye {Turning to Hazael's men.) The noble youth of chosen seed, I beg You follow me, before it be too late To save our fatherland from cruel war. I show an honor'd way in which your steps You may retrace, — retrieve your for- tunes gone, And goodly name, and worthy be to join Your lofty race. We promise you high place In war, — our patronage, — protection too. (Young men talk excitedly-) Yea, come, and let us war no more against 42 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Our God, and Gilead. And thou, Haza'l, Give up thy bandit life, and join with these In righteous war, to save God's chosen seed. (Hazael has gradually changed expression, from frowning to favor.) Hazael. It seems that God Himself doth speak. I've oft Deplor'd my hapless life, and felt a deep Remorse in turning from the law of God And joining hands with lawless hordes to vex God's chosen seed. The way seems plain. I go With these who give their lives to save God's own. {One of Hazael' s men speaks.) Soldier. We join thee, noble sire. We too repent. ACT THREE The Vow (Scene, Mizpah. Chorus Behind Second Curtain. Captain and Jeptha's Daughter, Elder and Jeptha) (Captain Same as Shepherd in First Act) scene first Captain. The gods have turn'd from Gilead. The clouds Of war have frighten'd all to arms. The flocks Are left to roam at will. Deserted are The fields. 'Tis vintage time, but none are found To press the grapes. To flee, or face the foe, Has fill'd the minds of all. Impend- ing doom Has come o'er all the land. Our armies too, 43 44 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Without a head, will fall an easy prey. Jeptha's Daughter. Say not "the gods," kind sir. Jehovah reigns O'er all. He shall our armies lead. Besides The elders and my father's kin have gone To call him home, that he may have command Against the foe. Captain. Thy father to return! Can he forgive, and trust himself to those Whose envy drove him hence? Were he to come, 'Twould fill all hearts with hope. For such display Of loyal zeal as his return would shame Us all to make a living sacrifice. Jeptha's Daughter. My father's heart beats true with loyalty To God and Gilead. He'll ne'er for- sake ACT THREE 45 His own, — his home, — his God, — his child, — his all. Captain. I read the virtues of thine honored sire In noble lines upon thy charming face, Reflected by a common love for God And home and right. (She veils her face.) Jeptha's Daughter. Unworthy I of such High praise. A simple child of God, I would His will be done. My father taught me so. Captain. From childhood have I nurtur'd sacred thoughts Of thee, and know of thy true life. But not Until I met thee with my sheep had I The chance to tell thee of my love. Dost thou Remember when I saw thee first? and gave Thee token of the same? I would increase 46 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER The meaning many fold, — I love thee still. (Noise, blowing of trumpets. Cheering. Elders, etc., approach with Jeptha. Jeptha' s Daughter turns to the Captain in fear, and they go to opposite side of stage. The curtain rises on the full chorus and they begin to sing. As Jeptha approaches his daughter runs and throws her arms around his neck. They go to center of stage.) WELCOME CHORUS King of Gilead, Hail all Hail, Let the loudest shouts prevail. Welcome to your native land. May your name forever stand Proud among the sons of God In the land your fathers trod. Welcome, Jeptha, welcome. Foes await your trusted steel, — Threaten now your country's weal. Prove again your valor brave And your land and country save. Strike against the rising foe, ACT THREE 47 Deal a mighty, deadly blow. Welcome, Jeptha, welcome. Honor waits the hero bold Keeping us from bondage sold, Making all our country free, Granting all their liberty. God will give you victory, — God will set old Gilead free. Welcome, Jeptha, welcome. {An elder approaches and speaks.) Elder. All hail our royal chief. Enter the tent Of captain of our host, and may the God Of Israel give victory against The Ammonites, and save our land. All Hail. {Jeptha pauses at the tent door. Turning toward them, speaks.) Jeptha. Ye elders, men of Gilead, I thank You for your welcome true. No patriot Could longer steel his heart against your plea. Though driven from your midst in cruelty, 48 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER My home-sick heart forgets the past and brings Me back to serve you in your time of need. When home and native land in peril lie, Then wrongs must be o'erlook'd, and all must vie To show their loyalty. Besides, re- venge But kills the finer sense of man's true self, And spoils the image made of God. The post Of captain o'er your troops you've promis'd me. But how know I, when I return from war, That I shall not be treated as be- fore? — Thrust out and banish'd from my home and friends Again? Ere I consent to lead in war To battle for our cause, ye must agree To these two things, — that while I rule in war I must be ruler, too, in peace. If now Ye make me judge of Gilead, I'll take ACT THREE 49 Command of all your troops; if not, I must Return to make my home in alien lands. Elder. Such sense