c Yale University Library Qjpirit Geor^^.3dkr 39002005433868 / Ll I L a f^r,.- . ¦^iffSisi "I give ihefe. Booki 1; for. pie fivindin^ of a- Collide m, ihtir Colony" Bought with the income of the Larned Fund PILGRIM TERCENTENARY COMMISSION r Louis K. Liggett, Chairman Arthur Lord Milton Reed George H. Lyman Charles S. Barnes Master of the Pageant George P. Baker Assistants Virginia Tanner, in charge of the dances J. W. D. Seymour Conductor ol the Orchestra Chalmers Clifton assisted by Stanislao Gallo Director of Chorus George W. Dunham Lighting Munroe R. Pe-^ear Costumes Designed by Rollo Peters Mrs. Carr, in charge of the making Technical Director of Properties Michael C. Carr PLYMOUTH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE W. E. C. Nazro, Chairman Miss Helen Finney, Secretary Miss Rose Briggs Mrs. Arthur Lord Alfred P. Richards Mrs. Henry Wi. Royal Mr. Philip Stegmeier Michael D. Welsh Mrs. Sarah Wood Costume Committee Mrs. Woods, Chairman Master of Properties Vincent Dowling r PLYMOUTH COMMITTEE ON CHORUS Rev. C. F. Andrews John Beever Edward Belcher Mrs. Bennett Sheriff Blake Miss Mabel Bodell Wilfred O. Broadbent Mrs. Fred Brown Miss Laura Brown Richard Brown John Courtney John Damon Frank Daniels Mrs. Delano Eugene H. Dorr G. Webster Dyer Geno Givvanetti Charles Grandi Dr. Hayward Robert Holmes Thomas Lunt Rev. Charles P. Marshall Miss Cecelia Park Mrs. Paul Peterson Miss Mary Pimental Miss Elizabeth Saunders Dr. Shaw Mrs. Ella S. Stevens Miss Mary Trow Rev. Arthur Whitney THE PILGRIM SPIRIT A PAGEANT IN CELEBRATION OF THE TERCENTENARY OF THE LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS AT PLYMOUTH, MASS., DECEMBER 21, 1620 "I am very confident the Lord has more truth and light to break forth out of his holy word. It is not possible that full per fection of knowledge should break forth at once." John Robinson MUSIC specially composed by GEORGE W. CHADWICK CHALMERS CLIFTON, F. S. CONVERSE, ARTHUR FOOTE, EDWARD BURLINGAME HILL, HENRY F. GILBERT, EDGAR STILLMAN-KELLEY, LEE SOWERBY and JOHN POWELL VERSE by ROBERT FROST, HERMANN HAGEDORN, JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY, and EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON ST. HELEN'S CHURCH Austerfield, inhere Wtlllam Bradford luas baptized THE PILGRIM SPIRIT A PAGEANT IN CELEBRATION OF THE TERCENTENARY OF THE LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS AT PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS DECEMBER 21, 1620 WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY GEORGE P. BAKER forthe" PILGRIM TERCENTENARY COMMISSION OF MASSACHUSETTS ACTED AND SUNG BY THE PEOPLE OF PLYMOUTH, KINGSTON, DUXBURY AND MARSHFIELD JULY 13, 14, 15, 16, 30, AUGUST 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 1921, IN THE STATE RESERVATION BY PLYMOUTH ROCK MARSHALL JONES COMPANY BOSTON COPYRIGHT, 1921 BY MARSHALL JONES COMPANY ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRINTED IN U. S. A. THE PROLOGUE As the Pageant begins, there is a fanfare of trumpets passing to a hymn-like chord. From the canopied rock a rich, powerful voice speaks. The speaker is unseen. I, the rock of Plymouth, speak to you, Americans. Here I rested in the ooze From the ages primordial. Men came and went: Norsemen, Seamen of England, voyagers of France, Dutch ad venturers ; Over and round me The Indians worked, played, lived. I was a rock of millions along the shore. Waiting, — for what ? Came pestilence, sweeping the Indians from the land. Not one remaining here at Patuxet, Accomack. Cap St. Louis, New England, as the Indian, the French, Prince Charles of England called this spot. Around me the cleared fields waiting. The bay swarming with fish, The woods full of game, all waiting. I, too, waiting, for what? In England, growing, the spirit of man. Freed by his Bible, read in his home. Studied with passion. Out of the Church of England — a Puritan. S THE PILGRIM SPIRIT Out of the Puritan, Separatists — of London, Of Scrooby, of Sturton, of England, Seeking freedom of thought, of living by truth. Out of the Separatists, driven from England, The Pilgrim. England, stern mother, refuses him. Holland the foster mother, he leaves, still searching his freedom. Sails westward, and comes to me, — By chance, by choice, who knows? To me the Pilgrims come, on me they stand, As one by one they land. Here they will work out their salvation. For this have I been waiting, waiting. Of me, the rock in the ooze, they have made a corner stone of the Republic, THE PRELUDE Music by Henry F. Gilbert EPISODE ONE PILGRIM ADVENTURERS THEY that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters. PSALM CVII, 23 EPISODE ONE SCENE I The Norsemen This and the folloimng five tableaux are to he played in pantomime to music by Henry F. Gilbert. Ten canoes, with three Indians in each, come from the direction of the Rock. Quickly an Indian in the first canoe, seeing something off left on the water, ap pears greatly frightened. All flee. Nine Indians who have come on from the left carrying their canoes take fright also. They drop out of sight beneath their canoes. From the right comes a Norse galley, her men on deck, the Norse pennant flying, and Thor wald in the prow. The ship quickly makes a landing. As the men file off, led by Thorwald, he sees the three mounds made by the canoes. He breaks his men into three groups. These move on the mounds. On their approach, the Indians rise from two of the canoes and attempt to flee. The Norse uncover the third, where the men are too terrified at first to move. Gen eral fighting. All but two of the Indians are killed. One is captured, one escapes. Taking the canoes as trophies high on their shoulders, the men turn back to the ship. As they pass on board, one of the watchers in the prow signals danger. He has seen the Indian 9 IO THE PILGRIM SPIRIT canoes returning. Up go the shields around the deck's edge, like a wall. In goes the gang plank. The In dians, approaching, let fly a shower of arrows. Silently the mysterious ship moves toward them. They break and flee. Cautiously the wall of shields is lowered. Thorwald is evidently in distress. In pantomime he shows his wound to the death. He points toward the Gurnet as he falls into the arms of his men. Again the wall of shields goes up around the ship. Silently, with Thorwald's body held high on locked shields, the Galley goes out toward the Gurnet, SCENE II Tableau: Martin Pring — 1603 Behind the tableau three men in sea-faring costume of the time hold outstretched an English flag bearing the words: "Martin Pring — Patuxet — 1603." As the lights go up, some of Pring's men are gathered about a youth playing on a gittern. Pring and his companion, Salterne, each of whom holds a mastiff in leash, head two other groups of Englishmen who are listening to the player. Out of the darkness enter Indians, as if lured by the music. One goes to the circle and, offering a pipe, gesticulates that he wishes to dance. Others, coming up, offer, as the English youth hesitates, long snake skin girdles or fawn skins which they wear. The gittern THE PILGRIM SPIRIT II player steps out. With him as a center, the Indians dance something half comic in the attempt to keep time to English music. They hold their arms within the circle or gesticulate. If one falls out, they beat him. As the dancing grows swifter, the dogs spring forward on their leashes. The Indians, with every sign of terror, flee. The English laugh silently. The startled gittern player, stopping, laughs as he goes to them. The lights fade. SCENE III Tableau: Champlain — July 19, 1605 Behind this scene stand three sailors with the French flag, bearing: "Sieur de Champlain — Cap. St. Louis, 1605." The lights, shifting, reveal Champlain and his men examining a great haul of codfish which two Indians are carrying. Other Indians are showing the hooks and lines with which they catch fish, and gesticulating that the harbor is full of them. For some gifts, in cluding a rosary or two, Champlain buys fish for his men. Noting the growing corn, he asks about it. The Indians take from a cache in the ground grass bags of the corn and dropping it from hand to hand, show that it may be ground and eaten: this in pan tomime. They give Champlain a cake to eat. He likes it, but not greatly. He buys some corn. He is 12 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT more interested in the turkeys and grain offered and bought. Heavily laden with provender, his men move toward the shore. The lights fade. Plenty is the note here. SCENE IV Tableau: Admiral Blok — Spring — 1614 Behind this tableau will stand three male figures in Dutch mariners' or soldiers' dress of the time. They keep stretched a huge Dutch flag of the time, bearing the inscription: "Admiral Blok — 1614." They re main statuesque till the completion of the tableau. The lights reveal a circle of Dutchmen sitting and standing, some smoking long pipes. They are watching a genuine Indian dance. As the Indians work to a climax and are about to pause, the Dutch applaud. The lights go out. SCENE V Tableau: Captain John Smith — Spring — 1614 Behind this scene is stretched an English flag of the time, bearing in large letters the inscription: "John Smith — Accomack — 1614." Three English sailors of the period hold it. By the water's edge two men guard a small open boat of Smith. He and four of his men are bartering with the Indians for furs. Two of the men stand. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 13 one to right, one to left, apparently watching the barter ing but really on guard for any treachery. Two of Smith's men are placing skins already bought in small hogsheads. There are some forty Indians, mostly males, but a few squaws. As the lights go up the bartering is at its height. Beaver skins in bundles and loose are on the ground. On one or two such piles sit Indians. Others carry or wear skins, especially of the better sort, such as mink or otter. Smith is just finishing a bargain with a leader of the Indians for a bale of beaver. He has exchanged for it blankets and coarse rugs. The beaver skins are handed to the men who pack them in the hogsheads. One of them who has been moving about calls Smith's attention to a fine skin an Indian is wearing. He attempts to lift it to show Smith. Resentment of Indian. Quick combined fear and re sentment of group; trouble threatens. The English stiffen to attention, but Smith goes among the Indians, bearing a bright brass kettle and a blanket striking in color. He holds them out persuasively, adding several strings of beads. Smith smiles. The Indian hesitates. Smith drapes the blanket on himself. The Indian yields, and takes off the skin — a beautiful black fox. Then begins an orgy of selling, the Indians stripping off their furs and even following the English to the boat as the latter roll the hogsheads to the water's edge. The Indians stand decked in their new glories as the lights close in. 14 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT SCENE VI Tableau: Thomas Hunt — 1615 Three English sailors hold outstretched at back of Pageant Field an English flag bearing the words: "Thomas Hunt — Patuxet — 1615." Hunt appears at right, evidently scouting. After looking well about him he beckons. Quickly in single file, his men enter. He motions them to ambush behind shrubs, and as if hearing something, hides him self. A group of twelve Indians, among them Tis- quantum, enter from the right, by Town Brook, laden with pelts and fishing apparatus. Two carry a canoe on their shoulders. Wholly unsuspicious, they gather in a group to make ready for the day's fishing. Their weapons are laid aside. Hunt rises, and at his signal his men are upon the Indians. Some try to flee. One or two stagger off fatally wounded. Most are captured and bound. Gagged, they are forced toward the edge of the water, where a boat has appeared. As the group disappears, the despairing figure of Tis- quantum, bound and struggling, is brought into re lief. SCENE VII The Pestilence — 161 8 Special Music by Henry F. Gilbert As the lights close on the Hunt tableau, there is darkness for 15 seconds. Then for 45 seconds the THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 1 5 lights come on slowly, to reveal, where there have been activity and plenty in the preceding scenes, an abso lutely empty space. SCENE VIII Spring — 1619 A group of ten Englishmen, heavily laden with provender, enter rapidly at right in single file. Midway walks Captain Thomas Dermer, talking earnestly with an Indian, Samoset. Close behind, as if ab sorbed in his own thoughts, walks another Indian, Tis quantum. As the dialogue begins, the sailors pass Dermer and Samoset. Going near the water's edge, they drop their burdens, to look off as if watching for a boat. Tisquantum passes Dermer and Samoset to center of Field, where he stands looking off across the harbor, deep in gloomy thought. dermer {To Samoset): Massasoit and Quadaquina treacherous ! samoset {He speaks English less well than Tisquantum, and brokenly ) They would kill you, Cap'n Dermer — all {with gesture toward men). He {pointing to Tis quantum) say no. dermer But, Samoset, when I sent for Massasoit to meet me, he came forthwith, and his brother Quadaquina, l6 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT with sixty warriors. He gave us kindly entertainment. He treacherous! Surely, no! samoset He thinks you come like other Englishmen. Captain Hunt — ^here — five years ago — he kill {with gesture to other Indian) Tisquantum's friends. He make him slave. dermer But Hunt was only one. We — samoset They remember the English captain who ask the Indians aboard his ship, then shoot them with a cannon — every one — and laugh at those who watch him from the shore. DERMER But Samoset^ j'ou know that I — samoset Massasoit and Quadaquina hate your people. English have done much wrong here. They see you English, with many guns, so they would kill. DERMER {Turning quickly) Tisquantum! {The figure is too absorbed to hear.) Tisquantum! {Slowly the Indian turns) Would Massasoit and Quad aquina have slain us, had you not withstood them? THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 17 tisquantum Why question? You are all here. dermer Nay, answer me! tisquantum {After a pause) Yes! DERMER Why? tisquantum Massasoit said all white men cheat, steal, slay the Indian. He would live at peace, but he must strike first. DERMER How did you prevent him ? SAMOSET {As TiSQAUNTUM hesitates) : He say you not like Captain Hunt. You have been friend to him — and me. You kind man. While you sleep, he talk one hour, two hour, yes three! Then they say — this time they will not kill you. DERMER This is true? tisquantum {Unwillingly) Yes. iS THE PILGRIM SPIRIT DERMER {With an amused, ironic laugh) So what I thought a very friendly meeting would, except for you, have been a massacre. (Tisquantum shrugs silently.) samoset You not understand Indian. Treat him well: he do same to you. You cheat, lie, steal, kill: he re member. Wait, and wait — seem friend, yes! But long time after he strike. He never forget. DERMER {Holding out his hand to Tisquantum) Come, we will but look to the southward for the mines of gold I am sent to seek. Thereafter we will back to Mon- hegan, where our vessel waits us — Samoset, you, and I. Come where you have friends. tisquantum No. I stay here. DERMER S.\M0SET goes with me. tisquantum {With much feeling) : Here, just here, four years ago, a man of your people killed mine, and made others of us captive. Since then I have seen many men ; good and evil — in Spain where he sold us as slaves ; in Spain where the good friars saved me and others from slavery, helping us to England; in London where Master Slaney^ keeping me in his house, taught me many THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 1 9 things, even the English that I speak, and at the last sent me back to Newfoundland. But always, every where I have wished to be back here with my people. DERMER {Kindly) : But the fields lie untouched. All your people are dead. tisquantum Far away to the north Indians told me the Great Manitou had put his curse upon them — my good people ! DERMER The pestilence. {Pause) Come, Tisquantum, there is naught for you here. samoset Come! {They stand on both sides, urging him.) tisquantum No. I stay here. dermer Alone? tisquantum These fields I know — these woods. {With a gesture). With what I remember I shall not be alone. samoset We come back in two — three weeks. You here. We take you to Monhegan. DERMER Yea, join us then. 20 the pilgrim spirit tisquantum Nay, I will not go to Monhegan. dermer You love the place well. Faith {as he looks about) 'tis a pleasant spot, this Patuxet — the cleared fields, the bay swarming with cod and bass. 