Class J2.^j>^54£. 
 
 Book 
 
 fopightN" 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
LAYS of the LAKES 
 
 BY 
 
 JOHN C. WRIGHT 
 
 RICHARD G. BADGER 
 
 THE GORHAM PRESS 
 BOSTON 
 
Copyright, ign, by John C. Wright 
 
 All Rights Regerved 
 
 
 
 The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 
 
 ©GI.A30ifl87 
 
 I 
 
DEDICATION 
 
 To the literati whose purpose is not to write 
 books but to read them; who squelch bad authors 
 and bid fair ones live, thereby making literature, 
 moulding public opinion and shaping the destiny of 
 nations, this volume is lovingly inscribed, in the hope 
 that its merits will outweigh its shortcomings and 
 that it may become a worthy addition to the litera- 
 ture of the Great Lakes. 
 
 John C. Wright. 
 
 Harbor Springs, Mich., April 14, 191 1. 
 
Where zephyrs steal softly through balsam and 
 
 pine, 
 And the soul feels the joy of a love that's divine. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 Page 
 
 Sailing Song 7 
 
 The Sky 7 
 
 A Natural Band 8 
 
 On the Death of an Old Indian 9 
 
 A Song of the Forest 9 
 
 Alone in a Field lO 
 
 A Tale of the Bah-go-ting 1 1 
 
 The Village Barber Shop I2 
 
 A Woodland Melody 13 
 
 The Horses and the Men 14 
 
 The Dream City 15 
 
 Julie and Joe 16 
 
 The River 17 
 
 Why the Beaver's Tail is Flat 17 
 
 A Song of Life 18 
 
 My Lady's Eyes 19 
 
 To a Snow Bird 20 
 
 Pe-tah-se-ga 20 
 
 The Lumber-Jack 26 
 
 Money Talks 28 
 
 A Wish 29 
 
 Constancy 29 
 
 The Tragedy of King Strang 30 
 
SAILING SONG 
 
 Sailing along to a sailing song, 
 
 Oh, that is the life for me; 
 On sea legs prancing, 
 With white caps dancing. 
 
 Sailing along with a heart that's free — 
 
 Sailing, sailing over the sea. 
 
 Sailing and singing's the life for me. 
 
 Out on the lake where the billows break, 
 Out in a rolling sea; 
 
 Gray gulls screaming, 
 
 Bright hulls gleaming, 
 That is the place where I long to be — 
 Sailing, sailing, sailing along, 
 Sailing and singing a sailing song. 
 
 THE SKY 
 
 Turn upward thy face 
 
 To the wonders that lie 
 In oceans of space 
 
 And fields of blue sky; 
 
 To meteors hurled 
 
 Past fast-fleeing Mars, 
 As planets are whirled 
 
 In the dance of the stars; 
 
 To the splendor on high. 
 
 To the grandeur at night, 
 As a comet sweeps by 
 
 Majestic and bright! 
 
The morning of life 
 
 Saw its banners unfold — 
 'Twill be strong in the strife 
 
 When cosmos grows old. 
 
 Though I never may know 
 
 The secret of time, 
 My soul is aglow 
 
 With the vision sublime. 
 
 A NATURAL BAND 
 
 A natural band 
 
 In the forest grand 
 
 Makes the sweetest music in all the land. 
 
 A pine tree's moan for the leading place, 
 A hemlock's groan for the double bass ; 
 A partridge drumming on a moss-grown log 
 With trap-work coming from a marshy bog ; 
 A bull frog croaking and the warble of a thrush ; 
 The tooting of a piper from its hiding in the brush ; 
 A merry band of chirpers singing on the sand. 
 And a hundred subtle voices sending gladness o'er 
 the land. 
 
 The yellow-hammer's rapping and the bluejay's call 
 Keep time to the rhythm of the cataract's fall ; 
 Not a sound nor a crackle that isn't in tune, 
 From the barking of the squirrel to the wild wren'* 
 
 croon. 
 I admit that the piped and the stringed notes, too. 
 Have charms that are pleasant and joys that are 
 
 true — 
 
 But a natural band 
 
 In the forest grand 
 
 Makes the sweetest music in all the land. 
 
 8 
 
ON THE DEATH OF AN OLD INDIAN 
 
 An aged brave and his mush-ke-mood,* 
 Splitter of splints and cutter of wood — 
 Many a time have I seen him there, 
 Making his arrow^s and baskets rare. 
 
 ^ 9|? tIc y^ tIv y 
 
 They've laid him to rest in the sand by the shore, 
 And claim he has gone to return no more. 
 
 Epitaph 
 
 To my call there is no answer, 
 
 But his spirit has not gone — 
 It dwelleth in the forest 
 
 And greets me there at dawn ; 
 It lingers in the maples, 
 
 It murmurs in the stream, 
 I hear it in the branches, 
 
 It whispers in my dream ; 
 It fills all living creatures 
 
 With simple faith each day — 
 His spirit lives on ev'ry hill 
 
 And will not go away. 
 
 A SONG OF THE FOREST 
 
 When city air stifles and heat demons blow. 
 To the wilds of the North let the lorn mortal go — 
 There Nature in fullness proclaims to the earth 
 A season of pleasure, of joy and of mirth. 
 The birds are all singing their sweetest refrains. 
 The grasses and leaves have replied to the rains, 
 And o'er hilltops and valleys, by rivulets sheen, 
 Have woven a carpet of loveliest green. 
 
 *Bag made from basswood bark. 
 9 
 
The voices of Nature sing softly and sweet 
 
 To the slaves of the city — the serfs of the street: 
 
 ''Come, come to the North, where the wild flowers 
 
 grow, 
 Where the whippoorwill calls and bay breezes blow ; 
 Come, follow the birds in their northerly flight, 
 Come, join in their carols and share their delight." 
 The pewits, the thrashers, the bluejays and all 
 That rejoice in God's freedom unite in the call ; 
 E'en the lone little cricket sings loudly and clear 
 His bright gladsome message of welcome and cheer: 
 "Come with me! Come with me!" is the plea he 
 
 pours forth, 
 "Oh, come, and be glad in the woods of the North!" 
 
 ALONE IN A FIELD 
 
 Sweet Solitude, what joys thy friendship brings! 
 Thy silvan nooks of wealth untold. 
 Thy lakes and streams of limpid gold 
 
 Where pageants rise on silv'ry wings. 
 
 Enchanted Fancy wanders far — 
 
 With argosies it sweeps the seas, 
 Disports upon the flying breeze 
 
 And rests in triumph on a distant star! 
 
 To elysian caves it takes its flight. 
 
 And on a wondrous stage 
 
 Beholds the wealth of ev'ry age 
 Displayed to its delight. 
 
 It views great armies in the field — 
 
 'Mid sound of clashing arms 
 
 And blare of fierce alarms 
 Sees vanquished to their victors yield ! 
 
 lO 
 
And as the shouts of battle cease, 
 
 It hears upon a distant hill 
 The music of a rippling rill 
 
 Where shepherds feed their flocks in peace. 
 
 So he who loveth Solitude 
 
 In golden siknce reigns 
 O'er valleys, hills and plains. 
 
 Serene in nature's sweetest mood. 
 
 A TALE OF THE BAH-GO-TING* 
 
 On a fairy isle, 'neath northern skies, 
 
 A chief with princely dower. 
 Ruled o'er his people in counsels wise, 
 
 Nor feared he the Evil Power. 
 
 But a villainous monster plotted long 
 
 In his cave by the shining water, 
 And by the lure of a magic song 
 
 Enchanted the chieftain's daughter. 
 
 Far under the banks of the rushing tide 
 He carried her — cool, designing; 
 
 And many have seen her by his side 
 In the deep sea water pining. 
 
 In derision he promised to come on shore. 
 
 His treasure to deliver: 
 "When Bah-go-ting's roar is heard no more 
 
 And silently flows the river." 
 
 He dashes the surf where the waters fall, 
 
 His tail the river lashes; 
 He laughs in glee at the other's call, 
 
 And turns and squirms and splashes. 
 
 ^Soo River rapids. 
 
 II 
 
The sorrowing chieftain tries and tries 
 
 To still the rushing water, 
 And ever and ever he cries and cries: 
 
 "Maw-chon if Maw-chon! My daughter!" 
 
 THE VILLAGE BARBER SHOP 
 
 The old barber shop, I remember it well, 
 
 Where the town loungers gathered, their stories to 
 
 tell; 
 Where the deer and the rabbits were killed by the 
 
 score 
 And their bodies in windrows were heaped on the 
 
 floor. 
 Where the trout and the herring were caught by the 
 
 ton 
 And sturgeons were massacred just in mere fun. 
 
 And when the good barber grew weary of talk. 
 And wished that the *'blowhards" would go for a 
 
 walk. 
 Some fellow would venture: "I guess I'll get 
 
 shaved" — 
 Then the barber smiled kindly — we knew we were 
 
 saved. 
 So we'd laugh and we'd shout while his razor he'd 
 
 strop, 
 And high times we had in that old barber shop ! 
 
 Then, here's to the place, may its fame never die, 
 May its barber when summoned by "next" from on 
 
 high. 
 Be led to a room which is full of delight — 
 Where they'll let him off early on Saturday night — 
 Where he won't have to lather nor powder the chin, 
 And where "blowhards" will have a "close shave" 
 
 to get in. 
 
 t"Come here!" 
 
 12 
 
A WOODLAND MELODY 
 
 When the world is all aweary with its rumble and 
 
 its toil; 
 When the daily grind of commerce brings a grumble 
 
 from the soil ; 
 When the city hums a discord to the yearnings of the 
 
 soul — 
 Then I long to hear the waters of some woodland 
 
 river roll; 
 Then I sigh to roam the forest just to hear its 
 
 branches sway 
 In a symphony of Nature, as the zephyrs gently play ; 
 Just to listen to the music in the whisper of the 
 
 trees ; 
 Just to feel the breath of freedom as it floats upon 
 
 the breeze. 
 
 From fairy caves of fragrance flows the gladness 
 far and near, 
 
 And airy waves of cadence sound a rhapsody of 
 cheer. 
 
 Every living thing rejoiceth and the notes are all 
 attune, 
 
 From the clatter of the squirrel to the feathered 
 mother's croon. 
 
 On a distant log, mysteriously, a partridge drums 
 away, 
 
 As a warbler from its aerie pipes a merry rounde- 
 lay; 
 
 Intermingled strains of sweetness from a silver- 
 throated thrush; 
 
 There a lonely owl is hooting. Then, a breathless, 
 deathlike hush. 
 
 Till the woods and waters echo with the clarion 
 of a loon — 
 
 Oh, what ecstacy of pleasure in a simple woodland 
 tune ! 
 
