Author Title Imprint A ' ■> ^^EYANGELINE. ^ Mltiiiafie IpsitECiilHir Mmmu in m^ M§, Arranged and adapted for the Stage BY ROB'X ISr. TRA--V^EE,, From Longfellow's BeantibI Poera. FREEMAN PRINT, ALBANY, MO. AUGUST, 1878. EVANGELINE« I l^ijItteBfio |)|#ii^^fe? flfwm in jtv^ 1 m^ m§ Arranged and adapted for the Stage BY mOB'T INT. TR.A."V"]B3a. Frora Longfellow's Beaotifal Poem, FREEMAN PRIKT, ALBANY^ M0. AUGUSTy 1878« ,H '1 INTRODUCTION. This Drama was begun some three years ago and outlined 'o the end of the first act^ At Joplin, Missouri, in the spring of 1876y Manager Selden Irwin desired its completion for represantion at that place, and the last four acts were outlin* ed in one afternoonj but the Joplin engagement was not re- munerative to the Irwin's arid the work progressed do further. In tills condition the manuscript remained until this day, August Ist 187S^ when it was brought out and placed before me on a printers case in the office of The Freeman, and revisi ed, extended, and put in type out of a fount of Burgoisethat has seen over thirty years hard service west of the Missouri. Therefore this adoption from Longfellow's pome, be its merits or demerits what they may, is in every essential particular the result of my own labor and no reflection on account of its short comings are to be thrown on ^the printer^' Throughout this drama the argument of the Poet is closely tol lowed and care hus been, taken not to put into the mouths of the characters a word that conflicts with the original con* ception. Old Michael is believed to be an original character. Herman and Christy, if not purely original conceptions, have passages of fun and pathos in which the laugh sometimes lies very close to the fountain of tears. The transfer of Gabrial's death from the hospital to the street, is the only one at variance with the poem, and that is made for stage eftect. Further than this the Drama is presented to speak for itself. Respectfully, Robt. N. Traveb. CAST OF CIlABACTERSc Oabrial, betrothed to Evangeline, LaBlanche, Viliiage Priest and Pedagogue. Benedict, Farmer ot Graud Pre. Basil, the Village Blacksmith. Michael, an Old Fiddler. BAPTISTIE5 in love with Evangeline. Herman, a Friend to Posterity. Officer of the Guard. Priest of the Mission. Evangeline, betrothed to GabnaL Ohristy, a girl who coincides with Herraan. Tame Fawn, an Indian Maiden . LtLLiNEAU, a Spirit. Benedict. ) Children of Herman and Christy, Annette. \ and hopeful scions of posterity. Villagers, Soldiers, Priests, Indians, Plantation hands. Boatmen, &c. &c. &c. EXITS AND ENTRANCES. M' fneans Right ^ L.Left; R. D. Right Boor; L . l\ Left Door S. E. Second Entrance; U. E. Upper Entrance. M. l>. Middle Dootr RELATIVE POSITIONS. R, msam Rignt; L Left ; C. Center ; R. G. Right of Center ; L. C. Left of Center. EVA-israELiisrE. ACT FIRST. ^CENElsL-^Old Fashioned Kitchen, with wide mouth fire^ place. Spinning wheelt c&c. FaTin^r and Evangeline discovered, Farmer smoking and Evangeline at wheel spinning, Music. BENKDiCT.—Ceaee thy spinning, girl, and sit thee here at my feet, {Evangeline brings stool and sits at Farmer'' s feet.) This day firt thou seventeen. A dutitui aud an obedient child hast thou been, but u 'w thou arl a child dd longer. Thou art now H woman, with the heart and hopes of a woman. These gray hairs and thiti old and worn form will sooa be laid at rest, and the joys and sorrows and cares of this hfe will rest with it. Bu: the. hope of my old age will live with thee, my child. This night art thoa to be afSanced to young GabriaL Search vrell thy heart, aud answer me truly ^ is it well with thee? Evangeline,— Father, Gabriai and I have grown in love and ypars togetl^er. From earli-;st child 1 ^od we have walked our village paths hand ui hand, and Father LeBlan ^ Priest and pedagogue in the village, taagut us both our lette. out of the self-same book, with the hymns of the church and plain songs. Years have served but to consecrate our lives, one to the other, and «ow, father, even as Gabriai loves me with his whole heart, 8o do I aisoj love him. Benedict.— My child, it is well. Chou hast been a cheerful light to thy fathers house, and will bring to thy husbands de- light and abundance, Sliing it with lovej andj raayha j, with ebe ruddy faces of children, {A knock ) it* is Basil, the black. EVANGELINE. 6 smith, and tby flushed face and beating heart tells thee who is with him. Raise, thee, the latch and admit them. Evan-- geline operis the door. Enter Basil and Gabrial. Benedict — Welcome both. Welcome Basilj my fiiend; comej take thy place on the settle, close by the chimney side which • ever empty without thee; take from the shelf oven head thy p^'pe and tobacco. Never so much thyself art thou as when throu^'h the curling tmoke of the pipe r r the forge thy friendly, jovial, face gleams round and red as the harvest moon through the mist of marshes. Gabrial and Evangeline walk apart. Basil — Benedict Belfountaine thou hast ever thy jest and thy ballad. Ever in cheerfulest mood art thou when others are fill .] with gloomy forbodings of ill, and see only ruin be- fore them. Happy art thou as if every day thou badst pick-^ ed lip a hoise-shoe. Lights his vipe. Oabrial.- (Aiwindovjmth E angeline.) See; Evangeline, is it not beautiful. This is the season called by the pious Arcadian peasants, the Summer of All Saints. Filled is the air with a dreamy and a magical light, and this landscape lavs as if new created in all the freshness of childhood. Peace seems to reign upon the earth, and the restless heart of the ocean is for a moment consol d. All sounds are in haimony blended ; all are as subdued and low as the murmurs of love^and the great suv;. Icoks with an eyo of kindness through the golden vapors around him. Evangeline — Y^s, Gabrial, this is the hour of ref-t, of affec* tion and of tHtil'T -ss. Day with its burdens and heat has de« parted and twill; ht dt fccei.ding brings back the e't-ening star to the sky and herds To the homestead. Now age has its hour ot memory and of rest, &nd youth its dream of elyseum and bright hopes for the future. This is God's grand hour of prayerj and the last gleams of the golden sun are His glorious benediction of "Peacp on earth and good will to man.'' Benedict. — Here by the wide mouth fire place all day I've idly sat watching the flames and the smoke wreaths struggle together, like fof 8 in a bujning city, nodding pnd marching fi'org the wal'p with i?f st!ir<^p fantastic. But what is the ti- dings without? BASiL.