1^^ PS 1534 .D54 08 Copy 1 o^x-iOOL AND SOCIAL DRAMA. '-^ct -vvrell ■yo'dx part." OURCOUHTRY, 7. ^. p£NI30IM ZPIRIOE 15 GElsTTS. CHICAGO: T. S. DEN ISO N. 1S7S. NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. T. S. DENISON'S CATALOGUE OF NEW PLAYS, FOR SCHOOLS and AMATEURS. 1878. PRICE 15 CENTS EACH, POSTAGE PAID. These plays have been prepared expressly to meet the wants of teachers and amateur clubs. They are simple in construction, and require no scenery, or onlv such as is usually at hand. They afFoi'd room for "acting." They are pure in tone and language. The six first on the list were before the public last year, (published at DeKalb, 111.) and met with a most favorable reception. "If the succeedinj^ numbers are as fli/j/ Inter- Ocean, Chicago. "These plavs are supplying- the dearth of g-ood literature in this depart- ment."— /V. /". School Bulletin. ODDS WITH THE ENEMY A drama in five acts; 7 male and 4 female characters. Time, 1 iiour 50 min Contains a good humorous negro character. " It took splendidly. 'Tabbs' made it spicy."— C E. Rogers, Dunkirk, Ind. SETH GREENBACK. A drama in four acts; 7 male and 3 female characters. Tine, 1 hour 15 m. "'Seth Greenback' has one very good Irish comic character, and some pathetic and telling situations. The plot is simple and dramatic, and culmin- ates Avell." — toiuaJVorinal Monthly. WANTED, A CORRESPONDENT. A farce in two acts, 4 male and ] f.'inale characters. Time, 45 m. Very interesting and amusing. INITIATING A GRANGER. A ludicrous farce; S male characters. Time, 25 m. " 'Initiating- a Granger' brought down the house." — y. L. Sfiarf, Burlington lo7va. THE SPARKLING CUP. A temperance drama in five acts; 12 male and 4 female characters. Tinae, I hour 45 m. A thrilling play, worthy the best efforts of amateurs. Pathetic song and death scene. "It is just the thing for dramatic clubs.'" — The Anvil, Washineton, D. C. A FAMILY STRIKE. A spicy tarce, illustrating "s-ikes," }, male and ,:; female characters. Time, 20 minutes. LOUVA, THE PAUPER. A dratna in five acts; 9 male and 4 female characters. Time, i hour 4? rain. Contains a good Yankee character and a humorous darky character. Tnis is an intensely interesting and pathetic play. It admits of striking scenic effects, and is a strong play for amateurs. Act I. I^ouva's tyrants. Act II. Freedom promised and denied. Act III. I'he trial. Act IV. Flight. Act V. Pursuit; Death in the mountains; ret- ribution. TWO GHOSTS IN WHITE. A humorous farce based on boarding-school life; 7 female characters. Time 25 m. Abomids in ludicrous episodes. OUR COUNTRY. A Historical and Spectacular Representation, IN THREE FARTS. BY T. S, DENISON. Author of ^'Odds with the Evemy,'''' '•'' Initiatinjor a Granger^ " Wanted, o Correspondent,''^ "A Family Strike,^' '^Setk Greenback,^'' "Hans Von Smash," "Borrorving Trouble,,'^ "Two Ghosts in White," "The Pull- Back,'' "Country Jtistice," "The Assessor," "^The Sparkling Cup,'' "Lotiva the Pauper," Etc. CHICAGO: T. s. :DEisrisoisr, 1878. OopyrigUi. ia78. Uy T. S. Ueoksoo. CHARACTERS. A Pioneer. (. May both be represented by the Brother Jonathan. \ same person. John Bull. Young Lady, representing Virginia. Young Lady, representing Massachusetts. British Officer. British Soldiers (itvo). Continental Officer. Continental Soldier. Capt. Bonhomme, a French officer. Gen. Marion. Rosin, a negro. Pioneer's Wife and Child. Quakeress. Young ladies representing the other eleven colonies. COSTUMES. British officer, red coat; epaulettes; red* belt; sword; white knee breeches ; boot tops ; Chapeau bras. British soldier, red coat ; white knee breeches; boot tops; three-cornered hat. Continental officers, blue coat trimmed in buff; epaulettes; buff waistcoat and knee breeches; boot tops; sword and belt; three-cornered hat. Continental soldier, plain blue coat, very r.agged, trimmed in buff; knee breeches ; three-cornered hat. French officer, blue coat with red lacings; epaulettes; white knee breeches and white leggings; gray cap, trimmed with red; sword and belt. Brother Jonathan, plain home-spun garments ; straight flaxen wig ; sallow complexion in make-up of the face. Pioneers, fur cap with fox tail ; buckskin breeches ; moccasins. Pioneer's wife, home-spun dress, and plain cap. John Bull, white hat; dark blue coat with brass, buttons; red waistcoat; cream colored knee breeches ; boot tops ; big stick; fiery red face in make-up. Qviakeress, plain flannel dress; plain cap. When full costumes can not be obtained the coat and hat will sufficiently characterize the whole. The costumes may be made verv readily from glazed muslin or other cheap material. SITUATIONS. /?, means right as the actor faces the audience ; L, left, C, center, Steam JPress of Cusbjn^, TU9ma§ ^ Co,, 17P CiwK St,, OUR