 13 
 
In the pastimes of a people there are joys of many 
 kinds ; 
 
 In the turmoil of a city there are charms for many 
 minds: 
 
 But when the heart is heavy with life's struggle and 
 its care, 
 
 When all the world about us seems a desert of des- 
 pair — 
 
 Then how good it is to ramble where the winds 
 and waters roll 
 
 And the harbingers of Nature with their gladness 
 fill the soul. 
 
 THE HORSES AND THE MEN 
 
 A teamster by the name of Bill once reached a steep 
 and rocky hill; 
 
 His horses sought a little rest before they started 
 toward the crest; 
 
 Which, making William swearing mad, he fast be- 
 gan to play the gad. 
 
 But though he whipped his team with vim, it 
 wouldn't stir an inch for him. 
 
 Then Bill got out into the road, and with a prod 
 began to goad; 
 
 He cursed and swore — the team he'd kill — if it re- 
 fused to mount the hill. 
 
 But all his efforts did no good — the tired horses 
 mutely stood. 
 
 Just then a fellow came along, merrily humming a 
 
 bit of song. 
 "Give me the lines," said he to Bill; "I've often 
 
 driven up that hill." 
 He caught the nearest horse's head and patted it 
 
 and gently said: 
 "Old boy, you've got a heavy load, and a mighty 
 
 steep and rocky road ; 
 14 
 
But when you've rested up a bit, I'll bet that you 
 
 can travel it." 
 To the other one he did the same, and both the 
 
 horses, though quite lame. 
 Looked up and made this mute reply: **For friends 
 
 like this we'll pull or die !" 
 When in his hands the reins he took, the horses gave 
 
 a faithful look; 
 Now eager to perform the task, they scarce could 
 
 wait for him to ask. 
 Their muscles swelled, their bodies swayed, and 
 
 with a rush they took the grade; 
 Nor did they falter, swerve or stop until they 
 
 reached the very top. 
 Then Bill looked up and said, **By Gee! No team 
 
 would pull like that fer me!" 
 "Just listen," said the man to Bill; "kind words 
 
 will level any hill, 
 And if you'd have a horse obey, horse sense your- 
 self you must display." 
 
 THE DREAM CITY 
 
 I've fashioned a beautiful city — 
 
 A city of purple and gold. 
 With spires and temples and turrets 
 
 Surpassing the splendors of old. 
 
 Where the rich and the humble are equal, 
 Where Justice and Honor prevail; 
 
 Where the good and the true are encouraged, 
 And none but the unworthy fail. 
 
 And often when tired and restless. 
 
 My spirit seems weary of life, 
 I wander afar to this city. 
 
 Forgetting the world and its strife. 
 
 15 
 
So continue to build, O, ye people, 
 
 In mortar and plaster and clay — 
 My city shall stand as the rival 
 
 Of the best that is builded today. 
 
 And when at life's close I am summoned 
 To a country more pleasing and fair. 
 
 Who can say that I shall not then enter 
 These castles I've built in the air? 
 
 JULIE AND JOE 
 
 or Joe was a Frenchman dat work roun' de mill, 
 'Bout t'ree minute walk fas' on top of de hill; 
 He was happy an' livelee from morning teel night, 
 An' his only mistake was, Joe like to get tight. 
 So Julie one morning say: "Joe, dis won't go. 
 You got to stay home an' hang on to your dough!" 
 Den Joe he got mad an' he hang on so tight 
 Julie can't get de money for buy dem a bite. 
 Den she tell HI Peter to get de tranneau 
 An' hitch up his dog — to de ville he mus' go 
 An' tell de physish she 'tink Joe's got la grippe — 
 To come in a hurry an' see what's de rip. 
 
 When de doctaire arrive dare, he feel of Joe's tick, 
 
 An' say very sadly: **De man is not sick!" 
 
 Den Julie say: "Yes, sir, la grippe is ail Joe — 
 
 He grip all de money an' will not let go." 
 
 Den de doctaire he laugh an' he say wid a smile : 
 
 *T11 fix up your Joseph in one lil while." 
 
 Den he pour out some brandee an' give him to 
 
 drink — 
 An' Joe was recover before dey could t'ink. 
 He yell like a loon bird an' run his hand down 
 An' t'row out his money all over de groun'; 
 An' Julie was tickled way down to her shoes, 
 i6 
 
An' she picked up de money while Joe drink de 
 
 booze. 
 Now Julie an' Joe dey live happy an' quite, 
 'Cause Julie lets Joseph drink wine an' get tight; 
 An' Joe he don't see how his pocket is rob', 
 For Julie, I tell you, is onto her job. 
 
 THE RIVER 
 
 Come stand on the bridge of an ev'ning, 
 
 When the lights are burning low. 
 And look at the wonderful pictures. 
 
 As the shadows come and go. 
 
 The rippling water of silver 
 
 With its looming hulks of gray. 
 Reminding one of a mystic isle 
 
 Where goblins run and play. 
 
 Like phantom shapes the figures rise — 
 
 They crouch and creep along, 
 Then quickly turn and march away — 
 
 A never-ending throng. 
 
 'Tis pleasant to stand by the river, 
 
 When the lights are burning low. 
 And live again in the fairyland 
 
 That we knew in the long ago. 
 
 WHY THE BEAVER'S TAIL IS FLAT 
 
 A fox and a hare one day had a trial 
 
 Way out in the depth of the wood ; 
 The fox claimed that he could climb up a tree 
 
 And the lawsuit would prove that he could. 
 
 17 
 
The hare hadn't heard of the wonderful feat, 
 
 And so didn't think it could be — 
 The thing had been done but he was the one 
 
 That knew how to climb up a tree. 
 
 So an owl was chosen to act as the judge, 
 
 And n ^volf and a rabbit or two 
 Were called to the place to argue the case 
 
 And determine whose story was true. 
 
 But while they were talking and making much noise, 
 
 A beaver just out for some sport. 
 Went to cutting a tree which no one could see, 
 
 And its fall put an end to the court. 
 
 He was brought to the owl who loudly declared : 
 "We must punish such mischief as that!" 
 
 So they rolled on his tail a big heavy rail — 
 And ever since then it's been flat. 
 
 A SONG OF LIFE 
 
 A man is born — the world is gay — 
 
 It giveth joy and sorrow; 
 He lives his life of but a day 
 
 And dies upon the morrow. 
 
 Unmindful of his soul's repose, 
 He strives for fame and glory: 
 
 At last a tablet marks the close 
 And tells the same old story. 
 
 The yearnings of his heart and mind, 
 The quenchless soul-desire — 
 
 Are doomed to meet a fate unkind, 
 To languish and expire. 
 
 i8 
 
Then what avails his little hate, 
 His selfish, vain endeavor? 
 
 The world Is heedless of his fate — 
 But truth lives on forever. 
 
 The lessons that the ages teach. 
 The health that makes us jolly, 
 
 The sermons that the woodlands preach- 
 All point the common folly : 
 
 The folly of a zeal to gain 
 A weight of worldly treasure. 
 
 Neglecting blessings that attain 
 True happiness and pleasure. 
 
 L'Envoi 
 
 That Man is blest whose humble life 
 Is filled with joy o' laughter; 
 
 Who reaps the glory of the strife — 
 The peace that cometh after. 
 
 MY LADY'S EYES 
 
 One day in far Egyptian mart 
 
 I stood by a leopard's cage, 
 
 And in the glaring orbs of fire 
 
 Saw the dreaded look of hate. 
 
 The fury of the breed flashed forth. 
 
 As from the grated bars of steel 
 
 It glared defiance at the might of man. 
 
 Another day I looked Into a woman's eyes. 
 
 And In their tenderness 
 
 Felt the ecstacy of love 
 
 And knew the joy of life. 
 
 Then with the lovelight burning still — 
 
 I turned away. 
 
 * * * * * 
 
 19 
 
t looked again — 
 
 But love had turned to hate, 
 
 And methought there gleamed in the pretty eyes 
 
 A flash like the one at the leopard's cage. 
 
 TO A SNOW BIRD 
 
 When all the earth is cold and drear 
 Thou singeth thy song of joy and cheer. 
 Oh, that I had a faith like thee 
 To keep me in adversity. 
 
 PE-TAH-SE-GA 
 
 The Indian Tradition of the Happy Hunting 
 Grounds. 
 
 Note. — This tradition v^^as first related to me by 
 my grandmother, Mrs. Sophia Graveraet, a ven- 
 erable old lady w^ho spent most of her life among the 
 wild Indians of the Northwest Territory. The 
 story was of general belief and varied but little with 
 the different tribes. It was well known among the 
 early missionaries and French voyageurs. I give it 
 here substantially as it was related for hundreds of 
 years by the savage tribes of the Great Lake region. 
 
 J. C. W. 
 Listen how a savage people. 
 
 Knowing naught of Christian love, 
 Found a gospel in the woodland, 
 And proclaimed a God above; 
 How the children of the forest 
 
 Taught a life beyond the grave. 
 And a happy, joyous future 
 
 For the worthy and the brave: 
 
 On the shores of We-que-ton-sing,* 
 
 *Indian name of an indentation of upper Michi- 
 gan, meaning "little bay." 
 20 
 
Where the silver birches grow, 
 Lived a chieftain great and mighty, 
 Many, many moons ago. 
 
 There he chased the bears and panthers — 
 From the fiercest took the pelt, 
 
 And the scalps of many foemen 
 Dangled from his wampum belt. 
 
 He was bravest of the warriors — 
 He was fleet and keen of sight — 
 
 The beloved of all his kinsmen 
 Was Pe-tah-se-ga— "the Light." 
 
 But one day a fever seized him — 
 On his couch he had to lie; 
 
 All his people came about him. 
 For 'twas said the chief must die. 
 
 On the softest furs they laid him — 
 When his war-whoop loudly rang, 
 
 And death-frenzied by his fever. 
 From the wigwam door he sprang. 
 
 Close behind him leaped Winona, 
 Fairest daughter of his band ; 
 
 She, the sweetheart of the chieftain. 
 Called to him with outstretched hand. 
 
 But Pe-tah-se-ga was heedless 
 As a deer with fleeting bound ; 
 
 He was eager on his journey. 
 
 Running high above the ground. 
 
 Then his mother, old No-ko-qua,t 
 
 fNo-ko-qua was the only one who persisted in 
 the chase. Mother-love was a surpassing virtue 
 among the wild Indians. 
 
 21 
 
In her grief was nearly wild ; 
 
 On his trail she followed, crying: 
 
 "Oh, Pe-tah-se-ga, my child." 
 
 Many, many days she chased him 
 In his wild and frantic flight; 
 
 Till at last she reached a wigwam 
 Just before the dusk of night. 
 
 There a guardsman came to meet her, 
 Backward motioned her in fear; 
 
 Said : "This is the road of dead men, 
 Tell me why thou comest here?" 
 
 Old No-ko-qua thus made answer: 
 "I am searching for my son — 
 
 For a brave and noble chieftain — 
 Have you noticed such a one?" 
 
