, p^., ■ p..y. ;• :. - . - -"l! ?gg RUTH N •^ !, ^1 -^' -ti^ if m !.:>. DLiNLSON 6 COMPANY I DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free. Price 15c each. Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given DRAMASp COMEDIES, ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. M. F. Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 acts, 2H hrs (2Sc) 8 8 Abbu San of Old Japan, 2 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 15 Aft^r the Game, 2 acts, 1^ hrs (25c) 1 9 All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 4 4 All on Account of Polly, 3 acts, 21/4 hrs (25c) 6 10 American Hustler, 4 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 7 4 As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 2yz hrs (25c) 9 7 At the End of the Rainbow, 3 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 6 14 Bank Cashier, 4 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 8 4 Black Heifer, 3 acts, 2 h. (25c) 9 3 Boy Scout Hero, 2 acts, 1^ hrs. (25c) 17 Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 7 3 Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 7 4 Burns Rebellion, 1 hr (25c) 8 5 Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2^4 h. (25c) 7 4 Civil Service, 3 acts, 2i/4 hrs. 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(25c) 6 5 Teacher, Kin I Go Home? 2 scenes, 35 min 7 3 Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 6 4 Thread of Destiny, 3 acts, 2V^ hrs (25c) 9 16 Tonv, the Convict, 5 acts, 2^4 hrs (25c) 7 4 Town Marshal, 4 acts, 2 54 hrs (25c) 6 3 Trial of Hearts, 4 acts, 254 hrs. (25c) 6 18 Trip to Storvland, 154 hrs. (25c) 17 23 Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2% hrs. (25c) 8 3 Under Blue Skies, 4 acts. 2 hrs (25c) 7 10 Under the Laurels, 5 acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 When the Circus Came to Town, 3 acts, 254 hrs. (25c) 5 3 T.S.DENISON & COMPANY,Pubiishers.154W. Randolph St., Chicago RUTH RUTH AND NAOMI. R VT H \ P.ir,! IC \! Dlv \M \ I\ Tillvl']' ACTS BY ANNABEL LAWRENCE KntrcHt me not t<> And ti> rvJum fror. iftcr Ihce For whither thou w ;. 1 .; »;". And whcro th<>u liHlKctt. I wUl lodire : Thy pciiple »hull be my people. And thy (Jod. my Gbe(l. the ancestor of Davicl. in whose line the promised Messiah i^ to come into the world to redeem the i)eople from their sins. 4 RUTH SYNOPSIS FOR PROGRAM. ACT FIRST. Scene I — The Home in Bethlehem. Naomi weeps be- cause of the famine in Canaan. EHmelech decides to take his family and flee into Moab beyond Jordan. Scene II — Three days later. The family prepares to leave Bethlehem. Boaz and neighbor women make a fare- well visit. ACT SECOND. Scene I — A Flower Garden in Moab. Happy lovers. Mahlon and Ruth., Chilion and Orpha plan a double wed- ding. Naomi grieves over the death of her husband. Scene II — Some time later. The three widows. Scene III — Ruth and Orpha in the flower garden. Naomi brings news that the famine in Canaan is over. She tells her daughters-in-law of her intention of going back to Beth- lehem, and advises each of them to return unto her mother's house. Orpha returns to her people. Ruth clings to Naomi, "Entreat me not to leave thee," and together they make the journey to Bethlehem; Naomi having sojourned in Moab about ten years. ACT THIRD. Scene I — Home of the Wealthy Boaz in Bethlehem. Re- turning from the field, Boaz displays an angry temper be- cause one of the reapers has rudely rebuked a maiden who is gleaning. He summons his Chief Servant and demands an explanation ; discovers that the maiden is Ruth, the widow of his nephew, Mahlon, and gives orders that she be permitted to glean undisturbed. He talks kindly with Ruth, and tells her to continue in his field until the end of the barley season. Scene II — Several weeks later. Night of the harvest feast. Boaz confers with his Chief Servant regarding Ruth ; confesses his love .for her, and his intention of making her his wife. RUTH 5 Scene III — The Wcililinjj Nipht. Fncnds of the Briilc- grooin making merry. Hrjdcjjrooiii aiul I'riciuls ^o forth to claim tlic britlc. The Ten X'irj^Miis waiting for the coming of the liridcgroom. I lie marriage ceremony. From this union is born ( )be(i, the ancestor of David, in whose hne tlie promisetl Messiah sliall come into tlie world to redeem the people from their sins. COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS Care should be taken in prejiaring the costumes for ihis play with a view to t)btaining tlie long, graceful lines of the loose, flowing garments of the ancient llebrews. Illustra- tions of such costumes may easily be found in Bible story books, at church and public libraries. Edward Robinson, in his Bible Dictionary, says: "The chief garments of the Hebrews were the tunic or inner garment, and the mantle or outer garment. The tunic was of linen and worn close to the body, it had wide and open sleeves and reached below the knees ; that worn by fe- males reached to the ankles. The upper garments or mantle was a piece of cloth nearly square, and two or three yards in length and breadth, which was wrapped around the body or tied over the shoulders. Between these two garments, the Hebrews sometimes wore a third, a long and wide robe or tunic, without sleeves. The head was usually bare, or covered by a fold of the outer mantle. The i)riests wore a sacred turban. \'cils were an article of female dress. Women wore a variety of plain and ornamented head- dresses. "The wealthy delighted in white raiment, (iarments of mourning were dark brown or black. The Hebrews used a variety of colors for their gayer and more costly dresses. I 'due. scarlet and purple are most frequently referred to, the first being a sacred color. "In Isaiah iii:16-23. mention is made of the decorations ommon to the Hebrew women; among which are included tunics, embroidered