PS "55031 American Dramatists Series Ctoo jfHagque* America— ®&e domett of g>f}afee*$>eare gulia Hall $artf)olometo '■•I'iv' ■■■■:■■• --V., '■?!■■■■ IS/' V _JHH1 &( ^sfefin^^^^r v-*g!!*%k ! '■"• ^-'ir "''7"V' ' a v- '^ RIHHKE PHHHHHH! ■v% *,' K «Et i 2SLiaBaS!? ?! 'BPt.";-' ' fits ■'■■-'?' ■23fi «JSflB Hi Class. rlfirj Book.__ -L Gopightfl?. _'" COPYRIGHT DEPOStR American Dramatists Series TWO MASQUES America — The Women of Shakespeare BY JULIA HALL BARTHOLOMEW BOSTON: THE GORHAM PRESS TORONTO: THE COPP CLARK CO., LIMITED Copyright, 1916, by Julia H. Bartholomew All Rights Reserved fit FEB -5 1917 MADE IN THE UNITED STATES OP AMERICA Thb GoRftAM Press, Boston, U. S. A. ©CI. D 46170 "WO I > ff/b «** CONTENTS America 7 Women of Shakespeare 27 AMERICA CHARACTERS Columbus. America. First Chorus. Second Chorus. Third Chorus. Fourth Chorus. Fifth Chorus. Prophet. Five Groups of Nations. Seven Groups of Dancers. COSTUMES Columbus — Italian, Fifteenth Century. America — White, cap and gown. Choruses — Red, caps and gowns. Prophet — Blue, cap and gown. Groups of Nations — National costumes. Nymphs, Indians, Fairies, Gipsies, Classic Dancers, and Oriental Dancers. TWO MASQUES AMERICA A Masque Columbus is seated at a table, on one side of the stage, where papers and charts are strewn about. He is deeply engaged in looking over these, study- ing and arranging for some minutes. Remaining seated he speaks. COLUMBUS A little lad in Genoa, I dreamed Of distant shores; and most adventurous schemes, As far across the luring sea I gazed, Filled out the measure of my ardent dreams. Outward and on my flying fancy sped To overtake the sunset mysteries Lost in the purple night. I yearned to sail And seek a wondrous land beyond the seas. {He pauses and looks upward.) Has wild adventure so entranced my soul, Imagination fired my brain to think Of things impossible, that I am led By idle dreaming to destruction's brink? 7 8 TWO MASQUES For still my vision paints a fair bright world, Abundant, rich, and vast; and in my mind The thrill for conquest stirs; my heart's elate For exploration, — a great land to find. {Columbus rises j holding a paper in his hand; as he slowly walks about the stage he says) : — There must be land 'neath those far opal skies, Isles Fortunate and Fields Elysian ; Storm-driven sailors oft have given report Of a fair coast which their keen eyes did scan. {He pauses, and stands as if beholding a vision.) Mayhap there are in that dim-visioned land Grottos and fountains where the nymphs do dwell; In law and wisdom versed, Egeria May hold a sylvan court and reign right well. The floating clouds are like a fairy troop, Enchanting all my powers; and my heart craves To reach that far horizon in the west, While dancing Scylla lures across the waves. {Columbus slowly approaches the table, and sits in reverie. ) Interlude — Dance of Nymphs. {Still seated, but looking toward the audience, Co- lumbus says) : — AMERICA 9 COLUMBUS A feast was held in that rare Golden Age, When Saturn reigned in Sunny Italy, Where master served the servant, and was proud That each could serve with true equality. Now to my vision there appears a world Where social service rules and reigns for all, And where good women rise and take their share; Where peace and beauty answer spirits' call. (Rising quickly, and coming forward, Columbus continues) : — COLUMBUS The vision beckons! I must venture forth! I bow not at the shrine of Terminus ; It is not written in my destiny Failure to know, and have high hope end thus. A little lad in Genoa, I dreamed Of distant shores, and now a man, I'll sail Into the great unknown, to meet my dream Be3^ond the seas. Pray God I do not fail. (Weird music is heard, at first very faint, when Columbus speaks- of "the great unknown" As he ceases speaking it grows gradually louder. Ameri- can Indians appear and dance. The music becomes riotous, gradually growing subdued, and faint as the dance ends and the Indians fade away.) io TWO MASQUES {America appears, carrying a wand. She calls upon the spirit of Columbus to witness what has come to pass.) AMERICA Since time and space no limitations hold For spirits who have conquered in the quest, Behold from realms of beauty, light, and truth, America — the proud, the golden West. Things dreamers make live on, and in thy dreams Thou mad'st a world more fine than one then known ; And yet, though great the vision was, perchance America beyond all dreams has grown. Behold a land thy soul must dearly prize, And thy adventurous spirit must admire; Wide-eyed with wonder at magnificence, See now the goal to which