Peace, Power 
 
 and 
 
 Politics 
 
Peace, Power and Politics 
 
 MODERN OCCURRENCES PORTRAYED IN ANCIENT WAY 
 
 Published by request by 
 the Author 
 
 IRVING RINALDO KENYON 
 
 31 UNION SQUARE 
 New York City 
 
 Price Fifty Cents 
 
 (Postage prepaid to any address in the United States) 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1918. BY THE AUTHOR 
 
 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 
 
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 TMP96-jJo520 
 
 DEC 23 19(8 
 
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PREFACE 
 
 The times have been strange to Americans who are accustomed and 
 feel privileged to scan and criticize the acts of public servants. We have 
 gone fast and far. Without intent to blame anyone and with due appre- 
 ciation of the fact that much which has happened was inevitable ; still, 
 there are those who would have liked it had less centralization of power 
 been deemed necessary and had greater distribution of government 
 management been made among the political parties. 
 
 Perhaps something in the way of a coalition cabinet would have 
 satisfied many of us and would have put to sleep the feeHng that extreme 
 power, once secured, was meant to be retained. 
 
 It would be idle to try to disguise the dissatisfaction of many of us 
 at the turn of various events. We simply endured and waited for the 
 time to come when we might, with propriety, comment without fear of 
 injuring a greater cause while championing a lesser. But convictions, 
 unsatisfied, did not die even if they slumbered. 
 
 It is not intended to portray here either the opinion of the writer 
 or of anyone else as to events which occurred but it is intended to show, 
 entirely fearlessly, how some phases of the recent past may be made to 
 appear if one be so inclined. If this recent past is portrayed, not as 
 one would think of portraying the days of Lincoln or of Jefferson, it 
 is because there is nothing in them which would remind one of such 
 days. If characters are shown as changeable of mind, it may be because 
 it was necessary to an accurate portrayal. Or, if characters are made 
 to appear autocratic in their ways, it may be because that impression has 
 actually been created with some of us. 
 
 At least, it may safely be said that that at which we can laugh has 
 no power to hurt and that the funny side once presented renders it 
 impossible for the object of ridicule ever to be taken seriously if engaged 
 in any harmful undertaking. On the other hand, true greatness, real 
 honesty of purpose, but thrive 'midst criticism and jokes at their expense. 
 
 The Author. 
 
CAST 
 In general order of appearance on the stage. 
 
 Bryno Once a Counsellor. 
 
 WiLTHO The Chief. 
 
 Teddo A Former Chief. 
 
 Taffo A Former Chief. 
 
 Lady Wiltho. 
 
 Hearso A Villain. 
 
 Clown. 
 
 Lanso, Bako, Burlso, Mackadoso, Danso. .' All Counsellors. 
 
 Houso Nearly a Counsellor. 
 
 Three Foreign Ambassadors. 
 Three Senators. 
 
 Four Small Merchants, A Reporter and A Professor All Citizens. 
 
 Two Foreigners. 
 
 Negro Porter and Sambo. 
 
 Page. 
 
 TIME. The Present. 
 
 SCENES. All Scenes are alike, a Room in the Yellow House. 
 
 Room is furnished in modern style, mainly, with rich 
 mahogany office furniture, but a medieaval character is 
 given to it by rich tapestries which adorn the walls and 
 the lighting system which consists of large handsome 
 candelabra, giving a slightly barbaric effect. 
 
 NOTE. Between Acts 1 and 2 only twenty-four hours have 
 
 passed but between Acts 2 and 3 eighteen months have 
 passed. 
 
 COSTUMES. All costumes are modern. The men are all dressed in 
 modern tweeds but they wear over the right shoulder, 
 in all cases, a draped half toga, its size proportioned to 
 the importance of the individual, so that in Wiltho's 
 case it is full length, in the case of slightly lesser char- 
 acters it is three-quarters length, and with others it is 
 only one-half length. This adds an atmosphere of 
 remoteness to the play in keeping with the style of speech. 
 The Clown, of course, wears a conventional clown's garb. 
 
 (4) 
 
ACT 1. 
 
 Bryno and Wiltho on Stage. 
 
 BRYNO Sire, it is done, 
 
 The mob proclaims thee, 
 
 Their voices shout in fulsome praise ; 
 
 And, I, thy servant and thy friend, am glad. 
 
 In grape juice I and 
 
 Mine and all who follow in 
 
 My train shall pledge thy name. 
 
 WILTHO I thank thee. 
 
 Thou art a good man 
 
 And, at a time, didst serve me well; 
 
 And in convention halls didst praise me. 
 
 For this much, thanks ; 
 
 As for thy present vows. 
 
 Thy following is small I fear, 
 
 And now I need not them or thee; 
 
 But yet I wish thee well. 
 