'Tis as if 'twere waiting for the people in England who talk much of settling on this new continent. I would that the first plantation might here be seated, if there come to the number of fifty persons or upward. ( Turning to Tis quantum) Well, I think you wrong, but you have done me too friendly an act for me to withstand you. Come, my men, the boat waits us yonder. {He points left. They pick up their burdens and go out. Dermer, with a hearty handsake for Tisquantum, goes also.) samoset {Wistfully) You not come? (Tisquantum shakes his head.) I come back, surely yes. If you here, I stay. tisquantum ( Tensely ) : I shall be here. They salute in Indian fashion. As Samoset lopes away, Tisquantum moves to center, and stands look ing off across the harbor. About the lonely figure the lights close in. EPISODE TW^O PILGRIMS OF THE SOUL FOR I say at the core of democracy is the religious element. WALT WHITMAN EPISODE TV^O SCENE I The Source. — Summer — 1523 As darkness falls on the last scene, there is the distant sound of ¦men's voices chanting early sixteenth century church music. The music continues during the scene, to become more distant in a moment of silence at the end. A youth of seventeen comes from left to right, evidently on his way to his day's work in the fields. His horse, in rough harness of the time, is hitched to a rude plow: From the right comes a group of seven men and five women, dressed as religious pil grims. They have the staff, the script, and the water- bottle. Two, by the palm they wear, have been to Rome. Two more, wearing the shell, show that they have been to Campostella. The rest have the bottle and bell which prove that they have visited Canterbury. the leader {As they enter) Whence this singing, lad? THE youth 'Tis the monks at service in St. Peter's. THE LEADER And where may Saint Peter's be? THE youth In Sturton-le-Steeple, the village hard by. 23 24 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT THE LEADER {Accenting the last word) ^t'arton-le-Steeple? THE YOUTH {He points off to the right) Saint Peter's has so fine a steeple that our village is named for it. ONE OF THE WOMEN Let us go thither for service. THE LEADER {As there is a murmur of dissent) Nay, we had our service at daybreak. We must on. THE YOUTH {As they move off) Whither go you, masters? THE MAN NEAREST HIM To the West of England, where be our homes {Dur ing the talk a man not too well favored and a little awkward has entered from the same side as the Pil grims) TYNDALE {As he draws near) Pilgrims, by the dress you wear! {He points) You by your shells have been to Campos tella, and you, by your palms, have been to Rome. A MAN WHO WEARS THE PALM Yea, to that holiest of cities. A WOMAN OF THE THIRD GROUP And we to Canterbury and the shrine of St. Thomas- a-Becket. The Ploughboy Slurton-te-Steeple, the village hard by St. Peter's has so fine a steeple that our is named for it. {Episode II, Scene i.) illage THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 25 ONE OF THE WOMEN Yesterday we were at Lincoln Cathedral, to see the holy relics there. TYNDALE Pilgrims! "They were in joumeyings often, in perils of their own nation, in perils among the heathen, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren ; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness." This it is to be Pilgrims. THE LEADER These words sound strangely. Yours, or another's? TYNDALE Holy Scripture. Ye may find them in Second Corinthians of the New Testament. THE LEADER Nay, I read no Latin or Greek. The others who have looked at each, other, puzzled, nod assent. A MAN I would the Scriptures were printed in our mother tongue. A WOMAN Yea, then mightest thou read them who can to us who cannot. Chorus of eager assent, showing that few can read. 26 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT TYNDALE {After a sharp look at the Pilgrims, as he draws some pages of writing from his bosom) Brethren and sisters, I am here translating the New Testament for your special edifying, consolation, and solace, for we have not received the gifts of God for ourselves only or to hide them, THE LEADER Who may you be? TYNDALE My name would mean naught to you. I am a poor scholar. The Leader looks at him in suspicion and annoy ance. A WOMAN {Eagerly) Is the work nigh done? TYNDALE Nay, just begun. It will be months, perhaps years, ere it be done. THE LEADER Take heed, poor scholar, lest ye fall foul of the laws forbidding translation of the Bible. {Turning to his group, he motions them on). TYNDALE {Crying out to him as he goes) li God spare my life, in not many years, I will cause a boy that doth THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 27 drive a plow {he points io the plowboy) shall know more of Scripture than thou dost. the leader Take heed ! The Pilgrims go out, two or three of them looking back wistfully. the youth {Timidly) Said ye a plowboy might know this that ye be writing? tyndale Canst thou read? the youth Very little. tyndale Learn ye to read well, then shall this book be to you as the very staff of life. THE youth Will you not tell me your name, good sir, that I may know your book? tyndale {After a moment's hesitation) William Tyndale. Farewell, my lad. Do not forget. THE YOUTH {As Tyndale goes) I shall remember. {As he goes off, driving his horse, he says to himself:) William Tyndale! William Tyndale! A boy that doth drive the plow shall know the Scriptures well! 'Tis very wonderful. 28 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT The music from the neighboring church swells up, as the lights blot out the figures. SCENE II MART"yRS OF THE Cause — The Fleet Prison on the night of April 5, I593 The lights reveal two heaps of straw in a restricted space. A man in Puritan garb, seated on one, is writ ing rapidly. Another Puritan, seated on a stool by the other heap, is apparently correcting some written pages. Both men wear chains. By the second man stands a woman who holds a sheaf of papers, and is evidently waiting for other sheets which the man is writing. As he passes the last to her, she hides them all in the bosom of her dress. THE WOMAN {Who has been listening strainedly) Hasten, hasten, John. It is time for the jailor's coming. GREENWOOD Patience, wife. This copy of Henry's book {with a nod toward the other worker) must be so clear that, no matter what befall us, our friends in Holland may easily print it. MRS. GREENWOOD Am I to give this to — ? BOTH MEN {Quickly) Hush. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 29 GREENWOOD Even the walls of this prison have ears. Yes, he whom you know will cross with this to Leyden. When he brings the proof to you, fetch it hither in any of the dozen ways you have shrewdly devised for the many books we have written here for the cause of the Puritan separation in spite of all the vigilance of jailors and spies. THE SECOND MAN {Looking up) Good my friends, your correction of the facts in this my petition to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. "Above eighty have been committed to the prisons, whereof many, through the tyranny used on them, have revolted and denied their faith, and so were discharged. Sundry, through great straits, being starved to the point of death, obtained bail, but yet are prisoners. And sundry have died in their prisons of famine and cold, noisesomeness of the place, and beating. The rest are in most extreme misery, want, and penury. I omit how many have been cast into irons in Newgate prison, and the boy of fifteen years old kept in a dungeon in irons a whole year, which boy is yet there a prisoner. In the Clink and the Gate house will be found six poor men whom the Bishop of London hath held in the holes of these prisons now more than three whole years and three months, without so much as sending for them forth to any trial, or ex amination. If law might be looked upon, these cases are foul." 3° THE PILGRIM SPIRIT MRS. GREENWOOD {Breaking in) Say you nothing of what hath been done to John and you, Henry Barrow? My husband was but reading the Scriptures in a friend's house to those of our congregation, and for this must he be kept here for the greater part of six years. greenwood Nay, wife, 'twas a harder case with Henry, who coming forthwith to comfort me in prison, was seized and since hath been held prisoner. BARROW Nay, they would have had me sooner or later. They knew that in our meetings I, as well as you, believed the word of God contained in the Old and New Testa ment to be a perfect rule of faith and manners; that it ought to be known and read by all people, and that because of our daily reading of it, though we believe the Queen to be the supreme governor of the whole land, we hold she may not make other laws for the church of Christ than he hath left in his word. They knew us restless, utterly disliking the present constitu tion of the church of England, and because we believe the changes we desire impossible within it, ready for separation. greenwood We follow St. Paul, saying "Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord." THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 31 BARROW {After listening an instant) Let me close ere the jailor come. "The cause why the Bishop of London committed them and sundry others was for hearing a piece of the New Testament read, and truly ex pounded on the Lord's Day. He hath destined my brother Greenwood and me to the death — " (Mrs. Greenwood cries out and presses closer against her husband.) — "all the others, both at liberty and else where, to close prison; their poor wives and children to be cast out of the city; their few goods to be con fiscated. Are these the virtues of him that taketh upon him the care and government of all the churches of England, thus to tear and devour Christ's poor sheep? We see no remedy, being thus pent up, but to commit our cause and lives unto Your Majesty, asking the Lord, who knoweth our cause, godly purpose, and in- nocency, to incline your heart toward us in pity and justice. The Lord vouchsafe that we be not con demned unheard." MRS. greenwood {Who has been listening during the last of this to some approaching sound) Hush ! Some one comes ! Sound of steps, muffled voices, drawing of a bolt. Lantern light shows at one corner of the space, and a brutal faced man, the Jailor, enters with a young man dressed like a university student. Barrow has quickly put his letter out of sight, and Mrs. Greenwood has 32 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT adjusted her dress so that the concealed package does not show. JAILOR {As they turn toward him, surlily) These be the two prisoners, Barrow and Greenwood, and Green wood's wife. {Turning to her) Be ready to leave when I come back from my round. {He goes out). BARROW {To the young man) And who may you be? THE YOUNG MAN John Smith, student of Cambridge University. I come from Francis Johnson, once my tutor there, whom I visited today in his prison. He begged me to see you instantly and tell you — GREENWOOD Special danger threatens him? SMITH Nay, he thinks not of his imprisonment for succeed ing you as pastor of the congregation. For you he fears. Today Parliament passed a bill making it punishable with death to hold views like yours. BARRCW {With growing bitterness) Thus the Church of England makes vain the Puritans hope of the purer religion he finds in his Bible. We of the Separation, knowing we may not, within the church of England, THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 33 choose our own teachers or forms of worship, have drawn apart to worship God as we would. Even this liberty we may not have. Tighter and tighter our enemies draw their nets. No Separatist shall escape. GREENWOOD There is no surer way to make England give us what we want than to add unworthy souls like us to the great names of the martyrs for the truth. There is the sudden sound of clanking chains, this time with links and torches. BARROW {Quickly handing Smith his petition) This to Francis Johnson. He will know to whom to send it. As the lights approach. Smith conceals it in his hat. Ahead of the Jailor appear two Officers of the law. THE first officer Henry Barrow and John Greenwood, stand forth. {They obey. He then reads the order for their execution at dawn. There is a moment's pause at the close of the reading.) greenwood the FIRST officer Where?Tyburn. MRS. GREENWOOD {Catching her breath) How? 34 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT SECOND OFFICER {With a leer and a gesture) To hang by the neck until dead. BARROW Like common felons. FIRST OFFICER {Sneeringly) As felons, yes. The Officers, with an unheard word to the Jailor, exeunt. Mrs. Greenwood throws herself into the arm sof her husband. The Jailor tries to put out Mrs. Greenwood and Smith, but for a bribe given by Greenwood allows Mrs, Greenwood to stay. smith {As he clasps in turn the hands of the two men) I go to warn the congregation. I shall be at the gate before dawn to give you the loves of these your friends of the church, who will be praying for you. {Deeply moved, he goes quickly. There is an instant of silence.) GREENWOOD {Gently to his wife, who is sobbing in his arms) Remember, wife, the words of him who is like us in prison, his life threatened for his beliefs, John Penry of Wales. "If my blood were an ocean sea, and every drop thereof were a life unto me, I would give them all by the help of the Lord for the maintenance of the same my confession." THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 35 MRS. GREENWOOD Yes, mine if you will, but not your! Not yours! {Wanly) Perchance there may be another respite. BARROW {Who has been walking up and down) Nay, no more respites. Last month they had struck off our chains and stood ready to bind us to the cart to take us to our deaths. A reprieve. Another day they took us to the place of execution and tied the nooses around our necks to the gallows. Again a reprieve. Enough of reprieves! What our words, what our lives could not do, our deaths will. Men pass; ideas abide. MRS. GREENWOOD John. Henry. Pray! I cannot. Pray that God give me strength. As her husband comforts her, Barrow begins pray ing. Distantly a bell strikes ten. MRS. GREENWOOD Only seven hours to daybreak! Only seven. She clings to Greenwood, sobbing hysterically. To the sound of Barrow's half audible praying, the lights close in. SCENE III The Opposition — April, 1603 The Royal March in this scene was composed by Edward Burlingame Hill The lights come up quickly amd full. There is a rush and flurry of children and young people across 36 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT the Field, from left to right, and the sound of gay music from the point toward which the children are running. The Field fills rapidly with some hundred people, — men, women, and children, of all types and kinds. From the right, to a triumphant march. King James enters in royal Progress. First come two mounted officers; behind them three whifflers with staves; and behind these some thirty soldiers. Between the three whifflers and soldiers walk bagpipers. After the soldiers, with his nobles and dignitaries about him, all mounted, comes James. In his retinue are the Earl OF Argyle, the Duke of Lennox, the Earl of Moray, the Earl of Cassilis, the Earl of Mar, Lord Home, Lord Oliphant, the Bishops of Ross, Glasgow, and Dunkeld, the French Ambassador, his Wife, carried in a chair, slung between poles, borne on the shoulders of four bearers, two Frenchmen of rank, six Englishmen of rank, ten Englishwomen of rank, and fourteen Scotchmen of position about the court. There are fifty riders in all, men and women. Twenty more soldiers bring up the rear. The crowd which has come to greet the King fairly blocks the procession as the march ends. A halt is called. As the Progress pauses, enter from different sides town dig nitaries, and the Sheriff of Nottingham, with twenty of his men, brilliantly clad. All these come with doffed caps to pay their respects to the King. In the press of the salutations, there are cries and scuffling in the crowd, near the King. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 37 voices Catch him. Stop, thief. {Then a prolonged) Ah-h-h! The crowd has fallen on a scared-looking man of thirty and hustles him to the King. voices Justice! — Justice, your Majesty! the king {Turning to the Earl of Argyle, who rides on his right a little behind him) Why all this noise ? the earl {With a gesture that dismisses the subject) 'Tis but some common pick-purse. THE king Nay, then, {playing to his audience) these English are my people now. {Turning toward the crowd) What would you, my friends ? confused voices 'Tis a rascal. — ^A thief. — A pick-purse, your Majesty. THE man {In agony) No, no, hear me. THE accuser Yes. 'Twas my purse he tried to pick. THE MAN No, no, I but came against him in the press of the crowd. 38 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT AN OLDER MAN IN THE GROUP He may speak the truth. I was close beside him and saw nothing. THE KING Stand forth, varlet. {The man comes forward timidly ) Now — stole you or not ? THE MAN Nay, nay, I swear . . . voices He did. — Aye — We saw him. THE KING {After looking the man over) I know not whether ye speak truth or be lying, but ye shall be made an example, that there may be no picking and stealing in this my progress from Edinboro to London. {He turns to the Sheriff of Nottingham) See that he be kept close. THE man Shall I not have trial? THE KING {Angrily) Nay, I have said it is my will that ye be kept close. {There is a growing murmur of dissent from the people not in the accusing group, quickly checked.) THE SHERIFF How long shall he be kept prisoner, Your Majesty? THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 39 THE KING {Imperiously) Till it is my will he shall go free. The Sheriff suppresses quickly a look of surprise, and in turn checks with a look a slight murmur of dis sent among the people. The King turns to a group of six men in clerical garb which is approaching. They kneel to the King. THE LEADER Your Majesty, we come to beseech you, representing some one thousand of your loyal Puritan subjects, to consider this their petition. THE king What concerns it? THE LEADER The greater purity of religion in this your realm and its administration. THE KING Some word of this Millenary Petition hath come to me. {He glances at the headings of the petition, which has been opened for him by the DuKE OF Lennox on his left and passed to him.) Is here the list of changes desired in the service of our church, and {turing to the Bishops about him) for the better curbing of your power, my lord Bishops. This {he strikes the docu ment) would put you out of office. I know what, then, will become of my supremacy. No bishop, no king. Then Jack and Tom and Will should meet. 40 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT and at their pleasure censure me and my council and their proceedings. THE LEADER We humbly beg Your Majesty to name an early day, after your crowning at London, when these matters which lie close to the hearts of thousands of your loyal subjects may be "well considered. THE KING All in good time. Word shall be sent you. {As the group still waits he adds grudgingly) It shall be soon. {To the surrounding group) A Puritan is a Protestant scared out of his wits. I shall make them conform or I will harry them out of this land — or else do worse. {He turns his horse away.) At this signal, the bagpipes skirl, the crowd cheers and huzzas. Brilliant, powerful, arrogant, the pro cession sweeps off at the left, leaving the little group of black-robed petitioners unsure, hoping against hope. As the bagpipes cease, the concealed choir sings THE HARRYING CHORUS By Hermann Hagedorn Music by Edgar Stillman-Kelley the king's men The Crown! The Church! The Law! Bow down In awe! THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 4 1 Bugles, be loud! Banners, unroll! Shoulder and knee be bowed ! Be prostrate, brain and soul ! From heaven to earth brought down, Rejoice! A mystic thing! The Law! The Church! The Crown! Made one in the King, God's choice! ONE OF the puritans What of the thin, small voice? THE king's men What heart rebellion flings? There is no voice but the King's! ONE OF THE puritans There is a voice — THE king's men No more ! ONE OF THE PURITANS There is a voice, I hear it ! In heaven God opens a door And calls to my spirit! And I as I hear will go Where the voice cries, "Follow me!" Though the deep seas overflow And the dark night swallow me. 4 42 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT THE king's men The word of the King: Obey! Earth shall not hide you, or sea ! Swords shall fall where you stay. Spears shall fly where you flee ! ONE OF THE PURITANS Christ will watch over me! THE king's men Enemies to the King! Kindlers of holy ire! Harry them with snare and sling Harry them vrith fire! Harry them with jeers, Harry them with spite, Harry them with fears, Harry them with might! Strike down their hands and bind them ! Crash prison doors behind them! Harry them by night, by day! Till they bow down, and obey! THE PURITANS Thunder, and cry out! Not with the flash of a sword. Not with a shout will ye turn and rout A host whose captain is the Lord! Harry, imprison, pursue! Your foe is not what you deem. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 43 In the black night, face to face with you. Behold, not men but a dream! THE king's men The King! Supreme! THE PURITANS A dream! Behold, through hate and derision Behold, through battle and fright. Over the tumult a vision — A spark, a flicker, a light! A hoping, a groping, a yearning ! A flashing brighter than steel ! A roaring, a flaming, a burning To make men tremble, and kneel ! On strange new shores it shall greet you And shrivel your lifted hands! In your palace-hall it shall meet you And wither your King where he stands! From everywhere seem to come licking tongues of music, giving far-avuay intimations now of "Yankee Doodle" , now of the "Star Spangled Banner", now of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," now of "Onward Christian Soldiers." THE king's men Voices from everywhere! What spirit is in the air? 44 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT THE PURITANS Freedom ! Freedom ! Freedom ! Lord God, giver of light! Breath of that still small voice! Who settest man twixt vrrong and right And givest him his choice! Lord of free men, though kings oppress. Thy holiest charge shall we decry! The well of dreams and holiness We will keep pure, though we die ! SCENE IV The Pilgrim Fathers — Scrooby May-June, 1608 The brightening lights show only as small section of the Pageant Field. A post horn sounds off left, and again nearer. At once out of the darkness comes a youth, leading two saddle horses at a brisk trot. From another direction an old -man looking a little like an inn-keeper enters with a tankard and cups. Rapidly from the left comes a post-boy, blowing his horn, and a second rider. The latter flings himelf from his horse, and going up to the old man, takes a cup of ale offered him. In the dialogue which follows, the post-boy changes his saddle bags to fresh horses. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 45 THE STRANGER ( With a French accent) What place is this? THE OLD MAN Scrooby village and post, sir. THE STRANGER I must to London instantly. THE OLD MAN {Urgently) Can you not refresh yourself in the post house, sir? We have — {as the stranger pours him self a second cup) good ale and provender. THE STRANGER {Nodding assent) Time presses. How far to Lon don? THE OLD MAN One hundred and fifty miles. THE STRANGER Your charge for these horses? THE OLD MAN As at all the posts of his Majesty. Tuppence the mile, — and a penny for the ale. THE STRANGER {As he pays) And to the next post is — THE OLD MAN Some fifteen miles, sir. But can you not stay, sir, to see this the manor of Scrooby ? 'Twas onCe a favor- 46 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT ite hunting lodge of the great Cardinal Wolsey. 'Tis somewhat fallen into decay, yet a fine place. THE STRANGER {As he puts foot in stirrup) Are you its owner? THE OLD MAN Nay, Master William Brewster, who was some time in the service of her late Majesty in Scotland, England, and the Low Countries. He hath been master of the post for twenty years. THE STRANGER {In the saddle) 'Tis not what was fine a century ago which concerns me, but what is happening in London in this month of May, 1608. I lose time. Your ale is good. {As he spurs his horse and signals to the post, they dash off with post horn blowing. Grumbling, the old man hands the salver to the youth who held the horses. As he draws a book from his pocket and makes entries in it, the lights close in.) The lights now show a remoter part of the Field. Two children, Jonathan Brewster, fifteen, and Patience, his younger sister, are evidently watching something. JONATHAN Patience, if I rest my hand on my hip thus, what do you? PATIENCE Slip away, Jonathan, to warn mother that men who may be hunting for Father be come. What be all From "John Robinson," by Osora Davis, used by permission of The Pilgrim Press SCROOBY MANOR TODAY Seen across the remains of the ancient Moat (In this inner court, part of which stands in the picture the third part of Scene 4, Episode IT. took place.) THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 47 the older folks talking of in the inner court? There must be five score of them. JONATHAN Sh-h-h! {He is on the alert, but pretends to be tossing pebbles from hand to hand. To his relief the hostler of the preceding scene enters.) Came any one with the post, Thomas ? THOMAS A passer-by, — A Frenchman by his English. {As he goes off) Where meets the congregation ? JONATHAN The inner courtyard. 'Tis well guarded against spies and evil-minded neighbors. Pastor Clifton's boys are at the garden end, watching, and there be children all about to give warning, if any stranger or known enemy draw near. {The hostler, nodding understanding, has gone on.) He careth not. Mother says they meet today — {He stops alert because an old man is entering. Barring his way) WTiat would you, sir? THE MAN Enter and speak with Master Brewster. JONATHAN He is away on a journey. THE man Nevertheless I will enter. 48 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT JONATHAN Nay. Let me take your message, and see if there be anyone within to receive you. {His hand goes to his hip. Patience, who has been backing away dur ing the dialogue, turns to run in.) THE OLD man {Suddenly, in a different voice) Patience! Daugh ter! Jonathan! {The children look at him a mo ment and then are in his arms, crying.) the children Father! — Why like this?the man For safer journeying, now that the country is laid for William Brewster. Let us in. JONATHAN Nay, I must still watch. BREWSTER Good lad. (Patience tries to slip her hand into Brewster's) Nay, little daughter, not thus, till we be safe inside. ( With Jonathan watching affectionately, the two disappear side by side. The lights close in.) The lights, penetrating the Field still deeper, reveal some one hundred and fifty men, women and children in Puritan garb, sitting and standing about, as if in conference. A group of children are at the back of the scene as if watching. At the center of the group is THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 49 Richard Clifton, a man of fifty-five, who apparently has just finished speaking. We hear his last words. CLIFTON We, true Christians, united by a willing covenant made with God, have placed ourselves under his gov ernment, keeping the divine law in a Holy Communion. We would hold our religion pure by making our lives accord with our daily reading of the Bible. Surely there is no sin in this. Yet we may not, by the laws of England, meet as we wish, nor choose our religious leaders. JOHN CARVER ( Who stands at one side with his wife, Catharine White.) It is a case intolerable, Master Clifton. CLIFTON Yea, John Carver. FRANCIS JESSOP Our houses watched! ANOTHER VOICE Worse than that, Francis Jessop. Our friends and we ourselves in prison. CARVER The laws which sent Henry Barrow and John Greenwood to prison and death, which killed the sainted John Penry, which have filled the prisons with men, women and children like ourselves, to waste and die there, — these laws are now leveled against us. so THE PILGRIM SPIRIT jessop Yea, for a meeting like ours here today, any of us may be jailed without bail, and if, within three months we do not publicly confess in church our error, we must leave the realm. THE OTHER VOICE Ay, more; if then we do not leave, or we retum without permission, ours will be the felon's death. carver {Sternly) A week ago I was at York, and would have speech with our brother-in-God, Gervase Neville. CLIFTON 'Tis months now since the officers of the Archbishop of York dragged him from his home for worshipping with us. BRADFORD {Indignantly) The word goes, they have forced him to testify against us. CARVER Nay, Master Bradford. He hath refused to answer. ROBINSON Were you denied sight of him ? CARVER Yea, friend Robinson. Except by very special per mission, he may have no liberty or converse with any. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 5 I Worst of all, he is in custody of that base servant of the court, William Blanchard. ROCHESTER 'Tis that same Blanchard beats the country-side for you and me, Richard Jackson. JACKSON Aye, for us, and our good friend and patron, Wil liam Brewster. robinson Brethren, as John Carver and I were leaving our homes in Sturton-le-Steeple this morning, a trusty mes senger brought word that Master Brewster, safe in a good disguise, is returning from Hull, and will today tell us of his searchings for new means to leave this too stern mother-land of ours. a woman's VOICE But to part from friends! A man's voice To put off Gur possessions at great loss. another woman To leave our homes! another man's voice To forsake the land of our fathers and our God. CLIFTON He who is your God in England will be your God in any land under the whole Heaven. 52 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT ROBINSON For our country, we do not foresake it, but are by it forsaken, and expelled by most extreme laws and violent proscriptions. CLIFTON Through common suffering, we are bound by in dissoluble ties to one another and the worship of God as our consciences deem fit. At Babworth I labored only, as you know, for the good of my people's souls, yet for my belief, I have been deprived of that living. John Robinson, here, has been driven from St. An drew's in Norwich and those who met with him there after for worship excommunicated. Brethren and sisters, there is no help here. It is clear that nothing is to be hoped from the Millenary Petition or from any changes within the Church of England. It is equally clear that the powers of the Church and the throne mean to make us recant or drive us from the land. Already our brethren, Jackson, Rochester, and Brewster are laid for, and Neville is in the trap. The harriers of our souls are closing in. Therefore it is that we your leaders, John Robinson, John Car ver, and I, your pastor, have let our proved friend, William Brewster, risk a secret journey to Hull to see what may be done for a new venture in crossing to Holland. During the last words of Clifton's speech there has been movement among the children at the back. One of them now comes up to Clifton. BABWORTH CHURCH RlCH.'