her sons aspire. The power of oceans' restless, surging tides Has carried to these shores both men and things Of worth and beauty. Races have found homes Since hither they were urged by fancy's wings. Now strong Atlantic weds the sea of Peace, With vision and with purpose girded well. It must not be that war shall henceforth mar The land where all in brotherhood may dwell. {America pauses, and walks across the stage, med- itating; the sound of footsteps is heard, as she be- AMERICA ii gins to speak, accompanied by soft music, which grows more distinct and loud as she ceases speaking.) AMERICA Footsteps are heard of millions coming on, And thrilling music falls upon the ear, Sweet tones of joy, and peace, and promise fine For all who in this presence do appear. {Columbus takes his place at the table, and re- mains seated while he views the pageant.) First Episode {America waves her wand. Enter Chorus, or Leader, who recites the following lines as the four groups of four enter in order as the nationality is mentioned. The groups take their places alter- nately at either side.) FIRST CHORUS Here now advance the people whom thy dreams Beheld ; yet not methinks, of numbers great As all the many millions in this land, Thy wildest fancy ere did estimate. {Enter English Group.) FIRST CHORUS From "merrie" England there came not a few; And with them came the language of the land, 12 TWO MASQUES And laws, and customs good. May these fine sons Ne'er fail to clasp Old England by the hand. {Enter Spanish Group.) FIRST CHORUS From blue-skied Spain have come men brave and bold, Keen set for thrilling deeds and acts bizarre, Lured on the sunset path, to western shores As by the gleam of scintillating star. Across the southland rich they blazed the trail From Eastern coast to California's sands ; And everywhere along the borderland Are found romantic touches of their hands. {Enter Dutch Group.) The sturdy Dutchman also heard the call Of vastness. They did seek the northern shore, And planted there right worthy qualities; Howbeit they held customs as of yore. Strong folk, from vigorous clime, and dykes and floods, In bonded groups they came, earl, churl, and thrall, With spirits high, determination firm, Jovial and joyous, yet right true withal. {Enter French Group.) FIRST CHORUS With hope and buoyancy and graciousness, Some bright adventurers did leave fair France AMERICA 13 And found no cause to fault the ones who steered Their wandering course, and did their minds en- trance. Things beautiful they brought, and helped to build Fine towns and shaded avenues, where trees Form rare green vistas, where the melody Of bird-song blends in sweet tones with the breeze. Dance — Virginia Reel. By the Four Groups. AMERICA {Addressing Columbus.) Now must thy heart with joyfulness o'erflow, As thou beholdest these whom joy has filled, And made their footsteps light and gay in dance, To prove how hope and conquest have them thrilled. (America waves the wand as she speaks and the four groups pass from the stage.) Second Episode (Enter German Group.) SECOND CHORUS Science must follow in the train, so long, Of all the myriad things that men can do And know. And out from Germany there came A number great, who works of science knew. H TWO MASQUES Fine farms, and meadows, also, with the kine Upon a thousand hills, where wealth abounds In faithful tillage, German folk have held; And cheered their toil with lusty vocal sounds. {Enter Irish Group.) SECOND CHORUS Some of the freshness of the Emerald isle Springs forth from every soul of Irish folk, Genius inventive, quick surprising wit, Humor for changing hours, and sparkling joke. Weird things and fairies, coupled, too, with mirth, And harps and songs, and things for making dreams, The Irish brought. For many toils their worth Is known; from dull hours their bright word re- deems. {Enter Swiss Group.) SECOND CHORUS The tiny tinkling bell among the Alps, Sounds tender tones in calm cool evening hours ; And peasants gather, ere the night has fallen, To breathe the fragrance of the grass and flowers. From rich green glens and snow-tipped Alpine heights Clear-eyed and healthful people here have come, Right-minded in their thought of liberty, And glad to make this favored land their home. {Enter Italian Group.) AMERICA 15 SECOND CHORUS Italia has sent a glad, gay life, And bright-eyed children gleeful, keen and strong, Who make a joyous journey through the day With winning charm of melody and song. Some trace of their great ancient history Clings to their garments, lingers in their hearts; And if from Naples, Rome, or Sicily, Or otherwhere they come, they bring their arts. Dance — Fairies Dance. AMERICA Blended in beauty, music, play and art Are man's accomplishments, in this free land; Here may each genius find a place to thrive, Each individuality expand. (America waves the wand as she speaks and the four groups, followed by the fairies, leave the stage.) Third Episode (Enter Greek Group.) THIRD CHORUS To human creatures there belongs the right Of grace in every dwelling of the soul, And on the head of Greece must rest the crown Of conquest for the body, pure and whole. 