--Four days are past now since the English ships at anchor ride in the Gospereaus mouth with their cannons pointed against us. Wbattheii design may be 5s unknown, but all are commanded on the morrow to meet on the com- mon before the church, where will be proclaimed the kings EVANGELINE. 7 wii: as law in the lan flocksof sheep and cat* tie ; all, ali is as I ordered it ? > LeBlance. — {Producing coniracL) All, as you ordered it, h fairly and clearly set forth. Benedict —Then all is welK Let the signing of the con- tract begin. Benedict goes to Evangeline, embraces and kisses her — action of intense feeling, then slowly passes her hand in GahriaVs* who stands up R. C. with Basil, Gahrial leads Evangeline to table where LeBlance has ^prepared papers. Both sign— Gahrial firsts Music i Benedict-— Now, Basil, we will witness the bond and coj:2J plete thie compaci; between oiir son and our daughter. They sign. All the characters then come to e. , where Gabrial and Evangeline kneel ^ Benedict and Basil stand at R. & L. F. LeBlance at bach with hands extended in bkss-^ ing them. Music and slow change of scene^, EVANGELINE. Scene 2nd. — Front Wood. Enter Old Michael, with fiddle, Michael. — Ah, ha ! Gay times are these among the young folks find happy ones too ; for this day is the feast and the dance in honor of the belrothral of young G-abrial and Evan- geline. Ah well, ah well, let them enjoy themselves, says old Michael, for it isn't all who like htm find gray hairs co- vering a cheerful heart. Enter Christy. Michael. — What Christaua, goin^ to the merrymaking aloae! What have you done with young Herman? Christy. — Done with him! ma? How do you suppose I know where the stupid fellow is^ Michael- — Ho, ho ! So you have quarreled, have you ! That will never do Christam. Make it up ciiild, make it up. Life has enough of sorrow ani of piin that comes unbiddeUj ?ind little wisdom have they who add to its burdens. Christy.— Old Michael, you don't know whac you are talk'* ing about. One can't put up with everything a stupid fellow does. Michael. — Ahj Christy, you dont know the world. You can't tune men and women like fiddles in a conoerti all to cord in harmony; and if you do once in a while get them up to the proper pitch, just as like as not a string breaks and then, lo! the discard, i^ow [ (tuning fiddle) should just as soon think of quarreling with myfiddle for being out of tune as you with your lover for being out of sight. {Plays a lively air.) That's better cnan hard words or moody thoughts. Christy. — That is all very well for you, but you were uever in love. Michael. — Oh yes, I was. Christy.— With whom? Michael.— My fiddle. Christy. — Pshaw! Your fiddle! Avery interesting sweet- heart, truly. Michael, — And we have quarreled, too. Christy.— Indeed, and how did you make it up. MiCHiaL — By a little care and condecension on my part, and a proper ooisideration of thetaelings of the fiddle; for it 10. EVANGELINE. has feelings^ ycu see, {Flays.) and responds according to the touch of its mastf r. Kow men are like fiddles: not always in tuiie, and an overstraiu may break them. But handle them riglit, and they will respond to your touch and play any note you may desire. You understand. {Plays) Now take the advice of old Michael, and you will soon bring Herman around to the ri^ht key again. And now, Christyj I must away to the merrymaking. Exit Michael dardvy and playing quickstep. Chbisty.— Thats al! old Michael knows abou love, but there may be seme sense in what he f-aid about tuning fiddles. I wonder, though, if I can bjing Hetman up again to the right pitch. But — pthawj there aie other young men in the vil. lage as good as he is. But — butj I don't {hesitatingly) believe 1 can like them quite as well. Ah, here the stupid fellow is now. ril not look at him. Down f. f. Turns her hack l. Enter Herman l. Stops shamefaced and abashed at seeing Christy. HERMAN.—Cbristy. Christy. — Herman, Herman— Well, Christy. Christy,— Well, Herman Herman-— Did you send for me, Christy. Christy.— Did / send for j ou ? W^hat a question ! Herman.— But you thought you wanted to seod for me, didn't you, Christy ? Christy. — Indeed ! and why should I send for ycu ? Herman.— But you love me, don't you, Chri?ty? Christy.- No 1 don't. {Sobs) You are too cruel. Sobs. Herman.— Me cruel to you^ Christy. Why 1 love you. Christy.— No you don'tj and, besides, {crying) I hate you! Herman.— Hate me Christy, and wherefore ? Ch risty.— BecauFC, because — Both have approached, backward to center of stage. BEEUAii.^{Putting arm about CAm^3/) Because what ? Christy. She droops her head on Herrnon's shoulder) Its all right now. Christy.— (^s?rfe) The fidale's in tune. Herman.— (ASo/i!^3/) My Christy I Christy— (Xovewp/3/) My Herman! Herman— All is forgotten Christy — All is forgiven— Music and shouts without. They start jovluUy andseperate. HERMAN..-Hark I That is old Michael's fiddle, and the mer- EVANGELINE. 11. ;yr:K>:ig oa the green has comtneaced. Let us awav, and amon^ the happiest there will be Christy— My Herman ! Herman. — Sly Christy ! Exit runrdng aud laughing^ or waltzing^ Music, ACTUL SCENE Zrd. The Oreen in the village of Grand Pre. On r. a church wit y largg Orxwfixt Preperations for merrymaking. Refreshments, tables, benches iasced, for here in tne vUia^a oi Graai Pi-e, all live like brothers together* All things stiall this Xiy oe held in com- mon, and wiiar jne has anofcner shall have, alsO/ All. — Hurrah for Benedict^ the good old farmer of Grand Pre! Gabrial, — Bvangeiinp, from this day a new life opens before us Hei-ecofore we have gro*vp cogecnai' lika ciiildren of one househoidy. and like children of on<^ household we were liable to be sundered and seperated oy the caanjd-' ol fortune. Now we are united by the strongest, holiest tie iinDwnto man, and soon we shall consecrate our Hves, each to the other, for all time to come. Are we not happy? EVANGELINE. 