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 Presented by Memphis Pilgrim Tercentenary 
 Association, at the Memphis Tri-State Fair, 
 September 25th, 1 920, Celebrating the Ter- 
 centenary Anniversary of the Landing of the 
 Pilgrim Fathers. 
 
A jpaijpant Srama of tl^r Nattmt 
 
 BY 
 
 Auualj IRubiuBmi Watarnt 
 
 THE PATH OF PROGRESS is national and patriotic 
 in its appeal and true to the highest ideals of the great people 
 whose history it hriefly outlines. It covers in its scope eight 
 hundred years, from that struggle which won Magna Charta 
 to the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and twenty, and pro- 
 claims as its slogan, THE GLORY OF OUR PAST— THE 
 INSPIRATION OF OUR FUTURE. It pictures the Court 
 of King James, the Translators of the Holy Bihle, the coming 
 of the Pilgrims to this country and touches, hut does not alter, 
 the spirit of the idyllic traditional episode of early days, that in 
 w hich Priscilla, John Aklen and Miles Standish figure. The 
 Revolution, "Winning of the West", the War hetween the 
 States, and the World War, follow in relative sequence. 
 
 An author cannot make history nor create historic inci- 
 dents hut ma}' present anew incidents already told many times 
 over in such manner that they hecome more real and their in- 
 fluence more enduring. The Path of Progress endeavors to 
 clothe with fresh interest some of the glorious sentiments, tra- 
 ditions and events of our national life and hy the aid of symhol- 
 ism and dramatic action to hring them into closer relation w ith 
 its audience. 
 
 THE AUTHOR, 
 
 Memphis, Tennessee, 
 
 September, 1920 
 
(E\^t fatJi 0f Jprogr^as 
 
 A Pagrant irama of tlj^ Nattnn 
 
 Anuali ISobtnann HiJatanti 
 
 all|f (ilnra of (§nx jpaat — Ul?? Sttsptratton of ©or S^uturF 
 
 Presented by Memphis Pilgrim Tercente- 
 nary Association, at the Memphis Tri- 
 State Fair, September 25th, 1920. 
 
 Celebrating the Tercentenary Anniver- 
 sary of the Landing of the Pilgrim 
 Fathers, 
 
COPYRIGHTED 1920 
 
 BY 
 
 ANNAH ROBINSON WATSON 
 
 ^C1.D 55886 
 
 PRESS OF EARLY PTG. CO. 
 
 MEMPHIS- TENN. 
 
 SEP 23 1920 
 
 
THE PATH OF PROGRESS. 
 A PAGEANT DRAMA OF THE NATION. 
 
 FOREWORD. 
 
 THE STORY OF THE DRAMA opens with the first 
 struggle for personal liberty among Englishmen when the 
 great Barons forced King John, in 1215, to meet them in 
 the little valley of Runnymede and sign Magna Charta. 
 
 It shows the same aspiration towards freedom when 
 four hundred years later the Pilgrims left the home of 
 their birth and sought another where religious freedom 
 might be found. It tells that after a brief stay in Holland, 
 they crossed the ocean in the Mayflower, reached the New 
 World and cast anchor off Plymouth Rock, 1620. Here 
 they lighted the Torch of Liberty, and although in three 
 months more than half their number had perished from 
 hardships and disease, those who remained endured as 
 heroes and left us the inheritors of their splendid achieve- 
 ments. 
 
 Other colonists came, conditions improved, notwith- 
 standing the hostility of some of the Indians, settlements 
 multiplied and prospered. Then troubles with the mother 
 country developed, the Revolution resulted, the Declaration 
 of Independence was signed, the Colonies were victorious, 
 the young nation called "COLUMBIA" was born. 
 
 The thirteen colonies became states — twenty-one 
 more had been added to the Union, when, in 1861, seces- 
 sion of eleven states was followed by war. Peace was 
 restored in 1865, and the North and South were reunited. 
 
 Here the curtain falls over half a century, but 
 suddenly it is lifted to show the effect of the stupen- 
 dous conflict of 1914 — the World War. It shows the 
 wounds of civil strife healed, America entering gloriously 
 into the struggle and then it records the decisive blow 
 struck by American troops in 1918. 
 
 Many great personages appear throughout the pag- 
 eant, but at its climax, 1920, with her soldiers, her beauti- 
 ful women, the little chilidren she has sheltered, Columbia 
 is surrounded by the symbolized forces of her splendid 
 present and future — Religion, Progress, Victory, Peace, 
 Prosperity and many others, and calls the suffering peoples 
 of the world to come to her for aid and comfort. 
 
 Her Messenger flies East and West, North and South 
 to carry the invitation, and they come, with joy and splen- 
 did comradeship, as the Pilgrims came three hundred years 
 
 3 
 
ago, for Freedom and all good things, to COLUMBIA, the 
 great Universal Home. 
 
 **The Path of Progress" covers in its scope seven hun- 
 dred years. It gives brief extracts from the famous docu- 
 ments connected with its story — Magna Charta, Pilgrim's 
 Compact, Declaration of Independence, Lincoln's Procla- 
 mation and President Wilson's Message to Congress, fol- 
 lowing which our nation entered the World War. 
 
 The author has quoted from her work already pub- 
 lished in ballad or other form of verse, where such quo- 
 tations seemed to illuminate the spirit or purpose of the 
 drama. In outlining history she appeals through panto- 
 mime and symbolism to the imagination, and endeavors to 
 present some of the glorious sentiments, traditions and 
 events of our national life. A. R. W. 
 
 Memphis, August, 1920. 
 
SYNOPSIS OF THE DRAMA. 
 ACT ONE. 
 
 Time, 1215. SCENE — The green meadow at Runnymede. 
 The English Barons demand of King John that he sign 
 Magna Charta. 
 