\RD Clifto.v : At Babworth I labored only for the good of my people, deprived of that living. (Episode II, Scene 4. yet for mv belief have I been THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 53 THE child Master Clifton, there is an old man here. He says he brings word from William Brewster. CLIFTON {With a quick glance at Robinson) From Wil liam Brewster? Let him come in. On these words the old man of the preceding scene enters. BREWSTER {In his feigned voice) I bring you word from Wil liam Brewster. He looks about searchingly a moment in the general expectancy, then straightens up, takes off his wig, and stands revealed as William Brewster. The leaders and the others crowd about him as Mrs. Brewster throws herself in his arms. DIFFERENT VOICES Safe. — Welcome. — Welcome home. — God be praised ! BREWSTER {In their midst) I have found our man — a Dutch man with a vessel of Zeeland. A man's VOICE Will he not betray us as did the ship's master last year at Boston? BREWSTER I do believe he will deal honestly with us. 54 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT CARVER What is your plan ? BREWSTER . As many of us as will risk the journey are to meet the captain at a large common by the sea, and to the south of Hull, a great way distant from any town. The women, the children, and our goods shall go thither in a small bark which shall be waiting where the river Idle joins the Trent, below Gainsborough. The able-bodied men shall meet them, going overland. A movement of satisfaction among the majority, especially the men. BRADFORD {Eagerly) When shall it be? BREWSTER This day fortnight, if the season serves. A VOICE We go among a strange people, in a land to us un known. ROBINSON ' Nay, already there is John Smith whom we knew when he lived hard by, at Gainsborough, with his con gregation. Already there, too, in Amsterdam is Fran cis Johnson and his group, the church of the martyrs Barrow and Greenwood. BREWSTER The Dutch are a kindly people, tolerant. It is a fertile land. We need not fear it. THE RIVER IDLE Near Scrooby Manor William Brewster: A small bark shall be waiting where the river Idle joins the Trent below Gainsborough. (Episode II, Scene 4.) THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 55 CLIFTON Aye, and there is fredom to worship God according to our consciences. A man's voice But war hath been there and will be. BREWSTER Nay, a truce is promised with peace for years to come. another man's voice The Dutch are artisans, and we but laborers in the fields. Theirs, too, is a strange tongue we do not speak. BREWSTER The tongue is not so difficult. I learnt it in my youth in Holland, and our own tongue is understood by many there. True it is that we must change our labors, but there must be risk and hardship in any great ad venture. A man's voice The ports are strictly watched for such as we. BREWSTER. Even among the watchers of the ports there be friends. A woman's voice What warrant, if we try to escape, that our hus bands will not be again harried, shut in jail for weeks, fined to the breaking point of our fortunes ? 56 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT ANOTHER woman's VOICE What warrant that we women, as at Boston, shall not be kept seized, searched, insulted by the Sherifi and his men, kept in terror for our lives and those of our children? BREWSTER There is no surety. At worst some of us will get away to Holland as did some from Boston. Till we are all safely over we may not cease attempting. To go or stay alike may mean suffering and even death. It is between you and your consciences. Each must choose for himself. A woman's voice O, 'tis a misery worse than death. BRADFORD Why need these things trouble us? Our protection is in the Lord. Remember the words of Hebrews xi. "They confess that they are strangers and pilgrims on the earth, wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city." CLIFTON Well said, young Bradford. Let us not forget the last message of John Penry to his brethren of the Separation: "Seeing banishment with loss of goods is likely to betide you all, prepare yourselves for this hard entreaty and rejoice that you are made worthy for Christ's cause to suffer and bear all these things. And THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 57 I beseech you that none of you in this case look upon his particular estate, but regard the general state of the Church of God that the same may go and be kept together whithersoever it shall please God to send you. Oh, the blessing will be great that shall ensue." BRADFORD Shall we not be worthy of the martyrs for this our faith? Let us say with John Penry: "If my blood were an ocean sea, and every drop thereof were a life unto me, I would give them all, with the help of the Lord, for the maintenance of the same my confession." There is a little pause. There are some sobs and then cries of "Amen! Amen!" in gathering force. Clifton raises his hands. All those sitting rise. Each joins hands with his neighbors to right and left. ALL {Solemnly) We covenant with God and with one another to walk in all his ways made known or to be made known to us according to our best endeavor, whatever it shall cost us. Robinson steps forward with querying look at Clif ton, who nods assent. ROBINSON {Lifting his hands in prayer) This alone remaineth, that we turn our faces and mouths unto thee, O most powerful Lord and gracious father. They who truly fear thee and work righteousness, although constrained to live in a foreign land, exiled from country, spoiled of 58 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT goods, destitute of friends, few in number, and mean in condition, are for all that unto thee, O Gracious God, nothing the less acceptable. Thou numberest all their wanderings. Towards thee, O Lord, are our eyes. Confirm our hearts, and suffer not our feet to slip or our faces to be ashamed. O thou just and merciful God. On the last words of the prayer, the lights close in. SCENE V Haltonskittershaven — May- J une, 1608 The lights reveal on the whole Field a group of forty women and children and twenty men and youths. Most of the childern are clustered in a group near Town Brook, eagerly watching something hidden from sight. There are a few women with them. Some youths are at front, left and right as if standing guard. Toward the water's edge walk Brewster, Robinson, and a man dressed like a sailor, talking earnestly. BREWSTER {To the sailor) Bitter fortune, this! Had not your bark with the women and children grounded over night in that inlet, we had all been on board for Hol land. ROBINSON Whose the error? THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 59 SAILOR {With a wave of the hand toward the sea) The Captain's, if you like. He does not know this shore. 'Twas rough water out there. Most of the women and children were sick and begged us to seek the nearest shelter. At high tide that inlet is deep enough to float the bark easily. ROBINSON {Looking off) Now 'tis but a mud flat with scarce water for a flat boat with one rower. SAILOR {Surlily) We were overborne. At this point. Carver comes up, with the troop of women and children, from the direction of Town Brook. They question him in vain as he comes. CARVER Only the tide can move her. There is nought to do but wait. SOME OF the women {Looking shoreward, hysterically) We shall be caught — caught. OTHERS {Looking seawood) Our husbands are aboard. — ^We shall be left behind. — What shall we do ? — What shall we do? Some of the younger children break into nervous crying. 6o THE PILGRIM SPIRIT BREWSTER Hush. We will send you to the men already aboard as fast as the ship's boat comes back. ROBINSON 'Twill not take long. All may yet be well. A EOY {Pointing) There comes the long boat back. {All turn to look). At this moment from opposite sides come running breathlessly two lads. As they pass the outposts, they cry something which makes the outposts run with them to the central group. Hearing them, Carver turns. CARVER What now? ONE BOY {Breathlessly) Run, hide. They are coming. CARVER Who? SECOND BOY The sheriff and his men. FIRST BOY Two score, three score — armed. SECOND BOY Afoot and horseback. Run ! Hide ! THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 6l The women draw the children to them and huddle about the leaders, crying and supplicating. BREWSTER {To the other men who have gathered in protect- ingly) Away! We {indicating Robinson and Car ver) will look to the women and the children. Flee while you can. Get to Holland as you may. Some of the women push their husbands away. A man, picking up a child to kiss it, has to tear it from him so closely does it hold him. Other women cling to their husbands, to be gently but firmly put aside. The men flee mainly by the water's edge. Brewster and Carver, leaving Robinson to guard the women, go left and right to meet the coming enemy. With a rush, as if hunting an animal, come horsemen and swift runners; then, more slowly, others on foot. There are in all fifty men of all ages. The country people are armed with bills and staves. The Sheriff and his thirteen men, and six country gentlemen, are on horse back. As the horses dash in, most of the women flee panic-stricken. With a whoop the horsemen and foot men are after them, rounding them up. They push them with pikes and haul them about, catching up some of the children on their saddles. Shrieking, crying, protesting, the fugitives are forced back to the little group which stayed by Robinson. There, mostly older women, have fallen on their knees in prayer. In front of them Robinson stands protectingly, his eyes raised heavenward. 62 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT sheriff {The Sheriff during the melee, has, with three or four of his men, prevented Brewster and Carver from going to the aid of the women. To the three leaders.) Stand you there in front. Let the women follow. {As the group falls into place) So, my fine psalm-singers, we have you for the jail that awaits you. Six of his men ride ahead. The country people on foot place themselves behind and beside the groups of frightened women and children. Eight of the Sheriff's men ride behind to push the Pilgrims for ward. As the procession starts, with the country gentlemen riding where they please on the sides, there is jeering and mocking laughter. COUNTRY BOY {Twisting a pike like a drum-major's baton) Make way, make way for the mad Puritans! Mad Puri tans ! Make way ! The lights darken. EPISODE THREE THE PILGRIMS IN HOLLAND THEY confessed that they were strangers and Pilgrims on the earth. HEBREWS XI., 13 EPISODE THREE SCENE I The March of the Dutch Cities of Charity — April, 1609 Music by F. S. Converse At first the Pageant Field is in absolute darkness. Then off at the rear of the Field lights glow and twinkle. Little by little they shape themselves into the lanterns and lights of a duplicate of Rembrandt's Night Watch. As the group approaches center, nearer at right some torches flicker. As they come closer, we see that there are some dozen or more torch-bearers lighting a group representing the people of Middle- burgh. The Burgomaster, the Justice, and the town Officers, in their robes, are preceded by the ban ner and shield of the town. The banner is inscribed "Middleburgh", and bears also the names and dates of the Puritan leaders associated with the town. Be hind the Burgomaster come the townspeople, of all sorts and kinds. At the same time there have been lights at the opposite side of the Field. They take shape in a similar marching group of the people of Emden, with their banner and shield. Simultaneously lights twinkle at left of center and the people of Cam- pen appear; at right center — the people of Naarden, [65] 66 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT Each has a banner like that of Middleburgh, bearing Puritan names. Just a moment later than these cities enter the people of Amsterdam, — dignitaries, burghers and com mon people. Then through them comes Leyden. First are the citizens and their wives. Then through them come twenty-four professors of the University, each bearing a torch, so that Leyden brings most light of all. As the music of the march to which the cities have entered ends they are in a great half circle about the Field, the touch and lantern bearers standing like statues and throwing queer shadows over all. Six horsemen spur from the points at which the groups entered and speeding to places in front of them, rein up their horses sharply. As they come, they cry in Dutch, English, French, Spanish, "The truce," the English rising highest and clearest. THE ENGLISH HERALD {At center holding up a paper for which two lan tern hearers raise high their lights. "Peace guaranteed for twelve years. Religious freedom. Signed {he shakes the sheet) Henry of France, Philip of Spain, Maurice Prince of Nassau." An instant's pause; then a great shout of joy. The younger people break into an old Dutch folk-dance.^ ^The description and the directions, with music, for this dance were furnished through the American Folk Dance Society by Elizabeth Burchenal, chairman, and Ruth BuRCHENAL, Department of Pageantry. Dancers trained by Virginia Tanner. ^ THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 67 The joy is infectious. Immediately all, young and old, and of every sort and profession, are dancing, laughing, shouting. Even the torch bearers join arms and dance. As the dance reaches its height, the stage lights have been going down, and the dancers working towards the exits. On its climax they are disappearing right and left. Only the linkmen are on the stage, their torches the only light. Jigging they come to the front. With the last notes of the music they break swiftly to right and left and exeunt dancing. SCENE II Leyden, July, 1620 Before the lights go up, there is a distant trumpet call and the sound of drums. Conspicuous in the group ing are John Robinson, Standish. Fuller, Brad ford, Winslow, Brewer, Rogers, Isaac Allerton. john robinson Now the hour of our momentous decision is here. We must vote whether we will adventure to the New World or stay here in Leyden where we have dwelt these eleven years past. The youths who have been chosen will pass among you and take your votes. {Some fifteen boys rise and move about with rough ballot boxes, taking the vote as the scene goes on.) Vote only yes or no. {Sound again of trumpet and drums. All listen). 68 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT standish Leyden trains her troops. As you vote, forget not that. A man's voice Are not these Leydeners, Captain Standish, too fearful? standish Leyden knows the truce of 1609 ends next year. 'Tis already July, 1620. Remembering her terrible siege by the Spaniards forty-six years ago, Leyden is rightly anxious. ROBINSON More and more in these unquiet times have we, your leaders, been fearful for your future. England, our mother, we left, because with her we could not wor ship God according to our consciences. Our wives and children were separated from us. We ourselves were nigh ship-wrecked. Through peril and suffer ing we came at last together at Amsterdam, but soon we knew that it was not our abiding place. Our souls sought freedom and peace. Contentiousness was rife in our sister churches there. So we came to this University city. Here God hath greatly prospered us, not in riches, but in the peaceful living of which we dreamed. WINSLOW Yea, we are well weaned from the delicate milk of our mother country, and enured to difficulties of a TYPICAL HOUSES OF PILGRIM PAYS IN LEYDEN One of these houses facing the canal ivas oii-ned by Rih^er Wiisok, a Pili/rim in I.cyJcn THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 69 strange and hard land which yet in a great part we have by patience overcome. ROBINSON Fewer come to us from England ; some, losing heart at the sternness of our life, have left us, risking a return to England. Sorae of our children, forgetting their English blood have married with these kindly neigh bors of ours. Their children will be more Dutch than English. More and more have we come to know that we are still Pilgrims and our final resting place is not yet. child's voice {Outside in the darkness, chanting shrilly) "Bewart Heer Holland ; En zalicht Leyden." A SECOND child's VOICE "Niet zonder God." The group gives the words quick attention. ROBINSON These words the children cry out there in the street, "God keep Holland and bless Leyden," but "Not with out God" show how anxious the Dutch are. STANDISH What Spain and France will do next year, who knows ? fuller War again? yo THE PILGRIM SPIRIT standish The final hazard who can tell? ROBINSON Mindful of your welfare, we your leaders have for months and even years been looking westward to the New World as a final resting-place. After disap pointment, misunderstanding, wearisome negotiation, we have a patent permitting us to make our homes in New England, and we have good promise of aid in our venture. For all this, Robert Cushman, who is now at Southampton, our trusted John Carver, now in London, and our beloved Brewster {there is a rising murmer of affection and approval at this name) have worked tirelessly. allerton William Brewster hides from officers of King James because here in Leyden he has helped Master Brewer {with an identifying gesture) print books in behalf of the Separation. With such a King, what safety for any of us in a return to England ? BREWER Master Brewer awaits anxiously the results of this meeting, and I promise you shall know your vote quickly. Whatever the decision you make, he will be with you. A YOUNG MAN {Coming forward from a group which has been THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 7 1 eagerly consulting) Does every person of sixteen years or over who goes receive one free share valued at £10? ROBINSON Yes, unless a minor, a wife, or a servant. Then the share goes to the father, husband or master. Two or three young men have pressed nearer. ONE OF these But if we have no families? ROBINSON He who takes his own provisions or £10 in money, will receive one share. Nods of approval as they move back to vote. AN older MAN {Breaking in) That is all well enough, but I will not go if the condition stands that for seven years all profits must remain in the common stock. another man Nor I, if we may not have two days a week for the use of ourselves and families. MANY VOICES Nor I. Nor I. ROBINSON 'Tis a hard bargain, but the best we can get. ANOTHER VOICE We seek liberty. There is no liberty in that. 71 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT ROBINSON {Somewhat sternly) A Christian's liberty is to serve God in faith and his brethren in love, with a willing and free heart. He who will take all the liberty he may lawfully, cannot but fall into many unlawful things. {A slight pause — Some murmur still) BRADFORD For myself I like not these conditions, but we may not go without them. Surely we may abide by them till such time as we can change them for the better. STANDISH We are not men whom small things can discourage or small discontentments cause to wish ourselves at home again. BRADFORD Nay, we are knit together as one body in a most strict and sacred covenant of the Lord, by virtue where of we do hold ourselves straitly tied to all care of each other's good. {There is growing enthusiasm as he speaks.) ROBINSON We verily believe the Lord is with us, unto whom and whose service we have given ourselves in many trials; and that he will graciously prosper our en deavors according to the simplicity of our hearts there in. {Doctor Fuller has been counting the votes which the tellers have brought him. He stands waiting to announce the result during the last speech of ROBINSON. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 73 FULLER {Stepping forward) The vote is that less than half will go. ROBINSON {Slowly) 'Tis a weighty decision. Had the major ity decided for going, I should have led you. Now it will be our elder. Master Brewster. Will those who have chosen for the New World stand forth? {There is a quick shifting of the groups which makes it clear at once that it is youth which has voted to go, middle age and older people to stay behind. Looking at them tenderly) Youth, hope, fearlessness. 'Tis a happy augury. ( The lights have been darkening. Out side voices in the street are heard singing in Dutch) Hear you that, my people? It Is the ninth psalm, the hymn of thanksgiving these people of Leyden sang in 1574, when the great siege was raised: "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart." {Someone starts singing and as the whole crowd joins, the lights close in. SCENE III Delftshaven, August 1, 1620 Music for this scene by Lee Sowerby Light grows slowly, like the dawn. Indistinctly at first figures are seen; men walking up and down; others standing by themselves absorbed in bitter thought; some 74 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT talking sadly together; a man comforting his wife who is sobbing on his breast; children resting with their heads in their mothers' laps, tired, frightened. The mothers hush them. Several figures show by their heaving shoulders that they are weeping. People are sleeping on the ground where they have flung their things — a huddled, wretched group. In the midst are Robinson, Brewster, Bradford, Fuller, Standish, Winslow, Carver — some one hundred and fifty souls in all. Groups of Dutch friends and onlookers enter. A feiv come forward and greet the Pilgrim leaders, all in dumb show. As the light dawns, the concealed choir sings the words of Hebrews xi, 13; "These not having received the promises, but persuaded of them, confess that they were strangers and Pilgrims on the earth. They desire a better country, wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He hath prepared for them a city." As the music ends, the people rise and shake them selves, stiff from their night of sleeplessness. A small boat draws up at the edge of the quai. Another loaded with baggage, is seen off to the right, as if the baggage had been going on board in the night. At the appearance of the boat, some of the younger people move as if to take up the bundles lying about, and go to it. A sailor speaks to Robinson and points off toward the boat. Robinson raises his hand, and all gather about him. He pauses a moment and then speaks. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 75 ROBINSON My dear friends {he rests his band upon the head of a child who has snuggled up to him), we are now to part asunder. Make account of me as of a man divided in myself with great pain, God knowing I would much rather have borne my part with you, were I not by strong necessity held back for the present. These few things I do earnestly commend unto your care and conscience. There being some to come among you newly in England, at first you will be, many of you, strangers as to the persons and Infirmities one of another. Be watchful lest when such things fall out in men and women as you suspected not, you be Inordi nately affected with them. This doth require at your hands much wisdom and charity. Take not offence at God, which we certainly do so oft as we murmur at his providence in our crosses, or bear impatiently afflictions wherewith he pleaseth to visit us. Lastly, whereas you are become a body politic, using amongst yourselves civil governments, let your wisdom and godliness appear, not only in choosing such persons as do entirely love and will promote the com mon good, but also In yielding unto them all honor and obedience In their lawful administrations; not being like the foolish multitude who more honor the gay coat than the virtuous mind. You know better things, and that the image of the Lord's power and authority which 76 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT the magistrate beareth is honorable, in how mean per sons soever. And this duty you ought the more will ingly to perform, because, at least for the present, you are to have only them for your ordinary governors which yourselves shall make choice of. I beg you forget not your Church Covenant where by ye promise and covenant with God and with one another to receive whatsoever truth or light shall be made known to you from His written word. Yet take heed, oh, take heed, what ye receive for truth, and well examine and compare and weigh it with other scriptural truth before ye receive it. If God shall re veal an)rthing to you by any other instrument of His, be as ready to receive it as ever you were to receive any truth by my ministry. I am very confident the Lord has more truth and light yet to break forth out of His Holy Word. It is not possible that full per fection of knoweldge should break forth at once. He pauses, nearly overcome. The PiLGRIMS have followed his words with "amens" and sobs. Men sup port their weeping wives; children cling together or to their fathers and mothers. Some of the women are in each other's arms. Many of the Dutch watchers are deeply moved. Some steal quietly off, drawing others or beckoning to them. All except a few Dutch per sonal friends move to a distance as if awed. The English men and women who are to remain press round Robinson, to say goodbye. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 77 ROBINSON {Mastering himself) Let us humble ourselves be fore our God, and seek of Him a right way for us and for our children. As he drops on his knees and prays, the others group ing round him, the concealed choir sings THE PILGRIMS' CHORUS By Edwin Arlington Robinson Music by Lee Sowerby Long ago there came a sound as of a mighty wind from heaven. And a light was on the world where now it shines for us to-day ; We have seen the fire of God as once it fell for men before us. And we follow, knowing only that old things have passed away. Through the weary cloud of years and through the dark that was around us In the west we know the burning of a light across the sea; Through the tumult of a peace that was beyond our understanding We have waited for a voice that we have heard, and we are free. 78 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT We are free to be the first who are to bear the coming harvest Over leagues that are between us and the fields that are unsown ; And though God may leave our reaping unto others who come after, He has called us, and we follow, to the new and the unknown. As the song closes, the hands of RoBlNSON, and of many of the others, go up in supplication. On this the lights close in. INTERMEZZO— MUSICAL "The Voyage to the New World" — Composed by Chalmers Clifton. VOICE FROM the rocks The light is on the Rock only as it speaks. These artisan-farmers, these Pilgrims, Steadied by precepts of Robinson, Trained by their leaders. Who studied their Bibles for guidance, Shaped here at Plymouth Liberty's fabric; Grappled in small way. Problems of States; Because of their wisdom. Trusting in God, believing in Man, The Leyden home of .lohn Robinson and many of the Pilgrims~the Groeneport-as it looks to Houses of similar type ha-ve replaced these of 1620. In the garden beyond this inner court. See, of Episode III, takes place day. ene 2 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 79 Knew not the havoc of Indian warfare ; Taught the newcomer Gain must be theirs At the price of their labor; Punished the traitor. Yet pitied the culprit. This is your heritage. All you Americans. Do ye maintain it? EPISODE FOUR EPISODE FOUR SCENE I The Compact in the Cabin of the Mayflower. Off Cape Cod, November 21, 1620 The light gives the effect of coming from above into a dimly lighted cabin. At a large center table are grouped Brewster, Carver, Standish, Fuller, Winslow, and Bradford. Around and about them stand and sit other signers of the compact. Mrs. Brewster, Mrs. Bradford, Mrs. Carver, Mrs. Standish, and Mrs. Winslow are also in this group, seated on sea chests, kegs, boxes, even trunks of the time. At the back, clustered as if about a door, with light from the rear, are other women, particularly some of the girls. There are three or four children in the main group. As the light go up Brewster is reading the compact. BREWSTER In the name of God, amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain France and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, etc., having undertaken for the glory of God, and advance ment of the Christian faith, and honor of our king and country a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemn- 83 84 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT ly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preser vation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid — {he pauses and then repeats:) "covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic." So some of us, or our fathers, came together in Scrooby to coven ant and combine for the better ordering and further ance of our desired worship of God. Now we do covenant and combine ourselves that our governing in this new world may be by us and for us for the greatest good of all. (Billington and some others look askance at each other and move a little resent fully. Looking directly at them, Brewster goes on : By virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and ofiices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Col ony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod the nth of Novem- ber^ in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord. King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620. {He pauses an instant and then goes on.) This compact have we drawn up because as we have neared land, there have been those who said ^There is a difference of ten days between the Jacobian calendar and our own. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 85 {with a glance at Billington's group) that none have power to command them, our patent being for Vir ginia, and this Cape Cod near which we lie belongeth to another Company with which the Virginia Com pany have nought to do. This paper hath done well considered In Its writing. {He looks at the leaders around him, who nod assent.) You have heard it more than once and know well the meaning of its contents. Signed by us we believe It should be as firm as any patent {he looks again at his compan ions, who assent). Perchance {with a slightly amused glance at the other leaders, of whom Bradford, Carver, and Fuller smile) remembering our many patents that have come to nought, I may say more firm. There are forty-one men of this our company, repre senting one hundred souls, whose right It is now to sign this paper. {He colls the names of the signers.) John Carver. john carver For myself, my wife Catherine, and six others. brewster William Bradford. bradford {Glancing at his wife, who is looking over his shoulder) For myself and my wife Dorothy. brewster Edward Winslow. 86 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT WINSLOW For myself, my wife Elizabeth, and three others. BREWSTER {As he signs) For myself, my wife Mary, my sons Love and Wrestling, and the two More boys. {He calls) Isaac Allerton. allerton For myself, my wife Mary, my three children, and the boy, John Hooke. {The children cluster about him as he signs) brewster Myles Standish. standish {With a glance at his wife sitting near by) For myself and my wife Rose. BREWSTER William Mullins. {His wife and Joseph move forward with him, leaving John Alden and Priscilla absorbed in each other.) mullins For myself, my wife, my two children Joseph and Priscilla, and a servant.. BREWSTER John Alden. {He is absorbed in Priscilla that Brewster has to repeat the call. Amused looks, es peciaUy among the women.) THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 87 ALDEN {Leaving Priscilla, a little in confusion, signs quick ly and returns to his place. ) BREWSTER Samuel Fuller (Fuller signs quickly and with draws. Affectionate looks follow Fuller). brewster William White, John Howland. WILLIAM white {As he signs) For my wife Susannah White, my son and two man servants.) Howland who comes for ward from the group by the entrance, signs quickly and stands aside.) brewster Stephen Hopkins. HOPKINS For myself, two men servants, my wife Elizabeth, my children, Giles, Constance, Damaris, and OcEANUS, born at sea as ye know, on this voyage. There is a murmur of interest among the women. BREWSTER Edward Tilley and John Tilley. EDWARD TILLEY For myself, my wife Anne, and two others. JOHN TILLEY For myself, my wife, and my daughter Elizabeth. 88 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT The last has moved forward with her father. After she has signed she joins the group by the supposed en trance. brewster Francis Cooke, Francis Eaton. COOKE For myself and my son. EATON For myself, my wife, and my son Samuel. brewster James Chilton. CHILTON {As his daughter Mary presses forward with him) For myself, my wife, and my daughter Mary. BREWSTER John Billington, Digory Priest. (Priest comes forward promptly, but Billington hangs back.) John Billington, will ye not sign ? billington {Surely) I would use my own liberty, — but being only one among many, I needs must. BREWSTER {With an amused look at the other leaders) They only enjoy full liberty, John Billington, who know how to use it right. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 89 {Looking about the cabin) There will be others who should sign. John Alden, and you, John How land, search the Mayflower and send them hither forthwith. The two young men go out through the group at the supposed entrance. Howland stops an instant for a word with Elizabeth Tilley, who puts herself in his way and follows him out. standish If we must wait for laggards, I nominate for gov ernor of this colony a man who has served us well in England and who is well liked of the men with whom we must deal there for our supplies and even our safety — ^John Carver. BRADFORD and winslow {Quickly) I second that. {Others cry "Aye") BREWSTER Shall we have a show of hands. {Cries of assent. The vote is taken, and is in the end unanimous, though a few hands in the Billington group go up slowly). BREWSTER {Holding out Bible to Carver, who steps near) John Carver, as the first Governor, under this new covenant, of our body politic, you do swear — As he speaks the lights fade. 90 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT SCENE II Provincetown, Cape Cod. November 25, 1620 The lights, going up, reveal some twenty-five women and girls and sixty men, youths and boys. At a dozen tubs and kettles set on rough benches and stools, Mary Chilton, Priscilla Mullins, Mrs. Carver's maid, and some of the younger married women, among them Dorothy Bradford, are washing clothes. On the outskirts of the scene a dozen men in corselets are standing guard. By the shore a cooper and four other men are at work on a shallop. Some fifteen boys and three or four of the younger girls are piling wood for the kettles in which water is heating, gathering it on the shore, or bringing it from farther inland. A group of ten men is busied making axe helves. Near center stand Governor Carver, Elder Brewster, Edward Winslow and other Pilgrims. Near by are Captain Standish, William Bradford, Stephen Hopkins, Edward Tilley, with twelve others: they are testing their guns, or adjusting their corselets, evidently pre paring for some expedition. Some are fitting bundles of provender to their backs. Watching them are Mrs. Carver, Mrs. Brewster, and Mrs. Tilley. Scat tered about in small groups are the rest of the older women, most of them looking wretched and ill. Standish, with a final twist of his corselet, moves out as if to lead his little force. CARVER You will return in two days' time? THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 9I standish Unless we find beyond in this Cape Cod what makes it wise to linger. Then we will send a messenger. BREWSTER We shall be sorely anxious. COPPIN Whatever you find, 'twill not equal the land about the harbor yonder, {he points north) across the bay of which I have often told you. standish Good master pilot, If we have not seen it, 'tis not for lack of your telling. BRADFORD Very like, the place which Master Coppin praises is that of which Thomas Dermer wrote in a letter I saw last June. He said, could there come to the number of fifty persons, the first plantation might well be seated there. CARVER All in good time. Master Coppin. Here is a country much like our own dunes of Holland, and well wooded. Till we know it is not fitted for us, we will not risk more hardship for these {with a gesture toward the women) who have borne so much. STANDISH We might well go farther and fare worse. {Dur ing the conversation the men have been making the 92 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT final adjustments to their accoutrements. Leaving the tubs and the work, the younger people press about the expedition.) Fall in! {For a moment Dorothy Bradford flings herself into her husband's arms, trembling.) BRADFORD What is it, Dorothy? DOROTHY I know not, but oh! I fear. BRADFORD For me? {Pause.) For you? DOROTHY I know not, but I fear. (Bradford, putting her gently aside, takes his place. At the order "March," the sixteen men move off swiftly, some of the children running after them, the women waving farewell. As the group with Standish goes into the darkness, the concealed chorus sings THE SONG OF THE PILGRIM WOMEN By Josephine Preston Peabody Music by George W. Chadwick CHORUS OF women After the nights and days. Our hearts pour out their praise, O Father, who hast led us here, Over the dim sea-ways. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 93 A VERY FEW OLDER WOMEN {The dread sea-ways) YOUNG GIRLS Earth, Earth, she bloometh! — The water-brook it hummeth: — And ah, when April cometh — (Run, lads, run) Hey-ho, land at last: — Hey-ho, the Sun! CHORUS OF WOMEN Our strength was like to fail. Even as a shuddering sail — Trembling upon our lips. Thy hand upheld us who went down, Down to the sea In ships! THE FEW OLDER VOICES {Down to the sea in ships) YOUNG GIRLS And some day, from our sowing. Midsummer overflowing: — Ways of brightness, for our feet unknowing! (All, all unknowing). THE FEW OLDER VOICES {All, all unknowing) YOUNG GIRLS Thistle-down, for spinning, O! Bless the good beginning! 94 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT CHORUS OF WOMEN O, fold us in Thy keeping: Hold us above our weeping, — Us, and our young, young children, Thou Unsleeping! {Unsleeping, unsleeping) YOUNG GIRLS Bring aU your boughs for burning : Run, lad, run! Boughs of fir — And juniper — Breathing in the Sun. CHORUS OF WOMEN Forgive our blind amaze Through all these blindfold days. Thou knowest. — ^Thou wilt see Beyond our poor discerning. All of our treasury We offer here to Thee: — We, the unreturning. ALL {Unreturning) In the first stanza the older women, who have gathered in one group, move wearily and lift their heads. In the first two lines of the first stanza of the young girls, they look up from their work and around them. The boys give the hint for the line, "Run, lads, run," and during the last two lines the girls stand THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 95 with uplifted, happy faces. While the older women sing the next lines, the girls work. Again the young girls, in their second stanza, lift their heads from over the tubs. On the repeat, "All, all unknowing," the older women shake their heads sadly. The boys bring wood as the young girls sing the next two lines. Pan tomime illustrates the next five lines of the young girls. On the last lines of the older women, the younger, looking at one another pityingly, move comfortingly toward the older group. On "Thou knowest" some of the older women bury their heads on the shoulders of others. On "We offer here to thee," a half dozen women, not together, but in succession, drop on their knees in prayer. DoROTHY Bradford, standing a little apart, shading her eyes, looks off toward the place where her husband has disappeared. As the song ends the lights close down. SCENE III The First Landings at Plymouth — December 21-29, 1620 Light grows slowly. Only a small part of the Field, near the Rock, is shown. By the Rock three sailors and the Master Gunner of the Mayflower stand on guard, from their pantomime evidently expectant. En ter briskly from right Captain Standish, Edward Winslow, John Tilley, Edward Doten, Master Clark and one of the sailors. From left, almost at the 96 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT same time, come Governor Carver, William Brad ford, Edward Tilley, John Howland, Richard Warren, Master Coppin, Stephen Hopkins and a sailor. All are armed and have evidently been pros pecting. They are loaded with game, {turkeys, a deer, some rabbits) and carry great bags of corn over their shoulders. Meeting near the Rock, they gesticulate toward the empty Field, Town Brook, and Kingston, but especially toward Fort Hilt as if describing their reconnoitering. Evidently well pleased, they pass down by the Rock. The lights darken on the Pilgrims. Two Indians skulking at extreme right are seen. At once, as if watching, two other Indians enter by the Rock. To these lope the Indians at extreme right. A very slight pause. MacDowell's "1620" is played. Suddenly, the lights penetrate farther, the replica of the May flower is revealed, lying in the harbor. If she is near enough, vuomen and children can be seen on her deck. With startled looks, the Indians withdraw. The light growing, reveals, about the Rock, some eighty people, men, women and children, who are landing. Some of the women are supported by the men, seeming much travel-worn. One or two are carried, as are some of the children. Many of the men bear axes, hammers, adzes, saws, as if about to set to work felling and shap ing trees. As they scramble up from the boats, some of the men slip and fall. When all are on land, there is an instant's pause as they look about with satisfaction and sighs of content. At a gesture from Brewster, THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 97 they sink on their knees for the first stanza of the Hymn of Praise. While the women are singing their chorus, the men rise and take positions, so that they surround the women and children in the march to follow. To the last stanza of the chorus they cross the stage. As they go the lights darken. HYMN OF PRAISE Written by Hermann Hagedorn for MacDowell's "1620" mixed chorus God, our Father! Glory, Lord to thee! Before whose voice is mute the thund'ring sea! Through wind and foam Thou leadst us home — To Thee be glory through eternity. CHORUS of women Lord, hunger and cold are nigh ! Lord, not for ourselves we cry — Let not our children die! CHORUS OF MEN Silence your loud alarms! God Is our shield from harms — He will make strong our arms. Christ who has calmed the wave, Christ will uphold the brave. 98 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT MIXED CHORUS Christ, our Saviour ! Father of our Faith ! To Thee we brmg faint hearts and failing-breath. Be Thou our Guide! With thee we bide, — To love, to labor, and to hope till death ! SCENE IV THE INDIAN QUESTION April I, 1 62 1 As the lights go up, Standish, Brewster, and a half dozen others are at center of the Field, fully armed. With them are Samoset and Tisquantum. Both the Indians are gesticulatnig toward the left. In obedience to their gestures, Standish and his group move in that direction. As the lights penetrate, they reveal Massasoit and Quadaquina surrounded by some fifty-eight Indians. As Massasoit and his braves move forward, Winslow steps into their path. As a result only some twenty of the Indians accompany Massasoit. Even these lay down their bows and arrows before starting. As Winslow moves to ac company Massasoit, the latter puts his hand on Winslow's shoulders and motions that he is to stay with Quadaquina. Massasoit is a large man of grave countenance. About his neck he wears a great chain of white bone beads. To this, behind his neck, is attached a little bag of tobacco. His face is painted THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 99 a deep red or mulberry. Both his head and face are oiled. In his bosom, hanging by a string, is a long knife. When Massasoit and his party meet Stand ish's group, they salute. Standish pantomimes an order to Samoset and Tisquantum, who guide the Indians to center, accompanied by the settlers. There a large green rug and two or three cushions are lying. Instantly there is the sound of a drum and trumpet. Ac companied by eight musketeers. Governor Carver enters. He kisses the hand of Massasoit; the King kisses him on the cheek. At a gesture from the Gov ernor, Massasoit and three or four of his followers seat themselves on the rug, as do Carver, Brewster, Bradford, and Fuller. The others remain standing. At a signal from the Governor, William Latham steps forward and fills two cups from which the Gov ernor and Massasoit drink. Then Carver, rising, to the consternation of Massasoit who has to be kept sitting by TiSQUANTUM and Samoset, reads the terms of treaty. He pauses after each paragraph to let Tis quantum, who stands with his back to the audience, pantomime as interpreter. As the reading goes on, Massasoit shows approval by his nods, and his fol- owers by their grunts. Throughout the scene, however, Massasoit has difficulty in restraining his nervous trembling. CARVER These are the conditions on which we would have you as neighbors and allies. IOO THE PILGRIM SPIRIT I. Neither you nor any of yours shall do hurt to any of our people. {The Indians look at each other.) 2. If any of yours, do hurt to any of ours, you shall send the offender that we may punish him. {The Indians look at Massasoit.) 3. If any of our tools be taken away when our people are at work, you shall cause them to be restored, and if our people do any harm to any of yours, we will do the like to you. {The In dians show approval of the last words.) 4. If any do unjustly war against you, we will aid you; If any do war against us, you shall aid us. {Loud grunts of approval. Massasoit nods, pleased. ) 5. You shall send to your neighbor confederates, to tell them of this, that they may not wrong us, but may likewise be included In the condi tions of peace. {Nods of assent.) 6. When your men come to us, they shall leave their bows and arrows behind them, as we will do our pieces when we come to you. {Nods of assent and grunts.) Lastly, doing thus. King James will esteem of you as his friend and ally. (Carver shows Massasoit that he has signed the document, and motions that he is to do the same. The latter looks inquiringly at Samoset and Tisquantum. Tisquantum taking a quill and ink-horn from THE PILGRIM SPIRIT IOI Latham, guides the hand of Massasoit, who signs with a grunt. As he finishes, he says something to Tisquantum. tisquantum The great Sagamore, Massasoit, says he will stay near, this night. CARVER With all these? {Gesture to Indians.) Yes. How near? Half a mile. tisquantum CARVER tisquantum BREWSTER {Looking at Standish) Is It wise? {The women and children who have come in press close to listen, disturbed and anxious.) STANDISH Safe enough. We will set guards along the brook and round the town. {A woman presses toward him as if to expostulate, but he waves her aside. MASSA SOIT who has been watching the colloquy with doubt and some trembling, now moves tentatively toward the place from which he came. At once Carver falls into step with him. The two groups, mingling, move toward lower left. There Carver and Massasoit embrace. Winslow is released. As the Indians move I02 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT off, the men return to the waiting women and children. Standish is talking with Carver as he comes.) MRS. BREWSTER {As they approach) Think you it safe to have them so near, and we so few and unprotected? STANDISH Fear not, Mistress Brewster. They have seen our people alone in the woods at work and fowling. They have done naught when they might easily have harmed them. Think, too, that Massasoit believes we may be some strength to him against the Narra gansetts who are powerful enemies of his. And {as he handles his gun) did you not see him tremble? These our pieces are very terrible unto them. MRS. BREWSTER But we are so few. STANDISH But prepared. If it come time to strike, we shall strike first and strike hard. CARVER Surely with fair dealing and humanity shown to these savages they will deal honestly with us. STANDISH So believe I, and I think time will prove It. Fall in. To the sound of trumpet and drum, the little troop THE PILGRIM SPIRIT IO3 escort the GOVERNOR toward Leyden Street. The lights close in, SCENE V The Return of the Mayflower, April 15, 1621 Light thrown on the Mayflower shows activity on its deck. The Field reveals the settlers, greatly depleted in numbers, watching the Mayflower. A group of boys is on the water's edge gesticulating toward the ship. Even as the lights go up, another group comes running in, from the right, to' the water's edge. Nearer center stand together Priscilla Mullins, Mary Chilton, and Elizabeth Tilley, with John Alden and John Howland. Samuel Eaton, with Mrs. Carver's maid, who carries Eaton's mother less child in her arms, make a second group. Isaac Al lerton with his two children, Mary and Remember, stand a little apart. Desire Minter, Humility Cooper and the boy, Henry Sampson, stand between the main group and the boys at the water's edge. At center are Bradford, Brewster, Mrs. Brewster, Hopkins, Mrs. Hopkins with Oceanus in her arms, the two Hopkins girls, and Captain Standish. Billington and Mrs. Billington, with William Latham, are near, but a little apart. Three or four more men are between this group and the water's edge, to the left. All are turned toward the ship watching it. Fuller is entering as the lights go up. I04 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT fuller {As he joins the central group) Not sailed yet? BRADFORD Nay, but 'tis only a matter of minutes. BREWSTER How are your sick today? FULLER {Looking guardedly about) We gain daily, now the winter is past. MRS. HOPKINS Then with but seven out of one hundred able to tend the sick, we had all died had it not been for you. Doctor, Captain Standish, and Elder Brewster. FULLER The worst is over. HOPKINS A bitter