12. EvAEGELiNE,— We should be happy, Gabrial. Gabruii — Should hex Evangeline what mean you ? EvANGEiJNE. — I know not^ Gabiisl, but over n^y heart all this morning an undefined vision of evil has brooded. As we watched the sun descend last nighty did you not notice, Gabrial, as it dipped below the horizon a little cloudy scarcely larger than your band at firsty pass athwart its disc; and then as iwilight advanced it spread out iti a great black back, the edges iripged witL characters and gorte^Que shapeS/ contused and undefined^ indeed, but all, to me, presaging ilL Gabrial. — Banish the thought. Let no evil forbodiDgs mar this happy day, the harbinger of bappier o»es to com-p-. Put your trust in God, and remembei on this earth you now • have my strong arm to shield you. Evangeline. — Gabrial, dear Oabrial.- They go ujp Herman and Christy come dovm. Herman. — NoWyCbiisty, give me my answer.- Will yot» have me ? Chrsty.— Have you, you stupid bov; No. Herman. — Thmk ol the future, Christy. I don't cara so much for myf-ell, but think of what pof-terity will say.-* Christy.- — Posterity ? Herman. — Yes, if you won't have me our posterity will be dumb, and you wouklnU have adamb posterity^ would you. Christy. — (s7i2//^/) I never thought of that. BfERMAN.' — Then think of it now. (coaxingly) S&y yes. (puts arm about her) Think of me— of our posterity. Christy.— (fer«^'e/'3/) Well, then, for the sake of our posterity yes. Puts her arm about Herman. Enter Old Michael, with fiddle. Benedict. — Welcome- good Michael, welcome. All. — A dance / a dance! Michael. — Ah, it does my old heart aood to &ee you young folks enjoy youisekes. A hp:ppy youth, a happy old age, say I. ItP your mrrrf-,(: rrd rr^bbtd rhild that develops the shrew and the miser. I would have this world as full of music as my fiddle, {tunes fiddle) for life is not all sadness, not all tears', there is many a bright thread winding througb,(Hv»3- ly tune) tissues of a somber hue^ there is many a dark one woven in {sad notes) the golden ones between, and both youth EVANGELINE. 13. an d its golden tresses and old age and its silver hairs, look best in a glow of siinshine. ALL.~A dance! good Michael, a dance! Michael is placed 071 musicians stand. May pole dance at the end of zvhich drums are heard iviihout, alone/ with the rattle of arms and tramp of troopsj which continues along with Martial music until characters, have gathered at h. F, E.- Enter rapidly Officer and Guards. Guards are halted at r. u. e., Officer at r. Officer.— You are summoned this day by his majesty's orders. Easil — (l. F.)Summoned ! and lor what ? Officer — Clf mert acd kind has he betn, but how have ycu answeitd his 4iiLdnefcs ? iet your own hearts reply. To my natural make Rud my tempei^ painful the task is I do, which to jou 1 know myst be grevioub. Yet must I bow and obey and deliver the will oi my monaich. Kamely: '"That all your lands and dwellings ]' and cattle of ail kinds, forfeited be to the crown ] and that you, yourselves, from this prov-s ence be transported to other lands. God gram yon may dwell there e\er asfailhful subjects, a happy and a peaceable pec- pie. Prisoners I now declare you, lor such is his noajesty's pleasure. Characters form gro'ups of grief and astonishment. Guards extend line down right to front. Benedict totters to cmter Benedict. — Soldier do thy work j perform thine office — then return to thy king and tell him that thou fr-undst here columns of pale blue emokt^ like clouds of incense ascending from a hundred hearths, tbehcmes of peace and contentment, where dwelt together a colony of simple incadian farmers in love of God and man. Alike were they free from fear, that reigns with tyrants, and envy, the vice of Republics. [Neither locks had they to their doois nor bars to their windows ; but their dwellings were as open as the hearts of their owners ; there the rich were poor and the poorest lived in abundance, {Pause) Then tel] him hew ihou hast inared this scene and spread over all' — desolation. Officer. — Nor yet is this all. Families shall be seperated; wife from husband, parents from children, and lover from maid beloved— all shall be scattered broadcast over the world. a terrible example to ungreatfui subjects of the wrath ot kings. * Villagers form picture of despair, Gabrial up center supporting Benedict and Evangeline . Basil. — {advancing with sledge) Down with these tyrants of England ! We have never sworn the king allegience. Death to thflse forei'in soldiers who seize upon our homes and our harvests) seperating us from our wives and children. Officer ^on guard' Basil with elevated sledge — Picture. Gabrial passes Evangeline to Benkdict and takes place at side of Basil. Villgers in atitude of attack on soldiers. Officer. — {Ddliberately) Make ready / take aim ! Pause and Picture. Soldiers have obeyed orders^ and stand with muskets at 'aim' Enter LaBlance from leftuppzr entra'ice and advances rapidly to Center. Music. Picture^ Basil and Officer recover position'. Villagers cower hack. Officer. — {after a Picture pause.)'^QQO^Qr: ^vm.