 ACT TWO. 
 
 Time, 1611. SCENE — Palace grounds of King James. 
 
 Fete in honor of Prince Henry, Prince of Wales. Enter 
 King James, Queen Anne, Princess Elizabeth and oth- 
 ers. Dance of Greeting. The Masque of the Royal 
 Children. Enter the Translators. Enter the Envoy of 
 Progress. 
 
 ACT THREE, 
 
 Time 1620. SCENE 1 — The Pilgrims prepare to seek a 
 new home. Group of Hollanders come to inrite them 
 to make their home in Holland. Enter group of Dutch 
 Merry Makers, to evidence the joy, awaiting those who 
 come to their shore. 
 
 SCENE 2 — Pilgrims land at Plymouth Roek and proceed to 
 establish their homes. Chief Massasoit and party of 
 Indian braves appear. Enter a frightful group, Fam- 
 ine, Disease and Death ; over half the colony are 
 stricken. Enter large number of new Colonists. Scene 
 between Miles Standish, John Alden and Priscilla. 
 ACT FOUR. 
 
 SCENE 1 — Time Revolutionary Period. Enter British sol- 
 diers and royal messengers, presenting demands, which 
 colonists reject. Enter Washington with colonial 
 troops. Enter Jefferson and others, signing of the 
 Declaration of Independence. Enter Columbia, Prog- 
 ress, Liberty and Thirteen States of Union. Enter 
 gentlemen and ladies, colonial levee. 
 
 SCENE 2 — Time, Period following Rerolution to 1865. En- 
 ter Lewis and Clark, spirit of the West. Enter other 
 States of Union. Enter banner-bearer with Lincoln's 
 proclamation. Enter War, followed by Federal and 
 Confederate troops. The eleven Southern States ad- 
 vance to center of stage. Lee appears. Does rever- 
 ence to Columbia and passes on to Virginia. Peace 
 enters, followed by Envoy of Progress. 
 ACT FIVE. 
 
 The World War. Enter Avarice, Ambition, Confusion, 
 etc. America enters the War. Enter Victory. 
 Columbia's invitation to the World. Response of 
 Nations. 
 
 5 
 
DRAMATIS PERSONAE. 
 
 King John, of England, 1215. 
 
 Earl William de Warrenne and other knights. 
 
 Robert de Vere and other barons. 
 
 Pages and Banner Bearers. 
 
 King James, 1611-1620. 
 
 Queen Anne, his wife ; Queen Hortense, her sister. 
 
 Prince Henry, Prince of Wales. 
 
 Princess Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Earl of Mar, Vis- 
 count Rochester. 
 
 Joy Sprite, Messenger of Greeting. 
 
 Scotch lads and lassies. Jesters. 
 
 Royal Children, Pages, Maids and attendants. 
 
 Envoy of Progress, Liberty, Religion, Education, 
 Science, 
 
 Dean of Translators, Leader of Separatists. 
 
 Elder William Brewster, Miles Standish, John Alden, 
 Priscilla. 
 
 Governor William Bradford, Dame Bradford, Dame 
 Brewster. 
 
 Burgomaster, Massosoit, Indian chief. 
 
 Disease, Famine, Death. 
 
 Major Pitcairn, with British soldiers. Officers of the 
 Crown. 
 
 Washington, Jefferson, Columbia, 13 States. 
 
 Meriwether Lewis, Clark, Indian guide. 
 
 Additional States, North, South, War. 
 
 General Lee. 
 
 Peace, Victory, Prosperity, Messenger of Columbia. 
 
 Angels, Messengers of the West, Colonial Ladies and 
 Gentlemen. 
 
 Foreign Groups — France, Belgium, Italy, Scandinavia, 
 China, Greece, Russia, Japan, etc. ,etc. 
 
oii^urai;^ 
 
 **®Ij0 fall? 0f fvoQvtBBr 
 
 A PAGEANT DRAMA OF THE NATION. 
 
 MAGNA CHARTA. 
 
 And was it here where dimpling stream 
 Went laughing, singing by, 
 
 And where ye beauteous meadow green 
 Within its clasp did lie? 
 
 Aye, aye, 'twas here, at Runnymede, 
 Was signed the famous English deed. 
 
 The mighty barons, Hugh Bigod, 
 And Gilbert, he, of Clare, 
 
 And Saher de Quincy, Huntingfield, 
 And Robert Vere de Vere, 
 
 Met here, all dauntlessly agreed, 
 That fateful day, at Runnymede. 
 
 At Runnymede, beside the stream, 
 
 The tyrant's heart beat low. 
 For John o' Lackland needs must hear 
 The message in its flow, 
 
 To sign the Charta, as decreed, 
 By them that day at Runnymede ! 
 
 Act I. Period 1215. 
 
 The green meadow of Runnymede, through which 
 winds a little stream. Twenty-five English barons, 
 each with page and banner bearer, dash across the 
 field on prancing steeds. They alight, casting reins 
 to their pages. Banner bearers follow barons and 
 range themselves in background. Barons, with ges- 
 tures of indignation, discuss their grievance against 
 King John. 
 
 Enter King John from opposite side of field, with 7 of his 
 Knights. They spring from their horses, and take 
 positions across the meadow from barons. 
 
 Robert de Vere, advancing and speaking for the barons: 
 "My liege, come we together this day, barons and 
 lords of the Kingdom, each in his own right and each 
 in prowess of arm and dauntlessness of heart, to de- 
 mand such things as lawfully belong to English free- 
 men. Nothing short of this will content those so long 
 
time suffering under the yoke of most grievous and 
 unjust oppression!" 
 
 Earl William de Warrenne: 
 
 "What would ye have, most reckless and unruly bar- 
 ons, what, I demand in the name of your rightful lord 
 and master. King John?" 
 
