Class. 'P335\ 5" Book .Qq ■ ' r^ Qd Gopyrigtel^'?.- I 9 Z Z COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THE OCTOBER BOOK Colli uihiis, a Youth of Destiny Columbus, W e^ward Ho! A DRAMATIC PRODUCTION BY ALICE MERRILL HORNE With a Preface by PROFESSOR JOSEPH B. TORONTO And Illustrations by FLORENCE WARE "Published in Utah b}f "CHE JlUTHOli -^^^^c^ .s)^;,,^^ Copyright, June 26, 1922 By ALICE MERRILL HORNE All rights reserved Application for the rights of performing this play should be made to Mrs. Geo. H. Home, Salt Lake City, Utah. Prmted in the United States of America ©C1A686379 SEP ~? r^7:> -Mo i DEDICATION TO BOYS ON DISCOVERY BENT Lyman Homer George Henry Albert Richard Bill Phil Leo David Laurence Daniel Preston Donald Fred Ned Harold Charles Clarence Alfred James Lee Montrose Ambrose Heber Waldo Hyrum Thomas Horace Joseph Hon John And every other mother's son That Old Sol shines upon; Besides that blessed "Good Old Scout," The little wise ones talk about PREFACE My dear Mrs. Home: — Your play, ''Columbus, Westward ho!" I have read now four times, and with increasing interest, and if you leave the typewritten copy with me a little longer, shall read it again be- fore I return it to you. Many plays are written that excite but little interest in the reading but depend upon the excellence of the players to carry them through, while others yield much more in the deliberate reading than can be brought out in the rapidly moving dialogue no matter how well spoken. This play does not fail in the first particu- lar, nor does the interest flag in any of the varied scenes, but rather moves forward gathering force steadily as it approaches the poetically conceived climax in the final scene. As to its fitness for the living stage, its psy- chology is so simple that our younger people whom you have mainly had in mind in writing the play, might perform it most successfully if endowed with a little imagination and his- trionic ability. The subject is so alluring that it can not fail tO' arouse enthusiasm. It abounds in opportunities for spectacular and affecting scenes, elements so essential to the success of a play. PREFACE As to the useful side, I am more convinced as I grow older, that history is mainly biography, but from a very cursory examination of some of our school histories, I fear that they have sublimated the essence and spirit of the sub- ject, and doled out to the hapless student only the calcined dross of generalization, impossible to retain and useless to apply without the con- crete facts from which they originated. Of course a play is not a formal biography, but if anything it is even better, and in full accord with the more practical ideas in vogue now, of visualizing wherever possible every form of instruction. The value of the history of the lives of great men is well illustrated in the story of the Travels and Voyages of that greatest traveler of all time, the Venetian Marco Polo. A like expedition undertaken at the present time with all the advantages that six centuries of prog- ress afford, would be considered as almost chimerical. Yet it was the publication of his wonderful experiences, at first received with incredulity in a most credulous age, that fired the imagination and ambition of men, which led to the two greatest geographical discov- eries, the route to the East around the southern extremity of Africa, and throwing open the gates to the western half of the world. We hear much in these days of a war between PREFACE England and our country as unthinkable, and mainly because we have in comimon one lan- guage and one literature. There can be no doubt but the more there is in common among men, the less are the probabilities of hostile sentiments. Most of the states of our country have set apart October 12th as a holiday, and it seems to me a lamentable oversight that the date above has not been made not only a na- tional holiday but an American holiday from Hudson's Bay to Cape Horn in honor of the great navigator w^ho first opened the gates of the New World to Europe. It would be a strong link to hold us together in amity and good-will in working out our destinies. Ignorance is the chief cause of hate among men, and anything that tends to enlarge our views and to show us what has been contributed to the common lot by the different nations of what we are pleased to call the civilized world is a valuable contribution to the peace of the world. Of the well known nations, Italy, the immediate source of our civilization, is less known than any other not only for what it was but also for what it is today and what it may be in a not far distant future. My sincere wish is that your work may meet the success which its merits deserve. Yours sincerely, J. B. Toronto. Dec. 20, 1921. CONTENTS IN THE ORDER OF PRESENTATION Dedication Preface List of Illustrations Characters Introduction to Prologue Prologue Act I Act II Epilogue ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE ORDER OF PRESENTATION Columbus, a Youth of Destiny "But always a light guides me while I sail and sail toward the land of my dreams, Cathay! Cipango! India!" Columbus with the Friars at La Rabida Isabella. Christopher Columbus, do you truly believe that the earth is round and that by sailing west from Spain the coveted Far-East will be found? Second Sailor. One Day? Have we not seen him in wild weather serenely dreaming of land while we lay des- pairing on the quaking deck ? Columbus. 