vests, wide, flowing mantles, girdles, RUTH veils, caps of network, and metallic ornaments for the ears and nOse, for the neck, arms, fingers and ankles; also crisping-pins and mirrors. "Sandals are usually intended where 'shoes' are spoken of in our version. The ordinary sandal is a mere sole, of leather or wood, fastened to the bottom of the foot by thongs, one passing around the great toe and over the fore part of the foot, and the other around the ankle. The sandals of females were frequently much ornamented." BoAZ — Aged 45. A man of dignified bearing; strong, kind, and masterly. Dark hair to shoulders ; dark goatee ; dark robe with long mantle. Sandals. Elimelech — Kind-hearted, religious old man. Long white hair and whiskers ; dark robe and mantle, sandals and staff. Mahlon — Aged 20. In Act First — Blue tunic, Jjlouse, girdle, short cape over shoulders ; cap without bill ; sandals. In Act Second — Long robe and long mantle ; dark hair worn to shoulders. Chilion — Costume same as for Mahlon, but of con- trasting color. Benjamin — Aged 40. As Chief Servant, he is obedient, patient, loyal, and gifted with a sense of humor. He wears short tunic with waterpot attached to belt ; short mantle ; stafif; long hair. Priest — Elderly man with long white hair and whiskers ; Loose-fitting robe of dark cloth with light-colored bands crossed over front and back of blouse ; no mantle ; light- colored band of cloth is used as girdle and has two long streamers down front of skirt ; he wears turban and sandals, and carries scroll. Groomsman — Aged 40. A kindly man, possessed of the qualities of a leader. He wears long robe and mantle of blue or scarlet. Ruth — Aged 20. In Act Second, Scene I, she is a viva- cious maiden, wearing white robe and mantle; hair flowing with gold or silver band around head ; bracelets, rings and other ornaments ; sandals. 1 RUTH 7 In other scenes, she is the witlow, dignified and religious, wearing black garments; strings of coins (the widnw'^ dowry) across front of cap; necklace of coins — beads in.iv be substituted for coins. (See frontispiece). The widow's headdress is a closefitting, stiff, black cap about six inches high with black veil draped over it and hanging down back, !>ut not over face. For wedding, see description of costume. Act Third, Scene ill. ( )RpnA — Aged IS. Attractive and gracious, but ver>' modest and reserved. Costumes same as for Ruth — In Act Second her robe should be pink or blue, black for the widow. Naomi — In Act First, aged 50. Gentle matron with gray hair, gray robe and mantle ; veil over head reaching to hips. Sandals. In Act Second, aged 60. White hair; wrinkled face, and mourning garments. For wedding scene, Naomi wears gray, same as in Act I'irst. Friends of the Bridegroo.m — Young men wearing long robes and mantles. If j)ossil)le, use colors of blue, scarlet and pur])le. ViRGi.NS — Young ladies wearing white robes, mantles and veils. HkiDESMAin.s — "N'oung ladies wearing white robe*% and mantles; hair flowing with garlands of flowers on heads; carrying flowers. Neighbor Women — Costumes similar to Naomi's, but may be of various colors. LIST OF PROPERTIES. Act I. Medium sized table. Cupboard. I'.ench. fwo plain chairs. Vwo candles in candlestick. Dark tablecloth. 8 RUTH Earthenware vessels, steins, etc. Waterpot. (May be large, dark vase with handles.) Stacks of folded clothing for bundles. Packages for neighbor women. Two cruses, for oil and wine. (Small, dark vases with handles.) Staff for Elimelech. (Rod or stick five or six feet long.) Act II. Green curtains (if preferred). Green coverings for cupboard and table. Green covering for bench if desired. Palms, ferns and blooming plants. Extra benches or tables for plants (optional). Bunch of flowers (may be artificial) for Ruth. Wreath for Naomi's head. Act III. Handsome coverings for table and cupboard. Two or more candelabras with candles. Fur rug for bench. Fur rugs for floor, if desired. Two upholstered chairs (pulpit chairs will serve). Staff for Benjamin. Bundle of barley (any kind of grain) for Ruth. The Wedding Scene. Canopy (umbrella) trimmed with crepe paper and spangles. Raised seat under canopy. Garlands of flowers for Boaz, Ruth and Bridesmaids. Ornaments for Ruth. Face veil for Ruth. (Chiffon or cheesecloth.) Beads for Boaz. Half-candles in low candlesticks for Ten Virgins. Torches for Friends of Bridegroom. Gong — to be off stage. Scroll for the Priest. (May be small, mounted map or calendar.) KUTII Scene Plot. — t. ICupboA'^l ^ "^ Door at Right ' ' Ooor at Loft I Chair D I Tabia | D Chair \ / I Bonoh I \ Act I— The Home in Bethlehem. -L. ICupboa*^] I B«nc h ] I Tabia Ooor at Right" ' ' ' Flowar Banch Act II — .\ Flower Garden in Moab. (Extra benches suggested for flower pots.) — t- [Cupboard 1 I Tabic I i — 1 A_ .tRIoht" ' " ' I »•"<=" I OooratL.ft Chair Q \ Act III — Home of Hoaz in Bethlehem. STAGE DIRECTIONS. R. means right of stage; C, center; L., left. The actor is supiK)sed to be facing the audience. NOTICE TO AMATEURS. This dramatization of the beautiful Bible story of "Ruth" is arranged especially for the use of religious organiza- tions, such as Sunday Sc1uk)1s, Mis^^ionary. 'reniperance and Young People's Societies, Young Women's Christian Asso- ciations and churches, as well ;i< f'"- - 1h...1s ..ml colleges. 