of justice do you show that we Most willingly agree to all that you Demand. For all we know of Jep- tha's skill And his superior pow'r o'er all the men Of Gilead, we'll gladly make thee judge, And do our utmost to repair our wrong. Jeptha. Then let an altar be upbuilt that will Commemorate your vow, that peo- ple all O'er Gilead may witness our compact, And by its silent presence here con- firm Your pledge, and me, in both these offices. Elder. An altar shall be built within the midst 5 o JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Of Mizpah's gates, memorial of this day, And there before assembled armies drawn In dress array, and 'fore the Lord our God, We will install thee judge and captain o'er All Gilead, — at home and in the field. All. We will, amen, so let it be, we will. (Jeptha assumes attitude of prayer.) Jeptha. The Lord our witness be to this pro- found And sacred rite according to thy words. (Priest steps forward with out- stretched hands and prays.) Priest. O God, thy blessing now we crave upon Our chosen Head. Grant wisdom, pow'r and skill From out thy dwelling-place, that all our foes May be o'erthrown, and Gilead be sav'd. ACT THREE 51 Jeptha. With God and people on our side we shall Prevail. We'll not await attack, but move At once against the Ammonites. (Addressing the young Captain.) Command "Attention," and prepare the ranks to meet Me at the sharp defile, — the gorge between Yon mountain peaks, where now I see the spears And glitt'ring chariots and banners of The enemy. Prepare for march at once. (Great stir among the soldiers.) But first, choose men of rank, am- bassadors, To go and counsel with our foes, — learn their Demands, and what their grievance be, for we Must war as civil men, as God has taught. 52 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER SCENE TWO {In Amnion's Camp.) {Ambassadors and King Ammon.) Ambassadors. O king, the captain Jeptha, ruler of Our land, to thee, the king of Am- nion's sons, A message sends, and asks why thou hast come To fight against his land. What evil has He done? — what inj'ry wrought? He will repay If still within his pow'r. For he does not Desire to stain his hands with blood, if terms Of honor may be nam'd by thee for peace. King. Go tell your leader that we come to claim Those lands that Isra'l took by force when out Of Egypt's land they came, — without due right. ACT THREE 53 Ambassadors. What lands, my lord O king, would you reclaim? King. The richest part of my inheritance Was wrested from our kings by force, — the tract Three rivers bound, — the silv'ry Jab- bok and Sweet Arnon, and the muddy Jordan stream. Restore these lands and peaceably I'll go. If ye refuse, they shall be mine by force. Ambassadors. Thus saith great Jeptha, O thou king, — These lands Our people did not take from thee, but from King Sihon, — he who rul'd the Amo- rites. A passage he denied when Israel Came out of Egypt's slavery. The king Of Edom, and of Moab, too, would not Allow God's chosen ones to cross their land. 54 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER We then were forc'd to march around, which caus'd Us sore delay. And when we reach'd the banks Of Arnon, when again we would cut short Our course, again we were denied. They sent Their armies out to drive us hence. We gave Them fight, determin'd in our course, and God Was pleas'd to give to Isra'l owner- ship. King. I do not recognize your claims on such A plea, and will at once resort to arms. Ambassadors. Wouldst thou then take from us the land receiv'd From God as spoils of war? Take what thy god, Chemosh, hath given thee. The for- mer king, Zippor, did never try to gain these lands. King. ACT THREE $5 Three hundred years God's people, Israel, Possession held, and ye do wrong to claim Them now, and force your claim by war. The Lord Jehovah judge between thy claims and ours. Then let your God go forth to war, fori Refuse to yield your claim. The right shall win. SCENE THREE (In Mizpah. Ambassadors and Jeptha and Captain) Ambassadors. My lord, we did as thou didst say. The king Of Ammon will not yield, and we must turn To war that God, our Guide, may prove our cause. Jeptha. Command the chariots to make haste, and all The camels, horse and elephants bring forth. 56 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER We'll swallow up the ground with fiercest rage, And with the quiver, spear and sword assail With all our might, and lay proud Ammon low. (Great stir among the soldiers. Jeptha turns aside to pray.) Jehovah, God, if Thou wilt give us help, And victory, this solemn vow I'll make, — Whate'er shall first come forth to meet us, from My house, when we return, I'll give to Thee In holy sacrifice, — my offering. ( The soldiers are in line. Bow for pray'r.) Priest. Thou God of battles, hear our cry. To war Our armies go. Attend them all in camp And field, and may the right prevail, that Thou May'st have a name in Israel, thine own ACT THREE 57 Peculiar race, that all the world may know That Thou alone art God, our great High Priest. (Curtain) ACT FOUR THE SACRIFICE (J eptha Returns from Victory. The Chorus Welcomes} Characters: J eptha, J eptha' s