 Quoth the guardsman: "I am stationed 
 
 By the Gitchi Manitou, 
 To protect the giant berry§ 
 
 As the dead are passing through. 
 
 '"Tis the fruit of life eternal 
 And the Manitou hath said. 
 
 Those who taste it live forever 
 In the regions of the dead. 
 
 "Ev'ry brave must leave his tooth-mark, 
 While I take his brain away 
 
 That he may forget his sorrows 
 And be happy on his way. 
 
 ^A large strawberry, a bite of which registered 
 the warrior's entry into paradise. This fruit, there- 
 fore, was held in great veneration. 
 
 2^ 
 
"Yes, your son has lately passed here, 
 But he tried to bite in vain — 
 
 In a trance he journeys onward 
 And will come to life again." 
 
 Then No-ko-qua hurried after 
 To a stream that swiftly flowed. 
 
 Where a cedar's splash called spirits 
 To the Red Man's last abode. 
 
 In the stream were many minnows — ^ 
 (Little children who had tried 
 
 Crossing on the logs and boulders, 
 But fell in the swollen tide). 
 
 Many hardships she encountered 
 Ere she gained the other side, 
 
 Whence a pathway long and narrow 
 Reached a prairie smooth and wide. 
 
 When she saw this lovely garden 
 Her amazement knew no bounds; 
 
 It was dazzling in its splendor — 
 
 'T was the Happy Hunting Grounds. 
 
 Here she saw a little wigwam, 
 
 Where the trees grew sparse and thin, 
 
 And knocking at the door-post. 
 An old woman said, ''Come in." 
 
 When No-ko-qua told her story, 
 
 In surprise the other said: 
 "And I, too, have chased a loved one, 
 
 But, alas! he's really dead. 
 
 |[The Indians never killed little minnows, believ- 
 ing them to be the spirits of their departed chil- 
 dren. 
 
 23 
 
"Here at night the spirits gather, 
 And they have great sport and fun; 
 
 If you'll stay with me, my sister, 
 I will help you catch your son." 
 
 Then she cut a length of canewood, 
 And she trimmed it with a knife, 
 
 Saying, "See, in this we'll put him, 
 And you'll sweat him back to life." 
 
 So No-ko-qua longed and waited, 
 And at sun-down as was said. 
 
 Came the music of the tom-tom 
 And the war-whoops of the dead. 
 
 And the warriors came in numbers 
 To the field and danced about, 
 
 And made merry until daybreak. 
 When they ran and scampered out. 
 
 And Pe-tah-se-ga was with them, 
 But he did not have much fun, 
 
 For he said his|| head was heavy — 
 He could scarcely dance or run. 
 
 Yet the women could not catch him, 
 For the shadows blocked their way — 
 
 In their faces poked their fingers. 
 Saying,^ "Leave us here to play." 
 
 II His brain had not been removed. 
 
 ^No women before or since have ever entered the 
 happy hunting grounds — it was supposed to be ex- 
 clusively a place for men. 
 
 24 
 
Thus they watched and sought him nightly, 
 Each receiving slurs and jeers; 
 
 Till at last No-ko-qua caught him, 
 'Mid his protests and his tears. 
 
 Then she put him in the cane-length — 
 
 With a stopper shut it tight, 
 And with "bojo"** to her hostess. 
 
 Started home that very night. 
 
 After many days of travel 
 
 She arrived there safe and sound — 
 
 Brought the cane-length safely with her — 
 Laid it gently on the ground. 
 
 Then with bags of sand and fire 
 Old No-ko-qua warmed the cane. 
 
 And by loving care and nursing 
 Brought her son to life again. 
 
 All the people then were feasted. 
 
 And Winona, so they say, 
 Spent much time upon a costume. 
 
 Garnished for their wedding day. 
 
 And Pe-tah-se-ga, the warrior. 
 
 Loved to tell until he died, 
 Of the place where all his people 
 
 Would be gathered side by side. 
 
 Where their songs and whoops and laughter 
 Would be heard forever more — 
 
 Where they'd dwell in festive grandeur 
 On a distant, verdant shore. 
 
 **Good-by. 
 
 25 
 
Thus the children of the forest 
 
 Taught a life beyond the grave, 
 And a happy, joyous future 
 
 For the worthy and the brave ; 
 Thus a people, wild, unletter'd, 
 
 Knowing naught of Christian love, 
 Heard the God of living nations 
 
 Calling them to realms above. 
 
 THE LUMBER- JACK 
 
 What's become of Jim Brooks?" did ye ask me? 
 
 Waal, stranger, I'm blanked if I know, 
 But I think he has hiked to a country 
 
 Where there ain't any sawlogs or snow. 
 Although I can't tell ye fer sartin, 
 
 I believe that they took him to stay 
 With th' angels an' heroes in heaven 
 
 At th' close of one cold winter day. 
 Fer I don't think that God would be willin' 
 
 To go back on a feller like Jim — 
 He wuz only a lumber-jack, stranger, 
 
 But they wan't no one truer than him. 
 
 Yes, I know he wuz careless an' reckless — 
 
 He never would stand fer a bluff. 
 An' when he struck town with his stake, sir. 
 
 He always cut loose like a tough. 
 "Hi, Jerry an' Billy, ye devils! 
 
 Come up here an' hev one on me !" 
 That's th' way he would talk to his comrades, 
 
 An' his money went easy an' free. 
 But though he wuz rough an' unpolished. 
 
 To his friends he was faithful an' true. 
 An' th' day he drop't out o' th' game, sir, 
 
 There vmz gloom o'er th' rest o' th' crew. 
 
 26 
 
'T was down on th' Yellow Dog River 
 
 That we lumbered that winter an' spring, 
 Where an army of "cross-cuts" an' axes 
 
 Made th' forest re-echo an' ring. 
 A log hauler's wife did the cookin', 
 
 And she sartinly fed us good chuck: 
 Such pancakes an' sausage ain't common! — 
 
 (We all envied that log hauler's luck.) 
 She was blessed with a bright little youngster, 
 
 A pretty an' sweet-natured lad, 
 Whose voice wuz th' joy o' th' pinery. 
 
 Whose laugh made that wilderness glad. 
 I confess that I onct got a fancy 
 
 That angels 'way up in th' sky 
 Wuz jealous to have him in heaven. 
 
 So they drop't him to earth frum on high. 
 
 One day the young lad took a notion 
 
 To watch how we brought down a tree. 
 So he ran unobserved towards the choppers 
 
 And stood there all anxious to see. 
 All at once we heard warnings of danger, 
 
 An' running far out of harm's way. 
 We saw the great giant come crashing. 
 
 As it toppled an' roared in its sway. 
 Then a look of wild horror came o'er us, 
 
 Fer that youngster stood there in delight 
 A-watchin' the giant fall towards him — 
 
 We covered our eyes from the sight. 
 
 But Jim was right there in an instant — 
 
 Seemed th' giant wuz bearin' him down — 
 My God ! like a panther he bounded 
 
 An' lifted the boy from th' groun', 
 Then quickly he threw him from danger: 
 
 "A miracle!" everyone said — 
 Poor Jim! he wuz caught by the giant 
 
 Which mangled his shoulders an' head — 
 27 
 
An' although I can't tell ye fer sartin', 
 
 I believe that they took him to dwell 
 With th' angels an' heroes in heaven 
 
 When that king of the pinery fell: 
 Fer I don't think that God would be willin' 
 
 To go back on a feller like Jim — 
 He wuz only a lumber jack, stranger, 
 
 But they wan't no one truer than him. 
 
 MONEY TALKS 
 
 Man's greatest friend am I, 
 Yet, like some other friends, I fly 
 
 When needed most; 
 All things I conquer ere the grave, 
 But power there one soul to save 
 
 I cannot boast: 
 So he who builds his hopes on me 
 Must face alone eternity. 
 
 For man I rear great domes and spires, 
 Demolish time with rails and wires 
 
 And level hills; 
 I fashion, shape, display with skill 
 The myriad fancies of his will 
 
 And conquer ills: 
 But at the bier I yield at length — 
 The grave, alas! defies my strength. 
 
 I am the prize of golden fame. 
 The god of pride and ease and name 
 
 And greed's desire; 
 I urge men on to noble deeds, 
 Provide mankind with all its needs 
 
 And toil inspire: 
 But at the grave cannot impart 
 One touch of joy or ease of heart. 
 28 
 
A WISH 
 
 When death at length shall take me hence, 
 I will not ask as recompense 
 
 A crown and livery gay; 
 But when my name they chance to see, 
 I'd love to have folks say of me: 
 
 *'He cheered us on our way." 
 
 CONSTANCY 
 
 Here's a toast to give the queen 
 
 Who wins your heart at sweet sixteen: 
 
 "I love your pretty sparkling eyes, 
 The deep delight that in them lies; 
 The lovely contour of your cheek, 
 Your silv'ry accents when you speak. 
 And if perchance I make thee smile 
 It is an effort worth my while." 
 
 And as your life you journey through, 
 Fill up the cup to this one, too: 
 
 "I loved you then, I love you still — 
 I loved you once and always will." 
 
 29 
 
KING STRANG 
 
 OR 
 
 THE TRAGEDY OF BEAVER ISLAND 
 
 In Three Acts 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 Upon the assassination of Joseph Smith, the Mor- 
 mon prophet, at Nauvoo, 111., there arose several 
 aspirants to the honor of leading his followers. 
 Among the number was James Jesse Strang, a gifted 
 lawyer, originally from New York state, who had 
 lately located in Wisconsin, where he embraced the 
 new faith and said he had received a letter from 
 Smith, just previous to the latter's death, appoint- 
 ing him as his successor; he also claimed to have had 
 a vision at the moment of Smith's demise, in which 
 the Lord annointed him "teacher, ruler, prophet 
 and protector" of the Mormons. Though but a 
 recent convert, he gained many supporters through 
 the logic of his arguments and the force of his bril- 
 liant oratory. It is said that among the half dozen 
 contestants for the honor, aside from Brigham 
 Young, Strang was the only one who displayed any 
 real qualities of leadership. Being defeated by 
 Young, who had the advantage of an entrenched 
 position and the powerful support of the Council 
 of Twelve, Strang withdrew with a large number 
 of followers, first to Voree, Wis., **the Garden of 
 Peace," where he planted a "Stake of Zion," then 
 to Beaver Island, (called by the early French mis- 
 sionaries "L'Isle au Castore"), in Lake Michigan, 
 where he founded his "kingdom," naming the cap- 
 ital "St. James," in honor of himself, and on the 
 
 30 
 
8th day of July, 1850, was publicly crowned "king," 
 amid much pomp and ceremony. He erected a tab- 
 ernacle and palace, constructed beautiful highways, 
 and had a royal press. He took unto himself five 
 wives, and lived in regal splendor, considering the 
 limited advantages of the region at that period. He 
 was twice elected to the Michigan legislature and his 
 influence and support was solicited by no less a 
 personage than President Millard Fillmore. Fi- 
 nally external warfare with the "gentiles" and in- 
 ternal dissensions culminated to overthrow his pow- 
 er. Several conspirators formulated a plot to depose 
 him, and he was fatally shot on the 20th of June, 
 1856. During his last hours he was tenderly nursed 
 and cared for by his first and lawful wife, who had 
 left him when she learned that he advocated po- 
 lygamy. 
 