 Robert de Vere: 
 
 "What would we have? Dare you make so empty 
 a query when the cruelty and injustice of the crowM 
 cry aloud to heaven for vengeance?" 
 
 Earl de Warrenne: 
 
 "Why parley and prate with so many and such idle 
 words? Answer the king plainly, what is it ye desire 
 of his majesty?" 
 
 Robert de Vere: 
 
 "That he sign without delay this Charta, this Magna 
 
 Charta, by which for all time the rights and liberties 
 
 of English freemen will be secured." 
 
 (Warrenne confers with the King; then approaches 
 
 the barons.) 
 
 "Give this weighty document into mine own kand tkat 
 
 it be shown unto the King." 
 
 Robert de Vere (advancing, charta in hand) : 
 
 "I will read it into his royal ears, so they be for the 
 moment unstopped of gross selfishness and rancor. 
 So loud will I read it that not only must the King 
 and this Kingdom hear, but all the Kingdoms of the 
 world and all the peoples of Kingdoms yet unborn!" 
 
 King John struts forward : 
 
 "A pretty varlet is Robert de Vere, we will hear his 
 vain preachment." 
 
 Robert de Vere in loud, passionate tones: 
 
 "First, my liege lord, 'no freeman shall be convicted 
 save by the lawful judgment of his peers!' " (Extract 
 from the Charta.) 
 
 Barons : 
 
 "Hear! Hear!" 
 
 King John's followers: 
 
 "God save the King!" 
 
 (De Vere continues to read.) 
 
 King John: 
 
 "I am weary of this bombastic mouthing of nothing! 
 Go you, Warrenne, read the scroll and bring me word 
 of its import." 
 
 (Warrenne advances to the stream where a rude bridge 
 of fallen trees makes crossing possible and calls:) 
 
 8 
 
"In the name of the King, I demand that Robert de 
 Vere bring to me here this document which he styles 
 'Magna Charta!' " 
 Robert de Vere: 
 
 "In the name of these here assembled, Barons of the 
 realm who are ready to defend the claims therein 
 made by blood in wager of battle, I will meet thee, 
 William de Warrenne, the Charta in hand!" 
 (The two meet upon the bridge. Warrenne glances 
 over the scroll and with arrogant lifting of head, re- 
 turns to the King, who, with his retinue, draws aside 
 for conference.) 
 
 The herald who had accompanied the barons, ad- 
 vances, beckoning to the standard bearers to come 
 forward. They advance in regular procession, each 
 lifting his standard and calling aloud the name of his 
 master. 
 
 As the last is called, Warrenne advances and shouts 
 in loud voice: 
 
 "The King graciously consents to place his signet upon 
 the paper prepared by the misguided barons. Come 
 hither, Robert de Vere, bring the scroll that the King 
 may set his seal thereto." 
 
 (Robert advances, followed by the other barons; the 
 King and his adherents advance. Warrenne holds his 
 shield so that the parchment may be laid thereon; the 
 King affixes his seal. 
 
 Fanfare of trumpets, King and retinue retiring in one 
 direction, barons in the other. 
 
 ACT TWO— SCENE I. 
 
 Palace grounds of King James, (1st of England, 6th of 
 
 Scotland.) Fete in honor of Prince Henry, Prince of Wales. 
 
 (Enter trumpeters and heralds, Viscount Rochester, Court 
 
 favorite and Master of Ceremonies and the Joy Sprite.) 
 
 Dance of Joy. 
 
 Rochester: "Hear! Hear! by command of their majes- 
 ties. King James and his consort, Queen Anne, is a 
 fete to be held in honor of their noble son, Henry, 
 Prince of Wales! Behold, members of the royal house 
 of Stuart, with lords and ladies of the Court are now 
 at hand!" 
 
 Enter King James and courtiers. 
 " Queen Anne, lords and ladies. 
 
 " Hortense, Queen of Denmark, (sister of Queen 
 Anne), with retinue. 
 
** Princess Elizabeth, with maids and pages, followed 
 by group of Highland lads and lassies. 
 
 " Group of Court Jesters. 
 
 Little Prince Charles, ladies and gentlemen in at- 
 tendance, and two score of his little compan- 
 ions. 
 
 " From opposite side of stage Prince Henry with Earl 
 of Mar, and retinue. 
 
 DANCE OF GREETING. 
 Earl of Mar: 
 
 "With reverence to your majesties and to the noblee 
 here assembled, do I, Earl of Mar, appear today. 
 Guardian of a prince as beauteous in mind and body 
 as any loyal people need wish to honor! See him. 
 Henry, Prince of Wales!" 
 (Loud acclaim from the people.) 
 Prince Henry : 
 
 "To your royal majesties, from whom, by grace of 
 God, I derive my birth and heritage, do I here declare 
 humble and faithful allegiance. To the sweet prin- 
 cess, Elizabeth, and the little Prince Charles, my near- 
 est of kin, do I pledge loving care and protection 
 and to the people of that realm, to whom in God's 
 time, I may come as sovereign, do I here pledge my 
 troth as a prince, with service of body and sword, so 
 long as I may live!" 
 (Acclaim of the people.) 
 
 Princess Elizabeth (advancing towards him, lifted sword 
 in hand: "A sword, a gift from our royal mother. 
 A blade to be unsheathed in defense of honor and 
 country!" 
 
 (Henry embraces her and turns to Queen Anne:) 
 
 "My humble thanks, most royal mother! thanks and 
 avowal of filial devotion, now and ever!" 
 
 Queen Anne: 
 
 "Oh, noble son, first born and most tenderly beloved 
 in the chronicle of life I make record of myself as 
 first a woman, second a wife, third a mother, which 
 I account the highest estate to which any may aspire. 
 Lastly, am I a Queen, of small consequence this to 
 my heart, save as it made me mother to such a 
 prince!" 
 