 Distant noises of a crowd heard. Sounds approach rapidly as the 
 two men maintain their pose. Loud cheers and all the noises of a modern 
 election night are heard and then in a temporary silence a voice shouts 
 'Three cheers for Wiltho" and they are given. In the silence that follows 
 a voice shouts "He kept us out of war." Immediately the cry is taken 
 up by all and repeated again and again as the crowd moves on until it 
 is faintly heard and then dies abruptly. Wiltho, as he hears it, smiles in 
 profound satisfaction. 
 
 WILTHO They praise me. 
 
 I would, kind Bryno, that thou had'st not opposed 
 
 me and that, 
 In this, my moment of great joy, 
 I had thee with me 'stead of Lanso. 
 
 BRYNO Thou wert too warlike, Sire. 
 
 WILTHO Is this a joke, 
 
 Or has thy grape juice so o'ercome thee, 
 That thou canst speak but foolish words? 
 I, Wiltho, warlike? 
 It is a jest. 
 
 But, peace, dear Bryno, 
 I did use thee once, 
 I'll not abuse thee now. 
 But rather, in a calm, majestic way. 
 As best becomes my dignity, will drop thee ; 
 And thy successor, Lanso, shall know my smile; 
 farewell. 
 
 Exit Bryno. 
 
 Exit Wiltho, meditatively. 
 
 Enter six Citizens, 4 Small Merchants, 1 Preacher, 1 Reporter 
 and 2 Foreigners. 
 
 1st MERCHANT.... How goes the night? 
 
 (5) 
 
2d MERCHANT The wind did howl and, 'tis said, a donkey, ram- 
 pant, 
 Brayed his brazen way, the length and breadth of 
 
 all the land 
 And had his will; 
 
 Cocks loudly crew, much noise was heard. 
 And rumor says (most probably with truth) 
 An elephant, his sleek sides stung and scarred 
 And like a mighty mountain moving swift, 
 With trunk hung low and head depressed, 
 Pursued an aimless way, near kicked to death. 
 
 3d MERCHANT .... Such tidings ! 
 
 1st FOREIGNER Vat vorries you, mine heart does fill mit joy. 
 
 Mine fader country shall the news receive. 
 
 4th MERCHANT.. 
 
 .You mean that he who has this night, 
 Of votes received, a mighty count. 
 May favor such as you? 
 
 1st FOREIGNER. 
 PROFESSOR.... 
 
 I voted, too, I und all mine, 
 Did help the great event. 
 
 .And I, a Pacifo, did, too. 
 Oh, cruel war, which in its mighty stride. 
 Has swept o'er plain and sea and mountain side, 
 From me and mine be evermore removed ! 
 
 1st MERCHANT. 
 
 Such craven thought ; and who, pray tell, shall die, 
 
 That thee and thine may live? 
 
 Are you and I too worthy, or unworthy. 
 
 To mingle in this fight of all mankind? 
 
 Have we no duty, too, or fear we it to do? 
 
 REPORTER But know you not the news? 
 
 It is so voted, the land is dead, 
 
 Peace, dreadful peace, is on our head. 
 
 Peace, recking not of right or wrong. 
 
 Peace, fearful and afraid, has gathered in our 
 
 Women-men, and made us what we are. 
 
 2d FOREIGNER. 
 
 .But orders come. Oh, heaven above, such orders! 
 Jerusalem, in her best days, ne'er saw 
 Nor dreamed, such wealth. 
 
 4th MERCHANT. 
 
 .Are we for sale? 
 
 Has this fair land forgotten, then, its birth. 
 
 Has right not might no place upon the earth 
 
 But hold, our wandering took us far. 
 
 Behold, here comes the brightest star 
 
 Our Wiltho, who to-day had not my vote, but many 
 
 others. 
 We trespass true, but still. 
 To look upon the great is privilege, 
 And maybe he will speak and make us all yet glad 
 This night was born. 
 
 (6) 
 
Enter Wiltho. 
 
 WILTHO How now, good citizens? This is a night to look 
 
 upon 
 Nay, stay, I'm but a common man, by you but 
 
 raised to great estate. 
 And Hke, in moments such as these, ^ 
 To learn from you by telling you in simple language 
 
 what I mean to do, 
 
 CHORUS We thank you. 
 
 WILTHO Attend, then, say to those you meet. 
 