COUNTRY. i^jl:e?.t I. Scene. Lo^ cabin of a fiotK^er. At R, a rude bench -witk cooking utensils. ^Riide cupboard rear. Entiaiice L. R'fle and hunting foncli on hooks above the door. Axe leaning incomer L. A pole sus- pended from the ceiling, rear, ivith various articles of clothing. Rude -wooden chairs. ^Discovered a fioneer, his ivije and cJitld. Pioneer. Susan, the God who brought us here and protected us from the storms of a raging ocean can still protect us from all harm. He is just. His eve can pt-netrate the depths of these forests, and His arm is powerful to shield us from savage beasts, whether thev have the form of animals or men. Wife. Our foes are neither, husband. They are demons. Pioneer. Aye! and demons fall before His awful power when the prayer of the just man ascends on high. Reniember, Susan, we can pray here. No priestly rites nor hateful ceremonies poison and deform the petition of the just in this broad wilder- ness. Thank God ! its free air gives vigor to the body and life to the soul Wife. The sterile soil of Plymouth mocks the efforts of the husbandman. It vielded graves to our dead in that first dreary winter. Is it more hospitable now.? There is a better land and a sunny climate in the South. Pioneer. Other men beibre us have a better right to the lands of the South. Thev are men of a different stamp. Besides the principles born amidst persecution in England, nurtured in Hoi- land and transplanted with sore peril to New England, might grow lax under the sky of a sunny clime. Wife. Husband, are these rugged hills and desolate forests pleasanter to the feet of the toiler than the green vales of Old England.? Pioneer. Aye, a thousand times better, wife. JVife. Nav, sav I! Give me the green turf to walk upon and to rest beneath when done with life, instea(i of the cold snow and ice of a barren land. Pioneer. Slaves tread that beautiful turf by thousands. What are its emerald hues to their dull ^yes? Alas! its t(evvs only breed rheumatism to rack Ui? body, md its beautif\il c^^at pro^^cts 64 OUR COUNTRY. the germs of noxious weeds which aching fingers must uproot for a scant pittance of daily bread. Praised be the day when we abandoned the oppression and misery of the old world for the dangers and freedom of the new. Didst thou not say so till of late, wife.'' Wife. No complaints of mine shall add to thy load of cares. Our lot is cast here. But shall our friends follow in our footsteps ? May not the terrors of that first sad dreary winter be repeated.? Had we not a dear father and a gentle sister laid under that cold vmfeeling snow which thou lovest so well. Even now the whoop of the savage is at our very door. Freedom is well enough, but who will live to enjoy it.? Pioneer. Nay. Susan, that question no one can answer. We are in the hands of the Lord. Our blessed dead died in full as- surance of his blessing. They were laid under the pure snow — fit- ting emblem of their'lives. Ah! that simple sepulchre under the waving pines mocks the blood-stained monuments of haughty kings and foul usurpers. Wife. Dear husband, the dead lie m peace. It is not for them 1 grieve, but for the living. I am content with the hard fare and harder toil of the wilderness. That you can not doubt after those memorable days of famine, when no bread passed our lips lor days, and the beasts of the forest fled from the rifle of the white man and the terrible hunger of a famished land. Pioneer. Nay Susan^ I doubt not your patience. I can not doubt it. Calm your fears. • Wife. How can I be brave as you are.? The weakness of my sex forbids it. We have a child. (Folds boy fo her.) We are sur- rounded by animals in the form of men whose deeds are worthy of demons. Let us seek the town for a few days until these prowling sons of the forest leave the vicinity of the settlements. Pioneer. I think we are in no danger nov/. Neighbor Good- win says to-day that the Governor is about to conclude a peace with the hostile tribes. Wife. Only to be broken, that unsuspecting helpless familie* mav be butchered in cold blood. Pioneer. At the worst we are strong. Brother will return from the hunt in a few hours. We have two good rifles, and thy arm, Susan, is as good as any man 's. Brother shall leave the cabin no more until we feel assured of safety. Enter Pioneer'' s Brother. Pioneer. Brother, you are here sooner than we expected. Has the chase been successful? Brother. My eyes have seen strange things in the forest Pioneer. What have you seen, brother.? Wife. There is danger.? T ran read it in his looks. Brother. Verily there is danger, pressing danger. In the depths of the forest I have tracked the secret movements of the OUR COUNTRY. 