 Court Dance — Highland Dance: 
 
 (Queen Anne stands with her arm upon the shoulder 
 of the Prince as Princess Elizabeth with her train 
 
 10 
 
of maids and pages advances. They pass into a 
 Court Dance of beauty and dignity, and then take 
 positions near the Queen. The Scotch lads and las- 
 sies now come foroward in a Highland Dance of gay 
 figures. The jesters, off to one side, but in full view, 
 are indulging in grotesque imitations of everything 
 done.) 
 
 The Masque of the Royal Children: 
 
 (Little Prince Charles, with attending ladies, gentle- 
 men and two score little companions, now turns to- 
 wards the Prince as, from entrance on right side of 
 audience, a wonderful little chariot appears. It is a 
 huj?e golden blossom, wheels concealed by leaves, 
 and drawn by ten or more Pixies, tiny creatures 
 of tie woodland recesses, in close fitting costumes of 
 pale wisteria or lark spur tint. They are harnessed 
 to the chariot and enter at a brisk pace, pause before 
 the little Prince, who springs into the chariot and 
 is drawn to position immediately in front of Prince 
 Henry.) 
 
 Prince Charles: 
 
 "A gift, most royal brother, a girdle with which to 
 bind upon thy loins the sword which mayhap will 
 serve England in time of need!" 
 
 Prince Henry : 
 
 "Blessings on thee, little Charlie!" 
 (Kisses him, the chariot moves on across and around 
 forefront of stage, the children following. These 
 represent garden folk, and each carries a flower as 
 tall as himself, which almost conceals the little being 
 by which it is borne. The Lily, Rose, Pansy, Chrysan- 
 themum, Iris, Sweet Pea, Tiger Lily, etc., etc. As 
 the procession follows the Golden Chariot, each 
 flower salutes Prince Henry, in passing. As the last 
 has reached him there appears from entrance on left 
 of audience, a radiant company, led by a sea shell 
 chariot, rose and amber and amethyst, irridescent 
 and glistening; it is so constructed that no wheels 
 are seen, and is drawn by six beautiful little mer- 
 maids, their golden hair loose and ornamented by 
 brilliants, their shining forms giving no suggestion oi 
 the little feet drawing the chariot. In this stands 
 Neptuna, daughter of the Monarch of the Sea, who 
 holds aloft a Trident, tipped with diamonds, gift to 
 Prince Henry in token that Spain, having lost her 
 
 11 
 
Armada, the dominance of the sea, belongs now to 
 him and his nation. The chariot is followed by dol- 
 phins leaping in sportive fashion. It pauses before 
 the Prince, upon whom Neptuna bestows the Trident. 
 At this moment the chariot of Prince Charles has 
 completed circuit of the stage, pauses behind the 
 sea shell. He leaps out, greets Neptuna, they pass tc 
 forefront of stage, followed by the Garden Folk, and 
 join with them in a frolicsome dance and song, which 
 completes "The Masque of the Royal Children.") 
 
 "We are the gay little garden folk! 
 At earliest dawn we all awoke, 
 
 For Kings and Queens and Princes fair 
 
 Could have no fete, were we not there! 
 
 Rose and Jonquil, Forget-me-not, 
 
 Tiger Lily with velvet spot. 
 Tulips and Pansies, Chrysanthemums, 
 
 Each with its own sweet message comes. 
 
 'Hail to the Prince!' — hear the Blue Bells ring, 
 'Crown him with love!' the Violets sing; 
 
 All are here, for there'd be no Fete 
 
 If the Garden Folk failed to decorate." 
 
 Rochester (advancing towards entrance on right of audi- 
 ence) : 
 
 "Who comes in such solemn guise? What would 
 you gentlemen?" 
 (Enter group of Translators.) 
 
 Dean of Translators: 
 
 "To the most high and mighty Prince James, by the 
 grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and 
 Ireland * * * mover and author of our work 
 do we come upon this great day that he may know 
 the translation of the Holy Scriptures by him com- 
 manded, is now rapidly nearing completion." (Turn- 
 ing to the King) : "The Lord of heaven and earth 
 bless your Majesty with many happy days." 
 (Words of the Dean taken mainly from preface tc 
 King James' version of the Bible). 
 (This group supposed to number 54, is costumed in 
 grey, students' gowns and caps. The Dean carries 
 a scroll upon which are the above words, which is 
 unrolled and lifted as he speaks. The King bows as 
 
 12 
 
they pass on, then turns towards entrance as notes 
 of a silver trumpet are heard.) 
 
 Rochester advances to meet a magnificent group. 
 
 Trumpeter pauses, crying aloud : 
 
 "The Envoy of Progress come to consult with the 
 great King James!" 
 
 Rochester, a sneer upon his lips: 
 
 "Consult with! A brave figure and a brave purpose 
 by my troth!" (Glances at the envoy and walks at 
 his side towards the King. The retinue of the Envoy 
 consists of his trumpeter, banner bearer, Liberty, Re- 
 ligion, Education and Science. Liberty is gowned in 
 clinging robes of white over which a thin, grey dra- 
 pery falls, one of her hands is bound. It is evident 
 that she is not free. The other figures wear symbolic 
 costumes.) 
 
 Progress pauses near the King: 
 
 "All hail, most gracious monarch! Famed abroad 
 for learning, for power of poesy, for a mind inclined 
 to measures which should insure the good of his king- 
 dom, mayhaps, the good of the world, concerns which 
 may with credit occupy the thoughts of so mighty a 
 monarch." 
 