 Those who knew Strang say he was a wise, sa- 
 gacious and able ruler, though oftentimes unscru- 
 pulous and arbitrary. His "Revelations," orations, 
 state papers and "Book of the Law of the Lord," 
 reveal a keen intellect, strong personality, and a 
 leader of men, whose prowess was not surpassed 
 by any of his contemporaries. 
 
 His kingdom perished with him, after an undis- 
 puted sway of nearly eight years — the only kingdom 
 that ever flourished within the borders of the United 
 States. The dispersion of his followers by an irre- 
 pressible mob ended the attempt to establish Mor- 
 monism in Michigan. 
 
 31 
 
Dramatis Personae 
 
 KING STRANG. 
 
 Mary Strang's first wife 
 
 Alvira Strang's second wife 
 
 "Aunt Betsy" Strang's third wife 
 
 Sarah Strang's fourth wife 
 
 Hulda Strang's fifth wife 
 
 "Charlie Douglass" .. Strang's 2nd wife in disguise 
 
 Dr. McCullough Aspirant to the throne 
 
 Adams An actor in league with McCullough 
 
 Esther In love with "Douglass" 
 
 Mrs. McCullough 
 
 Mrs. Wentworth 
 
 Mrs. Bedford i t> u ir u- ^ 
 
 Mrs. Johnson f Rebellious subjects. 
 
 Mrs. Campbell I 
 
 Mrs. Scott J 
 
 Apostle John I "Destroying Angels." 
 Apostle Isaac j j *= »= 
 
 -^ ° , 5- Accomplices of the conspirators. 
 
 Gen. Schwartz U. S. Marshal 
 
 Capt. BuUis. .. .Commander U. S. S. "Michigan" 
 
 Wilkins District Judge 
 
 "Arch" Newton Leader of the Gentiles 
 
 Joe Partout A French Canadian 
 
 Julie His Wife 
 
 Sailors, Soldiers, Officers, Deacons, Elders, Saints 
 and Gentiles. 
 
 Scene: L'Isle au Castore, an island in Lake 
 Michigan. 
 
 Time: Middle of the Nineteenth Century. 
 
 32 
 
ACT I 
 
 Scene I 
 A room in King Strang's royal palace 
 
 To Mary enter Aunt Betsy 
 
 Aunt B. — I'm glad to see you, Mary; tell me, 
 please. 
 How fares the King and his first wife 
 tonight ? 
 
 Mary — The one whom people love to call their king, 
 And who has been a "king" indeed to me, 
 Is absent on some pressing work o'er which 
 He seems to brood. He plainly is perturbed 
 And lately tosses on his couch at nights. 
 Much troubled by a sea of fear and doubt. 
 And I, myself, am feeling ill at ease. 
 But tell me, pray, why speak of me as first? 
 
 Aunt B. — Ah, then my lady has not heard the news 
 That's whispered all about our lovely 
 isle? 
 
 Mary — No, tell me what the gossips say. 
 
 Aunt B. — That Strang, our prophet, wishes many 
 wives 
 And e'en this week will bring the second 
 home. 
 
 Mary — No, no, it cannot be! 
 
 Aunt B. — But it has come on evidence confirmed. 
 
 The sister named Alvira Field* is married 
 
 *Alvira Field was a near relative of Chicago's 
 merchant prince, the late Marshall Field. 
 34 
 
To your husband even now and only 
 
 waits 
 The king's decree to openly declare her 
 
 "wife" 
 And legalize polygamj^ 
 
 Mary — Alas ! if that be true 
 
 The worst that I have feared has come to 
 
 pass. 
 Ah me, this wicked world is turning wrong, 
 Since those we love the most we cannot trust. 
 I fear I shall not long remain upon 
 This lonely isle. 
 
 Aunt B. — Pray, do not take it so to heart. The king 
 Has given righteous cause for this new 
 
 course 
 And quotes the word of God to prove 'tis 
 
 well. 
 Why, bless you, dear, it seems so plain to 
 
 me — 
 If he should ask myself for third, I'm sure 
 I could not answer "no." 
 
 Mary — Feeble-minded 
 
 Poor old soul. To think that I should listen 
 To such arguments! He'll quote the Book 
 
 for 
 Any cause and if perchance it does not fit, 
 He'll have a "Revelation." 
 (Aside) I fear 'tis true 
 For he has acted very strange of late. 
 
 Aunt B. — You may as well submit — 
 
 He's firmly set to husband many wives, 
 And all so far consent. 
 
 35 
 
Mary — Submit indeed! 
 
 I cannot think he'd ask me to submit 
 To such a plan, but if he makes request, 
 Full well he'll find I'd swim across the lake 
 Before I'd dwell beneath a roof of sin 
 E'en though it be the palace of a king. 
 
 Aunt B. — Well, suit yourself. I'll stay. 
 
 Mary — You have no woman's heart 
 
 If you would thus oppose an honest home 
 And scorn a loving wife. 
 
 A B — 'Tis the pleasure of the King, 
 
 Whose word is law with all the faithful 
 
 Saints, 
 And ought to be with you. 
 
 Mary — I have no mood to follow wrong commands: 
 Let each one do what seems to him the 
 
 best — 
 No home where love's divided can be blest. 
 I'll talk with him tomorrow. 
 
 (Exit). 
 
 Enter Strang and "Charlie Douglass." 
 
 Douglass — I think that I shall like this place right 
 well. 
 Now, do not vex us longer with delays. 
 But forthwith issue your decree abroad 
 That plural marriages are just. 
 
 Strang — This very night 
 
 I'll say it in our holy tabernacle. 
 I'll then make known to all the world, 
 what I, 
 
 36 
 
The Prophet James, did find upon the 
 Plates of Laban. 
 
 And then in sweet embrace I may receive 
 The love w^hich thou dost give to bless our 
 
 home. 
 I seal the promise w^ith a sacred kiss, 
 And offer praises to His holy name. 
 
 Aunt B. — Just marry all the v^^ives you w^ish. King 
 
 Strang, 
 For all of me, but when you finish that. 
 And then make love to all young men as 
 
 well, 
 I cannot blame my sister Mary when 
 She says that nothing good can come from 
 
 out 
 This worthless Kingdom. 
 
 Strang — Oh, ho! So you shall know the truth, 
 
 Aunt Betsy. 
 This handsome man is not a man at all, 
 But second wife whom God hath in a 
 
 vision 
 Sent, and you shall be the third. 
 
 A B — Oh, now I love you true more than the other 
 two. 
 
 Doug. — But he loves me the best of all the three. 
 
 Strang — What hath thou heard my Mary say? 
 
 A. B — She'd sooner die 
 
 A thousand deaths than ever share your 
 
 home 
 With any other wife. 
 
 37 
 
Strang — I knew she'd be no party to it! 
 
 Aunt B. — You well 
 
 May manage twenty kingdoms, I am sure, 
 Much easier than two little women, 
 If she be one of them. 
 
 Strang — As usual you are right. 
 
 In spite of it, the laws declared by God, 
 Through me, must be fulfilled. 
 
 Doug. — It is not safe for us to tarry here. 
 
 This clothing makes me feel like walking 
 
 out. 
 Let's to the tabernacle. 
 
 Strang — Yes, to the tabernacle. 
 
 Where we may promulgate our holy laws, 
 Restore to the chosen their ancient rights, 
 And all our enemies deliver to 
 The buffetings of Satan. 
 
 [Exeunt.] 
 
 Scene II 
 
 Interior of Tabernacle 
 
 Apostles, Deacons and Saints 
 
 All sing — The Nephites destroyed, the Lamanites 
 dwelt. 
 For ages in sorrow unknown ; 
 Generations have pass'd, till the Gentiles 
 at last. 
 Have divided our lands as their own. 
 
 Enter Strang in church robes. 
 
 38 
 
Strang — fiy the hand of an angel 
 
 Was I given the Urim and Thummim, 
 And from plates that I dug near Voree 
 Translated the Law of the Lord. 
 
 Then I was led to a beautiful isle, 
 Covered with forests and flowers and 
 
 fields, 
 With a wind-sheltered bay to the east- 
 ward; 
 I was taken o'er hilltops and valleys 
 Amid foliage fragrant and lovely. 
 And one whom I asked for the meaning 
 
 replied : 
 ''Here shall the Lord establish his people; 
 He shall establish them here forever." 
 So let us all pray for glory and peace ; 
 And that our holy kingdom may flourish. 
 Follow thou my commands to the letter. 
 
 All sing — Ephraim's records, plates of gold, 
 Glorious things to us unfold. 
 Though sealed up they long have been. 
 To give us light they now begin. 
 
 First Apostle — If the Gentiles shall harass thy peo- 
 ple. 
 What does the prophet command us 
 to do? 
 
 Strang — The earth is the Lord's and the fullness 
 
 thereof ; 
 Behold, we are the Lord's chosen people. 
 We consecrate all for the good of the 
 
 church ; 
 We confiscate wealth in the name of the 
 
 Lord ; 
 He will bless us in all undertakings. 
 
 39 
 
In a league with the devil are Lamanites — 
 They shall feel a continual stroke. 
 Mormons alone have a right to the earth 
 And eventually shall possess it. 
 Now the Lord through his prophet com- 
 mands you: 
 You shall marry, multiply and possess. 
 For in eternity shall you be crowned 
 Over all your descendants and children. 
 So your ambition must be to increase; 
 And a mourner can honor the spirit 
 Of her departed in no better way 
 Than to raise children up in his name. 
 In support of the Lord's revelation 
 A beautiful maid have I married this day 
 And by this example, polygamy 
 Is blest in the royal domain. 
 
 Second Apos. — But many have come 
 
 Who were promised this would not 
 be taught. 
 
 Strang — I cannot always teach the things I would — 
 I tell you that which God to me reveals. 
 And by this self-same token I command 
 That every woman of the kingdom 
 Henceforth her old habiliments discard 
 For garments of divided type. For work 
 The Lord does wish, the skirt is not ap- 
 proved. 
 (Murmurs of discontent.) 
 
 Bed. — My wife will not consent; 
 
 And if she does I'll never let her wear 'em. 
 
 Strang — Stir up no strife. 
 
 Lest thou receive the forty lashes, friend. 
 I'm tired of you trouble-mongers. 
 40 
 
Enter Joe Partout and wife, running, followed by 
 several men. 
 
 Joe — I'm shoot! I'm shoot! I'm killed dead, me! 
 
 Juh'e— Oh, Joe, he's kill! 
 