65 red men. They move by stealth and the blow may fall at any minute. Wife. {WifJt upturned eyes, clasping child.) Merciful Father, protect Thy children. Brother. A few hours will tell the tale of life or death. Pioneer. Trusty rifles, with Divine aid will shield thee, wife. Fear not. {Men on either side of the woman. As the curtain jails husband places his arm around his wife. She folds the child in her arms and kisses it.) Tableau. Indian massacre. At JL, Pioneer's brother lying- dead with ail Indian in the act of .scalping him. Wife in R with dis- hevelled hair and torn clothes.^ holding the child tightly in her arms., while a large Indian who has seized it by one arm is in the act of dashing its brains out with a tomahawk. Husband in C with poised rifle aimed at the Indian who threatens the child. Another Indian L of hus'iand with an uplifted war-club of huge dimensions^ about to dash out the brains of the husband. Strong red light thrown upon the scene. Characters should be arranged in an irregular semicircle., but not too precisely. X^J^K^T II, ScEXE I. A street. Characters., Brother Jonathan and John Bull and young ladies representing Massachusetts and Virginia. Enter L, Brother Jonathan, R, John Bull, meeting in C. Brother J. Good morning, Johnny Bull! yohn B. {Loftily.) Where are your manners, Jonathan."* Where are your manners.'' My name is John Bull. I want none of your nicknames, boy, and besides you should say Sir when ad- dressing me. Brother J. To be sure! I forgot that. {With show of mock po- liteness ) Good morning, Sir John Bull. Pardon my forgetful- ness. Your Lordship — yohn B. Lordship! Begone you rascal! You would mock. me would you.? I wish you to understand that so far as you. are concerned I am simply John Bull and that is quite enough for you to know until you have reached years of discretion. Brother f. Indeed, Mr. Bull ! Just as you say ! Perhaps it is a matter of convenience. Bull is shorter than John Bull and John Bull is shorter than Sir John Bull. yohn B {Angrily.) Lad, you shall have a lesson in manners even though I should be obliged to play schoolmaster mv self. 66 OUR COUNTRY. Enter Ly Virginia and Massachusetts. Brother y. By my faith the schoohnaster is already abroad in the colonies. We think of exporting a few to Old England if their spelling books require no stamps. yohn B. Aye the very quills they set copies with for the chil- dren shall be taxed. Britain has lavished her treasure to defend the colonies from scheming foes. The colonies shall repay that outlay. The honest man never repudiates an honest debt. Brother J. In faith, we will pay to the uttermost penny, but not until our representatives have the right to a voice in making the levy. yohn B. {Pompous and surprised.) A voice in regulating the taxes ! Tut, boy ! Do the colonies claim the right to hold the key to the King's coffers, a right which God has granted to the King alone, and which Parliament may touch but lightly. Let the American hide that sentiment forever in the deepest recesses of his forests and marshes. Such sentiments have brought better men than you to the block. Mass. And in the attempt to guard those sentiments, the very essence of freedom which nature has implanted in the hearts of the people of every nation, Kings have laid their necks upon the block or bowed their royal heads in mute submission. yohn B. No more of this! This is the rank treason of Massachu- setts. Let not the colonies vainly follow the examp e set by the strong English people in a moment of thoughtless frenzy. The lion may indulge in freaks of daring which would make the hare ridiculous. Away puny dreamers to your log cabins. The plow and the spinning wheel become you better than the sword. Britain is strong and America is weak. Virginia. Nay we are not weak. Our hardv pioneers have strong limbs and vigorous bodies Pursuing the beasts of the forests has made them hardy and wary, and constant defense of their homes from savage men has made them brave. Brother y. And they carry long rifles and know how to use them. Virginia. Aye, Brother Jonathan, and are not slow to use them when their homes are in peril. yohn B. {To Virginia.) And this from you, Virginia, whom I thought my trustiest and most loyal daughter.'' This treason has contaminated the very air by its example. Virginia. Nay, 1 speak but the sentiments of my own people. We need no lessons to teach us our rights. Our people have felt the sting of oppression in common with our sister colonies. yohn B. {Angrily.) Oppression! Do you dare to call George III a tyrant.!* You shall atone lor this, one and all. Brother J. Uncle Johnny, we are responsible. I have no card with me, but you can always find me up at the old farm. I'm very busy plowing now for wheat. The girls there can be found at the cabin spinning. OUR COUNTRY. 