 King James: 
 
 "Well said, noble Envoy; what is the purpose of thy 
 coming?" ^ 
 
 Envoy : 
 
 "My purpose, most august sovereign, is, I may say 
 to plead the cause of the world, the advancement 
 and enlightenment of its people, the granting, to 
 some who crave benefactions from the King, his in- 
 dulgence. There are those who ask for liberty, lib- 
 erty of person, but most of all, for liberty of thought 
 and liberty to worship God after the dictates of theii 
 own hearts." 
 
 King James t 
 
 "It would appear that the noble envoy is not fully 
 acquainted with the scope of my reign. I rule by 
 divine right, and have doubtless taken into account 
 more than his limited vision could make possible 
 Progress is well, forsooth, but must be directed ac- 
 cording to the wisdom of the King!" 
 Envoy : 
 
 "Most royal sir, I come from a great King, the King 
 and Creator of the universe, He who breathed the 
 
 13 
 
breath of life into the nostrils of man, who inspires 
 him to all good, and in accord with whose mandate? 
 we must ever strive to ascend upon the Path oi 
 Progress to higher and yet higher heights of achieve- 
 ment." 
 Master of Ceremonies (interrupting with gestures of impa- 
 tience) : 
 
 "A solemn company to do honor to the King ap- 
 proaches; they bring a petition!" 
 (Enter a band of Separatists). 
 Progress meets them, receives their petition, and turns 
 to the King, exclaiming: 
 
 "Oh, King, I crave indulgence! I would offer fron: 
 loyal subjects a petition which they deem worthy 
 and reasonable, though mayhap not favoured of all 
 It is even that the Church be separated from the 
 State. I would read the same to this honorable 
 company!" 
 The King (with contempt) : 
 
 "Speak not of this treasonable matter. Bid then: 
 depart and be thankful they escape their deserts.' 
 (Enter band of 100 Pilgrims, Elder Brewster and others.) 
 Progress advances to meet them, saying: 
 
 "Apostle of Freedom, I greet thee!" 
 Brewster: 
 
 "If the soul be not free, if it be not permitted to seek 
 its Maker after the manner dictated by its own yearn- 
 ings and convictions, how shall it find Him at all? 
 Apostle of the freedom of the soul ! To this high call- 
 ing would I aspire!" 
 Envoy : 
 
 "And how shall I aid so high a purpose?" 
 Brewster : 
 
 "By importuning the King in our behalf. By per- 
 suading him to permit the service of the King ol 
 Heaven as our souls demand, not as earthly King 
 nor parliament may decree" 
 Envoy beckons to Rochester, they approach the King 
 
 speaking earnestly together. 
 Envoy : 
 
 "Your Majesty, I offer the petition of one who may 
 be styled "Apostle to the Soul," since it doth appear 
 that his only concerns in life are such as touch the 
 affairs of the soul. He is called Elder Brewster, is 
 the spiritual leader of a band calling themselves 'Pil- 
 
 14 
 
grims,' and they desire royal sanction for the worship 
 of God after their own manner." 
 
 King: 
 
 "Bid this 'Apostle of the Soul' hold his peace! He, 
 and such as he greatly disturb the tranquility of the 
 realm, and have done much to unsettle the minds of the 
 faithful. I will have none of them, nor of their pe- 
 titions!" 
 
 (Envoy returns to Pilgrims, confers with Brewster. Court 
 groups have been slowly drifting from the scene, fol- 
 lowed by Translators, Separatists leave from opposite 
 side, exchange greetings with pilgrims as they pass. 
 Progress and retinue in extreme rear of stage parti- 
 ally visible.) 
 
 ACT THREE— SCENE I. 
 Pilgrims in foreground, stage darkens. 
 
 Elder Brewster: 
 
 "Our help is in the Lord Jehovah!" 
 (They kneel in prayer with faces uplifted. A v^ision 
 of angels appears, they rise in holy joy, singing. The 
 vision fades and in its place is a vision of flaming 
 messengers of the West, beckoning ; as stage brightens 
 the vision disappears.) 
 
 Enter Group of Hollanders, Burgomasters, etc., come to 
 invite the Pilgrims to take refuge in Leyden. 
 
 Burgomaster : 
 
 "Good day! Good day, masters! We wish you joy 
 and much good fortune, for all it is said that you 
 have fallen upon evil times. We come to offer home 
 and welcome in our own country, in happy Holland." 
 
 Elder Brewster: 
 
 "Of a truth, good sirs, it would appear that the times 
 hold so much of evil it is the more our duty to better 
 them. We do not despair but look to Heaven for 
 deliverance." 
 
 Burgomaster : 
 
 "I would not claim that Holland is Heaven, but well 
 am I persuaded that it more resembles Heaven than 
 does England." 
 
 Elder Brew^ster: 
 
 "Good friends we give hearty thanks for your kind- 
 liness, and will of surety consider the import of your 
 words." 
 
 Dutch Dance: 
 
 (Hollanders pass on. Elder Brewster confers with the 
 group of pilgrims, some seem to oppose, others to 
 
 15 
 
favor acceptance of the invitation. Their attention 
 is suddenly drawn to a company of merry-makers, Hol- 
 landers, youths and maidens who enter, singing and 
 dancing, as to evidence the joy awaiting those who 
 come to their shores. The pilgrims shake their heads 
 — to such sober folk this appears great levity. The 
 dancers pass on, pilgrims disperse.) 
 
 ACT THREE— SCENE 11. 
 (Stage darkens — thunder and lightning, a ship is 
 seen in far background, tossing in a raging storm, 
 Stage gradually brightens, but light remains dim and 
 shows faintly the country to which the pilgrims are 
 journeying) . 
 Enter party of Indians from left. Chief Massasoit, men 
 and women and children, group of braves in war 
 paint, maidens and youths dancing, etc., etc. Indians 
 disappearing towards right; a few linger as pilgrims 
 appear from middle entrance in rear.) 
 