Daughter, Elders, Captain Hail to our victor, Jeptha, With blood and splendor crown'd Returning from the battle, Let praise to thee resound. Blow loud the clarion trumpet, Behold our loyal chief. He lifts his crest in triumph, And breathes a sweet relief. Hail to our victor, Jeptha, Who trod old Ammon down. Swing wide the gates of Mizpah, Proclaim his glad renown. Lead on thy conquering armies Who trod the field of blood, 58 ACT FOUR 59 And let them share our welcome, Sav'd from the battle's flood. Hail to our victor, Jeptha. Our altars now we'll build To God, the great Jehovah, His temples will be fill'd. We'll break our heathen idols, And his dear name restore, For he hath crown'd our armies. We'll praise him evermore. Amen. {During the singing the company looks tow'rd Jeptha and the soldiers. Jeptha' s daughter leads as they advance. The Captain is in the lead of the procession. As he approaches he recognizes her and bows, and she returns the salute. On coming to a stop he draws near her side, and tak- ing her hand kisses it. They have a few words whisper' d con- versation, when an elder breaks the silence. It must also be manifest that Jep- tha has seen and recogniz'd his daughter. During the singing of this song 60 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER there is splendid opportunity to introduce fancy drills, which may he prolonged as a part of Jeptha' s welcome.) Elder. Hail, citizens of Gilead! Behold Our hero comes, the victor over all Our enemies, and Gilead is sav'd!!! (Jeptha hangs his head.) Behold him in his car of gold, and by His side his steel clad warriors. His robe Of blue, embroider'd rich with gold, and bound By girdle broad of golden mail. His sword Is hung by silver chains, and on his feet Are shoes of brass. A scarlet man- tle from His shoulders falls, and 'round his head a band Of steel, adorn'd by golden horn, All hail. (Jeptha seems sad.) Jeptha. I'm dazed by all this welcome giv'n. Tis God Who gave us victory. To Him our praise ACT FOUR 6 1 Belongs. Our enemies are over- thrown. (Bows in sadness.) (His daughter and the Captain ap- proach.) But now my heart is bow'd with grief, fori Did vow, in victory, I'd give to God In sacrifice, the first that came forth from My door. And as I saw this youth- ful train, My daughter led them all, — my only child. (Covers head with grief. Uncov- ers and speaks. His daughter draws a little nearer. The Cap- tain accompanies.) God, My Lord, Thou know'st my vow. Was it Thy will that caused my daughter first to come? To greet my safe return? She was the first 1 saw, and hence must be my sacrifice. (He hows his head. His daugh- ter goes to him. He lifts his head and speaks, as she slowly approaches.) 62 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Behold my child, who holds the tim- brel high O'erhead, — attir'd in robe of divers hues, In feather-work, and silk of many dyes, — A wreath of roses 'round her head, her feet In scarlet sandals shod, and face aglow With smiles in honor of my victory. Poor child, she knows not of her pending doom. {He yields to grief. She does not understand and tries to comfort him.) Daughter. My father! Gladly do I welcome thee. What honors thou hast won ! ! May God be prais'd! Jeptha. Alas, my daughter, dear, how little dost Thou know the sadness of this hour, — alas. Daughter. Dear father, why dost thou so grieve? Behold The daughters fair of Gilead, all clad ACT FOUR 63 In white, with chaplet wreaths, and silver bells Upon their ankles, who in mazy whirl Of joy surround you here, to render you Due praise for honors won on battle- field, By which our country now is free and sav'd. Captain. Most valiant judge, the vict'ry of this hour Enrolls you 'mong the great of earth. Rejoice. Jeptha. Thou meanest well, kind sir, but knowest not. My daughter, dear, has brought me low, e'en to The dust of ashes. — God forgive, — My child, Forgive. I cannot bear the thought. Would God I had not made the vow to sacrifice. Daughter. What vow, O father, didst thou make to turn This hour of great rejoicing into gloom? 64 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Teptha. . • , 'Tis true our land is free, but, oh, at what A priceless cost 1 May God now give me strength. Daughter. , Unburden all your heart. You ve sav'd our land. The people all will come to your re- lief. Captain. All Gilead is at your feet, and waits Command for aught thy heart de- sires. But speak. Tfptha My heart, already fill'd with grati- tude, Could ask no more. The people have repaid. No help can come. I'm born to sor- row's lot. From childhood until now I've borne a load . . Of grief. But only now my fainting soul a o Has fail'd to serve my need. U God! my grief! Daughter. , But speak, dear father, and thy word shall be ACT FOUR 65 As law to all thy countrymen, — and me. Jeptha. The words would choke my speech, and none can help. Daughter. Our lives are in thy hands, we'll suc- cor thee ! Jeptha. Your words fulfil my vow's demand, dear child. {Jeptha weeps silently.) Thy heart, so brave, relieves the load I feel In telling thee the cause of my com- plaint. {Jeptha again weeps.) Before I went to war, I made a vow To God, that if He gave me victory I'd sacrifice the first that came to greet Me from my door, and thou, dear child, wert first. {Jeptha yields to grief.) Daughter. My father, dear, if thou hast spoken to Thy God in solemn vow, do unto me As thou didst pledge. 