67 John B. Go prate to your oxen of your wrongs, base delvers after paltry shillings and pence. Mass. Indeed, Britain is nothing loth that America should toil for shillings and pence. And why not, when King George ex- pects a bounteous harvest from tea taxes and stamp acts! Brother J. Yes, Johnny Bull, Boston Harbor will pay a royal tax, I think. They have a mighty tea pot there. It swallows tea by the chest-full. yohn B. Boston shall live to curse that day, Massachusetts beware! Mass. Abate your obnoxious demands and all shall yet be well, for our people love Britain and her King. John B. Presumptuous miss, do you dare to speak oi obnoxious demands. '' 'Tis an insult to the King. Virginia. If not the King, h^s ministers are at fault. John B. Bah! What do the colonies know of kings and min- isters ? Brother J. Too much. John B. You shall know more! You shall drink taxed tea though it cost you more than if made in a golden pot. You shall write on stamped paper or not at all. Mass. Have a care! Freemen will never willingly become slaves. Virginia. From the Canadas to the Floridas we stand united. Brother J. Three millions strong we scorn your boasted prowess. If your stamped paper is ever written upon at all it shall be with the bayonet dipped in blood. You will soon awake from your dream to see the fate ot the stamp act. As curtain fails^ Brother Jonathan X, John Bull L C, Mass R C, Virginia R. Tableau. Burning of the Stamp Act. Red fire burning in the center. Mass, bending over the fire about to bur?i a la'.-ge sheet of paper inscribed in large letters^ '•'■Stamp Act.^' Virginia L of Mass. txnth a similar sheet torn into fragments. Brother J. R of Mass. tvith a look of triumph hajiaing a similar sheet oj paper to Mass. In the rear, L of Virginia^ a man zvaving a banner inscribed.^ '■'■ JVo tax- ation without representation. Doivn with the Stamp Act.^^ In the rear^ R of Brother Jonathan^ a youth 'waving a liberty cap. Stiil further to the i?, and rear, John Bull clenching his fist with a look of anger and astonishment. SLOW CURTAIN. 68 OUR COUNTRY. Scene II. Valley Forge. A rtidc log hut in the background. Muskets stacked by the door of the hut. A Continental soldier on guard; dressed very shabbily; toes projecting f}oni shoe on one foot; the other foot wrapped in rags. Sentitiel paces his round. Moon- light. Sentinel. Merciful Father in Heaven! shall we ever see the end of this awful war! Must we die a lingering death of starva- tion, disease and biting cold in these pent up hills, while our ene- mies warmly housed in Philadelphia, riot in the plenty provided for our soldiers? Yes, better su. ha death than submission, did we not leave wives and children to the mercy of a heartless foe. Alas! can there be but one end to this deadly struggle.? The bright example of Bunker Hill and Saratoga fide trom the minds of the dispirited soldiers while the hoiTors ot the march through the Jerseys and of this wretched Valley Forge haunt us like spec- ters of doom. {^Officer of the' guard approaches L.) Halt! Who goes there? Officer. The officer of the guard ! Sentinel. Advance and give the countersign! Officer. Saratoga ! Sentiytel. Alas! that glorious victory was achieved in vain. Officer. What, Williams! Are you tainted with discontent, too.? Remember you belong to the best regiment of the line. Sentinel. Look on these tatters and ask God to pity the poor- est regiment. Officer. Our sufferings have been great, but they will soon be past. The weather prophets of the Schuylkill predict an early spring. Sentinel. A pleasant fiction of the officers to revive the droop- ing soldiers. Officer. And do not our officers suffer, too Feel this thin, miserable coat. Is it better than yours except in ooks.? I went supperless to-night that a poor wounded soldier might have the scanty sustenance which meant life to him. Sentinel. Stay! stay! I complain not. Thank God! we are all Americans, both in victory and in defeat. Officer. Be of good cheer. The genial spring cannot long de- lay at best. We hope for good news from France. And the great Washington commands. The country is sate in his hands. \^At mention of Washington' s name the soldier uncovers his head.) Sentinel. Washington needs no helps to win the heart of the common so dier. Officer. Be of good cheer. Speak encouraging words to your fellows. Remember Saratoga and Trenton, tne crossing of the Delaware and the surprise at Princeton. Sentinel. And forget the bloody Brandvwine. Officer. Aye forget it. The year of '77 had closed gloriously for the American arms but tor the battle of Brandvwine. Sentinel. Frost and hunger are fast accomplishing what a doz- OUR COUNTRY. 