'Tis seaweed ! A variety that grows only near shore. What moves on the seaweed? [They run to look, Diego hooks up a crab] The Flagship Pinta Columbus Sails on His Fourth Voyage Castile's Coat of Arms COLUMBUS. WESTWARD HO! CHARACTERS Christopher Columbus, a youth of destiny DoMENico, his father, a wool comber Susanna, his mother, a weaver Hernando ) , . ^ > his sons Diego J Diego, his friend The Sea Captain Ferdinand of Aragon, King of Spain Isabella of Castile, Queen of Spain Father de Marchena, Franciscan friar of La Rabida, and Father Superior. Luis De Santangel, treasurer of Aragon Quintinilla^ treasurer of Castile FoNSECA, Columbus' enemy at the Spanish Court Jester, fool at the Spanish Court Andreas Martin, captain of the ship which brought Columbus in chains to Spain Indians, Knights, Sailors, Ladies in Wait- ing at the Spanish Court INTRODUCTION TO PROLOGUE Come hither, Boy, a story I've to tell, — True stories children like, I know full well. Achieveiment sets both old and young agog ; — So all who would achieve, get in this dialogue. Scan up the cast, fools, doubters, true believers. Sailors before the mast, or just plain honest weavers. Gay cavaliers at court, — all in straight rows. Or painted Indians with tomahawks and bows ; Be Ferdinand, or Friar, or jeweled Queen, Or one, (just like your own) Mother, of gentle mien. Or Youth of Destiny cast in heroic mould. Who served full forty years a New World to unfold ! Each part someone must play with all his heart ; Go now and dress; and act and be the part! ''Rut ahvays a light guides me while I sail toward the land of my dreams, Cathay! Cipan- so! India r PROLOGUE [Home of Domenico and Susanna Co- lumbus in Genoa, Italy; Domenico and Christopher comb wool; Susanna is at the loom weaving; Domenico hums noisily as he works. Christopher, zvith a far-away look in his face greedily seizes the imol, cards it szviftly into shape and as he drops each fluffy bat into the basket gives a searching glance first at his father, then at the hour glass] Susanna [Aside] The sea is calling him again, and! the lure of the wharf hastens his hands. For hours he has worked without a word. How can I hope to hold my boy longer? Ah well, I will keep my peace until he speaks. Christopher The hours rush steadily even as high waves shoreward, but a great basket of wool moves slowly that must first be combed. Mother, I can't finish tonight. [Drops the carders, runs to his mother and puts both hands on her shoulders] 15 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD, HO! Susanna But there's another day coming. Christopher Mother — tomorrow — Susanna Come dear, your hands tremble; you have worked too hard of late. Rest till we sup. [Pushes him into a chair, runs to the cupboard and hustles about setting table] What have we here? A surprise? [She runs to pet him] Christopher You always have salami when a boy feels blue. Why is it, mother? How do you find out? [His arms are about her] Susanna [Looking into his eyes] Sometimes boys confide in us, but even if they do not speak, somehow mothers always know. You are sad, Christopher. Christopher Not sad. 16 PROLOGUE Susanna No? Christopher Desperate ! Susanna Desperate? Now tell me all about it. Christopher I must do something! [Runs hack to work] DoMENico [Chuckling] More industry! Wife, — the boy grows like his father. He has combed more wool in the past fortnight — Susanna Do you forget last August ? [She resumes table setting] Christopher [Aside] Last August — that was when the St. Sebastian sailed! And now I must ask again to go. Good Saints aid me! [Runs to his father] May I go to the wharf to see the Florence sail at early dawn? 17 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Susanna [sinks into the chair'] The sailors say they mil go farther down the coast of Africa than they have ever sailed be- fore. Oh how trim she will be all dressed for sailing! DoMENico [^Impatiently] Tut! Tut! What's all this? Ships again? Al- ways wharves and ships a-sailing! Susanna [Wringing her hands] I knew! I knew! DoMENico [Softly stroking the cloth in the loom] This piece of cloth is promised come next Fri- day, and you know, Christopher, I always keep my word — and — Susanna And if men kept all their promises the world would be different and happier. [Sits by the cradle and leans over the sleeping child] DoMENICO Tut ! Tut ! Son, we are a little behind, even now, with the combing. We lack — 18 PROLOGUE Susanna [Measuring zvith her apron] So much; — ^but I can't get it woven in time — my side — [Sobs] Christopher [Runs to her] Mother! That old ache — DoMENico [Sternly] Christopher ! [Rubs his zvife's face and hands, runs to the table and pours out a glass of wine; takes a little sip and holds it up to the light] Christopher That hurt so badly the day the St. Sebastian last sailed, — when the sailors said I could go too, and again the very first time the Florence left her moorings for the high seas. [DoMENico coughs dryly, and puts the wine to her lips, knowingly] Mother ! Susanna [Aside to Domenico] Have we not done our best? Let us submit. Weaving is not for Christopher. Fate claims him for the sea! 19 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Christopher [Studying his mother^ You don't look ill ! Susanna There! I'm better — I was ill. Shall the boy go? [Aside'] The hurt is deeper than either of them think ! [Pulls DoMENico's sleeve] Well? Christopher [Earnestly pleading] Don't say no, Father, I'll finish before — Susanna He can't finish by daybreak — [She holds both hands out to Christo- pher, who runs into her arms and as she draws him close she exchanges nods with Domenico over his head] Domenico Eh ? Put away wool carding. You've earned the