 Including e'en the man upon the street, 
 
 For he, too, votes, ^ 
 
 I have a purpose in my ways, dark and obscure, 
 
 and oft a maze 
 Even to me ; and yet my plans, do lead to many 
 
 things. 
 There's no war here, nought but prosperity, 
 For which I claim full credit. 
 I have not cared if mortal man, across the way, 
 
 exhaust himself in futile fray. 
 Nor even know nor care to learn, what it is all 
 
 about. 
 Too proud to fight in endless brawl, 
 I have preserved you safe, and scorn with mighty 
 
 scorn, 
 The words of those who say, "Prepare." 
 Prepare? Prepare for what? 
 Waste useless money on a thought, that gains no 
 
 votes? 'Tis not my way. 
 But in my pride I lead and follow he who may. 
 But stay, who comes. 'Tis Teddo, 
 (aside) I like that man not, his ways are fierce. 
 His words, they bite and sting most strong. 
 And oft, I find, upon examination, 
 Do criticize m.yself. 
 Why comes he here? He hath a lean and hungry 
 
 look, 
 I like it not. 
 
 Enter Teddo followed by Taffo and numerous others all bearing the 
 stamp of men of influence. 
 
 TEDDO I greet, but to thee quick would say 
 
 Personal words of courtesy, and such as duty bids, 
 For matters of great moment now press upon my 
 
 mind. 
 The war has gone not well with those whom nature 
 
 made our friends. 
 I come, no plea upon my lips. 
 But pressed by duty stern and bearing out, 
 My life of action. I now demand the right to act. 
 Full many a score of valiant men. 
 Driven by thoughts they dare not think,_ 
 Of deeds that weigh upon the mind, until it whirls 
 
 and whirls and whirls 
 
 (7) 
 
And will not be relieved, except by action, 
 
 Of these some mighty numerous scores, have to 
 
 me come. 
 Among them those who like me not, 
 Yet like a cause, and, on grave counsel. 
 We've found our minds to be as one. 
 A foe, a wanton foe, a foe to all, 
 A foe to you and me and all mankind. 
 Has grown while we all slept, 
 And, then, has sprung, not upon men. 
 Though that is bad enough for tiger springs, 
 But straight upon the weak and small. 
 On women, children, little babes, 
 On nations small, and people weak, 
 Their hand is fastened like a claw. 
 In all the world, in times unknown. 
 No acts are whispered such as come 
 To us from far across the sea. 
 And not content, upon the sea, 
 They murder, kill and steal. 
 Nor is it true that in their deeds 
 Only an enemy is sought and hurt; 
 For, reckless grown, our ships, our babes. 
 And those of others like us, peacefully inclined. 
 Intent upon their ways, are murdered as they sleep. 
 And so to thee, our chief, made by our will, 
 I come, and say that I, and others like me. 
 All of one mind, would go and add our arms, 
 To those who labor 'gainst this foe 
 And strong in purpose, firm in courage. 
 Determined, unafraid, would show that we, 
 A nation strong and great can act. 
 And mighty act, nor care for loss nor gain, 
 But promptly move on slighting word. 
 And quicker on a deed. 
 My life, then, to this cause be dedicate. 
 
 WILTHO You speak of things I know. 
 
 I have had word of many things by other nations 
 
 done. 
 The right and wrong of such cannot be determined. 
 Nor need by us. We live, we breathe. 
 In different clime. I have not sided in this fray, 
 Nor yet decided who shall have my praise, 
 Although of acts which seemed to me. 
 To merit some rebuke and blame, 
 I have, my pen in hand, and not a sword. 
 Delivered of epistles quite a wordy lot. 
 Nor shall I cease. Go home, good folk, 
 Rest thee in peace, I'll write to them. 
 
 Movements of consternation sieze upon the followers of Teddo and 
 murmurs of disapproval. 
 
 TEDDO You'll write, you will not act, nor let me act. 
 
 You'll write, while nations stand appalled. 
 And blood of our blood, men of our kind. 
 Stand backed up to the wall? 
 You'll write f 
 
 (8) 
 
WILTHO I've had my say, I'll write again, 
 
 What I shall say I may not know. 
 
 But in a time of solitude apart, 
 
 I'll think and write, and then in watchfulness 
 
 Will wait, as I have done before. 
 
 And now before the dawning light, 
 
 Speaks of a new and better day, Good-Night. 
 
 TAFFO And now, by all the Gods at once, 
 
 By ancient oaths and modern slang; 
 I am a man, full large and strong and ponderous, 
 I have been reckoned such and in a car one night 
 Did sleep, and used a mighty seat, 
 And men have wondered at my frame. 
 And I have borne it proud and eaten of my fill, 
 Indeed : but, henceforth, it shall be my plan, 
 With all my might and main, to find and learn 
 What meat does this, our Wiltho's eat that he 
 has grown so great. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 ACT 2. 
 Wiltho, alone, on Stage. 
 
 WILTHO To be or not to be, aye, there's the rub. 
 