69 en Brandjwines could never effect. But the British, though thev find us in tatters, shall never find us cravens. Officer. Well said, brave boy! Relief at twrelve o'clock. {Offi- cer passes offy j..) Setitinel Alas ! When will the final relief come. God pro- tect my suffering country. {Drops on his knees C, and prays silently Tuith hands uplifted.) Tableau. T-wo angels silently glide tiear the soldier on either side as if watching over kirn. Slow curtain. Mild ivhite light thrown an the scene. Scene III. Room in the house of a citizen of Philadelphia, of the better class. Doors R and L. Sofa R. Table C, -with glasses and bottle of ivine. Chairs etc. 1 wo British soldiers discoi'ered playing cards. Richard. I say, Jack, let's 'ave another dram. Jack. With all my 'eart, Richard. Fill up. {They stop play- ing and Richard fills the glasses.) Richard. Here's his Majesty's 'ealth and confusion to the rebels. Jack. Aye, aye, Richard ! I drinks the first, but the second is not needed, for the rebels are already so hawfully confounded they dont know w'ether they stand on their feet or on their 'eads. {They drink.) Richard. Well, Jack, my 'earty, this is better than sleeping in the snow up at Valley Forge and starving in the bargain. Jack. Yes Richard, it suits my mind a deal better. Richard. And it suits your body still better than your mind. (Laughs.) Jark. It does of a truth. Long live George III, who feeds his soldiers well, clothes them well, and pays them well. Richard. In glory, but poorly in pounds, shillings and pence. Long live King George! {They flourish their glasses.) Jack. This sojering is just to my mind, and as you wisely said, friend Dick, just to my body too. Here we are eating and drink- ing the best at the hexpense of the rebel citizens of Philadelphia, Feather beds, good fires, roasted poultry and warm flapjacks! Oh, it 's hawful jolly ! And the best of wine. {Pours out a glass- full. ) Here 's your 'ealth. Richard. [Empties the bottle into his glass.) And here is yours. {Both drink.) Jack. 'Ow thoughtful of good George III to put us in this 'ouse where everything is at our "and. Even a bell to call the servants. 'Ow strange that these Hamerican daughters should hact as servants. And ours is a sweet lass. Jack, old boy. Richard. {Takes tip bottle and finds it empty.) Jack my boy, give that bell a pull. This bottle is hempty. Give it an'earty pul 1 , Jack . ( Ja. k pulls bell handle. ) Jack. I'll soldier in Philadelphia the rest of xwy days, I believe. 70 OUR COUNTRY. Richard. Yes! Philadelphia forever.! Hurrah! Enter Quakeress, as servant^ R. Quakeress. What will thee have? yuck. Wine, wench! Richard. And quickly too! Quakeress. Hast thee not had enough! Jack. Ha! ha! You are beginning one of your deuced Ha- merican catechisms eh? Richard. (With sigris of intoxication.) JNone of y owx theeing and thouing lass, but be ofi. If you can't find the cellar remem- ber we can and wiU charge a round hinterest for our trouble. Quakeress. ( IVith spirit.) And a round hinterest General Washington will charge you when he enters Philadelphia with his army. {Exit R.) 'Jack. Ha! ha! when Washington enters Philadelphia. Dick, that is an 'orrible good joke. I wager the old rebel is ndin' post haste toward his farm in Virginia. //?>army ! Ha! ha! The 'ungry wolves will pick their bones at Valley Forge. Richard. And when the wolves 'ave eat the rebels, the rebels will be happropriately dressed in wolves' clothing. {Laughs.) Jack. An 'orrible good joke, Richard. Enter Quakeress i?, vjith bottle of wine. Richard. Ah wench, you are back quickly. It is well you've learned \ouy duty. [Quakeress is about to leave the room.) Stay ! stay ! Cheer us poor lone soldier lads awhile with your company. Quakeress. (Indig-tiatitly.) Let the bottle cheer thee, besotted creatures. How dare you insult a woman? Richard. That needs little courage to dare. Your father is old and your brothers are sojerin ! ^akeress. Take heed ! American women have defended themselves from the savages of the forest and they will not be slow to defend themselves from the savages of Europe. Jack. Fine talk, lass! fine talk! Richard. Come wench, sit down. Quakeress. Surfeit thyselves on father's wine, but spare the feelings of his family. [Going R.) Richard. (Mockingly.) Nay lass, thee must stay! Precious thee! Thou must guard thy temper. (Rises and staggers towards her to seize her. She pushes him suddenly. He falls headlong and lies unable to rise She runs off R.) QUICK CURTAIN. OUR COUNTRY. 71 Scene IV. A rude log hut in the forest. Only furniture a rude ■wooden bench and a riide stool. A musket leaning against the wall. Discovered as the curtain rises General Mario7i and a British offi- cer in conversation. British Off. General, can nothing be done to restrain the ex- cesses of your men. Marion's band have really become a terror to the loyalists of the Carolinas. Marion. Excesses no doubt have been committed. Retalia- tion is our only means of self defense. The tories of the Caro- linas have indeed been despoiled to feed and clothe our famishing patriots. The necessities of war brook no restraint. If excesses have been committed, who set the example.