holiday. There! Be happy! Go to the wharf ! [Slaps him playfully] Christopher Oh! Oh! Mother! [Kneels by Susanna, then embraces her] 20 PROLOGUE Susanna {Holding the hoy's chin she looks dozim into his eyes] I wish I were the sea ! Christopher The sea? Why? Susanna That I might hold you with) a spell of enchant- ment. What fascination is there in the greasy wharves ? Christopher Why? Merchants are always unloading won- derful goods from strange ports! The sailors tell such splendid tales — wild men — fights with Mussulman — pirates — [Excitement renders him breathless] Susanna Such stories frighten me ! [Outside the church bells peal six of the clock and Domenico, Susanna and Christopher all rise and say their beads. The stage darkens. Susanna gets the meal on the table and Domenico cards wool] Domenico [Coughing apologetically] Not that I fear, Christopher! Your father is 21 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! a brave man! But when we jog to market with our fine cloth, past lovely olive groves, through beautiful rose gardens, and by fields of sweet smelling carnations, happy am I that our lot is cast on land. Christopher [With gesticulation] But father. I yearn to- go to sea! I want to be a mariner ! To hoist the sails, — run up the flag, — ^climb the rigging, — keep watch in the lookout, — ^help at the wheel, — ring the two bells, — make the boat ship-shape, — shout "Land Ho!" — ^and all that! And at every launching for a long voyage I wish I were a stowaway! [DoMENico throws aside the carders and studies Christopher's face] Night after night when you and Mother think me sleeping, I lie trying to dream myself at sea! Domenico [Tenderly draws his son to his side as he sits by the cradle] Ah, Christopher, life on the sea has dangers. Though fascinating in the bay, out in the un- known waters ships must battle with wild weather; fierce winds rage; waves rise moun- tain high ; dreadful monsters follow the vessels ; frightful powers lure men and ships to their doom; but here, we are safe and can make an. 22 PROLOGUE honest living combing wool. I know of many lads^ — ^aye, brave and true — some of your own kin, who have gone to sea — but few indeed have returned to receive Christian burial. Of your own brother, Bartholomew, who went to sea when you lay in that cradle as baby Diego does tonight, only vague reports have been brought by sailors. Susanna But I have faith that Bartholomew lives and will return. [They all cross themselves^ DoMENico [Hoarsely] We can't sacrifice two sons to the sea! Susanna [Appealingly] For generations our people have been weavers. Weaving is a noble art and should remain in our household; if you loved weaving as you dream you love the sea, we could deal with princes and our fabrics would be famed. Labor born of joy become? exalted into art, then the laborer becomes greater than his hire and rises into the calling of an artist. [She runs and lights the candles] Christopher [A little stubbornly] A tall strong lad does not want to be always 23 COL UMB US, WESTWARD HO ! carding wool. Any boy can card wool, but a mariner must know lots of things. There is not so much danger as you think for the stars guide the sailors. [Runs to throzv open the window'] They use a compass which always points to the North Star, so that even in cloudy weather, in thick fog, or darkness, the sailors know which way to sail. Susanna Let the Good Father take care of the stars ! Christopher Father ! Mother ! [Draws them to the open window] See this compass Donatello lent me. [Takes something from his hosom] Now see for yourselves. [He thrusts the compass into Susanna's hand; Domenico looks over her shoulder] There is the North Star at the edge of the little cloud. Domenico [Surprised] The hand is pointing north! Susanna [Drops the compass] The thing is bewitched! {Crosses herself] 24 PROLOGUE Christopher And the sailors have charts to sail by. {Showing a chart he has just taken from the bags of wool] I have helped old Donatello make them. I'd rather make charts than weave. — Mother, there is a Far East, Cathay, Cipango, and India ! Susanna Mercy ! Christopher [Animatedly] To reach them merchants travel in caravans for safety on hump-backed animals that live for days and days without water; for bare steppes, sandy deserts, wild deep gorges must all be crossed. It takes years to go and re- turn and the travelers must be bold and brave, for they sometimes meet bands of wild men who rob and kill! [He has hunted out a book from the bags of wool and now opens it] DOMENICO Put no faith in that book. The story of Marco Polo is nothing but a fanciful lie ! Christopher [ Unconvinced] But I know a man who has been to these very cities. [Points to page after page] 25 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! He says these quaint houses have carved images of ivory and wood, hammered brass, such as that, embroidered silks and Hnens. He has seen these queer people sit upon cushions while they are served dishes spiced to tempt a king. The fruits and nuts — Do MEN I CO \_Sternly seises and throws aside the book] These things are not for us. Neither Marco Polo nor the riches of his far-away India. Think no more of them! Christopher [Restoring his book] But I cannot help thinking of them. O Father, let me go to sea! The sailors like me! They seek the far eastern countries by water around the great land of Africa. They'll take care of me. I shall come back ! Let me go ! Let me go to sail and sail ! [He holds out his arms to his father ap- pealingly] DoMENico [Weeps] Wife, what shall we do! Speak to him; plead