10 RUTH It is suggested that costumes for the male characters may be borrowed from clergymen or from Masonic bodies, and those for the female characters from members of vested choirs. However, when not otherwise available, and for persons not wishing to incur the expense of making the costumes, suitable garments may be improvised by using dark skirts with dark shirts and belts for men, and for women full skirts with blouses and girdles or sashes of the desired colors. Shawls and scarfs may be used as mantles for the women, and big shawls or capes as mantles for the men. The sandals may be made of pasteboard with dark cloth straps and worn over white hosiery, or they may be omitted entirely. The white robes, mantles and veils for the Ten Virgins may be made of cheesecloth. It will be observed that the cupboard, table and bench used in the first scene are retained on the stage throughout the play, thus simplifying the settings. Different effects, however, are easily obtained by using the various coverings suggested for the furniture, and changing position of table and bench. The cupboard may remain stationary, or be removed if desired. In the flower garden scene (see Scene Plot) it is sug- gested that extra benches may be used for holding flower pots. However, the pots may be arranged on the floor without benches, and the effect still be attractive. Wherever possible, make use of earthenware vessels, urns, steins and waterpots, such as are usually seen in Bible pictures. Crockery ware and large, dark vases with handles may be utilized for this purpose and will tend to give the necessary Oriental touch to the various scenes. For al fresco productions, this play may be easily staged on the lawn or campus. RUTH Act I. Scene I : The houtc m Hctltli'hcnt. DarK mrtitms iiamj at back of stage; plain table, bench and tico plain chairs stand at C". ; cloth of dark color, t7co burning candles, icater- pot and stein on table; cupboard at R. in rear ; empty vessels in cupboard. Lights out. Doleful music takes up curtain Enter Xaomi from R. She goes to cupboard, takes up essels one after another, looks into each and turns it upside doti-n ; shakes head sadly, puts vessels on table; zcalks to and fro, zcringing her hands in despair, pauses at C. \'aomi — *Tis night and time fur tlic evening meal ; I care not for myself, if there be no food, Rut for my husl)and and my sons. It breaks my heart to see them hungry. (Clasps hands and looks upward.) IIow long, O Lord, must this endure? {JTeeps.) Enter M.milox from R. Mahlon (entering hastily) — I am glad thou art here, moilicr! [Stops suddenly.) Xaomi (turning toward him) — Would that I were not here, my son, For as the Lord thy (jod liveth I have not a morsel for thee. (Goes toward table, indicates empty vessels, sinks down upon bench icith arms and head on table and weeps; Mahlon steps beside her and lays hand upon her head.) Enter Ciiii.ion from R. Chilion — Mother, I'm hungry! (Stops, then goes toward Xaomi and sits beside her.) Why art thou troubled? (Tries to console her.) 12 RUTH Enter Elimelech from R. Seeing Naomi weeping he pauses and thinks; looks at empty vessels on table; indi- cates that he understands the cause of her grief and attempts to comfort her. Elimelech — Naomi, beloved wife of my youth, And Mahlon and Chilion, my two sons, I would have speech with, you Concerning a matter that lieth heavily on my heart; I speak of the famine in the land of Canaan. Would that it might please God to stay the curse That is sorely oppressing the children of Israel ; But, even now the lean hand of want hath reached out And caught our native city of Bethlehem In its cruel grasp. If we stay here we starve! I am minded to take my wife and sons And go over into the land of Moab. Mahlon — Mayhap the famine extendeth there, father. Elimelech — Not so, Mahlon, as I have heard. For a messenger from Moab Hath told me that in his country The people have bread to eat. Naomi — The place lieth eastward beyond Jordan ; 'Tis a long, long journey; How should we ever travel so far ? Chilion — On our feet, mother sweet! {All smile.) But fear not ; when thou art awear}^ We shall carry thee in our arms. (Naomi pats him on shoidder and smiles.) Elimelech — True, the journey is a long one; But with, courage in our hearts, RUTH 13 And faith in our God, W'l- mav hope to reach the land in safety. (Naomi weeps.) Thou knowcst, Naomi, how it pricvcs my heart rhat I must take thcc away from Canaan, And away from thy kinspeoplc .in Israel, To dwell among strangers in a far country. And yet, mayhaj) the Lord will hless us, AikI give increase to our flocks and herds, Till he shall remove the curse from His people. And we shall return joyfully to Bethlehem. f Xaomi looks up and smiUs.) Let us put our trust in Jehovah, (Raises hands toward heaven, the others lyo7i' heads.) Who is ahle to keep us and feed us, .\nd bring us into the land of Moab. (Soft music and slow curtain.) Scene II: Same as Scene I. The home in Bethlehem. Three days later. Table and bench pushed back against wall; several 'vessels on table; stacks of folded clothing on table and bench ready to tie into bundles. Klimelech is discovered at table packing -vessels bet-ween clothing. Knock on L. door. Enter P.n az from I.. Elimelech {hoiving) — The Lord bless thee. BOAZ {bo^cing) — The I^rd be with thee. (Steps nearer.) I liave heard, h'limelcch, That thou art preparing to leave Canaan. And art going to sojourn in the land of Moab. Elimelech — Yes, Brother Boaz, it is even so As thou hast heard. 