winter. Scarce a family left untouched. Whole families blotted out, and others like those girls there {he nods toward Priscilla, Mary and Eliza beth) left fatherless and motherless. EATON 'Tis bitter hard for us whose wives, being taken, have left little ones like this of mine, to be mothered by the tenderness of others. {The maid, hushing the baby, smiles at him.) THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 105 ALLERTON {With his hands on the shoulders of his children) Bitterest that we must level the graves of our dead here on Cole's Hill lest the Indians suspect how weak death was making us. MRS. WHITE {Tearfully) Where we buried my William, corn will soon be growing. Nothing to show where a good husband and father lies. STANDISH In days when there were scarce a half dozen able- bodied men among us, we could take no chances. ALLERTON A score of the men who signed the Company gone ! EATON Only William Latham there of the nine serving men who came with us. MRS. BREWSTER {Much moved) And but a half dozen left of all the wives and mothers. BREWSTER Verily, the hand of the Lord hath been hard upon us. BRADFORD Surely ye remember the words of Pastor Robin son : "We should so live as being content to die when I06 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT God calls us hence; not in senseless blocklshness over coming death as the most do by forgetting it; as if a man overcame his enemy by getting as far from him as he could. It is ill to wish death, but worse to fear it." MRS. BREWSTER {Gently placing her hand on Bradford's arm) You may rebuke us, William, you whose sweet Dorothy died at Provincetown. BREWSTER {Pointing to the younger groups) And the Lord hath spared youth to us, for of the eleven girls he hath taken but one, and of some twenty boys but six. The future is still ours. STANDISH Here must we stand, a bulwark; for without us, who knows that the French would not push down from the north and the Spaniard press up from the south, till there should be no chance, to plant here the flag of England, or find any refuge for such as we. winslow 'Tis hard and lonely now, but, till we be well es tablished, better our nearest neighbors hundreds of miles away than rivalry and quarrels close at hand. BRADFORD Is there any here who would turn back? {Quick chorus of "Nays.") Count it not for a hardship that THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 107 ye have broken the ice for them that shall come after. It shall be for great praise unto you. A gun is fired on the Mayflower, for departure. All the group wave and call goodbyes. There are figures waving on the deck of the Mayflower. In the con fusion an older woman has entered, Mrs. Carver, and stands weeping as she looks at the ship. Brewster steps toward her, as does Dr. Fuller. BREWSTER Grieve not, Mrs. Carver. MRS. CARVER {Sobbingly) It Is hard to see it go — our home for many months, the last tie that binds us with our friends three thousand miles away. {She puts her head on Fvi,ler's shoulder.) FULLER How is John? other voices Aye, The Governor — How is he? — Better?— Not so ill? MRS. CARVER {Lifting her head) I but left him for a moment. He {looking at Fuller) tells me John cannot live the night out. General grief and consternation. Mrs. Brewster and Mrs. Hopkins going to her, lead her weeping, off left. Fuller has nodded affirmatively io the in quiring group, and passes quickly off after her. To8 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT BREWSTER Let us go to the Fort and pray for the safe passage of this ship, and our dying Governor. Quickly they fall into position, three abreast, led by one of the men armed. Behind him comes BrewsteR, with Standish on his left. They are so arranged that on the outside are the more completely armed men. standish {As they fall in) We will go by the right that our passing may not disquiet the Governor. BRADFORD {Sadly) He hears nothing. Sadly, slowly, with bowed heads they go out by the right. The lights close in. SCENE VI New Colonists. Plymouth, November 5, 1623 The lights suggest dusk in early November. It is cold, as the heavy clothing and the gestures of the Pilgrims show. As the lights go up, six or eight youths and men are moving across the Field from left to right, carrying clapboards. As they move swiftly, one stops to lay down his burden and beat his arms against his body. Two more halt to warm their benumbed fingers. FIRST MAN 'Twill be bitter cold to-night. THE BIRTHPLACE OF Vi'ILLIAM BRADFORD .-It the end of the village of .-I usterfield . England THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 109 SECOND MAN 'Tis always cold, these early November nights. Enter rapidly, as from Leyden St., Governor Bradford. bradford Why were not those loaded on the vessel? FIRST MAN The Cap'n has all the clapboards he will take back to England. SECOND MAN He would take more beaver, an' we had it. BRADFORD Nay, beaver is scarce this year. Well, {with a gesture) let these wait in the storehouse until the next ship comes. {As they pick up their burdens and go off) But see that you put them well away from our food supplies, that those may be come at readily. {As they turn away saying "Aye," — "That we will," etc., there is the sound of bibulous singing in the, direction of Leyden St.) Who are those? A MAN Belike 'tis sailors from the ship yonder, or some of the men who came in the Anne last spring, making merry. BRADFORD Go, one of you, and in my name bid them cease this racketing. no THE PILGRIM SPIRIT A MAN That will I. BRADFORD {A little Sternly ) And be mindful all, we are not in any way so much in danger as by corrupt and naughty company. THE group {As they pass off) "Aye, Governor," "Aye, Master Bradford," — "Good night." As Bradford turns toward right, there is the sound of approaching altercation in the direction from which the workers came. Enter some twenty-five people, men, women, and children. John Oldham and six of those who came with him in the Anne, with an equal number who came with Gorges are in the group. The rest are original settlers. OLDHAM {As they enter angrily) I care not what the bar gain was. We will not go hungry. ORIGINAL settler But, John Oldham, the agreement was — ANOTHER settler Let the Governor here decide. {They cluster ex citedly about Bradford) Master Bradford, was It not agreed between us, the original settlers of the Mayflower, and those who came in the ship Anne last April, or in September by the ship of Gorges yonder — THE PILGRIM SPIRIT III OLDHAM {Bellowing) Agreements count not, if hunger presses. BRADFORD Silence. {He turns to the Second Settler.) SECOND SETTLER Last April, you and the Council put by the rules of the Company that each should plant for all, and let us plant each for himself. That gave us new life. Even these, our wives and children, went gladly to the fields to plant and hoe. We had hopes of a great harvest, yet were we cautious. OLDHAM You misers? Call you it caution? THE MAN Aye, for you and your friends here, coming well provisioned, were unwilling to share with us in a com mon holding, lest thus your food should be gone too soon. But we, knowing of old how quickly great pro visioning is spent, came to you {to Bradford who nods) with some of these very men who now complain, asking that we might hoard our crops as they their food, each enjoying his own. BRADFORD What, then, is wrong? Oldham and two or three of the contestants start to speak, but one of his friends dominates. 112 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT FRIEND OF OLDHAM These are mean of heart. When our food is gone, not wasted, they will not give us theirs. OLDHAM Fine Christians they, who serve their own bellies! THE FORMER SPEAKER You know, "Master Governor, that the harvest disappointed our hopes even though the great drought from May to mid- July was broken by God in answer to our prayers. SECOND EARLY SETTLER Nay, as the corn ripened, 'twas stolen again and again. ONE OF OLDHAm's GROUP What of prowling Indians? THE FORMER SPEAKER The footprints In the fields were not of Indians. oldham's follower Mean ye to say we stole it? former SPEAKER I say naught, — but the prints were of good English boots. Mutterings, scufflings, and a threatened fight. BRADFORD No quarreling, or I will put you in the stocks. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT II3 WOMAN {Wails) Would I were in England once again! ANOTHER WOMAN Would I had never left it! I heard here was every thing for comfort, — great houses, a land rich and plentiful. man (Mockingly) Ay, and a town well walled and forti fied against the savages. VOICES OF WOMEN I fear, — I fear. Some of the children break into crying. OLDHAM {Truculently) Aye, and what find we? Canvas booths, houses of hewn trees, flimsy defences. And now, for want of food, we starve. BRADFORD {Somewhat whimsically) Brother Oldham, you look not starving. {With a glance at Oldham's com panions) Nor you, my friends. OLDHAM One may eat, and starve for food that nourishes. A COMPANION {Contemptuously) Ay, for the beef and beer of England you give us strange fish from the sea and a draught of water. 114 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT SECOND COMPANION Ay, when we were promised food like the best in England. BRADFORD Did anyone here promise it? {Pause) THE MAN Nay, but the Company In England did, with rich living, wealth and ease. WOMAN This is no land for gentlemen. ANOTHER WOMAN Nor citizens. WOMAN {Scornfully) No, — for farmers — and fishermen. THE GROUP {Muttering) 'Tis me for England. — Aye, as soon as the ship of Gorges sails. — ^Aye, aye, etc. BRADFORD {Kindly but firmly) My friends, as ye were welcome when ye came, so shall you be when you go. If you think not this place for your good. Glad are we of honest men's company and loath to part from the same. For our friends in Holland, we much desire their company and have long expected the same: If we had them instead of some others, we are persuaded things THE PILGRIM SPIRIT II 5 would have been better than they are with us, for honest men will ever do their ' best endeavor whilst others, though they be more able of body {with a pointed look), will scarce by any means be brought to it. {He turns to the man who first spoke to him) Who is in the front of this complaining? {The man points to Oldham.) So, as I thought, it is you, John Oldham. OLDHAM {With a gesture) Some one must speak to their selfishness for them as dare not, BRADFORD John Oldham, and you among this crowd who think with him, answer me these questions. {Uneasy movement in the crowd.) You came among us by the ship Anne in April, or in this ship of Gorges, not as we of the Mayflower and other vessels, to cast in your lots on the same terms, but hoping to live here by and for yourselves, or as adventurers to stay only till your fortunes be made. Have we not re ceived you in all love and friendship, assigning you places of habitation, succoring you when ill? {He pauses. There is hesitation, then some grudging "Ayes") OLDHAM So you take praise to yourselves for not turning us out to the savages or back to the sea In ships sorely in need of refitting? Il6 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT BRADFORD Have we not left you free, except for general de fense and what tends to the perpetual good of the colony ? ONE OF oldham's GROUP Have ye not denied us all trade with the Indians for furs and such commodities? OLDHAM Ay, and have ye not made every man Jack of us over sixteen pay one bushel of Indian wheat or the worth of it to the common store? BRADFORD So that is where the shoe pinches? You would share in all our toil has gained, but pay nothing. We cannot by our agreement with those in England, who aided our voyaging, let any who come not In the orig inal conditions share in the Indian trade. AN OLDHAM FOLLOWER {Threateningly) Take heed lest we go to the In dians by ourselves. BRADFORD {Sternly) Take ye heed. Indeed. Remember Weston and Wessagusset. A year ago he came, his ship unseaworthy, his men lacking food, and many ill. We took them in; we nursed them; for ours is the belief of our good pastor John Robinson : "To strangers we must do good because they may deserve it, and do stand THE PILGRIM SPIRIT II7 in need of it; to all men because God deserves it at our hands for them." They went out from us to live on their own. What result? Like you they wasted their provender. The day came when they were feign to sell the very shirts off their backs for corn and when, to keep from starving, they did menial service for the very Indians you despise. Scattering to find nuts in the woods, some starved; others lurking Indians fell upon and slew. an early settler Ay, and mind you this. Had not the Governor, Captain Standish, and others who be here, gone to their rescue, they had been killed to the last man. BRADFORD {Sternly) Return to England, whoever wishes and can. But let him who remains know this : no man who works shall starve, but he who has, must work for what he gets, and must share In the common defense. Grumbling, discontent. During all this scene the sound of roistering has been louder and louder. Sud denly, as a light shoots up over Leyden St., the children cry; "Look, look!" BRADFORD {Horrified) 'Tis fire. Where is Captain Stand ish? settler In the fields beyond the Fort. Il8 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT BRADFORD {Pointing to a youth) Go warn him, if he has not seen. There have been looks between some of the mal contents, who, with their women and children, make off toward the fire covertly during the following dia logue. As the youth is going toward the exit right, enter one of the workmen, who opened the scene. WORKMAN Governor, Governor, the dwelling next the store house is aflame. BRADFORD How started It? the man The carousing sailors. First the chimney, then the thatch. At the entrance, right, the youth has almost run into the arms of Captain Standish, leading a group of a dozen men. Most are evidently returning from the field, for they carry both their guns and their farming implements. Three or four carry buckets, and one or two wet sheets. Standish, as he comes, is giving, in pantomime, orders for the men to take up positions on the top of Cole's Hill, near the Rock, and by the water-front. He tells off a man each for these positions. STANDISH Stand you along Town Brook, lest any Indians come from without or enemies from within try to escape. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT II 9 Most of the group have gone out to Leyden Street. As Bradford moves to Standish, a second of the workmen hurries in. SECOND MAN Hasten, hasten. Two more houses are afire. third youth {Running in) The storehouse will go next. The storehouse ! BRADFORD {To Standish, as they move quickly toward Leyden St.) If that be burned, then are we overthrown. woman's VOICE We are lost, lost. Some of the men hurry toward Leyden St., shouting "Throw out the stores. Throw out the stores." Others join them, particularly the remaining malcontents, cry ing: "Yea, throw them out, throw them out." Quickly Standish bars the way, with Bradford just behind him. standish Stand ye. Throw out the goods and they will be stolen, like qur corn. {With a quick look at some of the malcontents:) Remember, and spread the word. He who plunders, I will shoot. Now come ye and fight the fire. They hurry into a group of women and children who pour out from Leyden St. in confusion and terror. Other women and children, equally terrified, come in I20 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT from the direction of North St. Smoke and flames have increased. Except for the light of the flames it is now deep darkness. Men and youths, carrying buckets and sheets, hurry across from right to left. The women and children huddle together, some of the children crying, the women wringing their hands. Older chil dren rush to and fro carrying news. The flames subside. VOICES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN Look, look. — The fire lessens. — Aye, they have mastered it. — God be praised. BOY {Running in ) The storehouse flames not. 