- Look for a reply at the once beautiful plantations ot the Carolinas, r.ow^ smoking ard desolate, ravaged by the British soldiery under that flag whose people boast that it floats over the grandest civilization the world has ever seen. British Of. But General Marion, severe measures are neces- sary when the people persist so obstinately in rebellion against, his gracious majesty George III, begging your pardon, {Lijts his cap to Marion.) Mat ion. Sir, can you censure severe measures then, in defense of this unhappy people.'' Our homes are in ashes; our crops have been devoured by a horde of alien soldiery; even our wives and children are not safe, but needs must flee to the swamps for life. British Of. But your king oilers pardon to all. Marion. Tour king not mine! My counry is my '-overeign. I scorn George s pardon. The time for compromise and reconcili- ation closed on Bu;.ker Hill. . When the last man, from the glades of the South to th • green hills 01 the North, has fallen, then take po-session, but speak not of pardons. British Off. Then no arrangements can be made, Gene al Marion, fc.r the immediate release of those unfortunate loyalists captured by your bana.? Marion. None except the immediate release of a like number of patriots in exchani;e. Enter Jacques Bonhomme, a French officer. Jacques. {Boxving.) Ah! I w-is you ze good day, Zheyneral. [To British officer.) I wis you ze good day, too, Monsieur. \,Offi- cer boivs.) Marion. Well, Capt. Bonhomme, any news to-day.? Jacques. Ze news ees va rey good. Ze soldiers Francais bring in ze camp < ne couple fat oxes". Sucre! Zheyneral, we was hun- gry to ze starvation. Marion. [Laughing.) Ah! Capt. Bonhomme, you must cease to be a Frenchman and become an American. Then you can pick ;;p your living m the woods anywhe e. Jacques. Parbleu! No, Zheyneral and Monsieur Englees, 72 OUR COUNTRY. (Botving.) I prefair La Belle France to ze woods of Atnereeka. Pardon! {Borving.) I |-»rel"air ze serveece ofze Christian Majesty Louis to ze serveece oi ze Americans or ze Englees. Pardon! Ze Eiiijlecs are ze enemies of La Belle France and ze Ameri- cans have not ze good table. {Bows very low.) British Off. General, to resume where we lett ofi", is there no way to arran^e this matter so that these unfortunate loyalists may be released from their very trying situation? Marion. As I have said before, only by the release of a like number of patriots who suffer in prison. Jacques. Pardon! {Bows.) Monsieur, ze suffering is very un- comfortable to ze human bosom. Ze prison in Amereeka have not ze comforts like Paris. Make ze arrangemong. Monsieur. British Of. Quite true, Sir, suffeing is very painiul to behold, but {To Marion) our prisoners are at a distance, and their release will require tedious negotiations. Release the men I have named to you and I give my honor that a like number of Americans shall be released. Marion. The patriot prisoners must be produced in our camp. British Off. Do you doubt my honor.'' Marion. Not at all Sir. But these are times of trouble, and due 1 recautions wound no man's honor. Jacques. Very true, Zheyneral. Ze honair is one tray grand circumstongs, but ze precaution is one grander circumstongs. {Bows.) Marion. Very philosophic, Capt, Bonhomme. Enter Rosin. Rosin. Massa Marion, de dinner am done cooked. British Off. Then nothing remains but for me to return and report my mission a failure. Marion. You have had my answer. Your flag of truce shall be respected. But stay ! Will you not dine with me.'' And you too, Capt. Bonhomme.'^ Rosin, serve dinner at once. Rosin. Yis, Massa. {Goitig. Aside.) Dat's nearly as soon done as said. (Exit.) British Off. [Bows.) I shall be happy to accept your invita- tion. General. Mafion. And you, too, Capt..' Jacques. I must decline very much, wis ze thanks. Ze fat exes make ze tray excellong soup. Pardon ! {Bows very Iotv. Going. Amie.) Ze Americaiis have not ze good tare. Parbleu! ze Zheyneral lives on ze roots and ze oakcorns. {Exit with bow.) Marion. Be seated, Sir. {Takes officer's cap and hangs it on a peg. Goes to door to call Ixostn.) Rosin, bring in the dinner. Rosin. [Appears bearing a large piece of bark containing several roasted sweet potatoes.) Yis, Massa, here it is. [Places the bark on the stool in front of the officers.) Here is de w ater. {Places a gourd shell of water beside the potatoes.) Dat's de only gourd left. An' dere ain 't nary bucket left in de settlement. OUR COUNTRY. 