for us! [Sinks into a chair] Susanna Not tomorrow — wait — next voyage — another year — ^my boy — 26 PROLOGUE Christopher {Steadfastly'\ They say dreams come true and I often dream myself sailing the unknown seas ; but always a light guides me while I sail and sail toward the lands of my dreams, Cathay ! Cipango ! India ! Susanna May the blessed saints guard you! Let him go, then, Doimenico^ — tomorrow ! Christopher {Runs to embrace his father and kiss his mother and the brother in the cradle] No, Mother, not tomorrow ! Now ! ! Susanna [Astonished and wondering] Tonight? — In the dark? — Alone? Christopher Not Alone! Donatello waits until this hour passes ! [Points to the hour glass, where only a few grams of sand remain] Susanna Donatello ? [Christopher motions that Donatello is outside] 27 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Your clothing — ^the cold winter sea blasts — I — [Trying to rouse herself '\ I must — Christopher Here! {Uncovers a neatly rolled bundle of cloth- ing from the bags of wool] Susanna [With a new comprehension] Christopher ! DoMENico [Helplessly, and seemingly unable to rise] He must take the lantern — I must light — [But Christopher runs to the open win- dow and reaches a lighted lantern, as if from a nail outside] Susanna [Aside] The signal! Christopher [Taking up the hour glass and for a moment watching, then reverting it] A new hour has begun! Before its sand sifts through I shall be aboard ship, on my first voyage ! [He seises his bundle, lifts the lantern high, to throw a light before him and pushes open the door, as his parents each extend a hand tozvard him in blessing as THE CURTAIN FALLS. 28 ACT THE FIRST t3 :5^ O 5^ ACT THE FIRST [About forty years have elapsed. The court of King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile in a military camp at Granada, Spain. The Spanish monarchs are driving out of their country the Mohammedan Moors, Ferdi- nand is in the field, Isabella enters with her attendants and goes to her throne. A flourish of trumpets is heard without and a courier enters] Courier [To Isabella] Your Majesty, I bring a message from the King. He yields to your request and is fol- lowing close upon my heels. [Another flourish, Ferdinand enters, greets the Queen and, followed by his escort, seats himself on his throne. His knights stand in a group near him. The Fool seats himself at Isabella's feet] Isabella My Lord, our extraordinary dispatch which summoned you hither was sent to satisfy Father Superior of La Rabida, who urged that one Christopher Columbus, a scholar and bold 31 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! adventurer, be given an opportunity to recite before our dual courts a novel and ingenious scheme for discovering the Orient by water. Ferdinand [^Greatly astonished^ We are hastily summoned from pursuing the infidel Moor on the battlefield to hear a talk concerning the mythical land ? Isabella My Lord, pray read the good Friar's letter, and glean for yourself whether our sending [she holds up the letter] for your Majesty was unwarranted. [A page carries the letter, zvhich the King reads] Attendant [To the Queen] Christopher Columbus, who was overtaken by Your Majesty's envoy, awaits. Isabella Bid him enter. [She motions to the secretaries, who take seats at a table. Columbus, follozved by a friar, enters and makes obesiance before the thrones] 32 ACT THE FIRST Isabella [Impatient to begin] Christopher Columbus, do you truly believe that the earth is round and that by sailing west from Spain the coveted Far-East will be found ? Courtiers [Aside] Stuff ! Nonsense ! Idle dreams 1 Columbus No, Your Majesty. I knozv it and I now plead for means to undertake its proof to a doubting world. Father de Marchena You are not the first to advance this theory, Columbus ? Columbus The theory is not new. Sages have talked of it for more than eighteen centuries. Era- tosthenes held that it would be possible to sail from Spain to India on the same parallel line and - that only the Atlantic's vastness would make the voyage dangerous. On the other hand, Seneca thought the distance might be so short that with favorable winds a ship could make the voyage in a few days; for he says, "There will come a time in the later years, when Ocean shall loosen the bonds by which 33 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! she has been confined, when an immense land shall lie revealed ; and Tethys shall disclose new worlds and Thule no longer shall be the most rejmote of countries." Courtier [Aside] He believes/ his own foolish words ! Ha ! Ha ! Columbus Strabo suggests the possibility of a new inhab- ited world or even more than one. [Several courtiers cough dryly] Aristotle proved to his own satisfaction by observations during eclipses and in other ways that the earth is round. Phil- osophers have foretold it. Homer sang of it, and upon it Italy's sweet singer, Dante, bases his "Divine Comedy." Robert Bacon's ideas confirm my views. Learned men of our own time believe in the earth's rotundity. By the ignorant alone, is it discredited. [The Spanish courtiers have been nodding wisely, winking, shrugging their shoulders, chuckling among themselves, poking each other jocosely, hut they now break out in open ridicule] First Courtier Ha! Ha! His foolish impudence! 