 PILGRIMS, HAVING LANDED AT PLYMOUTH ROCK, 
 
 FIND THEIR NEW HOME. 
 Elder Brewster: 
 
 "We have been comforted in time of storm and pro- 
 tected from terrors of the deep ! The Lord Jehovah 
 be praised!" (Raises his eyes to heaven; they kneel 
 in thanksgiving. A moment's silence, then the com- 
 pany rises.) 
 
 Elder Brewster; 
 
 "Men and brethren, in the sight of God and with 
 our faces turned towards the heart of this great new 
 country, we swear to keep faith with each other, to 
 hold sacred this solemn compact! Swear!" (Each man 
 lifts his right hand as Brewster reads from compact). 
 "We whose names are underwritten, having under- 
 taken for the glory of God and advancement of the 
 Christian faith a voyage to plant the first Colonie in 
 Northern parts of Virginia, doe solemnly in 
 the presence of God, combine ourselves together, to 
 enact and frame such just and equal laws as shall 
 be most mete for the general good of the Colonie." 
 
 Miles Standish: 
 
 "Now to the work awaiting us!" 
 (Each has come from the ship laden with household 
 articles, kettles, bags, baskets, etc. The men hasten 
 out and return with wood. The women help to make 
 a fire. When the blaze becomes strong, Elder Brew- 
 
 16 
 
ster advances to a pine tree, cuts a branch, lights this 
 from the fire, lifts it towards heaven with a prayer, 
 then plants it firmly in the ground, calling aloud), 
 "The Torch of Liberty! The Torch of Liberty!" (Pil- 
 grims gather around it). 
 
 Bradford : 
 
 "May it light our path in the new country!" 
 
 Alden : 
 
 "May it never be extinguished, but bum through all 
 the ages yet to come!" 
 
 (Men and women go back and forth, bringing and 
 dividing personal belongings, then separating into lit- 
 tle family groups.) 
 
 (The work of home-making continues, but suddenly 
 clouds gather, wind howls, hail is heard, the children 
 shiver with cold, women wrap them closer and hold 
 them in their arms. The little ones begin to cry 
 and beg for bread.) 
 
 Enter a frightful group, (Famine, Disease, Death and their 
 minions. They pass among the pilgrims, taunting 
 and sneering, the victims are overcome, as they fall, 
 weeping friends carry out the dead bodies.) 
 (Only a half of the original number remains. These 
 work and pray and gather about the torch of Liberty.) 
 
 Elnter large number of new colonists. (Elder Brewster's 
 daughters among them. Bradford is made Governor. 
 He and Dame Bradford in central positions.) 
 
 Enter Indian. Casts the snakeskin challenge, a bundle of 
 arrows tied with snakeskin, at the feet of the 
 Governor. Standish picks it up; he and Bradford 
 confer, fill skin with shot and powder. Standish 
 and followers are commissioned to deliver to Indians. 
 
 Scene between Miles Standish, John Alden and Priscilla* 
 
 (The men near front of stage on left of audience, 
 Priscilla with group of children playing a solemn 
 game on opposite side, to extreme right.) 
 
 Standish : 
 
 "It is a friend's service I ask of thee, John, yet there 
 would seem to be hesitation in acceptance of the mis- 
 sion." 
 
 Alden: 
 
 "I did not so intend it to appear — but — it is a most 
 difficult matter, this wooing a maid for another." 
 (He turns aside in evident confusion.) ^ 
 
 Standish : 
 
 "Not so difficult, I take it, as wooing for one's self — 
 or — so I am minded." 
 
 17 
 
Alden : 
 
 "What should I say — put words into my mouth that 
 I make no blunder." 
 
 Standish : 
 
 "Zounds, man! Soft of speech art thou, gentle of man- 
 ner; I am a soldier; it is thou must frame the words 
 that would win her!" 
 
 Alden : 
 
 (Gazing off towards the group of children). "See 
 she is there, beauteous as the morning, graceful as 
 the birds flitting overhead or the swaying branches 
 of low bending trees!" 
 
 Standish : 
 
 "It would appear that praise of her comes easily to 
 thee. I said but now that thou wert very soft of 
 speech; go, give her my message, John, and be sure 
 thou dost use the sweetest words in all thy heart's 
 vocabulary." 
 
 (Alden turns towards Priscilla, who, at the moment 
 is leaving the children. He pauses to pluck a flower 
 and advances slowly with perplexity evident in man- 
 ner and expression of countenance. Priscilla sud- 
 denly looks up and sees him, but endeavors to con- 
 ceal the fact, and he calls.) 
 
 Alden : 
 
 "Whither so fast, Mistress Priscilla? I would have 
 a word with thee!" 
 
 Priscilla : 
 
 "Only one, let that be the bargain then, but what one, 
 I pray thee?" 
 
 Alden : 
 
 "I was but jesting; one many times multiplied would 
 yet leave much unsaid between us." 
 
 Priscilla : 
 
 "Be not so serious. Master Alden! Hast thou come 
 to reprimand me for smiling too much, for unseemly 
 speech or demeanor?" 
 
 Alden : 
 
 "I come upon a much more serious matter, commis- 
 sioned to bring to thee a precious gift from one de- 
 serving well of every Mayflower man or maid. Let 
 this blossom aid in telling the import of the message 
 I bring." 
 
 Priscilla : 
 
 "Neither thy words nor the flower speak clearly." 
 (He hands her the flower.) 
 
 18 
 
Alden : 
 
 "Is the blossom not a fit messenger of love, does it 
 not suggest that love is the word it holds in its heart?" 
 
 Priscilla : 
 
 "What riddle dost thou propound? — Love? — and 
 
 whose love?" 
 
 (Her eyes are downcast, Alden comes closer.) 
 
 Alden: 
 
 "Whose love? That of our gallant Miles Standish! 
 He has commissioned me to speak for him!" 
 (She starts and turns pale.) 
 