1 6 TWO MASQUES Into America has found its way The spirit fine of Greece, and Ganymede Has coursed his way. The open field Has conquered life, and taught the motor's speed. {Enter Russian Group.) THIRD CHORUS Some types of ruggedness and virile strength Must lend a character, and freely blend, To make new nations great. From out the north Have come men who combine for this good end. Russians, from climes where cold winds harden man, Bring vigor, health and strength as here they come To have a part in this new continent, And beautify the place they call their home. {Enter Persian Group.) THIRD CHORUS With haughty mien and most deliberate air, Long memories of nightingale and rose, Perfume of attar, regal robes and ware, Persians have come, with culture and repose. Merchants have found the golden key which now Unlocks the caskets of the treasure store Of Persia's gems, embroideries, and rugs; And books are written of their ancient lore. {Enter Group from India.) AMERICA 17 THIRD CHORUS Ancient philosophy has slowly come From India, the land of mystic lore; Songs from these poets, these deep knowing ones, Must surely charm this country more and more. The land of marble mosques, and temples huge, In grandeur wrought and carved and all inlaid With rich mosaic forms, sends hitherward Minds filled with beauty that these arts have made. Dance — Classic Dance. AMERICA Knowing the power of these historic lands, The length of their existence, and their deeds Of valor, faith, and might, it us behooves To honor them and understand their creeds. (America waves the wand as she speaks and the four groups, followed by the dancers, leave the stage. ) Fourth Episode (Enter Syrian Group.) FOURTH CHORUS It seems most fit this land should welcome those Who once have trod the hills of Palestine, Those hills so barren now, but which erstwhile Were clad in beauty, and the valleys green. 1 8 TWO MASQUES To lead the nations to enduring peace It needs must be the Prince of Peace is known, And those who knew Him not in Syria, In this land may be found among His own. (Enter Group from Egypt.) FOURTH CHORUS Admixtures of the race on Egypt's soil, From Galla, Nubia, and Kordofan, Born in the ranks of servitude and toil, Find here the equal rights of each free man. Learned men have penetrated and disclosed Things wonderful of history and art, From times of Pharoahs and the Ptolomies, Within old Egypt's sandy desert heart. (Enter Group from Arabia.) FOURTH CHORUS The wandering Arab too has found the way To these broad lands. Since Crusade times his power In many forms has reached the eager West, And answered questionings of students' hour. With far keen vision Arabs know the way Of stars; and nature's mysteries they seek. From cities hidden in their desert sands Knowledge may come of which they do not speak. (Enter Hungarian Group.) AMERICA 19 FOURTH CHORUS Gipsies have wandered to and fro o'er Earth, Telling the fortunes of the high and low, Heedless of naught but mystery and mirth, And ever skilled in music of the bow. From Hungary have come these vagrant souls, And many plodding working men, as well; America has offered much to these, A future bright their calendars foretell. Dance — Dance of the Gipsies. AMERICA The Maker of the universe has called This land to honor and to faithfulness; Sending and blending all these races here, Where they in unity the World may bless. (America waves the wand as she speaks and the four groups, followed by the Gipsies, leave the stage.) Fifth Episode (Enter Group from China.) FIFTH CHORUS To seek Cathay was purposed in his mind When brave Columbus sailed out to the West; And now men from Cathay come to this land To find a home and gain what makes life best. 20 TWO MASQUES An ancient people, peaceful, plodding, sure, And versed in wisdom's lore; they also bring A contribution worthy to endure, And from endurance much of strength does spring. {Enter Group from Japan.) FIFTH CHORUS Some subtle fascination lies within The artizans and artists of Japan; A charm and witching grace they oft