34 ACT THE FIRST Second Courtier An educated crank! Third Courtier A begging sailor! Fourth Courtier A foolhardy mariner! Fifth Courtier Why not call a madman a madman? Ferdinand Cathay may lie west of Europe but is not the distance too great for navigation? Father de Marchena I know that two travelers, Franciscan monks, have discovered that Asia has an end; they describe Cathay as bordering upon an eastern ocean just as Europe is washed by a western ocean — Columbus [Breaking in] Are not these one and the same sea? By sail- ing westerly from Spain, Cathay will be found. 35 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Jester Why should a monkey monkey more if the monks have already located the public bathing place ? [Nods wisely. Courtiers giggle] Fourth Courtier But Spain is dry and we need public baths. Columbus Could aught overshadow Spain's advantage should she shorten the route to the orient ? Isabella Nothing ! Ferdinand Nothing! Jester Now, Courtiers — ^chorus — [Waving a baton which he has struck on his foot] Courtiers Nothing! Nothing! [They repeat together] Nothing ! ! Columbus By land it is proved impossible! Though the caravan fails, the caravel may not ! Would you 36 ACT THE FIRST wrest Venice's commerce from her brilliant merchantmen? Then make the attempt! Shall the active sea-faring Portuguese snatch all the laurels of discovery? Then fit out three cara- vels. Prince Henry, the Navigator, has proved this quest is not around the coast of Africa. Lo! Toscanelli points west — west. — I know it is west!! Jester West — west — [Points] I know that is west, yon is south, at my back is north, and the wind "blows from the east. Columbus West let me sail, to the stately cities of the east, with their gardens of rare flowers, their pavilions of marble and jasper and busy wharves, where at this very moment ships are loading marvelous spices and costly perfumes. Jester [Waving a baton] Pianissimo — w e s t — crescendo — west — allegro — west — west. Now graceful and very slow — w-e-s-t. First Courtier [Tossing up a coin] A maravedi for the best rhyme to suit the oc- casion — [They appear to summon the aid of the Muse] 37 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Isabella Why have not other navigators set out to test this thousand-year-old-theory ? Ferdinand The venture is too^ great. ' FONSECA The Sea of Darkness forbids hunting India in a boat — First Courtier In one end the sea boils ! Second Courtier Monsters swim in the deep — Third Courtier There's the v^orld's edge, — a drop over that would make an ending indeed for a philosopher. Jester [Sings^ West ! West ! West ! Lo! Toscanelli points west. Turn this ear to the south And open your mouth, Your red nose will be pointing west, 33 ACT THE FIRST [Aside] That maravedi [pretends to pocket it] Thanks! [Courtiers applaud] One adventure and an achievement ! Columbus The eclipse of the moon, the altitude of the stars at different latitudes, prove that the earth is round, and therefore has no end over which either a fool or a philosopher may tumble. FONSECA Does the rain fall up? [Pointing dozvn] There they walk on heads with ease ! Ha ! Ha ! All of the Courtiers Te! He! He! Jester West! West! West! Columbus has west in his crest! At the bottom of Spain Up falleth the rain, — So everybody sail West ! [He turns a courtier upside down in a china vase] A safe way of finding the bottom of China. [Laughter] West! West! West! How his heart flutters under his vest ! Reverse then your head. Turn your toes up instead, So everybody sail west! 39 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! [The Courtier emerges from the vase rubbing his head] Courtier I made a great hit and the bottom of China fell out ! FONSECA [Picks up an egg from the banquet table and hands it to Columbus] Pray tell where is Spain, Cipango and India? And — ah — just how would you sail to — India? A — hem! Round things roll. [He lays the egg on the table and att em.pt s to make it stand] So clever a philosopher could undoubtedly make an tgg to stand on end. Columbus [Blandly'] Any one of you could do it. [They crowd around the table; each one tries to make an egg stand, but fails] Look! [Cracks the egg lightly on the table. It stands. The Friar, Queen and King ap- plaud] Courtiers [Chagrined] We could all have done it that way. [They imitate Columbus and leave a row of eggs standing on the table] 40 ?2 "^ 1 o -e "^ ~ ^ o S ev.. "^ -c.^ ■+^ -r^ ACT THE FIRST Columbus Have I done easily the thing you thought im- possible? So will I show you how to sail to India ! As a boy on the wharves at Genoa I discovered that an incoming ship showed the top of its mast first, and that the hull of the outgoing vessel dropped first from sight. Jester [Illustrating on an egg'\ The farther away she sailed the lower the hull dropped. The closer she drew, the higher the masts rose; and here I am around the world and home again! [Their Majesties, Friar and Treasurers applaud] Isabella It is reasonable, Columbus, name your needs. Columbus Three caravels — Ferdinand We are, indeed, entertained, but have no means to invest in ships to hunt a water route to India. Courtiers Water route to India ! Te ! He ! He ! [Slyly nudging each other] 41 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Jester West! West! West! Our laurels Prince Henry shall wrest ! On the oar let us soar, Throug-h the wide western door Till we meet with the blest — or unblest — [Pointing] Down below will be found what is west. Isabella Have you sought assistance from our brothers of France, Portugal and England? Columbus Alas, yes. They laughed at my plans. [Courtiers snicker'] FoNSECA [Wilfully misquoting] Laughed at him for his pains. [They laugh roundly] Isabella Can you laugh at so wise a philosopher? I would, oh so gladly, aid him^ — Columbus [Joyfully'] Ah!