 If I might kill my former self, and murder resolu- 
 tions 
 Made, and rightly made, mayhap, and, yet not 
 
 rightly made. 
 As time and chance may show, and being dead. 
 My former self might not return again. 
 And still go on, and on, and on, and gain a greater 
 
 end; 
 And yet, there is a chance, a mighty chance, 
 Of trip, of stumble and of fall in all these things, 
 And thus the ends, so sought, by change of base. 
 But snarl together in a knot and trip us. 
 And change our cunning plans, until both grieved 
 
 and torn, 
 We find ourselves, outcast from men, 
 And by all men reviled; our station, being high, 
 But makes it possible to drop so far 
 That he of low estate must needs look down. 
 When he would curse us. I am sore pushed to know 
 my mind. 
 
 Enter Lady Wiltho. 
 
 LADY WILTHO.. . .Cans't not decide? And is thy mind so frail a thing 
 That it must blow and blow and blow, like paper in 
 
 a breeze, 
 And cannot light, but twists and twists in circles, 
 And will not act? Is this a man I see or not, 
 
 (9) 
 
Or is it one who masquerades and has the world 
 
 afooled, 
 Or being man will act a man and prove his worth 
 
 to all? 
 
 WILTHO What thinkest thou? 
 
 LADY WILTHO My thoughts I've stated plain in many a sleepless 
 
 night. 
 Since I, your bride, did take my place by your 
 
 irresolute side. 
 I've counseled, and I've plead, I now do strong com- 
 mand. 
 That you shall act. It is our only way to gain as 
 
 much 
 As nature meant that you and I should have. 
 War must be loosed, there is no other course to 
 
 take, 
 And thou must lead or lead by others will be 
 
 seized. 
 Thou hast hung back and waited to the point of 
 
 barren loss. 
 Afraid to lose some votes, some dirty foreign votes, 
 
 forsooth. 
 Votes are not made by such transparent course, 
 But rather by a careless mien, yet one which plans. 
 
 WILTHO But I did state 
 
 LADY WILTHO Didst state and state and state and state be hanged. 
 
 Why, thou didst state full many things, yet stated 
 
 vague, 
 And never to a plan, a way, a course to take, a 
 
 means. 
 Until if one man says you stated, another says 
 
 him nay, 
 And both are right and none are right and even 
 
 you 
 Could not, in language plain and pure set them 
 
 aright. 
 So thou canst state again and must, and still be 
 
 vague. 
 It is your part, and none but thee can do it half 
 
 so well. 
 
 WILTHO I doubt if thou dost mean to say to me a compli- 
 ment. 
 
 And yet, I catch thee, too, and know that thou hast 
 sensed and felt. 
 
 That which is true. I have admired thee for thy 
 ways, thy face and all. 
 
 But for thy mind, I have this day, in manner quick 
 but straight, 
 
 A feeling such as man to man is felt ; but seldom 
 to a woman. 
 
 Then, listen, you are right, I'll act, and start the 
 circus by to-night. 
 
 LADY WILTHO.... My love, I knew you would, I'm with thee to the 
 bitter end 
 
 (10) 
 
Of all the sad affair ; so you to duty of your own 
 while I mine own attend. 
 
 Exit Lady Wiltho. 
 Enter Hearso. 
 
 HEARSO Kind friend ; I've come, be not alarmed ; by devious 
 
 ways I sought my path, 
 Till even I, so strangely turned from way to way, 
 
 and spot to spot, 
 Could not again my route pursue in my return, 
 
 much less another. 
 
 WILTHO 'Tis well, thy company is strange, and men in open 
 
 words revile. 
 And like thee not, nor do receive in glad and proper 
 
 way 
 Thy friendship. But to our business; make an end. 
 
 What brings thee here? 
 
 HEARSO I'd have thee act. 
 
 WILTHO What, comes another? Am I to hear from every 
 
 tongue that word? 
 
 Acting does bring an end, a final end, to thought 
 and plan. 
 
 But one may speak, and talk, and write, large ful- 
 some things, 
 
 That have a meaning or have none, it's all the same. 
 
 But take an act, ah, there's a thing that bloweth 
 not away. 
 
 Nor yet can be erased, but must go on a prede- 
 termined course, 
 
 And, spawning, breeds and breeds, yet other painful 
 acts and acts. 
 
 Until the brood be larger than the one who gave 
 them birth. 
 