 An' me, myself, I'm almos' dead wid scare! 
 
 Strang — How, now! What's all this row about? 
 
 Went. — Those Gentile rats, they tried to steal our 
 nets. 
 
 Joe — No! no! 'Taint so, 'taint so! 
 
 We drif ashore on one big sea an' Ian' 
 Right there. We didn't mean no harm. 
 Oh, please, have mercy, mercy! 
 
 Julie — No! no! We never steal a t'ing. 
 
 We are so scare. Oh, please, have mercy, 
 mercy. 
 
 Strang — No wanderer will seek a refuge here 
 
 And ever come to harm. So have no fear. 
 
 To Joe's pursuers, who have been drinking. 
 
 Depart, ye sots, and let this couple rest! 
 Do not defile our holy tabernacle 
 With oozings of thy nauseous tainted breaths. 
 We'll tolerate no drinking in this place. 
 And woe to him who dares to sell the stuff. 
 For rum's the bottom of all evil deeds — 
 Makes light the head and dark and dull the 
 
 heart : 
 It must be banished from our isle. 
 
 41 
 
To Julie and Joe. 
 
 Now, come with me. 
 I'll give you warmth and food and show you 
 
 that 
 The Prophet Strang is not so bad a man 
 As painted. 
 
 Joe — Oh, thank you, Meester Strang. 
 
 I'm sure you are not bad at all! 
 
 Julie — Yes, thank you many times. 
 
 I'll always tell the fishermans how good 
 A man you are. 
 
 (Exeunt.) 
 
 Scene III 
 
 St. James. A Street 
 
 Enter McCuUough and Adams 
 
 Adams — Know you our kingship's latest move? 
 
 McC. — No, what orders does he dictate now? 
 
 Adams — Polygamy's the latest; 
 
 And consecration likewise is upheld. 
 
 McC. — The tyrant 
 
 Must be checked or all will come to ruin. 
 
 Adams — His revelations come so fast 
 
 Of late I trust not in their potency. 
 
 McC. — Why must we let this gay Old Rooster 
 strut 
 Around and lord it over all creation, 
 42 
 
While we obey like hens and little chicks? 
 I tell you, Adams, I shall put on spurs 
 And fight this villain. 
 
 Adams— I'll back you in't. Like good queen Mar- 
 garet 
 
 Used to say when I was playing Richard 
 III, 
 
 *'I can no longer hold me patient." 
 
 He's outraged us by varnished tales and 
 thinks 
 
 We have no honor. 
 
 Enter Bedford and Wentworth. 
 
 But here come our friends 
 Who have a cause to hate him more than we. 
 Let's fan their passions into mutiny. 
 
 What think you, Bedford, 
 Since the king rebuked you in th' meeting? 
 Wilt follow him as blindly as before? 
 
 Bedford — I never liked him much 
 
 And now despise the tyrant more than 
 ever. 
 
 Adams — And you, good Wentworth? 
 
 I suppose you wish to toil and slave and 
 
 have 
 No favor of the king except the evil 
 Glances of his envious eyes. 
 
 Wentworth — You know full well I have no use for 
 him, 
 Since he by foul means seeks all I 
 have. 
 
 43 
 
Adams — Some months agone I put a royal crown 
 
 Upon his head and dressed him up in state ; 
 But he has proven false to all his friends. 
 I think 'tis time to crown another king. 
 I myself am somewhat judge of men, 
 And friend McCuUough here I do vouch- 
 safe 
 Would give more honor to a throne 
 Than half a dozen Strangs. 
 
 Bedford — Why, yes, why shouldn't he be king? 
 
 McC. — You flatter me, but 'tis no easy thing — 
 
 We first must rid us of the king we have. 
 
 Adams — You'll find it easy picking. 
 
 In Richard III I slew six men and would 
 Not hesitate to kill six villains more — 
 (Aside) 
 
 If they were here upon this street to fight 
 With wooden swords. 
 
 McC. — I have some money left — 
 
 I did not give it all to Strang. 
 
 Adams — What say you men ? 
 
 For money, honor, duty and revenge. 
 The spice that makes our lives worth 
 
 while, will you 
 Destroy King Strang? 
 
 Went. — I'll do my part. 
 
 Bed. — And so will I. 
 
 Adams — Why sure! Who wants to live 
 
 On cockle when it's easy to get quail? 
 
 44 
 
McC. — Then meet us on the King's Highway at 
 twelve. 
 We'll lay our plans to make the Rooster 
 
 sick ; 
 We'll trouble him with civil suits and courts 
 And give the Gentiles many clews to fight 
 This would-be prophet of our faith. . 
 
 Went. — 'Tis well. We'll meet you there at twelve. 
 
 (Exeunt). 
 
 Scene IV 
 
 A room in Strang's palace 
 
 Enter Strang, Alvira and Aunt Betsy 
 
 Strang — I hesitate to let her know the truth. 
 
 Alvira — The man who seeks dominion over all 
 Is surely not afraid of one wee woman. 
 We now are man and wife and I expect 
 The homage that is due me and the honor 
 Of your house. 
 
 Aunt Betsy — Just tell her what 
 
 You wish to do and show that you 
 are master. 
 
 Strang — Why, yes, I'm master in my home, 'tis 
 true ; 
 But many thoughts have troubled me of 
 
 late — 
 She's been a good and loving wife, I vow, 
 And I do hate to cause her pain. 
 
 Alvira — Oh, weakling! It is by revelation. 
 
 We cannot change the laws of God for 
 such. 
 
 45 
 
Strang — Oh, yes, by revelation, that is true. 
 
 We are commanded and must do His will. 
 
 Enter Mary. 
 
 My dear beloved wife. 
 Together we have read the sacred book. 
 The lessons that the prophets taught we both 
 Agreed were right and just. And when I 
 
 doubted 
 You were first to offer reassuring words. 
 The holy work you never cast aside, 
 And mine own teachings you have always 
 
 kept. 
 Now by divine command I bring another 
 Wife into the fold. Let me present to 
 You the one to whom I was in spirit 
 Sealed this day. I bid you welcome her. 
 And hope we all may live in happiness 
 And peace. 
 
 Alvira — I know we shall be friends. 
 
 Aunt B. — Why, fifty wives could live contented 
 here. 
 
 Mary — Have peace! We've argued on this point 
 before. 
 You told me on your honor at Voree 
 That if I'd live with you upon this isle, 
 You would renounce polygamy. 
 
 Strang — I know, but I have 
 
 Had a vision and the Lord commends it. 
 
 Mary — It is not true. The Lord has never yet 
 Commended contradictions. The book is 
 Plain upon this point and never has been 
 changed. 
 
 46 
 
Strang — But you forget! 
 
 The patriarchs of old had many wives. 
 
 Mary — Yes, many wives and mistresses, that's true, 
 Which was abominable to the Lord. 
 He led forth his people to raise up a 
 Righteous branch and will not suffer that 
 
 they 
 Do like unto the blasphemers of old : 
 For there shall not any man among you, 
 Saith the Lord, have, save it be but one 
 
 wife, 
 And mistresses he shall have none, for, I, 
 The Lord, God, delighteth in the chastity 
 Of women. 
 
 Strang — But those are words for Lamanites and 
 Gentiles. 
 For us new laws are needed and revealed. 
 
 Mary — Behold, ye have done 
 
 Greater iniquities than the Lamanites: 
 
 Ye have broken the hearts of your tender 
 
 wives 
 And lost the confidence of your children. 
 The sobbings of their hearts ascend to God 
 Against you. 
 The Lamanites are more righteous than 
 
 you — 
 They have but one wife and obey the law. 
 The Lord will not destroy them but will be 
 Merciful unto them and will make them 
 One day a blessed people. 
 
 Strang — 'Twas I appointed to proclaim the truth 
 And will not delegate my commission 
 To a woman who understandeth not 
 The ways of the Lord. I command you to 
 Receive the truth or else vacate the house. 
 47 
 
Mary — I shall be more than pleased to go, 
 
 But remember thou the words of the Lord: 
 "This people shall keep my commandments 
 Or cursed be the land for their sakes." 
 In evil deeds you will not find favor 
 In the eyes of the Lord, but your kingdom 
 Shall vanish from the earth. 
 
 (Curtain.) 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Scene I 
 
 A room in Strang's palace 
 
 Aunt Betsy — It surely is a wild and stormy night, 
 But in this cosy palace all seems 
 bright. 
 
 Alvira — ^Yes, all but the king, 
 
 And he is about as sullen as the storm. 
 
 Aunt B. — Since Mary went 
 
 Away he doesn't seem to be the same, 
 
 Alvira — With all of us here he ought to be happy. 
 
 Aunt B. — Or miserable, which ? 
 
 Sarah — Oh, I wish there was something to do 
 
 Besides sitting around in this "blooming*' 
 suit. 
 
 Hulda — Let's dance. And who will be my partner? 
 
 Aunt B. — Hush, ladies. Here he comes. 
 
 Enter Strang. 
 
 48 
 
Strang — Ho, ho ! So you are making merry, girls, 
 Dancing and laughing while I am away. 
 Well, what is the harm? I'd be happy, 
 
 too, 
 But cares and worries leave no room for 
 
 fun. 
 (Aside) If I had only taken her advice 
 
 Misfortune would not now be haunting 
 
 me. 
 (A noise is heard outside.) 
 Hark, I guess they've cornered me at last ! 
 
 Enter U. S. Marshal, Officers and Gentiles un- 
 announced. 
 
 Strang — Who comes hither? 
 
 Mar.— A stranger in search of health, wealth and 
 happiness. 
 
 Strang— Just find the first and you will have all 
 three. 
 
 Mar. — A fine time you are having here, indeed ! 
 
 Women dressed like that should be locked 
 
 up. 
 And to be plain, sir, I have a warrant 
 For your arrest. 
 
 Strang — Upon what charge? 
 
 Mar. — Violation of our sovereign laws — 
 
 Theft on the seas and detention of mails. 
 Come, officers, do your duty. 
 
 First Gentile— You had better handcuff and tie him 
 well. 
 He's sly as a fox and bears a charmed 
 life. 
 
 49 
 
Second Gen. — One summer we hunted him almost a 
 
 week 
 With Indians and a posse of whites, 
 . On an offer of three hundred dollars 
 To take him to Mackinac, dead or 
 
 alive. 
 And what do you think? Why, he 
 
 up and escaped — 
 From our hands like a slipp'ry eel slid 
 
 out. 
 I tell you, you'll have to be careful. 
 
 Mar. — If he gives me the slip you can call him be- 
 witched. 
 
 Alvira — Oh, how wicked they are! 
 
 Aunt Betsy — Clear out of the place, you vile rats! 
 