— Isabella [5*^^/3;] Were it not impossible! Columbus [Suddenly fearful] There is no such word as impossible ! 42 ACT THE FIRST Isabella Columbus — we are at war. We face debt, famine, and if not victory, then annihilation. Affairs of State consume us. That is the sole reason of your having asked vainly for a suf- ficient hearing, — ^but the cause is worthy — [Paces up and dozvn] Columbus [Aside] Heaven help me now! [Rapidly appealing first to one, then an- other'] For years I have vainly sought aid — this is my last hope^ — I can not give it up. [Kneeling to Ferdinand] I could make you earth's great- est potentate! Isabella Is there no way, Ferdinand? [He firmly shakes his head] Quintinilla, can Castile float a further loan ? QuiNTiNiLLA [Doubtfully] I wish she might. [They look over papers] Isabella [Almost despairingly] Luis de Santangel, could Aragon make further loan ? Luis de Santangel Your Majesty, we wait to take our next mara- 43 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! vedi from the infidel Moor for we have bor- rowed to the limit ! Columbus Were India reached by water — Spain would become the highway between the Occident and the Orient — the wealth of both would flow in- to her coffers. Jester {Coughing] Coughers^ — ^Cough — Coffins, I say. [Laughter'] Ferdinand A tempter could not more coanpletely captivate our senses nor convince our reason against all good judgment. [Turns aside as if to hide the thought of the Far East from himself] Columbus [Narrowly watching Ferdinand] What I discover shall be Spanish discoveries. — [A pause] All eyes would be upon Spain. — [He pauses again] The ages have foretold it! — [A tense pause] By fitting out three cara- vels, Spain could !be the means of its accom- plishment ! Ferdinand [Coldly] We have business of greater consequence to 44 ACT THE FIRST Spain and Christianity. If we drive out the infidel Moor, and thereby unite all Christian kingdoms we hope to win God's favor. Jester If only Columbus sails west This land will vast riches infest. [A Courtier turns him upside down in the vase'\ Columbus [With fervor'] But consider where I would place Spain. Su- preme in Europe — Nay, the first world power ! This is no idle dream. Hath not God given me the hope and the resolution to find Asia by a water route? The blessed faith of Jesus may then be carried to untold millions of unbeliev- ers. [The Friar and Isabella cross them- selves'] Friar and Isabella [Fervently^ Amen ! Amen ! Jester [Emerging from the vase] Then no foes will molest, All the heathens be blest. If only we'll turn our eyes west ! 45 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Columbus Should not their souls be saved from everlast- ing perdition? [Isabella and Father de Marchena again cross themselves^ Ferdinand [Finally, and with his hack still turned on Columbus] Go! Tempter, go! Courtiers Adieu at last. \^Kissing fingers] Isabella How poor is a Queen ! [She takes off her crown, holding it in both hands. As she looks at it slowly an idea unfolds] Columbus [Aside] Be not overcome! Remember the words the Comforter burned in thy soul as thou didst lie sick and forgotten near Belem. "God will cause thy name to be greatly resounded through the whole earth, and will give unto thee the keys of the Gates of the West, which are closed with strong chains." — What thought 46 ACT THE FIRST lights Isabella's face ? She turns her crown in her hand as if it were a world, [Even the Courtiers now watch the QuEEN^ while Columbus like a statue of Fate waits for her next zvords^ Isabella These gems shame my wit. Gladly I give this man-made bauble for a multitude of God- given crowns of salvation. The way is found, Quintinilla. These gems shall light Columbus across the Sea of Darkness! [To the Treasur- ers] Seek the markets of Madrid — [She is un- clasping chains and bracelets] and sell enough of my jewels to buy and fit out three caravels. The blue diamond — [She turns to confer further with the Treasurers] Jester Three caraways in a cake. Alas! Isabella Man and provision — FONSECA Man? Man with fools? — For sure death? 47 COL UMB US, WESTWARD HO ! Father de Marchena Let the dungeons open, that men's crimes may be forgot in a marvelous work and a wonder ! Jester A-boating ! A-floating ! [Drops tears which he pretends to catch and throw a^way] West! West I West ! The West shall our jailbirds infest ; Should the winds never blow With light oars we will row, Just to feather Spain's little bare nest ! Isabella Christopher Columbus, at our command pursue thy quest. Remember Isabella andi Spanish su- premacy! [Gives him the jezvels] I shall not mourn for these — I'd rather wear pearls from the unknown seas and precious gems from India ! THE CURTAIN FALLS. 48 ACT THE SECOND '^ ^<^. ^ '•5 l-J r£ie ^ ">.. r-, <^ t3 S "a B '-S K^ ^ e 6 ::2 =i § ^ "^ — =: • .^ o •*_ ^ r^ =: bfl O f^ * ""^ Si '^ -^•g b;0 -?^ ^— t S-i '-0 ACT THE SECOND SCENE I [Columbus and sailors are aboard the flagship, Pint a, with Columbus in com- mand. The caravels Santa Maria and Nina are seen in the distance. It is twelve of the clock Friday, October tzvelfth, 1492, Columbus at starboard zuatches the ivest. A group of sailors huddle in the centre of the stage staring at the hour glass^ First Sailor [As the last grains of sand fall] Once more the midnight hour passes! [He re- verses the hour glass] What more dreadful plight cam this unlucky Friday bring ? Second Sailor We left Palos a-Friday. Third Sailor [Suddenly waking from his sleep on deck, he rolls over and over, coming up on his elbows madly staring] A monstrous dream! Ha! Would to God I could wake to find myself safe in prison at Palos! 