66 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER (She puts much feeling into her speech.) Our God hath done His part, And made thee conqueror o'er all thy foes, And set our country free. The Am- monites Have fallen by thy sword, and if our God . Hath chosen me the price of vic- tory, His will be done. (With much emotion.) I freely yield mylife. In such a death there is no bitter- ness. (Jeptha almost collapses. Elders rush to support him. They help him from his car. He throws himself on the floor in grief. His daughter goes to speak to him. Then she speaks.) Dear father, rise, be comforted. We have But one lone life to live. Those live it best Who give the most to God. He gave us all, And soon, at best, we all must yield to death. ACT FOUR 67 What matters whether few or more the days We spend in weary pilgrimage? Our lives Are measur'd, not by years, but by our deeds. And if my life must be the price of peace And happiness for Gilead, I count It honor far beyond desert to yield. (She falls on the floor beside her father. Elders have been whispering ex- citedly.) Elder No. i. What measure best to be pursu'd in this So sad emergency? This sorrow palls Our hearts, and robs our victory of all Its joy. For Jeptha now to offer up His precious child to God in sacrifice, Is worthy only of idolatry. Our God does not require such rec- ompense. It is a crime, detestable to us, Impossible. We must not yield to rites 68 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Of heathen origin. We must protest. Elder No. 2. And yet he made a solemn vow to God, And this may be the silent cause of his Great victory. How can he now re- fuse To do his part? What evils might not God Inflict on him and us, if he refuse? Elder No. i. We find ourselves in deep perplexity. No time before in all our history Has Gilead been rous'd to such a pitch Of joy. So many years have we been sack'd And pillag'd by our enemies, that now, Since Jeptha has deliver'd us, o'er all Our land the people now are wild with glee. We dare not plunge them into grief so soon. Besides, brave Jeptha should not suf- fer thus. He's mingled with strange gods. His vow can have ACT FOUR 69 No place in Moses' law. Nor should his child Be slaughter'd like a lamb in inno- cence. Elder No. 3. Then let us take our case before the priests Of Shiloh, at the tabernacles' shrine, And seek advice from those who know the law, — The import of a vow, — who will re- ply. Elder No. i. To this let all agree, and send at once A council of our own to make our plea. {While the elders get ready to go the chorus sings. The Captain and Jeptha's daughter whisper.) O daughter fair of Gilead Thy sisters weep for thee. Our nation mourns thy sore distress And pleads to God for help. O elders press your solemn plea Upon the holy priests, That they may learn from God a way To overcome our grief. 7 o JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER We trust in God, who by His will May give us some relief, That Jeptha and his daughter too May live to share our peace. (Curtain.) SCENE TWO. Characters: Elders, Priest, Captain, Jeptha, Jeptha 's daughter, Virgins, Chorus. (Elders return. All on platform as before. Messengers rush on stage with message from the priests-) Elder No. i. O Jeptha, hear the answer of the great High priest of Israel. Our messen- gers Have come with gladsome news for you and all. Thy daughter lives ! (Applause which elder restrains.) Thy vow was made unlike A worshipper of the true God. For such ACT FOUR 71 A vow does He abominate. Our law- Forbids her death. {Another attempt to applaud.) She may be purchased for A price. Ten shekels do the priests demand. This sum, and more, we're ready to allow. {About to rejoice when another messenger rushes on the stage, speaking.) Priest's Messenger. In greatest haste I come from our High Priest. He says that he has found another law, In which, 'tis said, "That which is giv'n to God In solemn vow, remains forever His." {All manifest great interest.) So Jeptha's child to Shiloh must be sent To serve within the holy place through all Her life, preserving her virginity. Shut in from all the world, no more to man Does she belong. She's holy to the Lord. 72 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER (Some would applaud. The Cap- tain weeps. The father still is sad.) Jeptha. My countrymen, you seem to be re- lieved By this decree. To me, my daugh- ter's lost As if by death, forever lost. And worse, She's doom'd to serve in loneliness, and be Depriv'd of ev'ry Jewish woman's hope Of being mother of Messiah, King. The comfort of my waning years is gone. Captain. Alas that her fair life must thus be doom'd. Jeptha. Yea, she, my precious child, had wrought upon Her soul, by consecration all sincere, And deepest love for me, to give her life A sacrifice to God, for peace to home And native land, in honor of my vow, ACT FOUR 73 For heavVs reward, — a crown of light and life. (Mourns.) But now her lonely life, secluded from The world, will bring to her young heart a chill As from the tomb. 