14 RUTH Enter Naomi from R. BoAZ (bowing in response to Naom^s curtsey) — It troubleth my soul, Naomi, That thou shouldst depart From thy native Bethlehem. Naomi — As the Lord willeth, my brother, So shall it be. BoAZ (turning to Elimelech) — But when the famine is over, Elimelech, We shall expect thee to return. Knock on L. door. Naomi goes to door. The men step aside where they may not be seen readily by any one enter- ing. Several ivomen cotne in; they carry packages which they place on table ; one after another the women hug and kiss Naomi; tzuo of them turn aside and wipe tears from their eyes. First Woman — We are come, Naomi, To bid thee farewell. (Several women biisiy themselves at table making bundles.) Second Woman — And we have dressed a kid That thou shouldst take it For food upon the way. Third Woman — And I have fetched a cruse of oil, That thou mayest anoint thy feet When they are sore and weary from travel. (Gives cruse to Naomi.) Fourth Woman (producing small-sized vase with handle) And I have fetched a little wine. Lest thou shouldst fall ill by the wayside. V (Gives vase to Naomi.) KUTH 15 {In the mcaittnitr the 'iomcn at the table ha:e beeti pick- ing up the folded clothes from the bench and stacking them on table; one uoman ha,^ a stack so high that they begin falling off; she picks them up and replaces them; they fail off again and again upon the bench and upon the floor. The two men, who haze been amusing themselves Hatching the women, noxc step foncard and offer assistance in pick- ing up thinrpha — And dost thou think of leaving Moab And returning unto thy people? Xaomi — Thou hast said, my daughter ; And for that reason let us talk together. Lo, these many years have I been sojourning In the land of Moab — ten long years! My husband and my sons have died here; .\\v\ now that I am growing old My heart yearns for mine own kinsmen. And I am minded to return unto them. To go back and dwell in Bethlehem. Orpiia — And wilt thou leave us thus bereaved? Ruth — Sweet mother, tarry yet awhile; We would not have thee go. 20 . RUTH Naomi — My children, ye know what love I bear you ; And how it grieveth me to leave ; Yet it were better for you To remain in the land of Moab, The place where ye were born, And where your kinsmen live, Than to go with me into Canaan And dwell among strangers. {The daughters are troubled and turn aside weeping.) Go, therefore, and return each of you Unto her mother's house ; May the Lord deal kindly with you, As ye have dealt with the dead and with me. If it please God, I would that ye marry again : And if so, may ye find rest, each of you. In the house of her husband. (Naomi kisses Orpha and Ruth and they lift up their voices and weep.) Ruth and Orpha {in unison) — Nay, but we will go with thee Unto thy people. Naomi — Not so, my daughters, turn ye again. And God grant that each of you May find rest in her mother's house. It grieveth. me that the hand of the Lord Is gone forth against me. And now in mine old age I am left alone ; Alone, for I have no near relative, And I must return unto my kinsmen empty. {Weeps.) Orpha {embraces and kisses Naomi) — Farewell, sweet mother, be it as thou wilt. Unto mine own people I now return; Farewell, and peace be with thee. (Orpha kisses Naomi and also kisses Ruth, drops head in hands and starts^ out L. Naomi and Ruth watch her 1 RUTH 21 sadly as she leaves them. Orpha turns back to Ruth, indi- cating that Ruth go zvith her. Ruth shakes her head and throivs her arms about Naomi's neck. Naomi's arms quickly encircle the girl. They hold each other tightly while Orpha passes out. At door Orpha turns back, shakes head sadly, buries face in hands and exits. Ruth and Naomi weep on each other's shoulder.) Naomi {indicating the zvay Orpha has gone)— Behold ! Thy sister-in-law has gone back Unto her people and unto her god ; Return thou after thy sister-in-law. Ruth (still clinging to Naomi, makes her strong and con- zincing speech) — "Entreat me not to leave thee, And to return from following after thee ; For whither thou goest, I will go, And where thou lodgest, I will lodge ; Thy people shall be my people, And thy God my God ; Where thou diest, will I die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me. And more also. If aught but death part thee and me." Curtain. Act III. Scene I: Home of the zvealthy Boaz in Bethlehem. The cupboard and table in last act may be utilized by throw- ing handsome coverings over same. Cover bench zvith fur rug. Place table at rear C, bench at rear L.; replace the plain chairs with upholstered ones. Pulpit chairs zvill serve nicely. Waterpot and stein should be on table. If desired, use fur rugs on floor. Two or three palms or ferns might be shown. 22 RUTH Enter Boaz from R. BoAZ {enters in a rage and looks about) — Benjamin not here? Methinks my Chief Servant is growing indolent ! It hath been sometime now Since I did summon him To come into my presence. {Goes to L. and looks out.) If I mistake not, he is approaching; Yea, he is hastening this way. {Paces the floor impatiently.) Enter Benjamin from L. Benjamin {bowing) — Thou didst send for me, my lord? Boaz {exhibiting anger) — Even so. I Avould have speech with thee Concerning a matter that happened today In the barley field. Occasion took me thence At an early hour; I bethought me to go and see How the maidens were faring About their gleaning. And whilst I was standing by, And looking upon the harvest, I beheld one of the reapers, Methinks he is called Jacob, Attempting to reproach a maiden And forbidding her to glean after him. His conduct angered me and I rebuked him, And commanded him to return to his reaping. Benjamin — Well done, my lord ! I, too, have rebuked Jacob For unseemly conduct. Boaz {surprised) — Why hast thou not told me ? Thou knowest I have charged the young men RUTH 23 To be watchful and kind in their conduct Toward the maidens in the field. Now I call thee to an accounting Of thy stewardship ; Why wast thou absent at early morn, When I had set thee over the reapers? Hadst thou been there, My wrath had been spared. Benjamin (bowing very low) — Have patience with me, my lord, I entreat thee, have patience, And barken unto my words : One of the reapers fell ill today, And I must needs depart And minister unto him. And thus Jacob took advantage. BoAZ (inore calmly) — Thy reason is sufficient. (Benjamin bozvs very low and makes as if to leave.) Hold, Benjamin, there is more I would know: Tell me about this maiden. She seemeth to be a stranger, And withal a comely young person. Whose damsel is this? Benjamin — It is the young woman That came with Naomi Out of the land of Moab ; And she hath said unto us: "Let me