 Priscilla : 
 
 "Miles Standish! And he entrusts his love-message to 
 another and sends one flower as his ally — was the 
 meadow so niggardly that it would aid him only so 
 far in such a mission?" 
 (She laughs nervously as Alden exclaims:) 
 
 Alden: 
 
 "I have spoken but poorly, bear with me, sweet Pris- 
 cilla — I will essay to speak more worthily in this 
 enterprise!" 
 
 Priscilla : 
 
 "Bear with thee? That were quite another matter, 
 John — " (She tosses her head and turns from him.) 
 "As to Captain Standish, I am persuaded that he 
 were better at taming savages than at winning the 
 heart of a maid. Governor Bradford has need of 
 him, not I!" 
 
 (She glances at John from beneath lowered lids and 
 turns abruptly away.) 
 
 Alden: 
 
 "Prithee give me an answer, sweet Priscilla!" 
 
 Priscilla : 
 
 "Give thee an answer? Thou didst not ask for thy- 
 self, John." 
 
 (He catches her hand, kisses it and hastens away to- 
 wards Standish.) 
 
 (This brief sketch follows somewhat the accepted 
 story, but with original treatment.) 
 
 ACT FOUR— SCENE 1. 
 Enter British Soldiers and royal messengers; (they pre- 
 sent demands which colonists reject. Latter hasten 
 out with angry gestures, return with such weapons 
 as can be hastily gathered. British have already 
 marched off. American Patriots follow, each lights 
 
 19 
 
and carries with him a torch from the Torch of Lib- 
 erty.) 
 
 Enter Washington with Colonial troops — banner with 13 
 stars. 
 
 Washington, looking upon his men : 
 
 "Whence comes the spirit which informs their souls? 
 Whence comes the impulse which in these dark days 
 Has wrought for high achievement in the new 
 America? Ah, the patriot blood they spilled 
 From those through centuries tutored well was draWa, 
 The impulse strong, heroic, steadfast, unsubdued, 
 Was shaped and at the Forge of Ages grew!" 
 
 Elnter Jefferson and others, signing of Declaration of In- 
 dependence. 
 
 Jefferson reads: 
 
 "Men are endowed by their Creator with certain un- 
 alienable rights. Among these are. Life, Liberty and 
 the pursuit of happiness." (Extract from Declaration.) 
 
 Enter Columbia, Progress, Liberty, etc., and the 13 States. 
 (As Columbia appears, suddenly, the peal of the Lib- 
 erty Bell is heard, and above her head is seen the 
 bell outlined in electric light. Her group advances 
 and) 
 
 Progress cries aloud: 
 
 "Proclaim! Proclaim! throughout all the land 
 That the people thereof shall be free!" 
 
 (These words are on the Liberty Bell.) 
 "Let it ring down the ages as beam from a star, 
 Extinguished long eons ago. 
 Still reaches the eyes it has filled with delight 
 And illumines them yet with its glow!" 
 
 Enter ladies and gentlemen for Colonial Levee — Colonial 
 dance, participants retire to rear of stage. 
 ACT FOUR— SCENE IL 
 
 Enter Meriwether Lewis, Clark and followers. (Small 
 group of Indians meet them. Woman joins their 
 party as guide. Figures seen early in pageant (the 
 messengers of the West) are beckoning ;other fig- 
 ures drift from stage, except Columbia, 13 States, 
 Liberty, Progress and group.) 
 
 (Elnter all other States of the Union, to date 1860, with 
 them two figures, the North and the South. All have 
 taken places when banner bearer enters. His flag 
 shows proclamation) : 
 
 "I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States 
 * * * call forth * * the militia of the several 
 
 20 
 
states of the Union, to the aggregate number of 
 75,000 in order to * * * cause the laws to be 
 duly executed." (April 15, 1861.) 
 (From this point action is vigorous and must convey 
 impression of laspe of time.) 
 
 Enter War, (standing erect in fiery chariot, brandishing 
 sword, dashes across stage. Columbia lifts her arms 
 as in protest, while troops in Federal and Confeder- 
 ate uniforms appear on both sides of stage, as though 
 drilling and preparing for battle. Seceding States 
 begin to leave the larger group.) 
 
 South Carolina: 
 
 ''See! Sudden angry clouds in Northern sky, 
 And gathering gloom where erst was sunlit space: 
 With warning bugle blast which thrills and calls 
 And stirs the haughty South to hot reply!" 
 
 Florida : 
 
 "It comes, a challenge from the hostile States, 
 And from the South, in clarion tones, a cry 
 That crashes cross the listening Continent!" 
 
 The South: 
 
 "Aye, from my lips the mother-cry, 
 
 Which wakes the Continent, from Mexic fields. 
 
 To California's distant golden gate. 
 
 To tropic Florida and 'cross the gulf 
 
 Where New Orleans in flowered beauty lies." 
 
 Enter Lee. (He does reverence to Columbia, who endeav- 
 ors to detain him, passes on to Virginia, and kneel- 
 ing, lays his sword at her feet, he rises and she 
 buckles it upon him.) 
 
 (Confederate forces gather about Lee. Federals on 
 other side of stage — War in foreground.) 
 
 Georgia : 
 
 "Hear, Georgia cries in eager martial tones, 
 'To arms! Oh valiant sons of valiant sires! 
 Come! Buckle shield and helmet in defense 
 Of those fair homes that boast your fealty!" 
 
 Arkansas : 
 
 "The sullen boom of guns. 
 
 Of alien guns, comes thundering through the South! 
 
 Her loyal sons spring to defense, and Lee 
 
 Goes forth — at dawn to prayer, at noon 
 
 To bloody field, at night, o'er mountain wilds 
 
 With Stuart's horsemen dashing through the dark 
 
 To show where bivouacks the mighty foe." 
 