possess, E'en though 'tis by a tiny painted fan. Beyond their sunrise land they've ventured out, To offer in these marts their tempting ware; They ask in progress and prosperity To have an even chance, an equal share. {Enter First Group of Islands.) FIFTH CHORUS When God had made the Earth and called it good, There lay upon the water's smiling face Some fragments from the land; and these were crowned With beauty not excelled in any place. {Enter Second Group of Islands.) FIFTH CHORUS Ships passing by the Islands in the seas Have carried to America's expanse AMERICA 21 The toiling peasant, and the dreamer, who Had visions of a larger life perchance. Dance — Far Eastern Dancers. AMERICA Fine sons, fair daughters, from these races sprung Join now in struggle for a nation's name, For peace, and unity, and brotherhood, That shall forevermore ensure fair fame. These minds are deep and true, prepared to serve Along the great highway of human life; Humble in soul, and with a conscience clear, Hearts yearn to heal the world at war and strife. {America waves the wand as she speaks and the four groups of four, followed by the dancers, leave the stage. America gradually approaches Columbus, who rises and speaks.) COLUMBUS America, great things accomplished are, And life is rich within thy borders fair; What henceforth is thine aim, is't thy desire To lead all lands to peace? AMERICA It is our prayer And purpose to be true, to find the spring Of fine enduring life, to reach a goal 22 TWO MASQUES Both high and far. Yet lure of gain is great, And wealth ensnares. COLUMBUS Arise, and find thy soul In service pure. The spirit called me forth To find the wonders of far-famed Cathay, And girdle all the earth with joy and truth In gracious wealth of bloom. AMERICA Can we obey That voice which called thee ages gone, and how Shall we its whisperings hear when every ear Is filled with commerce's din, when solitude Is no man's guest? COLUMBUS Bend to the earth, and hear The near sweet voice of duty, calling clear; Then bid thy soul take cheer and mount on high ; For lowly listening tunes the thought aright, And hearts with noble purpose serve and fly Along the way of life. AMERICA The busy marts demand Our lives' best hours. How then may we attain The poise, the quiet power, the strength of will That brings the best to body, soul and brain? AMERICA 23 How sweep away wrong, suffering and sin, How learn life's science true? COLUMBUS Art thou right sure Thy aim is truly great, lurks there no taint Of greed within thy mind ? Is thy soul pure Inflamed with brother-spirit, not with self? The prophets have in ancient time well told, To nations all unheeding of their voice, "Destruction cometh when the aim is gold." Now search the nation's soul and read her heart; Gems may lie underneath the soil, unguessed; This blended race may lead the hosts of earth In all the ways of art, in beauty's quest, Exuberant and free. AMERICA Can beauty's way Uplift the land, can poetry and art Fill needs of souls that grope for living light Along life's thorn-edged path? COLUMBUS To every heart These offer wholesome food. But there is balm For wounds, found in a sure firm faith. The names I gave the lands I touched witness my zeal, My bold adventure faith in God proclaims, Faith was my guiding star, and by its gleam 24 TWO MASQUES I took my course across th' inviting seas To reach great lands, for I was not content To loiter in green isles of bliss and ease. Make faith thy watchword now, and follow peace, Then great shall be thy end. AMERICA Who shall us lead? Are all the prophets gone, will none arise To help us find our soul ? We will take heed If one there be to show us the bright way, The sunlit path we seek. COLUMBUS Not one alone There is to lead, but hosts if ye will list; Yet not mid noise of battle are they known, In gentle tones they speak, with voices mild. AMERICA By what names called are they? COLUMBUS Poet, and seer, All who create, in drama, song, or speech, Art, beauty, truth. Behold now comes one here. {Enter Prophet, who reads from a scroll as he walks about the stage, now* addressing Columbus, and then America; at other times gazing far off into space. ) AMERICA 25 PROPHET America shall find her soul in deeds Of service true; and unto lasting peace Lead nations when at war. For this high end Must be conserved her moral potencies; It shall not come with idle hours and ease, But nerve and strength, great tasks to undertake. Unseen the universe of real things The spirit's life must find. Self shall awake To consciousness of brotherhood, and art, And deep religious need, and