%. Guards obey, LeBlangel— What is this you do, my children! what mad«- ness has seized you ! Forty vears of my life have I labored among you, and taught you not in word alone, but in deed| to love one another ! Is this the fruit of my toils, of my vigi lies and privations ? Have you so soon forgotten all my les- sons of love and forgiveness? There {pointing to church) is the house of the Priace of Peace, and would you profane it with violent deeds and hearts overflowing with hatred? Lo, {pointing to crucifix) where the crucified Christ from his cross is gazing upon you ! See ! in those sorrowful eyes what meek' ness and compassion! Hark! how those lips still repeat the prayer: "Oh, Father, forgive them 1" Let us repeat that pray- er in the hour when the wicked assail us. Let us repeat it now and say: '"Oh Fathevj forgive them." Villagers kneel in semi^circle in front of LaBlance. At same time S'illiers divide and part cross at back of stage and form down left. Music and Picture . All Villagers.— "Oh Father forgive them I'' EVANGELINE. 1 5. Picture. Soldiers at rest, Villagers in attitude of Prayer. Music. Pause. Music changes as Scene at hack opens and discloses village of Grand Pre in flames. Villagers spring to their feet. and gaze wildly at scene. Guards bring their arms to a 'ready' Picture Ben- edict falls dead at center. Gabrtal and Evangeline how in sympathy over him. Guards seize and part them to right and left front, LeBlance kneels with hands extended over Benedict. Picture. All.— VV/ e shall behold bo more our homes in the village of Grand Pre I LaBlance— (w?ii/i uplifted eyes and hands) "Oh Father forgive them!" Evangeline. — Gabrial be of good cheer, for if we truly love one another nothing in sooth can haimns whatever mischance may happen! Tableau and Curiain,-~End of Ad 1st. EVANGELINE.- Vk ACT 2nd. 1SCIL::E l5-i. Cabin Scene on hank of the Likes. Rcmi of Herman and Christy. Herman^ CflRisTr, a>i6? Benedict an. ears Evangeline has waited and wandered, lowly and meek in spirit and patiently suflfering all things; leading a life incomplete, imperfect, unfinished. Ah, she comes, and with her good old Father LaBlance. EVANGELINE. 17. Enter Evangeline and LaElance, All rise, Herman.— Welcome, Father, welcome. LaBlance. — Peace be with you all. Herman. — Where have you been to-day, Evangeline. Evangeline. — Down by the shore, watching the waves and come, bearing upon their bosoms the wealth of nations and the loves of many homes, and hoping that, perhaps — Christy. — Gabrial might be on board one of the many ships passing acioss the horizon. Dear chiid, why dream and wait for him longer ? Are there not other youths as fair as Oabrial ; others who have hearts as tender and true, and spirits as loyal. Here is Baptistie, the notary's son, who has loved thee many a tedious year. Come, give him thy hand and be happy. Thou art still too fair to be left behind to braid St. Catherine's tresses. Evangeline. — I caonot. Whither my heart has gone there follows my hand, and not elsewhere. For when the heart goes before and illumes the pathway, many things are made clear that el^e lie hidden in darkness. LaBlance.— O, dfinehter, thy God speaketh within thee (to Christy) Talk not of wasted aifection ; ajOTfction never was wasted. If it enrich not the heart of another, its waters re- turning V>ack to the springs like the rairs, shall fill them full of refreshment. That which the fountain sends forth shall return again to the fountain. Patience! Accomplish thy la- bor of love; accomplish thy work of affection! Silence and forrow i^^ strong, and patient erdurence is Godlike. 'J herefore accomplish thy labor of love, till the heart is made Godlike, purified, strengthened, perfected and rendered more worthy oiHeaven. Evangeline.— Thank youj Father^ for those words. They nerve my heait for jet another trial Good frierds all; this day have I learned tidings of Gabrial. He lives with his fa- ther, Basil, the blacksmith^ far down the Mississippi in Lou- isianau Thither will I once more go in seaicli of him; hope- ing, prajing, that not as in times past, may ] find him already departed and gone hence. Good Father La Blance, will you accomiraDy me ? LaBlance. — The journey, my child, is a long and toilsome one; Yet trusting in heaven to guide us right, I will accom- pany thee, EvANGELiNEi — ThcD, Father, at the rising of to-morrow's sur. we will departs LaBlance. — Then will I tcMce and piepare all things for 18. EVANGELINE . our journey, and kind heaven grant it may not prove in vain Exit LaBlanck, BvAN.iELiNB — (Gazing aHer him) Amani (Pause) Oome now my good friends let us all within, (or with the rismg of to-morrow's sua guid-^'l by faith^ nope ani love my search for Gabrial must be resumed; Benedict. — Don't go away from us a'^aiu Evangeline. xVnnettb. — Dan't leuve us Evangehne. Evangeline — It must be so my Utile darlings; and now a fond go)d night to you both. Evangeline kisses Children and they exit into the hoase^ accompa-* nied by Herman and Christy. Evangeline.— -(a/ter watching them off) Ah, how sad and weary are the years that pass in speechless sorrow. The dull throbs of an aching heart, ever nursing a hope it cannot ac-* Gomplish, wears away its life like the ceaseless drop upon ^jhe everlasting granite. This is the last day I shall pass here among my kind friends, a fragment saved from the wreck and ruin of Grand Pre. Here we are all bond by a common creed and a common misfortune. That sua as it sinks to rest goes down to rise again upon a new day -to light another world now wrapped in sleep and darkness, and awaken it to life and activity. It will return to-morrow, and may its golden rays in the east lead me on to Gabrial, my life, my love. Enter Baptisti^. Baptistie. -Still wasting thy life away in sorrow and in tears. Believe me, there is no hope. Evangeline. —While there is life there is hope. Gabrial still lives, and faith in heaven nerves me on to labor and to wait. Baptistie.— Vain will prove all thy visions) and futile all thy efiforts. Its not in the scope of thini!;3 earthly that all the fragments of a nation scattered as wide as the ends of the earth should strive and be driven over seas and through boundless wildernesses to be at last reunited. It cannot be. Then why waste your life away against the inexorable decrees of providence. You know, Evangeline, that I have loved thee long, that in herds of sheep and cattle, roamimg over my o^n broad acres, I am rich. Be my bride and comfort and happiness will yet be thine. EVi^NGETINE. 