 21 
 
Virginia : 
 
 "But of our sons, the knightliest of them all, 
 Is he, so simply great that greatest deed 
 Nor leveling commonplace can change his mien, 
 Is one whose presence stirs all lesser souls 
 To reverence, apprehending as they gaze. 
 That here is flower of most exalted chivalry, 
 A heart that calmly scorns Ambition's lure. 
 That steadfast turns unaltered to its own 
 In time of need and stress and threatening woe, 
 That offers to its home, to fair Virginia, 
 A sword which neither now nor e'er may know 
 A stain the purest blade might blush to claim." 
 (Columbia in tears, Liberty veiled. Progress manacled.) 
 (Firing of guns heard). 
 
 Lee, to his men: 
 
 "Come, face the foe at any cost! 
 Come, battle, tho' all should seem lost! 
 Come, starve, but reach the heights somehow! 
 And die, what matter then or now. 
 So we have done our uttermost!" 
 (Firing of guns, roaring of cannon). 
 
 Tennessee : 
 
 "Ah, days of mingled glory and despair! 
 Ah, days that see through tears brave Stuart fall, 
 See Malvern Hill, Manassas drenched in gore. 
 See Gettysburg and now the Wilderness, 
 And now, and now. Surrender, and the end 
 Of bravest fight the Valiant ever made!" 
 
 (Sudden darkness, firing of guns, cannon, drums. 
 Light comes slowly, War has disappeared.) 
 
 Enter Peace: (Two flags brought forward, that of the 
 South handed to Lee. He furls it reverently and en- 
 trusts it to the South.) 
 
 South : 
 
 The gentlest knight, as told of Galahad, 
 That ever bore a shield or brak a lance, 
 Of whom we boast with loving, reverent pride. 
 That God is proved in making such a man!" 
 
 Mississippi: 
 
 "But Lee, he was not conquered! The Cause had failed 
 
 For which his people died, but Conqueror he 
 
 Save 'gainst the odds defying mortal might, 
 
 And in the bitter anguish of defeat 
 
 He towers on far supernal heights where Fame 
 
 Unsought, will find and humbly kneel to him!" 
 
 22 
 
North: 
 
 "Aye, at last, surrender for the Gray! 
 
 Though South nor North was seeking sordid gain 
 
 Nor ruthless conquest, nor yet a sceptered power! 
 
 They battled for a faithful concept, each. 
 
 Of principle, for duty each conceived 
 
 Was blazoned on the heaven's azure scroll; 
 
 For this each sacrificed its best beloved! 
 
 But now, today, with loyal hearts they stand 
 
 United, Blue and Gray; no North, no South, 
 
 The valiant sons of valiant sires through all 
 
 Revolving cycles of eternity." 
 
 South : 
 
 "Forward! the trail leads on, by Valor blazed! 
 Though Glory smiles through tears and grudging Fame 
 To Failure grants but a withered wreath of bay; 
 By Destiny defied, but not dismayed. 
 They wrest achievement from the hand of Fate! 
 And Forward press, my people, to the goal!" 
 (Suddenly a peal from the Liberty Bell is heard.) 
 
 Progress : 
 
 "Proclaim! Proclaim throughout all the land, 
 That the people thereof shall be free!" 
 
 ®lj? Morl& Mar. 
 
 Chariot of War dashes in, followed by figures symbolizing 
 Confusion, Death, etc. 
 
 ACT FIVE. 
 
 (The United States enters the World War. Progress 
 
 quotes from message of President Wilson.) "The 
 
 Right is more precious than Peace. We shall fight 
 
 for the things which we have always carried nearest 
 
 our hearts!" (April 2, 1917), and continues: 
 
 "His voice above the crash of crumbling thrones 
 
 Hath spoken, unafraid, to hearts of men! 
 
 Across the continents, around the globe. 
 
 Its message thrills and echoes back again; 
 
 This voice from architect of nations pleads 
 
 For building by a Master Builder's plan, 
 
 The plan of Him, who in the beginning traced 
 
 The blue-print of the heaven's enduring span!" 
 
 (Columbia, Progress, Liberty, Religion to forefront. 
 
 Wild cheering and tumultuous music, men of North 
 
 and South rally side by side, hundreds of troops in 
 
 khaki appear. Red Cross Nurses with them. 
 
 23 
 
Moment of darkness followed by dazzling light.) 
 
 Enter Victory, a glorious figure, bringing a crown of laurel 
 to Columbia. With her appears Prosperity, a figure 
 of majestic proportions, in symbolic costume, followed 
 by troop of American soldiers in khaki. A group of 
 children from the devastated countries accompanies 
 the other figures. Enthusiastic cheering.) 
 
 Columbia, with Progress on elevation : 
 
 "Victory! aye! but 'tis as were my heart the heart 
 of the world! So tenderly does it beat in unison 
 With the bleeding hearts of suffering nations. 
 Bid them come, come for aid, for comfort, to Columbia. 
 Speed, my Messenger! God speed thee with these 
 
 words!" 
 (Messenger goes swiftly, north, south, east, west, 
 crying: "Come! Come! Come!" 
 
 Response of Nations, Belgium, France, Italy, Greece, 
 Scandinavia, Holland, Ireland, Russia, etc., the nations 
 impersonated by dancers, etc. All groups return, join 
 in grand procession circling about Columbia. 
 
 Progress : 
 
 "Where great Columbia's domain, with its reach 
 From sea to sea, by purple mountains girt. 
 Sends far its fragrant highways, hear the tread 
 Of all the welcome multitudes who greet 
 With upturned faces, glad Columbia — 
 The hope of One Great Universal Race!" 
 
 STAR SPANGLED BANNER 
 FINALE. 
 
 24 
 
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