73 Marion. Help yours If, Sir. Our bill of fare is simple, as you see. I am sorr^ salt is lacking. [Breaks a potato avid eats.) British Off [With astomsiiment.) Do you mean to say, Gen- eral, that a man in your station is content with such simple fare? Marion. It is not a question of contentment but a question of supply. Begging pardon, that is all your army h.as lelt us. British Off. 1 was prepared to witness simplicity and privation among these fastness s of the wilderness, but tliis surpasses be- lief. {Eats.) Rosin. I 'spose i >ught to ax an excuse for de condition of dis meal. De fac is dat perwisions ain 't as plenty as dey used to be before de red-coats come cow n into de settlement. Axin' your excuse, Sah, de red-coats don 't have one mite of mercy for black, white, or any oder color. British Off. Indeed! Your ideas are strange for one of your color. The English are the friends of your race. Rosin. Ya! ha! If dey 's de frien's of our people dey's done wasted a lot of frien'ship, for fore de Lord I haven't much lub to waste on de red-coats. Present company 'cepted, always. {Bo-v^s.) Marion. We are a united people. You fight for honor, rank and distinction ; very good tilings in their way, but very ques- tionable where right and wrong are concerned. We fight for freedom, for our lives, for our firesides, our wives and children. Mark the difference. {Both rise.) Rosin, take your own dinner now, and don 't devote yourse f exclusively to the luxuries, rnmd. Rosin. {Grins.) Yis, Massa, I '11 stick to dj substantiums. I '11 take de taters and letde water alone. British Off. {Clasping Marion'' s hand.) General, whatever opinions I ma}- hold concerning the justness of your cause, from my heart I can speak ot he honesty of your purposes. Adieu! May we meet ag in under pleasanter circumstances. Marion. Farewell. Amen to your wish of a happier meet- ing. ( Turns atvay. ) British Off. {Going aside.) These people may be exterminated, but never conquered. {Exeunt in opposite directions.) CURTAIN. 74 OUR COUNTRY. :p-a.e.t IIX, Scene.' A street. Enter from 7?, Brother Josatu as, from Z,, John Bull. Latter carrvinga valise marked in large xvhite let- ters "J. B., LONDON." Brother y. (Uvco7isaons of John BnlVs presence.) Hurrah for peace! Now I'll settle down again with Susan and the children and steady the old plow once more. Huzza! {V\ arcs Irs raf.) This is jollv news after no end of trouble. ( IVaves his cap.) Huzza! {Sce^ John Bull.) Oh how do jou do, Mr. Bull! Reall^' I did not know jou were here. You must excuse me! No offense intended. John B. ( With dignity) That is quite right. It is very natural for you to give vent to your feelings under the circumstances. Brother J. I should think so. John B. Do as you please about it, quite regardless of my presence. Brother J. {Half Comically.) Well I rather think I will. Johnny Bull, do you remember a conversation we had on this very spot, about eight years ago, concerning taxes, and tea-riots, and stamp acts.? Some young ladies droppeci in during the conver- sation. That circumstance may assist your memory. John B. {With dignsiy.) I have a very slight recollection of some casual remarks on that occasion. Brother J. Whether the remarks were casual or not is unim- portant; that they were to the point is certain. You may re- member that myself and the young ladies predicted at that time the very events which are transpiring to-day. Well I predict that the United Colonies are going to be a great deal more impor- tant in the future than you suspect. Our paths ma}' cross in the future, so we may as well part on a little better terms. Come John, your hand. {Extends his hand. Joint Bull hesitates.) A shake oi civility will not be amiss, I think. John B. True! true! A shake of civility It shall be. {They shake hands very formally ) Brothe,' J. You must excuse my haste. Our folks are in- tending to have a celebration in honor of peace and indepen- dence. I would not miss that under any consideration. 1 see you are about to embark and I should be very sorry to have you miss yo'.ir ship. John B. [Snnfpishlv) I have no doubt of it. Brother J. I wish you a prosperous journey and a very favof^ ^l)le wind. {Exit Joiiathan L, John BnllU.) CURTAIN, OUR COUNTRY. 