glean, I pray you, And gather after the reapers Among the sheaves." So we permitted her. And she hath continued gleaning From the morning until now. 24 RUTH BoAZ (aside) — It must be Ruth, the Moabitess, The widow of my nephew, Mahlon. (To Benjamin.) Let her glean, I pray you, And do not reproach her; Let fall some handfuls on purpose; Let her glean and rebuke her not. And now return to thy overseeing, And speak to the damsel That she come to me ; I would have speech with her. Benjamin (bowing) — Even so, my lord; Thy will shall be obeyed. (Benjamin bows lozv and exits L. Boaz, still exhibiting anger, drazvs his mantle about him, folds arms and paces floor. Suitable music shoidd be played. As he walks he relaxes, unfolds arms and gradually becomes calm. Knock on L. door.) BoAZ — Enter. Enter Ruth from L. She comes in timidly with arm full of barley and bows very low. BOAZ — Arise, and hearken unto me, my daughter. (As Ruth lifts herself up she looks at Boaz, seems sur- prised and steps backward.) Ah, thou dost recognize me. Ruth (bowing low) — Yea, my lord, thou art the man Who showed me much kindness In the field today, When one of the reapers Reproached me for gleaning. May the Lord bless thee. RUTH 25 BoAZ {bowing) — As thou wilt, my daughter. And now hearken unto my words: I would not have thee go to glean In a field that belongeth to another man ; I pray thee to abide in my field And stay close by the maidens who glean there ; And follow thou after them; And when thou art athirst Go to the vessels and drink Of the water the young men have drawn. Ruth (bozving) — Most noble sir, thou art truly kind ; Why have I found favor in thy sight ? Why art thou so kind to me? I am only a stranger here. BOAZ — It hath been fully shown to me All the kindness thou hast done Unto thy mother-in-law, Since the death of thine husband ; How thou hast left thy father and mother, And the land of thy nativity, Where the people worship idols. And art come into the land of Canaan To serve the true God ; May the Lord bless thee, my daughter, Even the God of Israel, And give reward for thy labor. Ruth (bowing) — Thou hast comforted me. And hast spoken kindly unto me ; May the Lord bless thee. (Boaz bozvs slowly.) Curtain. Scene II : Same as Scene I. Home of Boaz. Several weeksi later. Night of the harvest feast. Use lighted can- dles in candelabras. Lively mn^sic, talking and laughter is 26 RUTH heard behind the scenes, echoes from the feasting revelers. As the curtain goes up the music and noise ceases. Enter Benjamin from L. Benjamin {looking around in surprise) — Ah, the master not here! Yet, if I mistake not, He bid me meet him here After the feast. 'Tis strange that he should summon me At this hour of the night. {Has an idea.) Methinks I know the reason. For after the feast I beheld Boaz and Ruth Standing aside. And having speech together. My master loveth the damsel! {Chuckles to himself.) But the hour groweth late And I ought to be abed. {Sinks into an easy chair.). Rest thee, Benjamin, Till the master cometh. {Leans hack, yawns, closes eyes, now and then snores loudly. Soft music.) Enter Boaz from R. Boaz {merely glancing at Benjamin, zvalks across stage tozvard a chair at L., speaking as he goes) — What kept thee so late, Benjamin? {No answer.) What kept thee so late? {Louder. No ansT.ver. Boaz draws his chair up beside Benjamin, sits dozvn and sei:>es him by the arm.) Speak to me, Benjamin. (Benjamin snores loudly.)* Asleep? Thou sluggard! (Boaz laughs, stands and looks down upon Benjamin, who snores again.) A little more sleep, A little more slumber. {Thinks.) But he must awaken And harken unto me. RUTH 27 (Shakes Benjamin, who snores, yawns and stretches.) Benjamin (sleepily) — What wilt thou, my lord? BoAZ (shaking him) — I will that thou sh.ouldst awaken. Benjamin (wide awake and apologetic) — Forgive me, my lord. (Stands quickly and bows.) Sleep hath overtaken me unawares ; Forgive, I entreat thee, forgive. BoAZ (smiling) — I forgive, now sit thee down. (Motions Benjamin to resKume his seat. Both sit dozun.) Benjamin, thou art my Chief Servant, Wherefore, harken unto me! Tomorrow there is to be sold in the market-place, Hard by the city gate, a parcel of land Which did belong to my kinsman, Elimelech ; Naomi, which was his wife, and is come again Out of the country of Moab, Selleth the land; And whoso buyeth the field of Naomi Must also take unto himself Ruth, the Moabitess, The daughter-in-law of Naomi, To be his lawful wife. And the elders and the people Shall be witnesses thereof. Understandest thou this? Benjamin (nodding) — Yea, my lord. And has a kinsman so agreed ? BoAZ (stands, folds arms, paces the floor in thought, then steps beside Benjamin, zvho also rises) — Harken, and thou shalt know. There is a kinsman nearer than I, Who should redeem the land And marry the widow of my nephew ; 28 RUTH But he hath said unto me That he could not redeem it, And hath asked me to buy the land ; And, according to the custom Concerning redeeming and changing. He drew off his shoe And gave it to his neighbor. Benjamin — And wilt thou redeem the land. And marry the young woman? BOAZ — That is my duty, as next of kin, And hkewise my pleasure. Benjamin {offering his hand) — May the Lord bless thee and thy wife; And give increase to thy flocks and herds. And make thee a mighty man in Israel. BoAZ (shaking Benjamin's hand) — May it be even so, Benjamin, As thou hast said. Curtain. Scene III : Same as Scene II. The home of Boaz. Decorate with ferns, palms and fioivers. At the center of the stage, a canopy should he arranged, under which the bride and bridegroom sit or stand during the simple ceremony. According to Hastings this canopy formed the most inter- esting feature at a lavish zvedding. It zvas erected in tJic center of the room zvhere the guests were to assemble, and