 Strang — There, never mind. I've lived up to the 
 law, 
 And being blameless accompany them 
 Without fear. With my skill as a lawyer 
 And readiness in debate at the bar 
 'Twill be easy to destroy ev'ry charge — 
 They can never convict Prophet Strang! 
 Why, as Assemblyman I've been chosen, 
 And with balance of power in the state, 
 I can toy with the fortunes of men. 
 My political comrades shall name me 
 Executive of the state of Utah. 
 Then rejoice! And woe to the Brigamites 
 And all the foes of the Latter Day Saints. 
 The Lord in his wisdom protects his ser- 
 vant. 
 And mark you, no bullet can pierce this 
 heart ! 
 
 50 
 
Farewell, I'll not be gone long. 
 
 (Exeunt Strang, Marshal, Officers 
 and Gentiles.) 
 
 Aunt Betsy — Poor man! More trouble. 
 
 But he's too clever for any of them. 
 
 1 
 Sarah — Why are they always nagging him ? 
 
 Alvira — Because he's more learned than they and 
 they're jealous. 
 
 Enter Joe Partout, hurriedly. 
 
 Joe — Where ees he? 
 
 All— Who? 
 
 Joe — King Strang. 
 
 Aunt B. — He has just been taken away. 
 
 Joe — Oh, zat ees too bad. 
 
 I heard dey was after heem an' I came 
 For to help heem. 
 
 Alvira — Then you are a friend to King Strang? 
 
 Joe — Oh, yes, he was good to me an' my Julie, 
 
 An' now FU be good to heem an' his wives. 
 Are all of you wives of King Strang? 
 
 Alvira — We are all of us kin to King Strang — 
 Spiritual helpmates and wives. 
 
 Joe — Well, by gosh, it is nice to be king — 
 Lots of fine women an' plentee to eat, 
 An' everyone ready to run when you call — 
 51 
 
I don't blame him for wanting de job. 
 But now I mus' go an' help him escape; 
 Dey won't put him in jail when Joe is aroun'. 
 He was good to my Julie an' me, an' 
 So I'll be friendly wid him. Bon soir. 
 
 All — Bon soir. Bon soir. 
 
 Hulda — Heaven speed you, worthy friend, 
 May God be with you to the end. 
 
 (Exeunt.) 
 
 Scene II 
 
 Federal Court Room at Detroit 
 
 Judge Wilkins, Clerks, Jurors, Bailiffs, etc. 
 
 Judge — The next case is that of 
 
 The government versus King Strang. 
 Is the defendant ready? 
 
 Strang — I am, Your Honor. 
 
 Judge — Where is counsel for the defense? 
 
 Strang — Attorneys are trouble makers, the less 
 
 We have of them the better are we off. 
 If it shall please the court, I prefer to 
 Plead my own case. 
 
 Judge — It is well. 
 
 You have that privilege under the law. 
 Is the district attorney prepared to 
 Go on with the case ? 
 
 Dist. At. — I am, Your Honor. 
 
 52 
 
Judge — ^Then proceed with the trial. 
 
 Dist. At. — Your Honor, 
 
 The government charges the Mormon 
 king 
 
 Strang, with high crimes, misdemeanors 
 and fraud. 
 
 He's indicted on twelve different counts: 
 
 Among them the robbing of mails, the 
 stealing 
 
 Of timber and lands, and the passing of 
 
 Counterfeit coin of the realm. All of 
 which 
 
 Point to his guilt without shadow of 
 doubt. 
 
 Not a Gentile appears to protest it, 
 
 While we can produce here from round- 
 about towns 
 
 A host who will swear to his evil re- 
 pute. 
 
 All his band are but robbers and cut- 
 throats — 
 
 They take many wives and countenance 
 theft — 
 
 They murder, burn, pillage, steal and 
 destroy, 
 
 And I charge in this court it is wholly 
 
 Due to their ungodly creed and belief. 
 
 Judge, to Strang — What have you to say to the 
 charge ? 
 
 Strang — Two Gentiles I have who are willing to 
 swear 
 That Strang is an honorable man. 
 
 (Motions to Julie and Joe.) 
 53 
 
Judge, to Joe — Are you a Mormon, sir? 
 
 Joe — No, no, I got only one wife. 
 
 Judge — Do you know the defendant. King Strang? 
 
 Joe — Yes, very well — he's a awful good man! 
 
 Judge, to Julie — Do you know King Strang? 
 
 Julie — Yes, I'm acquaint wid King Strang, 
 
 An' I ask you for please let him go, 'cause 
 I'm sure dat he never do wrong. 
 
 Judge, to Strang — The court is inclined in your 
 
 Cause and will hear your reply 
 to the state. 
 
 Strang — Your Honor, 
 
 Persecution is my lot 
 (And not prosecution), for righteousness' 
 
 sake. 
 The oppressed of the land have sought 
 
 me for safety, 
 And none were allowed to harm or mo- 
 lest; 
 Now because I've protected my people, 
 Behold, I am to be crushed by your laws! 
 Is there any among you who would say : 
 "Kill him, because he Is good to his kin?" 
 Alas! I am then as the Nazarene, 
 And my oppressors are like to the scribes 
 Who savagely hounded his steps. 
 I am the leader of a righteous cause 
 Upon the death of whose general, I, 
 Prophet James, was forthwith called In h^s 
 stead — 
 
 54 
 
I have endeavored to lengthen the cords 
 And tried {o strengthen the stakes of 
 
 Zion — 
 To carry out the order of Enoch 
 In all of the beauty and fullness thereof — 
 And thus glory do I bring to your state. 
 Is it for this you would cripple my arm? 
 Our fathers located in this far land 
 To establish freedom of speech and the 
 
 press: 
 Shall we destroy all the blessings they 
 
 fought 
 So valiantly to secure? 
 If so, I must weep for my cradle of birth. 
 Perhaps misdemeanors were practised 
 By some, but never with sanction of mine, 
 For I have alwaj^s taught them that neither 
 Gunlock nor sword be lifted defiantly ; 
 And the city of our God shall be saved 
 And the temple of his holiness shall be 
 Unpolluted by any of our foes. 
 No child was ever born out of wedlock 
 In the kingdom of St. James, while the 
 
 country 
 Of my opponents is overrun with 
 The fruit of illegitimate union. 
 The cloud which surrounds by day shall 
 
 bewilder 
 And the pillar of fire by night shall con- 
 sume 
 And reveal them to the whole of mankind. 
 I have banished whiskey, coi¥ee and tea 
 And other evil products from our isle ; 
 I have taught that men morally must be 
 Equal or superior to women. 
 Can ye say as much of the other creeds? 
 
 55 
 
If ye shall find some tares among the 
 
 wheat, 
 Would ye root up all the fruit of the field ? 
 Perhaps evil has been done in my name, 
 But I swear to you, I am not guilty. 
 The federal complaint is prejudicial. 
 Malicious and weak, and therefore I ask, 
 If it please the Court, to set it aside 
 And allow me to go. 
 
 Judge— 
 
 The defendant is right. We cannot listen 
 To prosecutions for religion's sake. 
 The law guarantees to every man 
 The right to believe as he shall elect 
 And privilege to worship as he sees fit. 
 Though sentiment be clearly against him. 
 And he is shown in unfavorable light, 
 The evidence cannot for that reason 
 Prove to this court that Strang did any 
 
 crime. 
 Therefore we must, in the name of the 
 
 law. 
 Render unto the Mormon as we would 
 To the Hindoo, the Gentile or the Jew, 
 Full Justice, which under the statute must 
 
 be 
 To quash the indictment and let him go 
 
 free. 
 
 (Congratulations to Strang as court adjourns.) 
 
 Scene III 
 
 The Johnson Home in Buffalo 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. To them enter Esther 
 
 56 
 
Esther — Two gentlemen named 
 
 Strang and Douglass are conducting meet- 
 ings 
 In the town and making many converts 
 To the Mormon faith which they 
 
 espouse. I 
 Stepped into their meeting place as I was 
 Coming home and both the men came up to 
 Me and spoke in wondrous words about a 
 Kingdom they have founded on an island. 
 The one named Douglass is the most at- 
 tractive 
 Man I ever saw. 
 
 Mrs. J. — You shouldn't go into a place like that. 
 The Mormons are a dangerous set. 
 
 Esther — Oh, mother, no, they're just as nice 
 
 As they can be. I told them that perhaps 
 You might be interested in their work, 
 And forthwith they agreed to call. (A 
 
 knock.) They're coming now. 
 (She opens the door.) 
 Enter Strang and "Charlie Douglass." 
 
 Good evening. Sirs, 
 I welcome you. Here are my parents whom 
 I spoke to you about. I wish that they 
 Might hear your story. 
 
 Douglass — King Strang, the leader of our faith, will 
 tell 
 Your parents all about our island home. 
 (To her aside) 
 And while they're thus engaged I wish 
 
 to speak 
 To you alone. 
 
 57 
 
Strang — Come to this table and I'll show you maps 
 And give you reasons why St. James is sure 
 To be a booming town. 
 (Mr. and Mrs. Johnson accompany him 
 to the table.) 
 
 Douglass to Esther — 
 
 Promise me to go to Beaver Island 
 
 For I cannot live without you any more. 
 
 Since meeting you your face is ever on 
 
 My mind. When I'm asleep and when awake 
 
 I only think of you. Oh, promise that 
 
 You'll be my wife. 
 
 Then flowers will bloom and birds will sing 
 
 And there'll be no winter only spring. 
 
 Esther — I love you and I am willing to go, 
 
 But cannot leave my parents here behind. 
 If they will go with me I'll gladly join 
 You at St. James. 
 
 Mr. J. to Strang — 
 
 Yes, I think you are quite right about it. 
 
 Strang — What say you, Mrs. Johnson? 
 
 Will you not join us in this land of 
 
 promise — 
 A land that truly flows with milk and 
 
 honey — 
 A haven of rest and peace and plenty? 
 
 Mrs. J. — I'm so afraid it would be a bad move. 
 You have certainly pictured it fine but 
 Smooth words are the consorts of decep- 
 tion. 
 
 Esther — Oh, mother, don't be afraid. 
 
 I am sure we'll be much happier there. 
 
 58 
 
Mr. J. — Yes, Esther is right, we'll be happier 
 there, — 
 In the sweet freedom of a country home. 
 
 / 
 
 Mrs. J. — Very well, you can 
 
 Do as you please — I'll not stand In the 
 way. 
 
 Esther — Oh, goody, good, good. 
 
 (She and Douglass embrace). 
 
 Mr. J. — What will I do with my horses and bug- 
 gies 
 And all such cumbersome things? 
 
 Strang — Charter a boat and transport them. 
 
 There are plenty of houses and farms for 
 all— 
 
 You shall have what you want for the ask- 
 ing. 
 
 Mr. J. — Then, mother, we'll take along 
 
 Dickie and Bossy and Shepherd — we won't 
 Leave a creature behind. Life on a farm 
 Will be better than staying in town. 
 
 Strang — So now it is settled, we'll watch for you 
 soon. 
 