19. EvANGELiNEx— Abj BaptiPtie- ppfak not tome of happiness without my Gabriai. JVie }our wile; tbt &baxer of your home You know not what you ask. The shadow of deepair would enter yoyr house with me, «nd its light would go out before the ever present cloud of a lingering and betrayed lovex Baptistie- Then f'are-th< e-well, Evangeline. I have spoken my heart freely and fain would have thee for my wife. But you say it cannot be, and I will rot pain thee by repeating the wish. To my home I will carry a nameless sorrow. Go OD your mission of love^ and as yon journey afar rest assured you have for your success the p^^ayers of poor Baptistje. Exit Baptistie, Evangeline. (^«2z>?(^ after /im)Fare-tbee-weU Baptistie. Fare-- thee«»wen friends Music. Picuture, 8cene closes in. ACT 2nd. SCENE 2nd. From Wood. Enter He'rua^ followed by Christy. 'Bermav.— {Expostulating) T tell you Baptistie did wrong. He shouldn't have let her oJ3 in that wav- He ought to have shown his devotion by sticking to the point) and at least gotten her to promise if she did't find Gabriai in a month— or at most a year, she would be his bride, Now if I had let you off the first time you said no to me Christy. — {coquetishly) You would have broken ycur heart, wouldnH you dear, and I would have married some rich man and rode in my coach and four and Heeman. —That {snapping Ms fingers) for your ccach and four. You wt'Uldn't have done nothing of the kind, and besides rich men ain't picked up any thicker than gold dollars^ and I've never heard of you finding one of them yet. Christy, — J^ny one can see that when they lock at you, Herman,— Come now Christy, this won't do. We are breaks ing one of the golden rules of our married life, and that rule was always to talk to and never at one another, Christy.— Yes, 1 was in the wrong, Herman, Old Michael 20 EVANGELINE. taught me many a good lesson, m his odd way, and I trust I have profited by them ; ^ id on? was always to walk on the sunny side of life, I find, as he said I would/ the shade comes to us soon enough. Herman- -{at c. taking both her hands) It's tea years now since we wore marriedv Br- fore t'-at hapoy event I believed you to be au aogel, and ever since, do you know, Christy, I've trembled for ft^ar you would turn into one and leave me, Christy. —And then we would never,, never I meet again/ would we? {Pause) I don't believe I would like that. Herman, — No, I know you woaldu't, Christy Why you would be as lonesomf^ as Evangeline without me to cheer and comfort vou. Now if Evanajeline and Gabrial had m-arried and settled down comfortably like you and me, and contrib" uted something to posterity how much better they vwould be off; and its not too late yet for the girl to make amends; if she would only marry Baptistie- Bur what does she do but refuse a good offer, and pack up and away this, morning to-^ — goodness knows where in search of some fellow she has heard looks like Gabrial Pshaw? Its all boshl Christy -Well, bosh or no bosh, Herman; its the one com- fort and solace of her life. We cannot fathom the mysteries of the human heart, nor weigh on all the balances of the world the wealth of one tt^ue womans love. And if ever there was a true woman it is Evangeline ; if ever there was a true love it is hers for Gabrial. Her faith and her love may be far, very far. beyond our comprehension, but if we were sep" erated {nestles close to him) let us ask our own hearts what would fill the void. Herman, —{caressing her) There, there, Christy; your'e com- ing the angel again, and the old boy is melted in me, {wipes his eyes) and Evangeline shant marry Baptistie, no not even if she wants to; the hard hearted rascal to pester the girl against her will. I'll Annette. — {without) Father ! Benedict. — Mother / Enter Children, running- Christy.— What is it; darlings ? Annette,— We've found a kitten's nest with five little kit- tens in itv Benedict- —Black and white ones ! and they aint got any eyes ! and their Oh ! come and see them ! Annette — Come along father ! Benedict^— Come along mother I Children pull them off, all laughing iSVANGELiiNE, 21. ACT2nd^ SCENE Srd. Bank qf Mississippi River. Evangeline seated on set rock as in well known picture^ LaBlance and others sleeping upon the ground- Lights down. Evangeline. — Diy succeods day and night follows night, and still my lone watcli Vm keeping. Will I never see my Gabriai more? 'Tis strange, but aii this day someihiag has whispered: 'thy Gabrial is near., Oh, heaven grant that this should be so, and thai the throbbing of my heart should prove in time my expectation true. Song J ''Long J Long Weary LaiJ'' Evangeline. — A sudden drearyness ov«>rpowers me, {rests her cheek upon her hand,) something in the night airwearys me. sleeps. Scene changes at back and discovers Gabrial and companions in boat on river. Gabrial standing in bow, others rowing CHORUS. — ' Lost Evangeline. ' Scene closes in — quick change —Music. EvATmGELi^HF..— {awakens and starts towards vision) Gabrial, my Gabrial, come back ! LaBlance awakens and comes rapidly/ to center ivhere they meet, LaBlance. — My chi'd, what would you ? Evangeline — Ohj it was but a dream! Still gazing after vision. LaBlance. — A dream ! What^ my daughter ? Evangeline, — Oh, Father LaBlance^ something says in my heart that hear me my Gabrial wanders- Is it a fooHsh dream — an idle vague superstition? or has an angel passed and re-? vealed the truth to my spirit ? AlaS| for my credulous fancy ; unto ears like thine such words have no meaning. LaBlance. — Daughter, thy wordi are not idle; nor are they to me without meaning. Feeling is deep and still ; and the word that floats on the surface is as the tossing buoy that betrays where the anchor is hidden. Th|refore trust to thy heart and what the world calls illusions. Gabrial truly is near thee; for not far away to the southward, on the banks 22 EVANGELINE. of the Teecbe, are the towns of St. Maur an^ St. Martin. — There the long absent pa.'