'Twill be a living death. Daughter. Dear father, cheer thee now, I'm sav'd from death. My life, devoted to our God, and for My country's sake, must be a happy one. For God will not excessively afflict His child with self-denial so extreme. And for your own dear sake, I freely yield. Jeptha. My child, what noble spirit fills thy breast! Daughter. In doing this, I do no more than you And all my countrymen have done, who took Their lives in hand, and went forth into war. Record my name with those who died upon 74 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER The field, and value more your lib- erty. (Jeptha embraces her. Then she turns from him.) Captain. My life has been preserv'd in war, but now I give the greater price, — my heart's true love. Daughter. The love we owe our God surpasses all. Captain. 'Tis true, but human love does not conflict With love divine. The holy order of God's laws provides for both. His will be done. Daughter. Yea, noble captain, oft the times I'll think Of thee. What yet may be, God only knows. Jeptha. Would God that He would give me back my child. Daughter. Dear father, do not give thyself to grief. Remember, thou hast many duties to ACT FOUR 75 Perform, and honors high will crown thy life. And thou hast learn'd TO worship God ! the true Jehovah, who did save His chosen seed, That from their loins, Messiah, King, should come — Redeemer of the world from all its sin. Jeptha. These greater gifts do not obscure my loss. Daughter. Thou would' st have given me a sac- rifice As Balak, who did plan to burn his son, — Revolting off'ring, — to his heathen god Chemosh. By superstition thou wert bound, And thought a slave might greet thy glad return. But in my childish glee, so proud was I To see such glory come to thee, I was The first to welcome thee. And thus did God 76 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Reprove, and teach thee of thy wrong. And now I live, and more, for thou hast learn'd to know The true and mighty God of Israel. Jeptha. No lesson ever learn'd at dearer price. Daughter. But thou art judge of Gilead! The cause Of Israel hath greatly wan'd, and thou Art in a place to save our heritage. Unless thou dost, then God must raise instead Some Samson, strong, or else our cause is lost. The enemies without are overcome, The enemies within must be subdu'd, That Gilead may take her rightful place. Jeptha. The sorrow of my heart destroys my pride And lays ambition low. My spirit fails. I've wrought on battle-field and gain'd the day, ACT FOUR 77 But to return to die with broken heart. Daughter. A glory all thine own now crowns thy brow, Won on the gory battle-field, and now In peace still greater honor soon will come To thee. Thou wilt at last forget the pain And anguish of this hour. Thy soul wilt find Sweet joy in serving God and na- tive land. Thy name wilt stand among the hon- or'd ones Of Israel in Immortality. {Jeptha drazvs his daughter close to him in grief.) Jeptha. Dear child, how can I part with thee? Thy life Grows dearer, since redeem'd by priest's decree. Thy filial love, and faith sublime, twice shown In acts of such heroic grace, hath bound 78 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Thy heart unto my inmost soul with bonds Ten thousand fold increased. And now when freed From death, thou go'st to life impris- onment ! Captain. Thou are a miracle of grace, and faith, And love, divine, — and sweet sim- plicity. My heart bleeds sore for loss of thee, and yet I bow before thy brave resolve in deep Humility. Thy sacrifice dost shame Us all. My love for thee shall fill my heart Until it beats no more. Dear heart, farewell. Daughter. Thy words have touch'd my heart. I counted well The cost in offering my sacrifice. {She turns to the elders.) Respected elders, humbly do I bow To our high priest's decree. It is a just And righteous law. I yield me to His will ACT FOUR 79 And, yielding, do the greater service to My God. But one request I make before I go, — that I may have some little time For preparation, — taking leave of friends And scenes so dear, — and to bewail my lot As virgin evermore; for thus I've lost All hope of being in the fam'ly tree That traces our Messiah's lineage. Elder No. i. Brave child, thou speakest as in- spir'd of God. We'll soothe the sadness of thy fa- ther's heart. And these young friends will go with thee upon Thy pilgrimage of sad adieu, to bid Farewell to friends and all that's dear to thee. {Virgin leads her about the stage.) Virgin. Dear friend, we feel the sadness of thy lot, And offer thee good cheer. Remem- ber us, 8o JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER And all these scenes of early youth, and we'll Remember thee. These mountains, vales, and streams Like silver threads, you'll oft recall, for all Their loveliness, when hous'd in your retreat. And on this day each year, we'll cele- brate. (Virgin leads her to her father.) Most honor' d judge, thy daughter we return That she may bid thee, last of