zvas made of palm branches and embroidered cloth. It zvas suggestive of the dome above the pulpit and gave to the wedding the appearance of a coronation. Also, newly zvedded persons of both sexes zvore crozvns or garlands on their wedding day. A suitable and attractive canopy may be made zvith a large umbrella, such as is used on delivery wagons. This could be covered zvith dark green crepe paper, trimmed zvith spangles or tinsel and decorated zvith leafy branches or trailing vines. Directly under the canopy RUTH 29 shoHild he placed a raised seat, hack of which palms and flozvers should he hanked. Many hurning candles should he used. In this scene Ruth appears\ ''in fidl splendor of hridal array." She wears zvhite rohe, white mantle over shoulders, hair flozving, thin veil oz'cr head that falls dozim the hack nearly to feet; a garland of flozvers on head over veil; the face veil of the bride is fastened over the face' just helozv the eyes and reaches dozvn front to the feet. The veil and mantle may he decked zmth gold or silz^er spangles. She zvearsi an ornamented girdle, bracelets, heads and other ornaments. The hridegroorn appears "in splendid attire." His rohe may he hlack and his mantle of hlue, scarlet or purple. He zvears an ornamented girdle, strings of heads ahout his neck and a garland of flozvers upon his head. The grooms- man and ''friends of the bridegroom" may also zvear man- tles of color. There should he nine friends. The Ten Virgins wear zvhite robes, mantles and veils. The friends of the bridegroom assemble ahout the canopy, hut not under it, some sitting on the floor, others standing ahout engaged in low conversation. Groomsman — Behold, 'tis the wedding night! Ye friends of the bridegroom, arise, {All stand.) For soon the beloved must join us, We must have his company yet awhile, Before we lead him forth to claim his bride. First Friend — Yea, we must have him! All {in unison) — The bridegroom! The bridegroom! We must have the bridegroom ! Groomsman — Then who will arise and follow me? Come with me to bring him forth ! First Friend {stepping forzvard and bozving) — I am come, my friend, to follow thee. 30 RUTH Second Friend {stepping forivard and bowing) — bridegroom forth {The three exeunt R.) And I am come to bring the bridegroom forth. The Others (in unison) — The bridegroom ! The bridegroom ! We must have the bridegroom ! Third Friend (coming foncard and addressing the others) — Yea, the words they speak are true; For the hour draweth nigh, and now is When the Royal Bridegroom Shall lead forth the bride Into his own house, Accompanied by the Virgins that follow her. Fourth Friend — And the nuptial songs are finished ; It was but a little while ago I heard the Virgins singing, And these were the words they sang: (Recite with much feeling.) "The voice of my beloved, behold he cometh, Leaping upon the mountains, Skipping upon the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart : Behold he standeth behind our wall, He looketh in at the windows, He glanceth through the lattice. My beloved spake and said unto me: 'Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away. For lo, the winter is past ; The rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth ; The time of the singing of birds is come, The voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our Ian;] ; RUTH 31 The fig tree ripeneth her green figs, And the vines are in blossom ; They give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, And come away." {Gong sounds off stage.) Fifth Friend — Harken, the bridegroom approacheth! Enter Bridegroom and others. {The garlanded bridegroom and groomsman enter, fol- lozved by the other two friends. They walk once around the canopy, then the bridegroom takes his seat beneath it.) Groomsman — Behold, O Friends, the worthy bridegroom, With the crown wherewith his mother hath crowned him In the day of his espousals. And in the day of the gladness of his heart ! The Friends {in unison) — The bridegroom ! The bridegroom ! All hail to the bridegroom ! BoAZ {standing and bowing this zvay and that) — Blessings on my friends ; For ye do honor me tonight With your worthy presence ; And my heart rejoices to know That ye shall accompany me Unto the home of my bride; And after the wedding is over Here ye shall abide for seven days, Rejoicing with me in feasting and song, And the telling and solving of riddles. The Friends {gathering about the canopy) — The riddle! The riddle! Put forth the riddle! BoAZ {lifting his hand for silence) — Do ye not know how it is written That the mighty Sampson, upon his nuptial day, 32 RUTH Put forth this riddle unto his friends: "Out of the eater came forth food; Out of the strong came forth sweetness." (Friends nod to one another.) And they could not within the seven days Of the wedding feast declare it unto him. {All nod understandingly.) The riddle I now put forth is this : *'Who is it that looketh forth as the morning, Fair as the moon, pure as the sun, Terrible as an army with banners?" {The Friends begin thinking, nozu and then one smiles, others shake heads doubtfully.) Whoso can declare this riddle unto me. Within the seven days of the feast, To him will I give thirty Hnen garments ; But if ye cannot declare it Ye shall give to me thirty linen garments. {Resumes Jiis seat. Gong sounds off stage.) Groomsman {stepping forward) — 'Tis time to light our torches And go forth to claim the bride. {All stand. Groomsman goes to R. door and some one off stage gives him tzi'o burning torches. He returns and gives one to First Friend, the other eight friends go to R. door and each in turn is given a burning torch. Grooms- man and First Friend step beside the canopy and Boaz steps dozvn and takes\ his place bet-ween them. A procession is formed as the others fall in line by twos; all march to music once around the canopy and then off at L.) Enter the Ten Virgins from R. The Virgins carry lighted half-candles in low candlesticks, representing the- ancient lamp, march across the stage by twos, then disperse, some sitting, other standing about in groups and conversing, but each carefully guarding her light. RUTH 33 First Virgin — It seemeth so like a tale that is told. Two Virgins (in unison) — What seemeth so? First Virgin — This marriage of Boaz and Ruth. 