^lor regain? hi? flock and his sheep- fold. They who dwell there have named it the Eden of Louisiana. Evangeline. — At last. Oh, my God I thank thee. Picturei Boatuas awaken and prepare for journey. Stage has gradually changed to morning, sun is rising, birds singing. Boatman. — All is ready. LaBlance. — Come, daughter, come. Music. LaBlance leads Evangeline towards boat. Boatmen singing. Music and slow curtain, END OF ACT SECOND. EVANGELINE. 23. ACT 3rd. SCENE Ut. Plantation Scene in Louisiana. Home of Basil, Laborer'' s at work in the fields. View of the River: Farm house with large veranda —Scene as before the war Basil Discovered. Basil. — Ten years hare elap.sed since exiled and driven from ho.oe in the village of Grand Pr^, Gabrial, ray son; has wandered abroad seeking in all cliaies and all countries his bride^ Evangeline. Ever seeking^, ever returning weary hearted, to his hbme, older in years, but no wearier in spirit and hope to regain his lost love. (Bugle sounds) Ah, a boat approaches upon the broa 1 bosom of the Mississippi, — (A pause) It has landed, (pause) Its living freight is here. Enter LaBlance, Evangel[Me, and party. Basil. — Welcome, strangers, welcome. LaBlance> — Peace and a fair day be with you, sir. Can you direct us to the home of onii Basil, an exile of Grand Pre. EvangelinEl — (at left gazing anxiously at Basil) Oh, can it be! Basil. — If you mean Basilj the blacksmith, the exile of Grand Pre, ended is your journey and your toils. Older he he is in years, but no colder in heart. Basil stands before you. EyANGELiUE. — (rushing to him) My father! Basil. — (emhraciny her) Daughter ! Evangeline! Evangeline. — Yes, it is Evangeline; and this is our good Father LeBiance, whom neither age nor fatigue could debar from assisting in the search for Gabrial. LaBlance. — Just Beaven, wve thank thee! Eyangeline. — (gazing about) But Gabrial — wherej where is my Gabrial ? Basil, — If ye came from the North how comes it that ye have nowhere enscountered Gabriel's boat on the river or bayous. Evangeline —(«65^rac%) Gone! is Gabrial gone ? Ba3il — Be of good cheerj my child; it is only to«=.day he departed. Foolish boy ; he has left me alone with my herds and my horses. Moody and restless grown, and tired and troubled, his spirit could no longer endure the calm of this quiet existence. Thinking ever of thee, uncertain and sor- rowful ever; ever silent and speaking only of thee and his troubles, he at length had become so tedious even to me, that 24 EVANGELINE. at length I bethought me and sent him into the town of Adayes, to trade for mules with the 8paniardsj thence he will follow the lodian trails to (he Ozark Mountains, hunting tor furs in the forests, on riverp trapping the beaver. Evangeline. — (despondmily) Lost, forever lost! LaBlance. — Be ot good cheer, daughter; nothing is for- ever lost, when faith and hope lights the way. Thy Gabriai seeks thee, even as thou dost him. Basil. — Aye, be of good cheer. Heed well the words of thy Father. We will follow the fugitive lover. He is not far on his way; and the fates and the streams are against him. Up and pway to-morrow, and through the red dew of the morning, we will follow him fast and bring him back to his prison. Voices Without. — Loi.g live Michael, our brave old Arca- dian fiddlerv Enter laborers bearing in their arms Old Michael. Michael. — There, there, friends, sit nae down easy. Ladf? and lasses, it seems that my bones have grown as light a8 my heart, and far more weary. They seat Michaei. up stage. Evangeline and LeBlance approach and salute him. Basil. — Welcome once more my friends who long have been friendless and homeless. Welcome once more to a hen e that is better, prehpps than the old one. Michael. — Oh,,no! there can be no other homelike Grand Pre, the home of our childhood* All. — Never/ never! Basil. — Aye, better ! but perhaps not so warm in memory and afiection. Here no hungry wind congeals our blood like the rivers; here no stony ground provokes the blood of the farmers. Smoothly the plow-share runs through the soil as the keel through the water. All the year round the orange- grovts are in blossom; and grass grows more in a single night than in a whole Canadian summer. Here, too, numberless herds run wild und unclaimed on the piairies; here, too, lands may be had for the asking, and forests of timber with a few blows of the ax are hewn and framed into houses. After your houses are built and your fields are yellow with harvest no King George of England shall driye you away from your homesteads, burning your dwellings aud bains, and stealing your farms and your cattle. EVANGELINE. 25 MicuAEL.— tuning his fiddle) Only beware of the fever^ my friends, beware of the fever ! for it is not like that of our cold Arcadim climate, cured by wearing; a spider hang around ones neck m a nut shelL Eyiter Plantation Hands, Basil and friends seated on verandah^ old J ashioned plantation jubilee. Songs, dances and vjalk^arounds. At conclusion, Basil. — Away now, each to repose, the day breaks early, and there is worij for us all to-morrow. Michael. — (ITo'LeBlance and B\&\i,who assist him fonoard.) There, there, old frienda^ I declare my old bones act like a fiddle long out of use and creak at every joint. But there is music at the old heart yet, and will be until the master calls the final note and the tune is ended. Basil. — But that may not be for a long time yet; at least we hope so, good Michael. Michael — A long timc^ ! Ah, men measure time wrong all their lives. In their youth they fret against the bars that bind them from manhood and spurn with wanton feet the bright vvoofs that are woven about their piths, and thus they pass into manhood, scorning the things they do possess, and surcharging their hearts with envy ot objects unattainable, until they slip into old age, and sit inly counting their dark hours and bitter disaopoiutmentSj as all the wealth they have preserved, forgetting all tho golden hours that lie