 HEARSO But thou art wrong, words written have a way of 
 
 giving hurt, 
 They last, and sting and burn ; and thou, for- 
 saking that marked course. 
 By which to all men thou art known, and known 
 
 so well, 
 Of vague and pleasant words and words of many 
 
 understandings. 
 Hast been direct in thought to my Imperial Master, 
 
 Most High and Sacred man. 
 From whom I hear, in ways most men, of small 
 
 designs cannot; 
 That he is grieved and more than that he rages 
 
 and he threats 
 That when this war is done, he, in his new found 
 
 strength and might. 
 Will bring thee quick to book. So I would have 
 
 thee 
 
 WILTHO Enough, I catch thy drift; but ere you came, a 
 
 better one, 
 One weak, yet strong, one fair, yet mighty in her 
 power, 
 
 (11) 
 
Did say to me some things to which I am straight- 
 way commit 
 
 And I shall act, not as you think but as I will, and 
 this means War. 
 
 HEARSO War, War. You mean 
 
 Enter Page. 
 
 WILTHO I mean it all. (To Page) Attend this man and 
 
 speed him on his way, 
 
 And to my council, give a quick and speedy sum- 
 mons, 
 
 That they attend me here. 
 
 Exit Page, Hearso, then Wiltho. 
 Enter a Clown. 
 
 CLOWN Now I'm a clown, a clown of some degree, 'mongst 
 
 other clowns. 
 Upon my little stage I strut and fret a laugh from 
 
 any man, 
 Until men said, "Here is a clown of some real, 
 
 laughing worth, 
 And one a master at his art, and one of strange 
 
 and foreign ways," 
 Yet, can a clown, in all his freaks and jibes, and 
 
 funny ways. 
 With all his might of mimicry and strange jest, 
 Equal, indeed, a man of serious part, yet one a 
 
 master at my art? 
 I hear of war to be, when he who would the war 
 
 declare. 
 But kept us out of war and did a mighty scoring 
 
 show. 
 For that same act. And now he wars, and no one 
 
 sees the joke. 
 But a poor clown. Or being proud, he will not fight 
 
 to-day. 
 And yet gets proud to fight upon another, and wins 
 
 applause ; 
 Or being not prepared, will not prepare, defends it, 
 
 too. 
 And starts all helpless, yet, a clown, a poor and 
 
 lowly clown, 
 Can only see the joke. Or, being well informed, 
 
 with all the world 
 A source of information, says that indeed, no right 
 
 and wrong appears. 
 No nation's better than another if nations be at war, 
 And yet would war, and must be with the one or 
 
 other, 
 And, quickly, in a night, must find and pick and 
 
 choose the right, 
 Am I a clown? Fie, Bah, You Foolish Elf, who'd 
 
 give ME votes ? 
 I'll hide myself. 
 
 Exit Clown. 
 (12) 
 
Enter same six citizens and two foreigners as before. 
 
 1st MERCHANT Since once we came to this same place and learned 
 
 Direct from lips of note and fame of things im- 
 portant, 
 'Tis well we come again as war broods o'er the land, 
 To learn, if can, the way our nations fate inclines. 
 
 PROFESSOR 'Tis said that war is here. What can it mean? 
 
 I will not fight. 
 
 4th MERCHANT.. ..You may not fight if you so will on sober thought, 
 But go you must and all your brood of careful, 
 
 dainty men, 
 And in a front Hne trench be placed with all your 
 
 friends 
 And if you fight or not, upon your own discretion, 
 
 +hat depends. 
 
 3d MERCHANT.... Aye, that is well. 
 
 1st FOREIGNER I and mine friends are not condent, we're stung, 
 
 and vorse, bedrayed, 
 This man, this Wiltho, we did help to blace upon 
 
 his seat, 
 We'll be avenged. 
 
 2d MERCHANT You'll all be hanged if I but have my say. 
 
 2d FOREIGNER But orders cannot cease. 
 
 Is that not right? 
 
 Our contracts, they are made, we must to business 
 still attend. 
 
 REPORTER The dogs of war are loose at last, my friends. 
 
 Not hounds, nor yellow pups, and such as snap and 
 
 snarl. 
 But strong and mighty, honest dogs, that fight as 
 
 men. 
 Our path is clear, our way is made; let's to it. 
 
 Exit Citizens and Foreigners. 
 Enter, Lanso, Bako, Burlso, Mackadoso, Danso, and Houso. 
 
 LANSO Our chief is gone, but ere we came the news had 
 
 flown. 
 
 DANSO Our counsel may be sought, but seems to me. 
 
 The die is cast, and war is here at last. 
 Are we permitted to approve or must we nothing 
 say? 
 
 MACKADOSO I stand in near paternal way, unto our chief. 
 
 We may attend him, but his mind will be resolved. 
 His long, straight jaw firm set. 'Twill be our duty 
 to assent. 
 
 BURLSO But here he is. 
 
 (13) 
 
Enter Wiltho. 
 