'Twas but a little while ago That she was a poor gleaner Out in the barley field ; And tonight she weds the master, The wealthy Boaz. Second Virgin — She is a worthy woman, And we should rejoice with her Upon this her marriage day. Third Virgin — Methinks her love for Naomi Passeth all understanding. And since the death of Naomi's husband. And also the two sons, The daughter-in-law which loveth her Hath been better than seven sons. Fourth Virgin (going to L. door and looking out) — The hour of midnight draweth nigh; Let us arise and trim our lamps, Lest the bridegroom when he cometh Should not find us watching. (Gong off stage at L. strikes tzvelve.) Virgins (in unison, suddenly lifting fingers and listening) — Hark! (As the last stroke sounds the Priest enters from L,, and, standing in the doorway, speaks very solemnly.) Priest — Behold, the bridegroom cometh. Go ye out to meet him. 34 RUTH (TJie Virgins arise, examine their lights and form a pro- cession by twos; march to the music across stage and off at L. After a brief pause the wedding march begins.) Enter wedding party from R. First in the procession come the Ten Virgins carrying their lighted candles. They enter by tzvos, march to center in front of canopy, separate and anarch diagonally to R. and L., each couple follozving the last until they stand, five at each end facing the center; next enter the Ten Friends of the bridegroom, carrying torches. They march in same manner as Virgins and take their places at each end of stage, standing directly behind the Virgins. Then the Priest enters with scroll in hand, walks past the front of canopy and stands at left of it. BoAZ and Ruth follozv, she leaning upon his arm. They stand under canopy, facing audience. Naomi and brides- maid enter and stand at right of canopy. Any number of bridesmaids may be used. The Priest stepsi in front of canopy, facing bridal party, and holds open scroll in hands as if reading; lays scroll aside and reaches out both hands above the heads of Boaz and Ruth. The others bozv heads. Soft music continues during the silent ceremony. Let cur- tain fall slowly while all heads are bozved as if in prayer. Curtain. By Way of the Secret Pax:sa{ie Qy LINDSEY OAKOLt. Price 'dH C«at« \ tan t-a Je- ll mail 1 _^.jracttr»: .-w. Kuth. Alt ^Ul. I »r»'\v, of r«". ind lirr daiJKtitiT.-. ..,, .......... ........ .....>.. HaT' \vy, of the Patriot tinny. SYN*(>I»SIS ^■•' IX........ «- .!r.iim ..f i..fi;r ntrr,. .Inhn Wnrvfy iralna ■ * ' ■' ' ■ ■ lov»>. T' i-.M In ntndo ami tl). tx put Into m.l th. Scene II— \\i..M.- !.s I ,ii/.,ir..t!i ■ II'..- 1 laizulK'th makea a dramati*' ontrun««» jin«l bi \ .h. A<-t III.- HIta awaki'K. I • lUf In dlsrusaed. Another in>i*t«'rlt>uH tap|>ln);. H. s u iit:iiK fi-r ni«» — at tlu* end of Ihr »ft rrt pji.M.saK'". the vame as in the lonK. long ago!" Abbu San of Old Japan By WALTER BEN HARE. Price 25 Cents Comedy-drama In 2 arts; l.'i females. Time, about 2 hours. Scene: A simple Interior. Characters: Abbu San, duuKhter of Tiajesty. I>urhe8» FuJl-no. I^dy Yu-Klrl. MlHt «»f the Kven- O MatNuka San and <> Kikii San. nialds of lionor. Ohano, • »f the bandit ehlef. NatHU-no. hoHteHS of tlie Inn "Million okukii. ulster of the Ox, a i><»rter at tlie Inn. I'ml, Yas4i. peasant maids. Henrietta Hash, an AnnrUan .A'lnt I'rinullse. a bhu'k mammy. Madam MasaKo, i:..i; ()n«i. her niald of all work. A In play <>onstru(*tlon, l>rlstllnfc with ln«l- d.r.' ih «oniedv. The plnv !« pr.'-. nt. ■! after w .Ia< ket." th« inK ( aiKlleni e an«l t inK tl,. .lifTerent rl, .-at itlcularly .suili-.l i... I'.i- Ilihiutu- the rharaeters of Pujl-no and i\y and effective drama lie work liie who lnii^.s for "ole VlrKlnnv" Is a eoine»ly 1 note. nanees aiul son»t numbers from Ml- bv ti.K ti-\t but these may be »flven or not at y. A pletureH«iue and Vt-ry efTeetlvo a distinct plot that will lnter«Hi un full 1 antl .side. T •Ti.. view llltto Ih • V.ll of th 111. illL, of a p* ■ -r tl.. 1 Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown By WALTER BEN HARE. Price, 25 Cents Comedy-drama in 3 acts; 4 males, 7 females (5 are children). Time, 21^ hours. Scene: 1 interior. Characters: Mrs. Tubbs, the sunshine of Shantytown. Miss Clingie Vine, her lady boarder, real genteel. Mrs. Hielcey, a neiglibor wlio hates gossip. Maydelle Campbell, the young school teacher. Simon Rubbels, the corner grocery man. Tom Riordan, tlie census tal<;er. Queenie, aged twelve. Methusalem, aged eleven. Billy, aged seven. Victoria, aged three. Elmira, aged ten. SYNOPSIS. Act I. — Mrs. Mollie Tubbs and her happy little family in Shantytown. The pretty, young school teacher and the Census Taker have a disagreement. Mrs. Tubbs as first aid to Cupid. Mrs. Hickey expresses her opinion of Simon Rubbels. Miss Clingie Vine has her census taken. "My maw was a Virginia Hamm, and whenever we had company, papaw always wore full evening garbage." Bad news from Kansas. "There ain't no way too far for a mother's love. I'm going to my boy." Act II. — A month later. Mrs. Tubbs returns. Simon Rubbels decides to find a wife. "If lie ain't a red -headed hippopotamus, there never was one on this green eartli." A Shantytown high jinks with song and menagerie. Clingie Vine decides to be a siren. The light in the window for Jimmie. "I've got my babies, and I've got their love, and all the money in the world can't take that from me, so Mr. Simon Rubbles, the honorable Mrs. Tubbs re- spectfully declines your offer of matrimony." Act lit.