all, farewell. Teptha. My child, I feign would match thy bravery. Complying with the priest's decree. (Solemn and strong, he speaks.) And now To thee, the fathers of our land, I yield My child. Within her veins, the noblest blood Of Israel runs red with deepest love For father, God, and native land. Before Her final act, I bow, as being more Than all the bloody heroism of war. ACT FOUR 8 1 To her I owe the honors I have won. For her sweet life is made the costly price By which I gain'd them all. My only child, Farewell, farewell, farewell. May God keep thee Beneath the shadow of His wing, and in The hollow of His hand. Farewell, farewell. (Elders lead her to the center of stage, chorus gathers about her, and sings following words adapted from an author un- known.) Maid of Gilead, fare thee well. Hear our mournful chorus swell. While among the valleys lone We for thee will truly mourn. Breezes of her natal sky Waft to her our pitying cry. Farewell, Jeptha's daughter. No mother watches o'er thy bed. No father blesses thy young head, Guarding thee, no brothers stand Nor gentle smiling sister band. 82 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Never may thou as a bride Grace a happy lover's side. Farewell, Jeptha's daughter. Lonely virgin, not for thee A parent's sweet anxiety, No olive buds around thee twine, No voices singing infant chime, And that bright hope is lost to thee, Head of Messiah's line to be. Farewell, Jeptha's daughter. Maid of Gilead, fare thee well. Yearly shall this shady dell, Mountain path and verdant plain Echo our lamenting strain. May our mournful chorus swelling, Reach thee in thy lonely dwelling. Farewell, Jeptha's daughter. Anon. NOTE BY AUTHOR In sending Jeptha's daughter to Shiloh we have been influenced by those who have thought that the sacrifice proposed by Jeptha was a rash act, and not in keeping with the teaching of the Scriptures. Jeptha may have meant it literally without taking into consid- eration the possible consequences. Hence his great grief and surprise when his own and only daughter became the subject of this sacrifice. Jeptha might not have thought that it might be any human being, much less his daughter. God may have permitted Jeptha's daugh- ter to have been the first object seen in or- der to teach him the true nature of a sacred vow, and how far his own mind had been influenced by his associations with heathen peoples. We have given this subject much study and find that the Talmudic scholars them- selves have been about evenly divided as to the fate of Jeptha's daughter. Sending her to Shiloh was a sacrifice with- in the legitimate meaning of the Scriptures 83 84 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER which do not confine the word to a literal ^ActFive is therefore an enlargement upon this idea and as we think a legitimate in- 6 The 6 play might stop with the fourth act. But some of our critics have thought the reader or, if played, the audience should not be left carrying the sad thought of her lite- long imprisonment. We have no disposition whatever to ques- tion the statement of t he , Scri P tl {. re . ^V"?; ply to interpret it in the larger light of the Scriptures themselves. ACT FIVE The Year of Jubilee Characters: Ephraimite, Jeptha, Elders, Captain, Messengers, Chorus (Jeptha on Stage Alone. An Ephraimite Comes Along) Jeptha. How sad the years, with all their weight of care. And, over all, the thought of my dear child Has rent my heart in twain. Had she but died The grief would not have been so sore. For she Must grieve for father, home, and friends. For though Resign'd to fate and service so sub- lime, Her heart, so young and full of youth's delights, 85 86 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Must sink below the grave. O God, relieve ! (Aroused from grief by Ephraimite) Ephraimite. I come to ask why thou didst go against The Ammonites alone, and call'd not us? Jeptha. The strife with Ammon was severe and when We call'd, ye did refuse, and held aloof. Ephraimite. Our share of victory do we demand, Since we increas'd the number of thy troops. Jeptha. But ye refused, and when we took our lives In hand against strong Ammon, God did give Him o'er to us, — thou seekest cause for war. Ephraimite. Ye Gileadites are fugitives from out Of Ephraim, and we'll compel our claim. ACT FIVE 87 Jeptha. Thy brethren went to Gideon once with such A claim as this, and he by words of smooth Conceit didst compromise. But I re- fuse. Ephraimite. We'll burn thy house above thy head and take Our spite against thy selfish victory. Jeptha. I see no hope of peace in compro- mise, And will not yield to purposes so base. If that low breed of Ephraimites would fight, I'll call all Gilead to arms, and slay Them root and branch. I will no more of thee. Ephraimite. I'll devastate thy lands and swallow up All Israel, and make thy people slaves. {Elders approach, inquiring about the conversation. Ephraimite withdraws. ) 88 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Elder. . . What evil brings this Ephraimite to vex Thy noble soul to such degree of rage? Jeptha. . . He'd share the spoils of victory, when not A man of all