75 Tableau. Offerings to Peace. A lo-w altar in front C, in- scribed PEACE. Thirteen young ladies in tuhtte^ to repre- sent the thirteen original states. Each young lady has a band encircling her head coniairung thirteen stars. If desired each lady may ivear the coat of ar??is of the state she repre- sents. The ladies are ranged in a semicircle, tviih garlands of fioxv ers in their hands. The one directly opposite the altar is slightly tn advance in the act of dropping her garland upon the altar. A strong -white light is throtvn upon the scene. Columbia, as guardian angel stands upon a slightly elevated platform, rear of semicircle. Note. — After the tableau, if desired, the whole may appropri- ately conckide with singing Hail Columbia, Star Spangled Ban- ner, or Red, White and Blue. If it is impossible to place the tableau upon the stage, the play may conclude with the music alone. HANS VON SMASH. A roaring- fai-ce in a prologue and one act; 3 male and 4 female characters. Time, 30 min. Contains an excellent humorous Dutch character. THE ASSESSOR, A humorous sketch, illusti-ating the difficulties of an assessor in listing- the property of a tax-fighter; 3 male and 2 female characters. 'I'ime, 15 m. BORROWING TROUBLE. A ludicrous farct, 3 male and 4 female characters. Time, 30 m. Illustrates the very amusing trials of a borrowing family. THE PULL-BACK. A laughable f;irce; 6 female characters. 'I'ime, 20 min. Contains an ex- cellent old-fashioned, "old lady " character. Pictures her adventures among the devotees of fashion. COUNTRY JUSTICE. A very amusing country law suit; S male characters. (May admit 14.) Time 15 minutes. ON THE BRINK, Or, The Reclaimed Husband. A temperance drama in two acts; 12 male and 3 fem;ile characters. Time, 1 hour, 45 m. Seven of the characters have unimportant parts, and so;ne of the parts are so arranged that the same person may play two parts. Contiins three humorous Yankee characters. A fine play for amateurs. A PARLOR ENTERTAINMENT. A Sketch ; 2 male and t; female characters. Time, 25 m. A first rate piece for younger bovs and girls in schnoi exhibitions. OUR COUNTRY. A patriotic drama in three parts. Requires 9 male, 3 female characters. (Admits 9 male, 15 female.) Four fine tableaus. Time, about i hour. A BAD JOB. A highly ludicrous farce; 3 male, 2 female characters. Time, 30 minutes. A taking piece. What Have we to do with Plymouth Rock? A colloquy adapted to the use of Illinois schools, and of general interest to New England' emigrants in the central Western States. May be used by from ten to twenty pupils. Time 40 min. Interesting and instructive in the history of Illinois. Hozv to Remit. — Postal money orders are safest and best. Do not send postage stamps for sums over igcts" unless unavoidable. Sums under 50 cents in silver maybe sent in a letter, if carefully pasted between two thin slips of card- board. The sending- of silver usually involves additional postage, which the sender must pay. Registered Letters are absolutely safe. No plays will be sent gratis for examination, and no plays exchanged, or sent on approval. Any published play furnished at short notice. No orders filled unless accompanied by a remittance. It is best, especially in the longer plays, that each actor should have a book, so that all may be familiar with the entire play, and be able to give one another the clue in case of hesitation. When all have books the piece may be much better learned, and a piece well learned C2t.n scarcely fail to be presented well. These plays are not intended for children under 10 to 12 years of age. Parties desiring further information, please address us, T. S. DENISON, 79 Metropolitan Block, CHICAGO, ILL. LIBRARY OF ^.UNUKtoo ■ 015 863 525 2 ^ At prices within the ?'cach of any Teacher aiid all School Boards. THE HOLBROOK CONDENSING AIH-PUMP. The above Air- Pump, retailing at ^9.00, is claimed to be superior to those ordinarily retailing at ^20,00. I. It exhausts and condenses without any change of its parts, where an ordinary pump, capable only of exhausting the air, costs ^20 alone; then ^8 extra must be paid for a condensing chamber; not only this, but the parts must be changed, and the pump is likely to get out of repair. ■2. Its exhausting power is at a maximum, the valves being light and its parts being so arranged that no air remains under the piston to re- sist the raising of the exhausting valve by rarified air in the receiver The pump is thus mechanically /^r/"^f/. 3. No instructions accompany ordinary apparatus. The above pump is accompanied by a hand book, giving full instructions as to the prep- aration and manipulation of the apparatus in every experiment. 4. The entire outfit costs but ^20, capable of performing 100 exper- iments ; in the hands of an ingenious teacher, a greater number. An air pump alone usually costs ^25. LIST. Holbrook Condensing Air Pump —extra brass — warranltd % 00 Two stop-cocks 2. 50 One Connector (o Movable Receiver 7; Two Single Nut Caps 8u l\vo Double Nut Caps 90 Three feet -% Rubber Tubinff... $1 00 Band Sheeting- and Thin Rub- ber Sheeting- 70 Book of Experiments and Ex- planations ot Apparatus Jo Brass Plate 2 00 i/^ Gallon Bell Jar Receiver i 25 Addl All for $20. Carefully packed in a neat box. T. S. DENISON, Chicago, III. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 863 525 2