between. LbBlance. — But there isOnej good Michaelj who counrs the hours of all men by the bright raj^s which flash across the dial, and that record is as just to the beggar as to the king, Michael. — But kings and begga-s alike forget that in con» tentment alone there is rest, and this they could have secured anywhere along life's journey. Now I've been rich with only my fiddle, and content with only its notes] and more than this; I've had enough and to spare to make others happy around me, and my heart and fiddle have always been full of music and richer as they have mellowed with age. — Listen, {plays a bright, glad strain^ aud lets the notes slowly die away) 1 sometimes feel that I hear beyond, and catch a ray ot sunshine from the celestial world. LaBlancb — Life is also made for duty, to sanctify and puri- fy the heart, and fit it for a holier, better sphere. Michael. — Ah, good Father, I believe life was made for beauty as well as duty; that all things which instruct and 26. lUVAiViiKLfNE- purify the heart, are but so maDy paths for duty, and the more bright and cheerful life's rugged ways are made the more freely the tender feet of man will follow them. It'a hard to make the timid of heart tread a path spread with thorns alone, no matter how bright the goal beyond is paint ed. I lift mine over the thorns thus, (plays) and to Old Mii chaelj both death and the grave are shorn of their terrors, and he sees only happine&s here and joy beyord Plays. Exit All except Evangeline. Evangeline. — Patience, my heart, until to-mcrrow. (Comes forward) , Gabrial / my beloved ! /srt thou so uear unto me, and jet I cannot behold ihee? Art thou so near unto me, and yet thy voice does not reacfv me? Ah ! how often have thy feet trod this path to the prairie! Ah ! how often thine eyes have looked on the woodlands around me ! Ah! how often beneath this oak, returning from labor, thou hast lain down to rest, and 1o d-.eam of me in thy slumbers. When shall these eyes *iehold, these arms enfold thee again. My heart, be still — to-morrow ! Echo. — Still— -to-morrow .' Evangeline Icveels at left in attitude of prayer. Scene changes at back and discovers Gabrial in same attitude^ cross in hand. Camp scene of Indian Mission. END OF ACT THIRD- EVANGELINE. 27. ACTUh. SCENE IsL Camp Scene in Indian Mission. Landscape} mountain defile and distant cataract, &c. General view same as vision scene at end of last act. Government officers issuing supplies to Indians, a number of whom are gathered about in various attitudes, others enter and exit as they receive their supplies. Soldiers ongvard. Priest of Mission present in charge of his flock. Sup- plies are issued, and officers and soldiers march off. Indians disperse, and stage remains exact ly as seen at close of the last act. Music. Enter LeBlance, Evangeline and Indian Guides. Evangeline. — Day after day-j with our Indian guides, have we followed Gabriel's flying steps and thouj^ht each day to overtake him. Sometimes we have seen, or thought we've seen, the smoke of his camp-fire rise in the morning air from the distant plain, but at nightfall, when we reached the place we've found only embers and ashe-;. And though our hearts have been sad at times aud our bodies weary, hope has still guided us on. Priest. — Not six suns have risen since Gat)rial, seated on yonder mat, aud by my side, told me this same sad tale^ and then arose and continued his. journey. Far to the north he has gone, but in autumn, when the chase is done, will return again to the mission- Evangeline. — {wearily) Till autumn, then, let me remain with theGi for my soul is sad and afflfcted. Priest.—So seems it wise and well, {bell rings) but the chapel chimes call me away to holy service. Father LeBlance will you join me in our holy mission* LeBlance. — Evangeline, patience j still have faith and thy prayer will be answered. Look at this vigorous plant that 28 EVANGELINE. lifts its head from the meadow; see how it's leaves are turned to the North as true as the magnate. This is the compass flower that the finger of God has planted here in the house- less wild to direct the t?f veler's journey over the sea-kike pathles'^y liVnitless wMs'-e of the desert. Evangeline.— Ob, my father, guide me. LbBlancb. — -Sufih in the soul of man is faith. The blos- soms of passion, gay and Inxusiar.t flower :, a'e brighter and fuller of fragrance. But they beguile us and lead us astray, and their odor is oieiuUy Oidy this plant can guide us here and hereaftf r. Grown us with a.cf hadel flowers, that are wet with the dews of nepenthe — the tear drops of heaven. Exit Le Blanc K and Priest. EvANGKLiNE. — {hows head and sobs) Gabrial, Gabrial — will we ever meet ag^in ? Enter Indian Maiden, who softly and unobserved approaches E VANCE LINE. MllSlC. Maiden. — My pale-fac*^d sister is sad. EvANGELiNE_ — Aye ! sad, very sad] iRnd heart-broken. Maiden — The Tame Fawn knows the story of her sister, and her heart is sad like hers. She, too, has loved and been beloved, but the biave Chief who wus to have made her the light of his wigmam returns no more to bfii'hten her eyes and make her heart glad^ Evangeline. — Poor child I poor child .' I do indeed pity vou. Maiden. — Tht; Tame Fawn has heard her sister's story. It is like that of the Mowa^ Evangeline — The M "was? and who was the Mowas? Maiden. — The story is long and might we^rymy pale-faced sister. Evangeline— My heart is weary, with longing, waiting, and will gladly listen. Maiden. — Mowas was the bridegroom of Snow, who won and wedded the maiden, Lillineauj but when the morning came he arose and passed from ihe wigwam, fading and meldng away and diesolviug into the sunshine. Evangeline. — And did be never return ? Maiden. — Day after day Lillineau toUowed his flying stepa and thought each day to overtake him. Slowly, slowly the days succeeded each other ) days^ weeks and months passed SVAx^GiiLINE. 29. the green spring, the bright summer and the mellow autumn passed and winter came again, but brought not Mowas. Evangeline.