 WILTHO My friends and counselors and you on whom de- 
 pends. 
 The execution of my many varied plans, 
 I've much for you to do. War is declared. 
 It hath seemed best to move that way, 
 And give the lie to those who criticize my plans ; 
 Though we're not ready we shall make the best 
 Of that, and do with what we have. 
 And speed our efiforts, and our mighty nation 
 Shall put its shoulder to the wheel of war. 
 Which, turning slowly first, shall gain in speed, 
 Until it grind our safety and our enemies con- 
 fusion. 
 Danso, thou art the best prepared of all. 
 Upon the ocean put our strong and mighty boats, 
 And join with all the ships of those who fight our 
 
 way ; 
 And Bako, from their daily peaceful tasks, 
 Summon our men ; by age and by ability, 
 Make careful choice ; and Mackadoso, 
 Who, to our family, we've taken ; 
 And in thee have a great and mighty trust. 
 Provide the cash, our generous people will unbend; 
 Lanso. thy task is small as it has always been, 
 But thou shalt still continue and shall sign 
 That which I choose to write at divers times ; 
 And thee, dear Houso, my right hand shall be, 
 To sneak and snoop and give me quick reports, 
 Of all that chances, as thou hast before. 
 Thou art my wings to take me where I cannot go, 
 Thou art my tongue to say to those I would not 
 
 meet, 
 Things personal and not designed for common 
 
 ears, 
 I need thee most from now, and while, 
 Before all men I say not now I love thee. 
 Nor place thee in a post of worth and trust. 
 In open way, yet still, my warm and hearty friend- 
 ship. 
 Is to you. I've need of thee, there's things to do 
 That others might refuse and scorn and hesitate. 
 So to thy duty each and all, and do it well, 
 And yet in idle moments, and in ways we know. 
 In subtle ways, and manner not discoverable. 
 Remember those who gave their votes to put us 
 
 here. 
 Take care of them, and make us greater still. 
 And if opposed by any, Burlso shall, 
 For reasons good, straightway refuse his mail. 
 
 Exit all Counsellors and Houso. 
 
 Enter Lady Wiltho. Before she has a chance to speak, sounds of a 
 crowd are heard outside and newsboys cry "War," "War." Some one 
 is heard to shout "War is declared" and the shout is taken up by the 
 
 (14) 
 
crowd and is repeated several times. As this goes on Wiltho and Lady 
 Wiltho stand listening, and then some one shouts "Hurrah for Wiltho" 
 and again the cheers are given and again "Hurrah for Wiltho" and 
 cheers and this is repeated many times as the crowd goes away and 
 becomes fainter and dies abruptly. 
 
 LADY WILTHO — You see, they shout and show their pleasure, at 
 
 your act; 
 From now thou art the greatest man in all the 
 
 world ; 
 But keep the course and hold firm grasp on all thy 
 
 power 
 And you may go to heights undreamed by mortal 
 
 man. 
 
 WILTHO All things are possible, and yet 'tis strange how 
 
 little things 
 Can cause a crowd to shout or how 'twill change 
 
 its mind; 
 They last did shout in opposite approval, 
 And now do shout again, and yet may shout to aid 
 A different cause. Shouts oft to curses have been 
 
 turned, 
 Ambitious men have found the fate they earned. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 ACT 3. 
 
 Wiltho, alone, on stage. 
 
 WILTHO I have had many thoughts for settling events 
 
 Of the most recent, horrid past, and have them 
 
 penned. 
 I was for peace with victory suspended high, 
 In days before our entrance to this turbid war, 
 But now that victory, to her most sweet, kind self 
 Hath gathered us, ourselves, all unexpected, 
 I am not sure. She hath a sweetness 'bout her, 
 A dear, alluring way and charm of manner 
 That makes her welcome as a friend long lost. 
 Mayhap 'twere better she be made a welcome guest. 
 I have this day agreed to meet here, at this place, 
 Ambassadors of other states who aided in 
 Our war, and must receive their plan of settle- 
 ment. 
 
 Enter Three Foreign Ambassadors. 
 
 1st AMBASSADOR.. Respectfully, and as becomes me; according 
 
 To yourself and your great nation, all courtesy. 
 
 Nor seeking now to minimize the help you gave, 
 
 In hour of need. 
 
 And gave it heartily and with a will not to omit 
 
 An act or deed as thou did'st promise sacredly; 
 
 Yet others, too, and we not less than any 
 
 Did do their duty. 
 
 Upon the seas our ships bore all the brunt and trial 
 
 Of many months of hard, stern, labor and of work, 
 
 (15) 
 
So that on land our troops and yours their horrid 
 
 tasks 
 Might do. 'Twas not our war. We to our duty only 
 
 clung, 
 And now that it is done and peace we all would 
 
 make ; 
 On points of common right, we would not say nor 
 
 ask 
 More than we ought. The past is to us gone and 
 
 dead. 
 The future comes ; so must we all with marked 
 
 respect, 
 Find common ground. The future borrows from 
 
 historic past. 
 Is shaped and molded by the deeds of former men, 
 So let our acts to-day make just awards to all. 
 