 Mr. J. — As soon as our things can be shipped. 
 
 Strang — Very well, you will have a royal welcome, 
 be sure. 
 Come, Charlie, it's time we must go. 
 
 (Exeunt.) 
 
 59 
 
Scene IV 
 
 A room in McCuUough's castle 
 
 Mrs. McCuUough, Mrs. Bedford, Mrs. Wentworth, 
 Mrs. Scott 
 
 All sing — O, who that has search'd the records of 
 old, 
 And read the last scenes of distress; 
 Four and twenty were left, who with 
 Mormon beheld, 
 While Jehova the faithful did bless. 
 
 Enter Bedford and Wentworth, excitedly. 
 
 Bed. — The king is free and is now on his way home. 
 
 Went. — They say with great 
 
 Display of wit he quite o'ercame the judge 
 And made the court crowd puppets of his 
 will. 
 
 Mrs. Mc. — What now will become of us ? 
 
 He will be more obdurate than ever. 
 
 Mrs. Bed. — You've little reason to complain, 
 
 Being one of his most docile subjects, 
 Wearing bloomers and your hair cut 
 
 short in 
 Obeyance to his ridiculous commands. 
 
 Mrs. McC— Oh, I do it just for fun— 
 
 So's not to be different from the rest. 
 
 Mrs. Bed. — ^You'll not catch me doing anything like 
 that 
 For fun or any other reason. 
 60 
 
Enter Strang and Douglass. 
 
 Strang — Here again you see your king, 
 
 Safe and sound just as he promised to re- 
 turn. 
 All the Gentile cohorts do not have the 
 Power to harm one hair of King Strang's 
 
 head. 
 I am more fearful of the evil here 
 In my ov^rn kingdom— What is this I see? 
 Sister Bedford wearing skirts that reach 
 
 the ground! 
 Go take them off at once and put on 
 bloomers ! 
 
 Mrs. Bedford— I'll not do it. 
 
 Strang— Bedford, 
 
 You must make your wife obey the king. 
 
 Bedford— Hang the king! 
 
 My wife is in the right and I uphold 
 Her in it. 
 
 All the women — So do we! 
 
 And we will not approve polygamy. 
 
 (Exeunt.) 
 
 Strang— to Douglass — Charlie, 
 
 Go and bring Apostles John and Isaac. 
 I shall have my orders carried out though 
 I wade ankle deep in blood to do it. 
 Bedford, you shall answer to me for this, 
 And Wentworth, remember that your wife 
 
 and 
 I are to be spiritually sealed 
 Before another month. 
 6i 
 
Went. — And you remember that before 
 
 A month King Strang or I will not be here. 
 
 Strang — Begone, you dogs! 
 
 I've often heard men talk like that before. 
 (Exeunt Bedford and Went.) 
 
 What is it people call success? 
 
 Just now I was the idol of the hour — 
 
 I held the hosts of vile intolerance 
 
 At bay and dreamed to be revered at home, 
 
 Yet here I find but traitors all around. 
 
 I cannot be in every place at once. 
 
 And where I cannot be I'm needed most. 
 
 Oh, Mary, how I need your counsels wise. 
 
 Enter Isaac and John. 
 
 Here j^ou are, who sought for rest and 
 
 found it not 
 Until I picked you up, placed j^ou at the 
 Head of my Destroying Angels and now 
 Ask you but to be faithful in return. 
 Are you ready for the work? 
 
 Both — We are. 
 
 Strang — Then listen what I have to say: 
 
 When my wish is sought and followed all 
 
 is w^ell. 
 Ye were chosen as the captains, being 
 Brothers, in strife more likely to be loyal, 
 The leaders of the lUuminati — 
 So far have kept the secrets of the order. 
 In you I trust. Tonight j^ou seize the 
 
 traitor 
 
 62 
 
Bedford, conduct him to the whipping post 
 And give him forty lashes less but one. 
 Now hear me for my word is law in this : 
 No sacrifice too great ; no crime too bold, 
 If it should be commanded by the king. 
 It is no crime — "the king can do no 
 
 wrong." 
 If you shall fail, yourselves must undergo 
 The cruel penalty known only to 
 The Order of Illuminati. Go ! 
 And thus chastise the enemies of Strang 
 And make his subjects fear his wrath. 
 
 ( Exeunt. ) 
 
 Scene V 
 
 A room in Mary's home 
 
 Mary, Adams, McCullough 
 
 Mary— You say the king is tott'ring on his throne ? 
 
 Adams — Aye, Madam, the kingdom 
 
 At St. James is near the verge of ruin, 
 All owing to your husband's evil schemes. 
 Rebellion has now broken out among 
 His subjects and the Gentiles press him 
 hard. 
 
 Mary— Poor man! 
 
 Yet this is what I feared, for he who would 
 Misquote the word of God for lustful gain 
 Will end at last in ruin. 
 
 63 
 
McC. — Indeed, you speak the truth. 
 
 The end began when he declared in open 
 Church in favor of polygamy and 
 Took a second wife. And now his favorites 
 Number four. 
 
 Mary — Faur! In heaven's name, has he no sense of 
 shame ? 
 
 Adams — And fourteen others 
 
 He declares are sealed to him in spirit. 
 
 Mary — Oh, horrors! 
 
 I pray, recite no more — it makes me sick. 
 
 Adams — Madam, though 'tis sad, 
 
 The half has not been told and we are 
 
 come 
 Soliciting your aid to fight the wretch 
 And set our people free. 
 
 Mary — Already I have rescued 
 
 Several souls at peril of my life. 
 Two girls whom I was told had been de- 
 coyed 
 Into St. James I did pursue and warn. 
 Disguised as red men we escaped from him ; 
 To have been found would presage certain 
 
 death. 
 I also burned his robes one day when he 
 Had left the isle to tour the east in search 
 Of whom he might deceive with Charley 
 
 Douglass. 
 Not in revenge did I this act, but in 
 The hopes of showing him the righteous 
 
 path. 
 What further aid would you request? 
 
 64 
 
Adams — 'Tis admirable what you have done, but 
 
 He must be deposed — we need another 
 
 king. 
 You have the means to punish him and 
 
 through 
 The civil process of the courts to place 
 The rake behind the prison bars. 
 
 Mary — I think one king is quite enough. 
 
 While I do not approve what he has done, 
 He is my lawful mate whom I still hope 
 Will live to see the error of his way. 
 I would not enter into any scheme 
 To do him harm. 
 
 McC. — But he has injured you and ev'ry day 
 
 He only heaps more sorrow on your head. 
 
 Mary — It matters not. 
 
 If he has done a wrong I cannot make 
 It right by doing wrong myself. 
 
 Adams — You are indeed a noble wife. 
 
 As such you understand the love and faith 
 Of wives and mothers everywhere. For 
 those 
 Of our fair isle we ask you to consent 
 To this demand : Give us the right to start 
 An action in your name. 
 
 Mary— ^ He is the father of two sons. 
 
 ril not disgrace his name nor yet attempt 
 To place his kingdom in the hands of others. 
 You are conspired 'gainst him, and being 
 Willing tools at first, are rankest traitors 
 now. 
 
 6s 
 
If God shall will that Strang must fall 1 
 
 hope 
 His kingdom crumbles with him. 
 
 (Exit.) 
 
 Adams — It is no use, McCullough. 
 
 If Strang could not convince her black is 
 
 white, 
 No chance can favor us. 
 
 McC. — You're right. 
 
 If all the women were as firm as she 
 We'd have a better world. 
 
 Adams — And fewer wives apiece. 
 
 McCullough, she is more a queen today 
 Than any man is king. 
 
 (Exeunt.) 
 
 Scene VI 
 
 St. James. A street 
 
 Enter Strang and Isaac 
 
 Isaac — Know ye not that we are in the hands of 
 
 God? 
 Know ye not that he hath every power? 
 At his command the earth shall roll together 
 As it were a scroll. O, King, the Lord has 
 Kept his blessings which his people should 
 
 enjoy. 
 To give the Gentiles who possess the land. 
 
 Strang — Why speak ye of such things as these? 
 
 Isaac — I'm sore distressed, 
 
 For in a dream I saw our leader slain; 
 And the Gentiles came to battle 'gainst us, 
 66 
 
And we were spread like chaff before the 
 
 wind. 
 Alas! may this not come to pass. 
 
 Strang — O, foolish man ! 
 
 I'm proof against the vile assassin's knife, 
 
 And bullets cannot harm your fearless 
 king. 
 
 Cease then thy worthless talk. Was Bed- 
 ford thrashed 
 
 As I commanded? 
 
 Isaac — Aye, soundly. 
 
 Forty lashes and three more to make him 
 Long retain remembrance of his folly. 
 
 Strang — Disobedient knave! 
 
 The number I commanded were enough. 
 Therefore repent, lest I come out against 
 thee. 
 
 Enter messenger. 
 
 What's wanted? 
 
 Mess. — The captain 
 
 Of the lake marines requests your presence 
 On his ship. 
 
 Strang — Another plot. Ah, well. 
 
 To forstall further trouble I will go. 
 
 Enter Bedford and Wentworth. 
 
 Bed. — There goes an officer with orders from 
 
 The "Michigan" for Strang to go on board. 
 We'll hide behind this pile of wood and 
 
 shoot 
 Him as he passes. 
 
 67 
 
"Went. — What! Shoot him In the back? 
 
 Bed.— Why, yes. Why not? 
 
 Went. — That would be cowardly. 
 
 Bed. — But not as bad as what he did to us. 
 
 My back's still sore from flogging he com- 
 manded ; 
 He did not boldly seek your wife's affections, 
 But he practised his designs behind your 
 
 back — 
 And in the back such dastards should be punc- 
 tured. 
 Besides, 'tis safer. I've practised well and 
 Cannot miss. 
 
 i 
 Went. — Then in the back we'll shoot him. Standi 
 There he comes! 
 
 Strang — I think this Is McCuUough's work. 
 
 The fool would step into my shoes and 
 
 says 
 He'll fight me to the death. Ha, ha, I do 
 Not fear such cowards. I have his money — 
 Ten thousand dollars — now let him do his 
 
 worst. 
 Besides his wife is steadfast In the faith — 
 
 Bedford and Wentworth fire. Strang falls. 
 
 Went. — Run for the ship, Bedford, 
 
 And be quick — the government will protect 
 us. 
 
 Enter Isaac and John, hurriedly. 
 68 
 
Isaac — Several shots were fired! 
 
 John, stooping — The king is weltering in his blood. 
 
 Isaac — Who did this deed? 
 
 To the ship! The murderers must not es- 
 cape ! 
 
 Enter Capt. BuUis with marines. 
 
 Bullis — You cannot go aboard my ship! 
 They have surrendered to the U. S. A. 
 And I'll protect them. 
 
 Enter several Mormons in excitement. 
 
 First Mor. — The king is shot! 
 