51 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Fourth Sailor Nights of torture — days of unending desert of sea. — We are under a spell of enchantment ! \^They sink down and moan and cross themselves] Pilot [Enters from starboard, staggering] Sailors, [Holding high the compass] The hand no longer points north ! [They run in terror to see for themselves and then groan in despair. The sailors following the pilot ntdke threatening gestures at Columbus^ who watches for signs of land] Second Sailor If land is not seen today — [They mumble threateningly together and point at Columbus] Diego [Shrugging his shoulders] Utter madness ! Who would start home a- Fri- day ! No ! Let us bear this one day longer. Second Sailor One day? Have we not seen him in wild weather serenely dreaming of land while we lay despairing on the quaking deck? He will never forsake his quest! 52 ACT THE SECOND [Second Sailor draws out a knife and tests its point] All His life! First Sailor Push him overboard and say he fell ! Diego A dead man can't — ^take us back — Bethink you — none but he knows the ship's course. [With whisper and threatening gestures they plot a mutiny] Columbus [Musing] Prophetic signs everywhere! On the water! In the air! In my heart! Hasten, dawn! Pa- tience, last one more hour ! First Sailor [Suddenly leading a mutiny] You've got to turn back ! Columbus Turn back ? Never ! Cowards turn back ! ! Second Sailor Dreamer of sea-weed and land — die! [Rushing toward him] 53 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Columbus Cowards ! Stand back ! {He quells them] 'Tis the hour of victory ! All [In derision] Victory! Victory! Victory! Columbus See^ — signs of land! [Points] Shoals appear. India lies ahead ! Land ! Land ! All [Mocking] Land ! Land ! It's always land ! [They creep toward him again, bent on harm] Columbus What is yon dark spot in the rigging? [They peer above] Diego Only a bird — ^a living bird ! All A-^bird— [They question each other, point up and pinch themselves to make sure they are awake] 54 ACT THE SECOND Columbus [Mockingly] You said ''a bird" — Diid it fly from Spain? [Laughs, They wonder and stare] Now, look at larboard! [They hesitatingly go in little groups to the ship's side to peer out] Sailors What? Where? [Amazed] Herons? Ducks? Columbus Did you say ''herons and ducks" — and paddled all the way from Spain? [They marvel] Fifth Sailor [Running from starboard] The sea is green ! — suddenly green ! [He drags two sailors hack to look — they appear almost paralyzed with surprise. They pinch themselves] Columbus 'Tis seaweed ! A variety that grows only near shore. What moves on the seaweed? [They run to look. Diego hooks up a crab] All Crabs ? Birds ? Seaweed ? [Not believing their senses they turn first to one then another] 55 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Columbus Say you from Palos? * Third Sailor ^Suspiciously^ Curse you if you put them overboard ! If you fool us again — Columbus Quick! Yonder floats — [Diego hooks up a green dripping wet branch. They pluck off the green leases zvhich they examine amasedly] Columbus It seems to be summer in India ! Fourth Sailor See! [Runs in zvith a carved stick] Columbus Who carved that ? All None but a human hand ! Columbus Columbus [Shaking a sack of money] Ten thousand maravedies for him who first sights land ! Who will win the Queen's prize ? 56 Columbus! 'Tis scaivced! A variety that grozm only near shore. What moves on the seazvced? [They run to look. Diego hooks up a crab] ACT THE SECOND Diego [Turns a hand springs throws up caps snatched from sailors' heads] For the last time I'll to the rigging to look for land! Other Sailors [Throzving up caps and shouting] And I ! I ! I ! [A fezv more sailors though hesitatingly. nozv climb the rigging. A little group still stands at larboard zvhisperingj sulking. plotting together] First Sailor [Among the plotters] Despair has been mine for days — but once more I shall trust this strange man — I'll fol- low Diego. [Climbs] Third and Fourth Sailors [From among the plotters embrace each other joyfully and follozAf] I! I! [The other plotters gradually shozv inter- est but remain stubbornly zvatching] First Sailor [From the rigging] I see faint streaks of the dawn. Morning will presently break to show us if we are mad ! ! Columbus [Again zvatching] Ho! Yonder is a new star! No 'tis too large 57 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! for a star! It glimmers like a light in the hand of a man running on shore! Diego my eyes utterly fail, — look well — ^and tell me what lies ahead. [In the gray of dawn all on hoard, save Columbus,, who waits with bared, bowed head, stand in the tensest attitudes watch- ing for the first sight of land] Diego [From the rigging] Dawn is breaking, but I see nothing — [A pause] Nothing but a faint, — long, — gray, — cloud on the horizon^ — in the west — Columbus [Starts and falls on his knees] "Horizon — in the west." [A long tense pause] Fourth Sailor Land ho! [A shot is heard from the Nina near by] Sailors [In the wildest joy] Land ho! Land! Land! It is true! It is there ! Land ! Now God be praised ! [They all point west as they ''joyfully shout; the group of plotters prostrate themselves before Columbus] Columbus India at last. THE CURTAIN FALLS. 