their treacherous tribe would come To our relief against unequal foes. Elder. .. He seeks a quar'l, and would assail our land So weaken'd now by long and con- stant war. Teptha. / , . , I'll go against this heathen dog with all t , The force of Gilead, and rid our land And Israel of this historic foe. Elder. . ^i ,1 The cause is just, as God would own, for they Would raze the altars built to wor- ship Him, And set up graven images of false And heathen gods,— of silver and of gold. ACT FIVE 89 Jeptha. They threaten to usurp the land God gave All Israel, and turn it o'er to hands Unclean with heathen sacrifice, and rob Us of our heritage. Elder. The Philistines Are on all sides, awaiting some at- tack, And "Ephraim has join'd his idols too." Our holy cause is in such jeopardy That some strong arm must strike at once, or God Our Lord will have no name in all the earth. Jeptha. Go, call the captain of our hosts, I'll give Command of such degree against this tribe Of fugitives that they will vex no more. {Elder gets captain and brings him.) Captain. Am at your service, sir, and wait com- mand. 90 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Jeptha. I would that thou should'st call thy men of war And rid our land of this insult from these Vile Ephraimites, who worship not our God, But make them other gods to take the place Of that true worship taught good Moses in The mount. They brib'd a vagrant Levite priest To serve at their unholy shrine, to give The truer semblance to our forms divine. Captain. The cause is just. We must preserve the fruits Of victory to save the name of God. Jeptha. Our altars crumble everywhere, and we Must strike a deadly blow to save our cause. Captain. Since they have been with us in camp, how shall ACT FIVE 91 We tell them from our own? — else we shall fail? Jeptha. Command the Jordan passages, and those Who come and ask to cross, demand of them The pass-word, "Shibboleth," and those who lisp And answer "Sibboleth," thou'lt slay them on The spot, for they are traitor Ephra- imites. Captain. Wise Judge, adieu; I'll follow thy command. {Captain exits. Several elders enter.) Elder i. Good Judge, well done, for these vile hordes would lord It o'er God's heritage, and claim the right. For father Jacob gave his doted son The greater blessing, whom they boast as head Of all their tribes, and think them- selves above The common Gileadites whom they despise. 92 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Elder 2. And now, O judge, since thou dost stay to guide The destinies of Gilead, I would Advise, and speak of our distress. Our wars Have laid us low. The land has failed to yield Its fruits for seven years, and those who gave Relief oppress their debtors sore, and make Them slaves. All o'er the land they cry as in Old Egypt's time for God's deliver- ance. Elder i. Yea, Jeptha, thou exalted judge, 'tis true. The years of famine so extreme, and war, Itself a pestilence, have wrought a state Of lawlessness, and ev'ry man but seeks His own, without regard to neighbor or To God. For eighty silver shekels h as ACT FIVE 93 Been sold an ass's head, and all de- cry Their sins, and groan in penitence, and lift Their voice to God in prayer, — "O Lord, how long?" Jeptha. These things have vex'd my soul for many days. E'er since I've been your judge, espe- cially Since God has crown'd our arms with victory, I've sought from Him the wisdom He would give. But since conditions are so general, Involving national concern, I've thought To send to Shiloh to consult the good High priest, who knows the laws of God, and who Can better intercede in our behalf. For we will need authority to force The needed change. We need the help of God. Elder 2. But Shiloh is in Ephraim. 'Twill not Be safe to venture there until a truce 94 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Is made, or better still, till peace is made, Through our success in arms, for Ephraim Will not allow our passage through his land. Jeptha. No news from our campaign against those base And envious Ephraimites? But list, what noise? {Noise of shouts and rejoicing. Enter the captain.) Captain. Most noble judge, and honor d el- ders, Flail. . Our victory's complete, and Ephraim Will vex no more. The forty-two who mock'd Elisha were destroy'd by bears, and out Of Ahab's house were forty-two that came To death, and thousands forty-two of those Bold Ephraimites were slain, and now our land Can rest in peace, and strengthen all her bounds. ACT FIVE 95 Elder i. The God of Abraham be prais'd, for He Has favor'd us and come to our re- lief. Jeptha. And now our messengers may safely go. Choose elders who may best present our plea. {Trumpeters rush on stage, blow- ing their trumpets to the four points of the compass. Fol- lowing is the chorus which sings.) THE YEAR OF JUBILEE (Tune, "Lenox.") Blow ye the trumpet, blow, The gladly solemn sound, Let all the nations know To earth's remotest bound Chorus. The year of Jubilee has come, Return ye ransom'd captives home. The joyous trumpet hear, — The news of God's free grace. 