 Second Mor. — The spirit of the Lord has ceased 
 to strive with us. 
 The king is murdered ! 
 
 Third Mor.— The king is shot ! 
 
 Now must his children perish and ven- 
 geance 
 Be upon the land. Save us, O Lord, 
 
 save 
 Thy children. 
 
 AH — Woe is me! Woe is me! The king is shot! 
 
 McCullough, examining the wounds — 
 The king must die, 
 Who taught you he was proof against all 
 
 harm. 
 He is no greater than the rest — just common 
 Flesh and blood. And now we'll choose 
 another king! 
 
 Curtain. 
 
 69 
 
ACT III 
 
 Scene I 
 
 A room in Strang's palace 
 
 Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Campbell 
 
 Mrs. Scott, reading — 
 
 For once we were a delightsome people, 
 But now like a vessel on the waters, 
 Without anchor or sail or anything 
 Wherewith to steer. 
 
 Enter Alvira. 
 What message from the sick room, dear? 
 
 Alvira — The doctor thinks the king's no better. 
 He asks for Mary, pleading all the time, 
 And says the rest are nothing to him now. 
 He wants to die in Mary's arms and begs 
 That he be taken to her home at once. 
 The doctor told him that he cannot move 
 
 him. 
 But he piteously pleads and promises 
 He'll bear it all if they but let him go. 
 I think myself it's best that he should see 
 
 her 
 Even tho' the rest say no. 
 
 Mrs. Scott — Why, certainly, they ought to take 
 him to her. 
 
 Mrs. Campbell — I heard that Adams and McCul- 
 lough were 
 The ones who instigated King Strang's 
 
 death ; 
 They both would like to wear a monarch's 
 crown. 
 
 70 
 
Mrs. Scott — Yes, so *tis said; but 
 
 'Twill do no good for they have fallen 
 
 out, 
 And Adams with a few blind tools has 
 
 gone 
 In search of thrones and crowns in 
 
 distant lands, 
 While Mac is hated worse than Strang 
 
 at home 
 And by the Gentiles whom he stirred 
 
 to strife 
 He is despised for treachery. 
 
 Enter nurse. 
 
 Mrs. Campbell — Are there no further hopes? 
 
 Nurse — He pleaded so to 
 
 Have us take him to his first wife Mary 
 That the doctor finally gave consent. 
 Such looks of happiness then wreathed his 
 
 face 
 It seemed he would rise up and run to her. 
 Although he's badly wounded and 'tis 
 
 claimed 
 He cannot live beyond two weeks at most. 
 We all cried at the bedside when he said: 
 "I know she will forgive me. Now I'll die 
 In peace because I'm going home to Mary." 
 
 Alvira — I hope he'll reach her ere he dies. 
 
 His other wives are nothing to him now. 
 They all are ready to depart but me 
 And I can plainly see that Mary is 
 The only one to comfort him in death. 
 
 Mrs. Scott — Quite right, and I am glad you see 
 
 the truth. 
 
 71 
 
Let's go and pray and offer cheering 
 words. 
 
 (Exeunt Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Campbell and nurse.) 
 
 Enter Esther. 
 
 Esther — ^What can It mean? Who is It I see? 
 Oh, let my eyes deceive me rather than 
 Be wronged so cruelly. Speak out and say 
 I am mistaken. 
 
 Alvira — You're not 
 
 Mistaken for I am Charlie Douglass. 
 In what you hoped that I could be to you 
 You are deceived, but do not hold it now 
 Against me. Our king Is dying and my 
 Sorrow and distress doth match your own. 
 
 Esther — This is the saddest moment of my life. 
 
 1 heard the truth, but could not make my- 
 self 
 
 Believe until I saw It with my eyes. 
 
 It cannot be — I know that I am mad! 
 
 Oh, this is grief too great for me to bear; 
 
 And yet I share the sorrow of the rest 
 
 And do lament the murder of King Strang. 
 
 I wish my mother's counsels had pre- 
 vailed — 
 
 We would not now be helpless in this trap. 
 
 Our property Is gone — our home — and 
 worst 
 
 Of all our faith. Everything is lost. 
 
 Alvira — Yes, dear child, 
 
 It does look dark, but had he not been slain 
 I'm sure none could complain. Compose 
 yourself ; 
 
 72 
 
You have a friend more precious than all 
 
 else. 
 Mere men and lovers often prove untrue — 
 The only one to tie to is your mother, 
 
 (Exit.) 
 
 Esther — If Strang was known to be magnetic, his 
 Second wife disguised was irresistible. 
 I cannot be much blamed. Strang held do- 
 minion 
 Over some, but Douglass was in truth the 
 King of Hearts. 
 
 (Exit.) 
 
 Scene II 
 
 A room in Mary's house 
 
 A knock is heard and Mary opens the door 
 
 Enter messenger. 
 
 Messenger — Madam, King Strang was 
 
 Wounded at St. James by two dis- 
 senters. 
 He comes to you in a precarious state 
 And asks if you will let him in. 
 
 Mary — What news is this 
 
 You bring? My husband wounded and in a 
 Serious state! Yes, show him here at once. 
 
 Mess. — I'll go and give the word. 
 
 (Exit.) 
 
 Mary — Alas, the deed is done! I knew 
 
 The wrath of God would be upon his head. 
 
 73 
 
No traitor^s steel has pierced this breast 
 But I have suffered world's of pain. Oh, 
 
 how 
 My heart does bleed. 
 
 Enter Strang, supported by aids. 
 
 My husband! 
 
 Strang, embracing her— Mary, Oh, I am so 
 Weary, but this welcome gives me rest. 
 
 Mary, to Strang's companions Help him 
 
 To this chair. Be careful — do not hurt him. 
 
 Strang — There. I'm well. 
 
 (Asssitants retire.) 
 Am I at home? And Mary is this you? 
 Give me your hand so I will know it's 
 
 true. 
 Forgive me, Mary, I am soon to die — 
 Oh, tell me you forgive me. 
 
 Mary — I forgive you freely. 
 
 Believe ye on the name of the Lord. 
 
 Strang — I am so happy ! I shall die In peace. 
 
 Mary — When Jared's brother sinned against the 
 Lord, 
 God spake to him and said : "If ye believe 
 In me ye shall be saved." 
 
 Strang — I believe. Oh, pray that I may be re- 
 deemed. 
 
 Mary — Those who believe shall be redeemed. 
 74 
 
In Him shall all mankind have light and 
 
 rest 
 And that eternally if they believe. 
 
 Strang — How insignificant is man! 
 
 In his pride he forgeteth his maker, 
 But the Lord cuts him down in his glory. 
 You are a staff, I but a broken reed. 
 
 (His mind wanders.) 
 I am going home to Mary. 
 What is that I hear? Angel voices sing- 
 ing. 
 Mary has forgiven me. Now I see 
 The gates ajar. Farewell, I die in peace. 
 
 (Expires.) 
 
 Mary, kneeling — He is at rest. 
 
 May the Lord receive his spirit and forgive 
 His trespasses. 
 
 Scene III 
 
 St. James. A street 
 
 Isaac, to him enter John. 
 
 Isaac — All is lost. 
 
 As was foretold the kingdom will desolve 
 And ev'ry one will have to leave the isle. 
 The work of all these years will go for 
 
 naught — 
 All goods left to the mercy of the mob. 
 
 John — Then have you seen the king? 
 
 Isaac — Yes, just before 
 
 75 
 
They moved him I was summoned to his 
 
 side. 
 He gave instructions how to run the state, • 
 And when I said the Gentiles were advancing 
 Toward St. James with grave and direful 
 
 threats, 
 He commanded that our leaders who are 
 Most obnoxious to his foes should leave the 
 
 isle 
 And thinks, that done, the kingdom will be 
 
 saved. 
 
 John — And are you not of like opinion? 
 
 Isaac — No, no, there is no hope. 
 
 The Gentiles are determined to expel 
 
 All persons who adhere to Mormon faith. 
 
 McCullough's with them giving aid and 
 
 comfort 
 To the foe. He hopes thereby to save those 
 Loyal to him and his own worthless neck. 
 And then expects that they will make him 
 
 king. 
 Already many who refused to go 
 Have been o'ercome and forced to flee for 
 
 safety. 
 We must prepare to leave as best we can — 
 There is no time to lose — I hear their shouts 
 Of triumph now ! 
 
 Enter McCullough and several Mormons, running. 
 
 First Mor. — An angry mob well armed o'erruns the 
 
 street ; 
 The tabernacle has been set on fire; 
 The stores are rifled and the harbor 
 
 shore 
 Looks like an open fair. 
 
 76 
 
and Mor. — Our men and women march like cattle 
 
 to 
 The slaughter. All must take the boat 
 
 tonight 
 And leave the isle and everything behind. 
 What shall we do? 
 
 Isaac — We'll ask for mercy — we're not prepared to 
 fight. 
 But tell me why McCullough's running so? 
 He's surely not afraid. 
 
 First Mor. — Why, yes; 
 
 They said if he was loyal to the faith 
 He'd have to travel with the rest. 
 
 Isaac — And does he call himself a Mormon still? 
 
 First Mor. — Why, certainly, he wants to be our 
 king. 
 
 Isaac — Alas ! 
 
 A traitor has no place on either side: 
 His former friends will not confide in him 
 And those who buy him will not trust his 
 word. 
 
 Enter armed Gentiles, led by Arch Newton. 
 
 Newton — I command you to surrender. 
 
 And to take the boat at once, which will 
 
 land 
 You anywhere you wish along the lake. 
 
 Isaac — We have a right to stay within the kingdom 
 Founded by us with much work and pains. 
 
 77 
 
Newton — Your labor was against 
 
 The spirit of our country and the state. 
 The laws will not permit a kingdom to 
 Exist within the confines of our land. 
 You must obey my orders or be treated 
 As enemies of Uncle Sam. 
 I've asked my followers to be as gentle 
 As they can, but at the least resistance 
 I cannot promise that you will be safe. 
 
 Isaac — May we then take our property along? 
 
 Newton — Take what you can. 
 
 But since your sect located on this isle 
 The Gentiles of the land have suffered so 
 I fear they'll ask you double pay. 
 
 First Gen. — Yes, d — m the Mormons! 
 
 We'll make 'em sweat for what they 
 did to us. 
 
 2nd Gen. — We want back what 
 
 They stole. They're nothing but a gang 
 of thieves. 
 
 McCullough— Must I and all 
 
 My friends who gave assistance to 
 
 your cause 
 Be thus outrageously expelled? 
 
 Netwon — Yes, not a Mormon 
 
 Must remain upon this isle, 'tis danger- 
 ous 
 To the commonwealth. Come, you must 
 
 move away — 
 No divine rights of kings in the U. S. A. 
 
 Mormons file out, followed by Gentiles, the band 
 playing national airs. 
 
 (Finis.) 
 78 
 
OCT 29 »»•* 
 
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