drama's power, To re-create the energies of man, And crush war's spectacle, so grim and dour. Ideals, like bright banners flung aloft, Shall constitute the conquering sign. To raise Each nation's life all nations must combine And brotherhood of nations, for all days, Keep reverence for man. Each patriot Religion, too, shall feel. And ritual Uplift where beauty can appeal to souls Who sink and fall when sordid things enthrall. From influence within and from without, All wretched things that hurt and mar and stain, The borders of this land shall guarded be, By heart refined and elevated brain. Equality in wisdom, worth and love, Shall reign when men and women dwell in peace And sympathy; and only then indeed Shall beauty last, when women find release From cloying things to seek a higher sphere, And climb, with men, above the ways that hold 26 TWO MASQUES Their feet from energy and grace. Insight For art and life shall then high dreams unfold. Earth's craving soul shall so be satisfied, Each land shall know of this great peaceful aim, All nations' ills America shall cure When churches, schools and homes this word pro- claim. AMERICA Hinged now on keen expectancy, the door Of opportunity stands open wide For swift advance, along the great highways Of truth, to all who firm and strong abide. These races welded now in union sure May herald forth the word of lasting peace, Each seeing stars of guidance in the flag, And bound in brotherhood that ne'er shall cease. The pageant of the flag is free for all; It must inspire, as when it floats afar With music, art, and gladsome life, men shall No longer crave the spectacle of war. {While America has been saying these words j the five Choruses, with their groups in order, have come upon the stage. Each Chorus carries an American flag of medium size, while every member of the group carries a smaller flag. When America ceases speaking the Star Spangled Banner is played. The Prophet drapes a large flag over America's should- ers, and all of the groups wave the flags.) Curtain WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE SHAKESPEARE BEFORE QUEEN ELIZA- BETH AND HER COURT LADIES Choruses Pages Music — Midsummer Night's Dream. COMEDY Titania — Fairies — Puck A Midsummer Night's Dream Katherine The Taming of the Shrew Mistress Ford, Sweet Anne Page The Merry Wives of Windsor Princess of France and Attendants .... Love's Labour's Lost ROSELIND — CELIA — AUDREY PHEBE As You Like It Viola — Olivia — Maria Twelfth Night Dance of Puck ENGLISH HISTORY Queen Constance, (Arthur), Blanche of Spain King John Princess Katharine — Alice Henry V Queen Margaret — Joan of Arc — Elean- or Duchess of Gloucester Henry VI Elizabeth (Queen of Edward IV) — Little Princes of the Tower Richard III Queen Katharine — Anne Bullen, and Ladies-in-Waiting Henry VIII A Morris Dance TRAGEDY Ophelia Hamlet Juliet — Nurse Romeo and Juliet Desdemona — Emilia Othello Goneril — Regan — Cordelia King Lear Lady Macbeth Macbeth A Sword Dance CLASSIC Cressida — Helen — Cassandra — Andro- mache Troilus and Cressida Volumnia — Virgilia Coriolanus Portia — Calpurnia Julius Caesar Cleopatra — Iras — Charmian Antony and Cleopatra A Classic Dance ROMANCE Isabella Measure for Measure Portia — Nerissa — Jessica. . .Merchant of Venice Beatrice — Hero Much Ado About Nothing Imogen Cymbeline Hermione — Perdita The Winter's Tale Miranda — Ariel The Tempest Dance of Ariel The Dark Lady of the Sonnets Dance of Puck and Fairies Music — Midsummer Night's Dream Curtain WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE {Curtain rises. The queen is seated on the throne, ivith two court ladies standing on each side and one seated at the feet of the queen. A page stands on each side of the stage. Shakespeare enters from the left, advances a few steps and pauses. The queen signals to him to approach; he comes forward to within a few steps from the centre, and makes obeis- ance to the queen, who acknowledges his attitude. She makes a gesture permitting her attendants to be seated. They take their places, which are some- what lower than that occupied by the queen. Shake- speare then speaks the prologue.) SHAKESPEARE Most gracious Sovereign! May we entertain, By pageant of the women of our brain, Your Majesty; and so obtain your praise. In realms of fancy we have spent our days And many hours of night. Fitting it seems The women of our visions and our dreams At this time we should thus to you present, That you may know our aim and our intent. To cheer you first, we bring our Comedy; Then History follows; then dire Tragedy. Also we've roamed afar to Classic years ; There's Romance, too; and songs for mirth and tears. 