96 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER Ye happy souls draw near, Behold His smiling face. Chorus. The year of Jubilee has come, Return ye ransom'd captives home. For He our great high Priest Has full redemption made. Ye weary spirits rest: — Ye mournful souls be glad! Chorus. The year of Jubilee has come, Return ye ransom'd sinners home. Amen. (All remain on stage until end.) Elder i. How great and righteous is our God, who made This law to save His chosen seed from dire Oppression, and to give new chance to all! Jeptha. A mighty providence doth rule us all. Just now, when hope is gone, and all our land Is plung'dto lowest depths of grim despair, ACT FIVE 97 In fear of revolution's torch and blood, The year of Jubilee has come to free All from their galling chains, and give new life Again, — another chance to win in life's Hard struggle for success, and drive the wolves Of want from ev'ry door, and break the bonds So long impos'd by heartless credi- tors. Elder 2. Yea, righteous judge, the captives too are free And have their liberty, — to win their mead Of life's reward. From hill and dale the shouts Resound. Jeptha. Our God is good and watches o'er His own. That we may know the full import Of this great day, let messengers be sent At once to Shiloh's shrine to learn how far 98 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER The laws of this glad Jubilee apply. {Messengers rush on the stage, bear- ing word from the High Priest at Shiloh.) Messengers. All hail ! Our good High Priest has sent me to Proclaim the time, acceptable to God, At hand!! Relief has come to all our land, And bleeding Gilead may now re- joice. The year of jubilee has come, Re- joice! Jeptha. How reads the law, and how may this affect Our land, so scourged by pestilence of war? Messengers. The trumpet blast is heard through- out the whole Of Palestine, and everywhere the poor And lowly do rejoice. How great our God ! Jeptha. What special terms are given in this law? ACT FIVE 99 Messengers. The land must rest, and beasts of burden too. No one may hold a slave, nor force a bond Upon his fellowman, for God has said, — "All these, my servants, shall be free," for it Is not a part of any plan that God Has made, to see the poor oppress'd. All debts And obligations are forgiv'n, that May reign in ev'ry heart, in peni- tence. Jeptha. But what about the vows we make to God By which we bind ourselves to spe- cial deed, — For special favor giv'n? Shall they be freed? Messengers. Our love to God and fellowman are on A common scale, and God would teach us all ioo JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER By His example how to love our own, And do for us what we should do for them. Jeptha. What more detail is given of this law? Messenger 2. All vows and oaths, and obligations, and Anathemas, which we may vow or pledge, Or swear, to which we're bound — in Jubilee May be repented of, and deem'd ab- solv'd, Forgiv'n, annull'd, and void, — of no effect. The Aramaic pray'r, "Kol Nidre," tells Us this, — that God absolves His debtors too ! Jeptha. Religious laws, 'twould seem, all laws annul ! Messenger i. The spirit of this day is meant to give ACT FIVE io i Us all a fuller view of God's good grace. This day is emblematical of God's Great love for all mankind through- out the world. Jeptha. Kind messenger, when I went forth to war I promis'd God a sacrifice if He Would give me victory. My vow He heard And chose my only child, who yielded all, And willingly did give herself to serve Him in the holy place at Shiloh's shrine. What word of comfort can you give for her? O, would that from her living death she might Be free, and cheer my sadly burden'd heart. Messenger i. The value of a vow does not consist Alone in cost of offering, but in The secret meaning giv'n by him who vows. 102 JEPTHA'S DAUGHTER No one may bind another by his vow, — As though a slave, — She, too, must be set free. (Jeptha assumes an attitude of prayer.) Jeptha. O God of Jacob, by whose love di- vine Thy children's wants are met, — one pray'r my heart Would plead, — that I may see my child set free ! {A messenger rushes on the stage, with Jeptha f s daughter, shout- ing.) Messenger 3. The year of Jubilee has come and God Has set His servants free. The daughter of Our Judge is free, and cometh with the Priest!!! {Priest leads her to her father. The Captain also welcomes her. The chorus sings.) Hail, hail, to Jeptha's daughter, hail, Lone seed of his proud race, To bear through peace and battle's wail His blood in form and face. ACT FIVE 103 Thou once wast dead, but livest now, — Wast lost, but now art found, — The grace our God will sure bestow On all His captives bound. The vict'ry of thy father, dear, Is now made doubly sweet While on this day we gather here His daughter, free, to greet. So in the coming harvest times, And in the vintage days, We'll ring the bells of Mizpah's chimes In everlasting praise. Amen. (As the curtain falls the Captain leads Jeptha f s daughter off the stage on his arm.) Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Sept. 2009 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724) 779-2111 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS IllllllilllSIIIIIIIIl 018 603 935 A •