58 ACT THE SECOND— SCENE II ACT THE SECOND SCENE II [About nine months have elapsed. The curtain rises on the Spanish Court at Bar- celona with King Ferdinand oftid Queen Isabella on their thrones. Spanish courtiers and ladies-in-waiting wave ban- ners and the Spanish colors as Christo- pher Columbus enters in a triumphal pageant. Columbus is preceded 'by a group of picturesque and most fantastic Red-men decked out with war paint, beads, feathers, furs, and ornaments of gold. They carry with impressive dignity huge bows and arrows, tomahawks and war clubs. The Red-men are closely followed by the court Jester arrayed in the gay- est Indian trappings. The Jester loses no opportunity to attract attention to him- self nor to create a laugh. He takes his wonted seat at Isabella's feet. Next comes Columbus, flanked on both sides with brilliantly dressed Portuguese and Spanish cavaliers, who render the discov- erer their respect and homage. Following them enters Columbus' son, Diego, and behind him six stalwart youths march singly, bearing trays of fruits and nuts. Diego carries an herbarium of the flora of the newly discovered islands. They kneel 61 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! before the thrones with their gifts. Be- hind them six fair maidens come, also singly, with stuffed birds of beautiful plumage on their shoulders. They carry baskets wrought from twigs containing rare ferns and flowering plants brought by Columbus. The maidens kneel with their gifts] All Long live Isabella! Long live Ferdinand! Long live Columbus ! [Columbus kneels but the M anarchs gra- ciously raise him and motion him to a seat before them] Isabella Welcome, Columbus! [Touching him with her scepter] Receive the title, "Great Admiral of the Ocean and Governor General of the Islands and the continents of Asia and of the Indies." Ferdinand [Reaching toward him his scepter] We bestow upon you the title "The Admiral," which shall be inherited by your descendants. Isabella Come hither, Diego. [The boy kneels] You are appointed page to our son, Prince Juan. 62 ACT THE SECOND \^To Columbus] Speak of your discoveries and be seated, while we listen. Columbus [^Takes the proffered seat and after a dra- matic pause in zvhich all turn to him almost with hated breath he begins^ My Lords — how may I find words! [A pause] Since my early youth I have been a mariner. I have sailed to every port known to naviga- tion. To navigate the seas one must investigate the secrets of this world. I have studied all that is writ on cosmography, history and phil- osophy. I have dealt and talked with the learned, both laymen and ecclestiastics ; with Greek, Latin, Jew, Moor and Christian. Our Lord, whose hand in this affair, I palpably see, has led me. He filled me with the dream that I should sail to discover India; He kindled in imy heart a burning desire to accomplish it! Urged by this fire, for eighteen years I wan- dered from court to court begging aid. Every- one who heard my project laughed me to scorn. Neither my knowledge of the sciences, nor their intrinsic authority availed. My last hope found its fruition. Was it not in the great plan that Spain should bring the West to the East ? Who doubts that this light came to your Majesty as it had come to me from the 63 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Comforter? Was it not that same light which constantly urged jme on and that is still hasten- ing my steps? The Western gates are un- locked, not opened ! Again I would sail — {Applause. He is unable to continue and gives way to tears'] Ferdinand [Grandly] Great Admiral ! Following so closely our con- quest of Granada, we look upon your marvel- ous discoveries as a mark of Divine favor for our achievement in the cause of Christianity. Your preservation through raging tempests, your letters promptly sent us from Portugal, your presence today with these Red-men, — our children, the birds of rare plumage, the new and strange plants, are good harbingers of what is stored for Spain in our new pwDsses- sions. Queen Isabella made this possible — \^A pause] Only Isabella would give her favorite gems — her blue diamonds — for so costly an adventure. [They all rise and wave banners] All [Acclaiming] Isabella ! Isabella ! Ferdinand Father Superior, you deserve our reverence for your part in this achievement. 64 ACT THE SECOND Father Superior [Bowing low] Your Majesties, since "The Admiral" brought these noble Red-men to Spain, I have looked into their faces, studied their ways, and I want them for my brothers. The Holy Father at Rome has by special dispensation given me this. [Touching his breast] Would it be in keeping to give unto them, this never-to-be- forgotten-day, the message of this Holy Book ? [The King and Queen bow assent, Fer- dinand beckons the Indians^ who proudly step forzvard] I have for you a gift, precious above all gifts, which I shall prepare you to some day re- ceive — It is the Good Book ! Indians The Good Book? [Father Superior gently leads them aside where they all sit on the floor as they listen intently to the Friar] Ferdinand [Rising] Good Knights, the Admiral's closing words were — "Again I would sail!" What shall be your response? Shall adventure cease? 65 COLUMBUS, WESTWARD HO! Hidalgo No! No! A second voyage — Aye! Aye! Aye! Ferdinand Christopher Columbus, we do command your presence early in September, to sail with four- teen caravels, two ships of heavy burden and fifteen hundred selected followers. Who craves a place in the fleet with this Italian follower of the light? HiDALGOES [Wildly^ I! I! I! Columbus God be praised! Ferdinand On your knees, one and all! Give thanks to God for His good and perfect gifts and His mercy which endureth forever! [They all raise clasped hands and chant the ''Te Deiim" as THE CURTAIN FALLS. 66 The Flagship Piiita ACT THE SECOND— SCENE III