31 32 TWO MASQUES So now, we beg our women may be seen By thee, our honored and our gracious queen. {At the conclusion of the prologue Shakespeare bows and retreats, taking his place on a chair at the left.) Music — Midsummer Night's Dream. {Enter Comedy Group of women, from the right, led by Chorus, zvh® recites the following lines as they pass slozvly before the queen.) COMEDY CHORUS Bringing wit and glee Cometh Comedy. All these ladies fair Tread with sprightly air; Their spirits are gay For a mad-cap day, When the merry mood Has quickened the blood, And lure of the shee To the greenwood tree And the fairy dance, Each and all entrance. Titania's grace And Puck's jolly face; The Paduan shrew; Anne Page, sweet and true, With gay Mistress Ford And her saucy word; WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 33 There's love-time of May For the Princess' day; Rosalind's virtue, Constant Celia too, With Audrey we see The rustic Phebe, Viola, Duke's bride, Olivia beside; Maria the jade, A fair saucy maid; Drive all care away And herald sweet May. Mirth and Melody Come with Comedy. {The Comedy Group pass from the stage at the left when the Chorus has ended speaking.) Dance of Puck {Enter History Group of women, from the right, led by Chorus, who recites the following lines as the women pass slowly before the queen.) HISTORY CHORUS Now we present our queens and noble dames Of History in your excellent land. The names Well known, — Constance and (Arthur), Blanche of Spain ; Then Katharine, and Alice in her train; Margaret d'Anjou, Joan La Pucelle brave, (From such as Meg Jourdain we pray to save) j 34 TWO MASQUES The Duchess uttering "dark shall be my light," Feeling a King's great power, her day was night; With "lips like four red roses on a stalk" Princes, quite innocent, to death did walk, And Mother sad who saw "as in a map The end of all." How quick the trap Of fate is snapped on mortals frail The drama finds a way to tell the tale. Of women, in your honored Father's reign, Who graced the court magnificent, we fain Would bring them all. For beauty, grace and worth We honor many names of noble birth On History's roll. And ever proud we are That women played their part in stately power. Katharine, queen so "much too ventrous" And Anne Bullen are picturesque to us. Then learning found a place and liberty, Reaching in your fair time great dignity. And now we trust that you may "think ye see The very persons of our noble story As they were living: think you see them great;" Queens and Court ladies in the hands of fate. For so it seems. Now, we would have you know Our reverence for your Grace before we go. These queens and women have had joys and tears; In warp and woof of History's woven years The tapestry has colors dull and gay, And thus is woven the texture of the Play. (When the Chorus has ended speaking the His- tory Group pass from the stage at the left.) WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 35 A Morris Dance {Enter Tragedy Group of women from the right led by Chorus, who recites the following lines.) TRAGEDY CHORUS The poet oft must visit Helicon, And walk in converse with Melpomene; For never wins he higher in his art Than when his thought is steeped in Tragedy. Reminded are we that the Tragic muse A woman was. The Drama needs must find That fairest women's hearts are bruised and torn And sorrow's burdens laid upon the mind. Great women, chosen by destiny for pain, And suffering trials oft that rend the heart, Good women, falling victims of a plot, Are found among the finest in our art. Ophelia of "good beauties" and sad fate, Well did she know "the poison of deep grief;" The trials of Juliet, the Capulet, In her fresh youth, are quite beyond belief. When Desdemona followed leading-love, Betrayed, by dark Othello's hand she died; Emelia, when fortune turned against her, I "play the swan and die in music," cried. Grim the tale of Regan and Goneril; Ingratitude, most heinous sin of sins, 36 TWO MASQUES And instigator of a hundred more, They had for Lear. Sad death Cordelia wins. In Lady Macbeth one must ever see The darkest picture, drawn by any pen, Of womankind. Ambition's voice she heard, And the weird sisters on the marshy fen. How often life has chained a woman's hands, And fortune turned against her in the race; But poet's thought can read a woman's mind, And poet's power describe her rightful place. {When Tragedy Chorus has ceased speaking the group pass from the stage at the left.) A Sword Dance {Enter Classic Group from the right, led