— A Shantytown Thanksgiving. Mrs. Hickey brings the news and Miss Vine inherits a fortune. Mr. Rubbels worries Mrs. Tubbs again. "You kin turn me out in tlie streets tomorrow, but tonight this house belongs to me. Now tliere's the door and there's your hat. I won't detain you no longer." Miss Vine and the good looking grocery boy. "Jimmie, my boy, my boy!" The return of the Prodigal Son. "I reckon I'm the happiest woman ir the United States of America. My cup runnetli over, my cur runneth over!" MRS. TUBBS SAYS: "Clingie's certainly a long time makin' up her mind, but when she's sot a steam shovel himself couldn't unset her." "I hope and I trust, and wlien a person hopes and trusts fer a thing they ginerally git it. Everything is bound to come out right some time." "I ain't goin' to worry. There ain't no use in h'istin' your umbrella until it begins to rain." "I jest do what I have to do and make the best of it. Mr. Tubbs used to say that my voice would scare anything, so I jest try to make it scare the blues." "Bibulous? Bibulous, Theodore Tubbs, bibulous? Why, mister, that man didn't l<;now no more about the Bible than my sister's cat's tail. And what's more. I ain't got no sister. "Men is men the hull world over, and it seems jest like it's a man's nature to do that which they oughtn't to do, and to leave undone them things they ought to have did. That's Scripture." "What difference does money make? If you've got your youth and your strength and your love, that's worth all the money that was ever made in this whole world." "Love your country and stand up fer it to the last ditch. Poor folks can love their country jest the same as rich ones. And better." "Keep smiling-." T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO Macbeth a la Mode Dy WALTER LL", HAUL Price, 25 Cents School burlrtta In 3 m.i». 7 iiiul.hers. till his I \." • • '• .-•:■! ' 1.1-^. .\»U'.i. ii-i.i |..uik'!i!.t jiD.l --((Ood .'• nil miMK to . nii.-K" Hint. Thin play la very humoroua and ularly uilaptxi r<>i h< h 1>V. F. fi: F- Fu Fu Grr Cr. li. r .in...:j 6 ;o nt J ! n.... 4 i 4 J 1 S II 610 • II, 40 win. -*n min. i:un... a 111 ... . :' til. 1 < 7 .1 ^ 1 8 .1 9 ;{ .^ .! ..r 4 r, 40 m. 5 1 I I 4 J tnin ..62 • mill. 6 .1 ".5 i!i»n 6 4 ood, 15 min. ... 2 2 .22 •.. 7 $ 3 ] V V Pl..r I' Sham 1 20 n^. Wtntrd a H A ffr«at ii«tmb*r •# Standard and Amataur Playa not found hora ara Hatad In Danloon'a Catolesua T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishtrt.lMW. RandolphSt. . Chicago POPULAR ENTER Price, Illustrated Pape IN this Series are found books touching every feature in the enter- tainment field. Finely made, good paper, clear print and each book has an attractive individual cov- er design. A Partial List DIALOGUES AM Sorts of Dialogues. Selected, fine for older pupils. Catchy Comic Dialogues. Very clever; for young people. Children's Comic Dialogues. From six to eleven years of age. Country School Dialogues. Brand new, original. Dialogues for District Schools. For country schools. Dialogues from Dickens. Thirteen selections. The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. Over 50,000 copies sold. From Tots to Teens. Dialogues and recitations. Humorous Homespun Dialogues. For older ones. Little People's Plays. From 7 to' 13 years of age. Lively Dialogues. For all ages; mostly humorous. M-erry Little Dialogues. Thirty-eight original selections. When the Lessons are Over. Dialogues, drills, plays. Wide Awake Dialogues. Original successful. SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES Choice Pieces for Little People. A child's speaker. The Comic Entertainer. Recitations, monologues, dialogues. Dialect Readings. Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. The Favorite Speaker. Choice prose and poetry. The Friday Afternoon Speaker. For pupils of all ages. Humorous Monologues. Particularly for ladies. Monologues for Young Folks. Clever, humorous, original. 014 211 881 6 # Monologues Grave and Gay. Dramatic and humorous. Scrap- Book Recitations. Choice collections, pathetic, hu- morous, descriptive, prose, poetry. 15 Nos., per No. 25c DRILLS The Best Drill Book. Very popular drills and marches. The Favorite Book of Drills. Drills that sparkle with originality. Little Plays With Drills. For children frorn 6 to 11 years. The Surprise Drill Book. Fresh, novel, drills and marches. SPECIALTIES The Boys' Entertainer. Monologues, dialogues, drills. Children's Party Book. Invitations, decorations, games. The Days We Celebrate. Entertainments for all the holidays. Good Things for Christmas. Recitations, dialogues, drills. Good Things for Sunday Schools. Dialogues, exercises, recitations. Good Things for Thanksgiving. A gem of a book. Good Things for Washington and Lincoln Birthdays. Little Folks' Budget. Easy pieces to speak, songs. One Hundred Entertainments. New parlor diversions, socials. Patriotic Celebrations. Great variety of material. Pictured Readings and Tableaux. Entirely original features. Pranks and Pastimes. Parlor games for. children. Private Theatricals. How to put on plays. Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, Charades, and how to prepare. Tableaux and Scenic Readings. New and novel; for all ages. Twinkling Fingers and Sway- ing Figures. For little tots. Yuletide Entertainments. A choice Christmas collection. MINSTRELS, JOKES Black American Joker. Minstrels' and end men's gags. A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. Monologues, stump speeches, etc. Laughland,vla the Ha-Ha Route. A merry trip for fun tourists. Negro Minstrels. All about the business. The New Jolly Jester. Funny stories, jokes, gags, etc. Larsre Illustrated Catalogue Free T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,Publishers,154W. Randolph St., Chicago