— (mwsin^/3/) Can this be my own story repeated to me? Maiden. — Thus the long, sad years glided on, and Lillineau came und passed among the villages and wigwams like a i-hantom. Fair was nhe, and joung, whe» in hope began the long journey. Faded was she^ ard oldj before it ended. Each year sfole something from her beauty, leaving behind ii bi . cder and deeper the gloom and the shad w. Ttien there appeared <^)Dd spread taint streaks of gray o'er her torehead, the dawn of another life that broke oyer her earthly horizon, tts in the eastern sky. the first faint s-treaks of morning. Evangeline. — (sadly) It i"^ the vision of my own existence. Maiden. — Then 'illineaa thought she was a child againj and woed by a pbantoniy that through the* pines o'er her lather's lodgo, in the hush of the twilight, bre&thed like the evening \\ind and whispered love to the mriden till she foK lowed his green and waving pUime through the forests and nevermore leturned, ix r was seen again by her people. Evangeline, — (musingly) A breath from the region of spir- its seems to fioat in the air oi night, and I feel as if I, too, like the Indian maiden, am pursuing a phantom. Slowly over the mountains the moon rises, lighting all things with a mysterious splendor. Scene changes and discloses beautiful Landscape. Distant view of Indian village at foot of mountain. Casca.des de^ cending, with stream, crossing in front. A ^dreamy and a mystical splendor' over alL A cloud descends and at the same time a flash of lighting passes across it and thunder is heard, and the Mowas persued by an Indian Maiden is seen in mid heaven^ (hrand transfvrmation scene, (&C., t&c, 8 of ©ur lives. Christy. — Ah I Herman, you forget there has been one shadow upon our hearth and over even our lives — poor Evangeline \ EVANGELINE. 31. Herman. — Yes^ E^argelice'e life has indeed been a sad one, and a tinge ot iis blight has spread over even our paths/ but at last she has sought a reluge from the burden of her sorrows and cares, and, let us trust, is happy. OHRisyy. — Happy ! Aye] as a sister of charity here in the Convent of the Sacred Eeart,she goes from door todoor.minn istering to the warns of the dwellers in this plague-stricken city. Herman. — Aye ! a fearlul curse has lallen upon this city, hundreds of its people being daily conveyed to the church" yard. But amid all this disease and sorrow Evangeline pass- es unstricken, an angel of peace and ol mercy. Christy. — And finds hti reward in the blessings of the poor and lowly whom bhe relieves. Indeed Father LeBlance was ri^ht — afiection never was wasied. Her love lor lost Ga- brial has purifif d, sanctified her lile, and brought happiness and liie into maDy homes. HERMA>'.--See where she goes. E VAKGELiNE enters from Church as Sister of Charity. Music. Slowly crosses at hack and Exits into Alms House. Herman. — She enters the alms house, where the poor who have neither fnends nor attendants creep away to die in the home of the homeless. Christy.— There, they say, the dying look up into her face as if to behold the gleams of celestial light encircle her fore- head with eplendorj while she soltly repeats the words ot the Lord. ''Peace be with you.-" Enter Gabrial, very old and weah Gabrial. — Life weary and tottering upon the brink of the firrave^ at last I've reached the place where they say Evange- line siill lives and brea hes. Oh, iDercilul God I Thou, who tempts the wind lo the shorn lamb, uphold me now; let me not sink at the end of this weary pilgrimage, without once more clasping her in my aims — without once more gazing in- to her face — without one faiewell kiss, to make life's exit less terrible. Christy.— Who can this poor old man be? Gabrial.' — 'Twas here ihey said she dwelt, Life is but pause in the great volume of lime ] a brief period on the vast page of eternity. A breath, a gasp, and then oblivion. Hermak. — Poor old man^ he is plague stricken. 32 EVANGELINE. GABRiALi — But to die so near and yet without one last look at my beloved. heaven, it is too bitter. My brain is on fire ! my senses reel! and de^th i=> luggmgaimy heart strings! Away — away! I say; I cannot — will not die! Oh;Evangeline. GabriaL about to fall is supported by Herman and Benedict. Herman. — Poor old man, permit us to assist you. Christy, — {startled) Said he not Evangeline ? Annette. — He did. Gabrial. — 'IS o, it is useless. Already I fee! the hand of death laid heavily upon ray heart} a few minutes more, and life's jonrney, with me will be at an end. Christy, —(quckily) Evangeline — did you say Evangeline ? Gabrial. — I did. Ohy Evp*ngelioe. my beloved! Herman. — Surely you do not mean Evangeline^ the exile of Grand Pre ? Gabrial. — I do. Do you know her ? Christy. — It is Gabrial 1 Herman. — Gabrial ! ^ Christy. — Evangeline is near thee. For long years she fiomght thee and sought in vain, until at length, here in this holy convent, she ceased from wandermg and became one of God's messengers on earth, mmistering to the afflicted. Gabrial. — At last. Gabrixl sinJcs down. Herman and CnmsTY Jcneel over him. At some instant the door of the Alms House opens, and Evange- line and Le Blanc e Enter. Music. They cross to the Church kneel upon the steps, bow thsir heads and kiss crucifix : arise and about to enter. Benedict. — (who has approached them) Good Father. LeBlance. — What would you, my son ? Benedict.— Behf)ld. Evangeline and LeBlance approach Gabrial She kneels over him and takes his head in her arms, starts at recognition. Picture. Evangeline.— Oh, my God^ can it be. Gabrial! Gabrial! Father I thank Thee. Gabrial. — Evangeline! beloved Evangeline. Bless thee ! bless thee. Dies. Picture of grief LeBlance up center, standing ; all about Gabrial and Evangeline. LeBlance. — Man is unjust^ but God is just, and finally jusr tice triumphs. Lights have gradually turned down. Church becomes illuminated' and as curtain slowly descends, organ c$nd Chorus within, join in appropriate Latin HymxiL end of last act. i