 2d AMBASSADOR. .Ours was a land attacked, and yet, not more than 
 
 thine. 
 Indeed, it might be less, for physical attack 
 Be less than principles assailed before the world. 
 We bravely bore whate'er was to be borne and 
 
 tried 
 To do our best, and we were helped ; strong, mighty, 
 
 helped ; 
 And did receive it gratefully, with keen regard 
 For all who to our cause did lend unselfish aid. 
 And still, had none been given, and had we all the 
 
 task. 
 Our spirit would not bend, we would be fighting 
 
 yet. 
 
 3d AMBASSADOR.. Our little state could not have borne, in physical 
 respect, 
 More than it did ; we acted quick and on the hour 
 That duty called, nor paused to think and hesi- 
 tate. 
 Had all the nations of the earth but seen so quick, 
 The trend of great events, and had together bent. 
 In same proportion to their weight and might as 
 
 we, 
 The story of mankind were different writ. 
 
 WILTHO What you do say is marked and should be thought 
 
 about ; 
 It recently has come to me with mighty force 
 And with strength of a purpose it has grown to 
 
 seem 
 That I, a trip across the seas, with my dear wife 
 Should take. So, since this plan may seem to her 
 
 aright, 
 We may dismiss our business for to-night. 
 
 1st AMBASSADOR.. We'd welcome thee. 
 
 2d AMBASSADOR.. And we. 
 
 3d AMBASSADOR.. And we. 
 
 (16) 
 
WILTHO Your invitation I'll consider well and will 
 
 Communicate my plans. Farewell. 
 
 Exit Ambassadors. 
 Enter Lady Wiltho. 
 
 LADY WILTHO.... And what was said? Quick: Hasten. 
 I'd learn how fared our plan. 
 
 WILTHO They bid me welcome, but I, myself committed not; 
 
 For since we spoke I've had some grievous doubts. 
 Of the sound wisdom of the course and how it 
 
 may, 
 Indeed, be taken by our land. There's many diffi- 
 culties. 
 
 LADY WILTHO.... Infirm of purpose. 
 
 Hast thou, then, gone so far and now would drop 
 it all? 
 
 Dost thou desire yet fear to take that which is 
 thine 
 
 By ev'ry right? Canst thou not see the world is 
 ripe? (Approaches close and speaks affec- 
 tionately) 
 
 Dear one, to whom I gave my all, and still am 
 glad, 
 
 Consider well; the stars arrange themselves but 
 once 
 
 For any man, and taken then, all life is well. 
 
 Neglected, — 
 
 They may return to plan the fortune of another. 
 
 See, what with my own hands I did and bring to 
 thee. (Approaches close and tears away his 
 toga, quickly replacing it with one of royal 
 purple which she had been carrying, concealed, 
 on her arm. Wiltho gives a start and reaches 
 to remove it and then withdraws his hand. He 
 looks at her steadily. She returns his gaze 
 with equal directness.) 
 
 WILTHO You mean you think 
 
 LADY WILTHO.... Much that I think I would in other quarters state. 
 Come, to our chamber now, the hour is late. 
 
 (Exit Wiltho and Lady Wiltho, she leaning on his free arm.) 
 Enter Negro Porter. 
 
 PORTER Lordy, Lordy, such doin's, everybody goin* 'cross 
 
 de ocean, 
 Soldiers and Admirals and Ginerals and all sich 
 
 trash 
 Botherin' 'round all de time. Lordy, but I be glad 
 
 when 
 Dis yere war am done and over foh good and sure. 
 
 (17) 
 
Enter Sambo. 
 
 SAMBO Hullo dere, Uncle Mose. 
 
 PORTER Hullo, you'self, Sambo, what you all doin' here 
 
 And how you git in, anyhow? 
 
 SAMBO Oh, I jes' come along down to see de Chief. 
 
 PORTER You come down to see de Chief? 
 
 What do de Chief want with you all? 
 
 Why, he wouldn't even speak to de hkes of you. 
 
 SAMBO Well, he done spoke to me yisterday. 
 
 PORTER Uh, huh? 
 
 SAMBO Uh, huh. 
 
 PORTER How he come to speak to you all? 
 
 SAMBO I was standin' by his carriage. 
 
 PORTER Uh, huh? 
 
 SAMBO Uh, huh. 
 
 PORTER How you all come to be standin' by his carriage? 
 
 SAMBO He was talkin' to me. 
 
 PORTER Uh, huh? 
 
 SAMBO Uh, huh. 
 
 PORTER What he all say to you all? 
 