by Chorus, who> recites the following lines.) CLASSIC CHORUS Around the Mediterranean shores Lie lands where Poetry and Art Have ever dwelt. The day's fair hours, And misty purple twilights, stir Within the mind a thousand dreams Of beauteous things. Fancy grows great To cause return of Classic lore; No poet fails to seek these shores And bring to his own time some gems WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 37 To adorn his page. In Classic garb These stately women enter now; Cresseda false, fairest in Troy Save Helen, wed to Menelaus, And in Troy fairest of the fair; Frenzied Cassandra, and the wife Of Hector bold. Portia of Rome A noble lady; Caesar's queen Calpurnia; living in times Of great imperial power and Wealth at Court. Volumnia brave For Rome, and fearless, plead with power; And, with Virgillia, met her life's Last tragic hour. In regal pomp The Oriental tawny queen, Iras and Charmian, her maids And sharers in her destiny, Do now appear. High thoughts of art Must come when classic times are seen In picture and in play. Women With charming grace of mind and mien Dwelt then in palmy Greece and Rome And by the perfumed Nile. And now In drama we may view them here. {When the Classic Chorus has ceased speaking the Classic Group retires from the stage at the left.) 3& TWO MASQUES Classic Dance {Enter Romantic Group, from the right, led by Chorus, who recites the following lines.) ROMANTIC CHORUS The world of Fancy now must us engage, While Terpsichore and Erato dance Before our minds, and lead us into fields Where ever dwells the fine art of Romance. Pleading a clemency for brother loved, Sweet Isabella, in her suppliant mood, By virtue won a Prince's heart, who knew "The hand that made her fair had made her good." At Belmont dwelt the noble Portia, In knowledge skilled of a fair legal sort; Nerissa, too, and gentle Jessica; — Honored are women by their good report. Of sprightly Beatrice, and Hero brave, Upon a time there once was much ado; But the wise friar planned with knowing skill; The jealous lover found his Hero true. These words came soothing sweet to Imogen, When as Fidelio, she risked her life, And her true love restored, he said to her, "O Imogen, my queen, my life, my wife!" Hermione's heart a well of virtue was; 'Neath the soft skies of sunny Sicily, WOMEN OF SHAKESPEARE 39 Abused by perfidy, she bore her part; And Perdita, her child, grew sweet as she. The stormy sea to sweet Miranda brought A lover true. The sprite worked mystery And the droll creature dealt in many charms; But in the end all safe reached Italy. Among the women who adorn the page Of drama, those who are of light Romance, For charm, and grace, and wit, and poetry, Are favorites in the world of play, perchance. ( When the Romance Chorus has ceased speaking, the women of the group pass off the stage at the left.) Ariel Dances The Dark Lady of the Sonnets Appears SHAKESPEARE (Rises and recites these lines.) Now comes one here with dark mysterious eyes, Who doth possess such beauty as I prize; Her "black is fairest in my judgment's place," And "those two mourning eyes become her face." Her "eyes I love, and they, as pitying me," "Have put on black and loving mourners be;" And yet I fear 'tis not without disdain She looks "with pretty ruth upon my pain." Sweet are the visions that come to the mind When dusky eyes are soft, serene and kind, 40 TWO MASQUES But bitter is the sharp and cruel dart That may be hurled from them to pierce the heart. Full oft within the dark mysterious eyes Deep thoughts do lie that a sweet peace denies. "Make but my name thy love, and love that still, And then thou lov'st me, — for my name is Will." {The dark Lady of the Sonnets disappears; Shakespeare steps forward almost in the centre and recites the finale.) SHAKESPEARE If we have wearied you we pardon crave; Yet we do trust our women, fair and brave, In gorgeous semblage here before your eyes, Have won your high approval, and we prize Your patient ear, and all attentive mind, Queen of all queens, a ruler wise and kind. Let dancing fairies come, cheer to impart, Mid-summer-night's dream, and a quiet heart, When all the women bid your Grace adieu And this unworthy pageant pass from view. {Shakespeare makes an obeisance and retreats to the side of stage.) Dance of Puck and Fairies {Each group, led by Chorus, again appears in original order, passing in pageant before the queen. Shakespeare and Dark Lady follow the women.) Music — Midsummer Night's Dream. Curtain AW °" 111 Thomson Park Onve Cranberry Township. 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