 SAMBO What he all say? 
 
 PORTER Uh, huh. 
 
 SAMBO Oh, he jest talked. 
 
 PORTER What he talk about? 
 
 SAMBO What he talk about? 
 
 PORTER Uh, huh. 
 
 SAMBO Oh, he jest say "G'wan now, niggah, you get away 
 
 from dat yere carriage or I have you arrested," 
 that's all. 
 
 (Both laugh heartily.) 
 
 PORTER Well, you all bettah get out of here now 
 
 Befo' you all git arrested again. 
 
 Exit Porter and Sambo. 
 Enter same 6 Citizens and 2 Foreigners. 
 
 1st MERCHANT.... Again we meet; strange things do happen in these 
 
 times. 
 But of all strange afifairs the strangest seems to 
 
 me, 
 To make a peace and lose a victory. 
 
 (18) 
 
2d MERCHANT.... Peace without victory. 
 
 3d MERCHANT Champagne without bubbles. 
 
 4th MERCHANT.... Love without loving. 
 
 PROFESSOR AccompHshment without gain. 
 
 REPORTER Labor without reward. 
 
 1st FOREIGNER.... Power without profit. 
 
 2d FOREIGNER.... Wealth without money. 
 
 1st MERCHANT And now 'tis said and verified by all the news, 
 
 That 'cross the ocean, speeding to a way of power 
 And might much vaster still, our Wiltho goes. 
 
 REPORTER 'Tis true, I had the news to-day, he sure will go. 
 
 2d MERCHANT And, 'tis said, no man should this, his plan, protest. 
 
 Nor have a say, for 'tis not right for us to feel 
 All that we may. 
 
 3d MERCHANT The times are strange, and little may be done by us, 
 
 Let's on our way. 
 
 Exit Citizens and Foreigners. 
 Enter Wiltho. He carries a small portfolio and busies himself for 
 a time putting in papers, etc., like a man about to go on a journey. 
 
 Enter a Page. 
 
 PAGE Three Senators await. 
 
 WILTHO Bid them enter speedily. 
 
 Enter three Senators. 
 
 WILTHO It is, as you do know, my firm intent to sail. 
 
 The hour has come when I depart, tides do not 
 
 wait 
 For even me. So to our business hastily. 
 
 1st SENATOR We had not known thou wert so frozen in decision. 
 
 But as you're on your way so soon, 
 
 You probably have thought and planned, and fully 
 
 know, 
 Where you are going. 
 We had in mind when we did come to bring to 
 
 thee, 
 Some thought of other days; our fathers planned 
 
 and thought, 
 Right heartily upon a time, and felt it well. 
 That on new missions such as this, which you do 
 
 plan. 
 Our counsel, our advice, our company, be sought. 
 It has for long been deemed quite proper, wise and 
 
 meet 
 That power, for the common good, twixt you and 
 
 us. 
 Should stand divided; that we each other help 
 In times of stress and moment. 
 
 (19) 
 
WILTHO You have referred to a most pleasant, ancient way. 
 
 But now the world be changed, quite different days 
 
 have come, 
 It is not best in times like this when all the world 
 Does look to only one for guidance and for help, 
 That he should risk some foul upsetting of his 
 
 plans, 
 By idle confidence. So now has come the hour 
 
 to start. 
 My Lady comes, we will depart. 
 
 1st SENATOR (Aside) Who's wilful now? 
 
 Enter Lady Wiltho from left. Wiltho advances to meet her and 
 she takes his arm. At the same time all others enter from the right 
 and group themselves in a line leading from stage right. In this man- 
 ner all the actors are grouped on the stage at one time while Wiltho 
 and Lady Wiltho advance slowly off stage past them. The page has 
 advanced and taken the portfolio and he falls in behind. The Porter 
 also falls in behind and they leave the stage following their principals. 
 All the others stand looking on entirely silent for a brief time and then 
 outside there is heard the sound of a crowd. No cheers are given and 
 neither approbation nor displeasure is evidenced by the sounds. They 
 are the sounds of a crowd which is not disposed to commit itself either 
 way. This is soon followed by silence. 
 
 1st MERCHANT.... Did anybody cheer? 
 
 2d MERCHANT.... Not one. 
 
 1st MERCHANT.... Or curse? 
 
 2d MERCHANT.... Not one. 
 
 1st MERCHANT.. , .They neither cheered nor cursed. Strange. Strange. 
 Their part's not been rehearsed. 
 
 TAFFO Again, by all the ancient Gods 
 
 On whom I may have called before, 
 No Roman shall become a slave. 
 All Britons have for freedom fought. 
 Our fathers did for cause endure 
 A time of trial and pain, 
 God grant that in this land of ours 
 Such times come not to us again. 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 (20)