'Tis safe. woman's voice Then is the worst over. voice {Suddenly out of the darkness in an eerie voice) Look well about you. All be not friends that be near. All turn toward the sound, which comes from near the water. There is a moment of complete panic. Two or three of the more intrepid women move to ward the sound. Nothing. Some of the older lads scurry into the darkness, to come back, awed and fright ened, saying "Nothing, no one." Immediately after the cry, some of the boys have dashed out toward Leyden St. Now they return with an older lad among them, crying, as all gather round. "Look, look." It is seen that the elder boy carries a firebrand.) THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 121 A BOY He ran to it — ANOTHER And there he found — THE lad {Holding the brand high) This! THE THREE BOYS {In rapid succession) He found it inside the wall. Among the leaves. The withered leaves of the wattles. There are cries of disgust and anger. woman 'Tis burnt, the shed. THE LAD Nay, we saw It in time. CHORUS OF LADS Aye, we saved it, aye, — Aye. The light of the fire is dim now. Out of the dark ness come Standish, Governor Bradford, Brewster and a dozen men.) BRADFORD Come, good people, get you to your houses. The danger is over, the roisterers under guard. Captain Standish sets the watch, lest the Indians be treacher ous or, worse still, enemies within. Watch your homes well. Be wary. Goodnight. The women and children pour out on both sides, mainly on Leyden St. Standish, sending two men to 122 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT relieve guard at left, right and center of the Field, leads the others toward North St. Behind him and the little group of soldiers are four men with swinging lanterns. The last light of the fire dies out. SCENE VII Lyford and Oldham — June, 1624 The lights show the freemen voters, all the leaders except Winslow included, assembled in General Court. Bradford is presiding, with three of the Council sitting by him on a platform. Standish, wearing his sword, is at its left corner. As if guarding doorways stand two men in armor. In a semi-circle are men, women, and children, looking on. Among these are some fol lowers of Oldham and Lyford. Altogether there are some eighty men present. At center left stand John Lyford and John Oldham. BRADFORD {As the lights go up.) John Lyford and John Oldham, do you deny that you have plotted to dis establish our church and overthrow our government? lyford {Boldly) I know naught of these charges. OLDHAM Nor I. 'Tis but wild and foolish talk. BREWSTER May not the Freemen of Plymouth hear the charges in detail? THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 1 23 BRADFORD I have here evidence they have plotted to keep back our friends In Leyden, especially Pastor Robin son, for whose company we have yearned. They have intrigued to have any adventurer vote In all our courts and elections, so that those they should draw to them might oversway us, the original settlers. They have schemed to have a certain English captain sent over to replace Master Standish, and to put an enemy in Edward Winslow's place to represent us in England. They have by secret meetings tried to draw from among us those who hitherto have worked with us for the common good. They have schemed to keep from us those who would come on right conditions, saying that our church would have none to live here but ourselves, and that none are willing to live here who have company to live elsewhere. They are pre paring, if these their plans fall, to live at a little distance, a hostile group dividing the trade and the fishing. Such division would make It well-nigh Im possible to keep the word we have given friends in England for the debts of this Colony. BREWSTER John Oldham, know ye not well we are willing any man may live with us who will carry himself peaceably and seek the common good? OLDHAM When have I denied It? 124 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT BREWSTER How say ye, Lyford? LYFORD {Haughtily) I say nothing. BREWSTER Stand forth, Godbert Godbertson and Moses Simonson. Were ye not of the Dutch Church in Leyden ? both Yes. brewster And have ye not been received among us as of our own communion? simonson That have I. godbertson Yea, for a certainty. At Brewster's nod they withdraw. brewster Stand forth Mistress Cooke and Philip Delanoy. {They do.) Were ye not of the French Church in Holland? BOTH Yea. BREWSTER Complain ye of your welcome here ? DELANOY Nay. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 125 MRS. COOKB In no wise. BREWSTER Our church at Leyden made no separation from the Reformed Churches, but held communion with those occasionally. We ever placed a large difference be tween those men who grounded their practice upon the word of God, though differing from us in the understanding of it, and those who hated such re formers and reformation. {With a nod he gives the case back to Bradford. BRADFORD Do you still deny these charges? LYFORD I do. OLDHAM {Breaking in) This is trumped-up trickery. We know naught of this. {Appealing to the onlookers) Masters, show your courage. You have oft com plained to me. Now is the time to act. I will stand by you. There is a little muttering of approval. BRADFORD {Sternly) Wait, John Oldham! You shall have the evidence. {He picks up a package of letters.) At the sailing of the good ship Charity last September, your Governor and other leaders of your church here 126 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT present noted the private meetings and much whisper ing of you two men and the friction you were causing. They saw, too, that you. Master Lyford, were busy with much writing of letters. Therefore, knowing how greatly your ill will might hurt us In England, we went out to the ship Charity, and called for your letters. The master, William Pierce, knowing well your evil dealing here and In England aided us. There were some twenty letters of yours, Lyford, full of slanders and false accusations. Do you deny what is here written? {He passes a letter to Captain Stand ish, who holds it before Lyford, not letting it out of his hand! Lyford reads it with a startled look, quickly concealed.) LYFORD {Sneeringly) This is no writing of mine. BRADFORD Yea, we let pass most of the twenty letters, taking only copies. But for some of the most important we kept the originals, sending on only copies. Is this yours? {He passes Standish another. Lyford is silent.) And this — and this — and this? {He passes others to Standish. Oldham tries to snatch one of the letters from the hand of Standish, but is pre vented.) OLDHAM ( Turning to the audience ) What, will you let these over-bearers, these openers cf other men's letters — fine THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 127 business this! — will you let them override us, filling your ears with lies? BRADFORD Softly, John Oldham. Here be letters of yours, too. And many, and {whimsically as he scrutinizes the handwriting) for such as can read them. {Light laughter in the crowd. Oldham shrugs with anger.) They put you in as deep as Master Lyford. OLDHAM Masters, have ye no hearts ? 'Twas a knavish trick. {The crowd gives him no heed.) BRADFORD Ay, 'twas a trick, but can Master Lyford com plain? Among his letters found were two which he had opened when the ship Charity was leaving port in England. These he sealed up again, sending copies of them to enemies of ours in England, with scurrilous and flouting words written In their margins. Copies of these we have. {Murmurs of wonder and disgust from the audience.) All this have I done unwillingly, but knowing it Is my duty as your Governor to pre serve at any cost our church and our government. {Murmurs of approval. He turns to the culprits.) If you or any of your confederates have proof or wit ness of any corrupt or evil dealing of ours, do not spare us. Speak out. 128 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT LYFORD {After a pause) John Billington and Edward Martin made sundry complaints in which I put faith. BRADFORD Stand forth, John Billington. {He does.) Upon your oath, how say you to this? billington I deny it all. bradford Edward Martin. MARTIN He speaks false. BRADFORD But you two have taken counsel with him. BILLINGTON Many times he would draw us into such things as we would not consent to. LYFORD {Sincerely) Verily, I swear to you, this man Bil lington said these things to me. BRADFORD But was the word of one man sufficient ground to speak evil with no chance given us to deny? {The culprits are silent.) LYFORD {At last) Others have abused me. That do I now well see. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 129 BRADFORD Can you deny that outwardly you have concurred with us about our church, professing to be one with us? LYFORD {Unwillingly) I cannot. BREWSTER Yet have you not drawn a company apart to ad minister the service as in the Church of England? (Lyford hesitates^) OLDHAM Deny it, deny it. billington and others He did,— he did ! brewster Did you this? LYFORD {Bewildered, frightened, looks about) Ay. {He bursts into tears.) I am a reprobate, doing evil against you, slandering you, abusing you. BRADFORD {Sternly) Then what you have writ and said was false? LYFORD Yea. False and nought, both for matter and man ner. I doubt God will pardon me, so great a re probate am I. I spared not to take knowledge of 130 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT any evil that was spoken, but shut my eyes and ears against all the good. brewster {Sadly) Why have you done these things? LYFORD For pride, vain glory, and self-love. BRADFORD John Oldham, can you deny these things? (Old ham Is silent. ) The case stands confessed. Is there any reason why judgment should not be given against these men? {Cries of "Nay.") Coming among us as friends, this man Lyford and his fellow Oldham have plotted to kill that for which we left England,, for which we crossed the Atlantic, which we have enjoyed these last four years — government by and for ourselves in town and church. Accepting of us, pretending to be of us, they have plotted against that which is dearer to us than our lives. {Rising) John Oldham and John Lyford, you are expelled from the settlement of Ply mouth — you, Oldham, forthwith. Your poor wife and family may stay the winter, or till you can make provision for them comfortably. For you, Lyford, we would you might see the error of your way. If not. In six months time, you also must leave. {All look at Ly ford and Oldham. Oldham gives an angry shrug.) lyford {Very humbly) Less than my faults deserve. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 131 BRADFORD {Looking about him) Let this be for a warning that what we established here for personal liberty and self- government, that will we hold as a heritage for our children and our children's children. As the lights darken, the concealed choir sings the ANTHEM Words arranged from Bradford.^ Music by Ar thur Foote. They that sow in tears shall reap In joy. O ye little handful least among the thousands of Israel, ye have suffered for the truth and have been faithful witnesses of the same. Behold now the fruits of your labors. You have actually had a seed time. But many of you have seen the joyful harvest. Rejoice and again rejoice, and say: "Glory, honor and power be to the Lord our God; for true and righteous are his judgments." But who hath done this? The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Halleluiah! As this is sung, the lights, going up slowly, reveal Bradford sitting at a table writing his history, his only illumination a tallow dip. As the music ends, Brad ford stops his writings to think. The lights, penetrat ing the darkness beyond him a little, show the figures of his fellow-workers, Clifton, Brewster, Robinson, ^History I, iS, Mass. Hist. Soc. ed. 132 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT Carver, Standish, Fuller, Winslow, like statues, near at hand. After looking at them a moment Brad ford lifts his head and gazes off. voice from the rock {Solemnly in the darkness) "As one candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many, yea! in some sort to our whole nation." As Bradford still gazes, the lights penetrating more deeply reveal in turn George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. washington The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitution of government. LINCOLN Government of the people, for the people, by the people, shall not perish from the earth. As Lincoln finishes, two men in modern dress come toward the Rock, looking away seaward. FIRST speaker This was the port of entry of our freedom. Men brought it in a box of alabaster. And broke the box and spilled it to the west Here on the granite wharf prepared for them. second speaker And so we have it. THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 133 FIRST SPEAKER Have it to achieve; We have it as they had It in their day, A little in the grasp — more to achieve. I wonder what the Pilgrims if they came Would say to us as freemen. Is our freedom Their freedom as they left It to our keeping — Or would they know their own in modem guise? There is in the orchestra the clash of cymbals, the thunder of drums — War. Across the back of the Field, to march music, pass the flags of the allies, so lighted that they show bril liantly, but not their bearers. Nearer move the French and British flags, and then all wave and beckon. There follows a hush. Suddenly from far out on the Mayflower a bugle calls in the darkness, and light begins to glow on the vessel, but very faintly. VOICE OF THE ROCK "The path of the Mayflower must forever be kept free." At this signal march simftly in from all sides the group of Adventures of Episode I, except the Dutch, to pass in between the flag bearers and the Bay. Again the bugle calls. Enter all of the figures of Episode II. £34 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT They pass behind the flag-bearers and press them nearer the spectators. The Dutch only do not pass be hind but line up on each side as if watching. As these figures reach center, the march which has been used thus far for the entrances of the groups ends. As each group has entered, all have had an increasing amount of light, both carried in their midst and thrown upon them from the light towers. The adven turers came simply with torches, but each of the suc ceeding groups is more and more brilliantly lighted. I wish a song could call them back today To say, or give some sign — in off-shore song Wide as an off-shore wind, but not so hard For a ship to beat into port against. second SPEAKER What is your song? FIRST SPEAKER The region sings It. Listen. The concealed choir sings THE RETURN OF THE PILGRIMS Words by Robert Frost — Music by John Powell When landing weary from the narrow deck. You stumbled up the rugged beach and fell. Here still afraid of God, though safe from wreck. You spoke a vow that was a prayer as well. And first it was like fire In grass and trees. Across the open, up a wooded slope ; THE PILGRIM SPIRIT 135 And then like sunlight, over both of these — A vow that was a prayer, that was a hope. [Your hope of landing was your gift to men. As freely of it as was yours to give You gave it to us to be ours to hope again, And hope forever to be free and live.] [Your faith entrusted it to multitude. To enter change, and not be lost While races by new places were renewed And by each other, overlapped and crossed.] No ship at all that under sail or steam Have gathered races to us more and more But, Pilgrim-manned, the Mayflower in a dream Has been their anxious convoy to the shore. [Wlien losers come around us like the dark To lose us to ourselves in peace and war By moving bounds or rubbing out a mark Your hope has helped us cling to what we are.] Come in a Second Coming to the West, Coming in a Second Coming to the land Where once you left the print of feet impressed As deep in rock as others have in sand. Come seeing fresh again from wind and wave. Say for us we have held the meaning fast; 136 THE PILGRIM SPIRIT We are good keepers of the gift you gave. Confirm us keepers of it to the last. On the words "Come — West" enter the Pilgrims convoying forty-eight young women bearing the State flags. Down the center toward the ship go the State flags. All the actors making way for them. So group that all eyes are on the Mayflower. On the last two stanzas of the chorus the lights are full on the Mayflower, the Pageant Ground and the harbor are ablaze with light, and great searchlights are sweeping the sky. As the last line is sung the Field darkens quickly till there is light only on the MAYFLOWER. VOICE FROM THE ROCK {Solemnly.) With malice toward none and charity for all it is for us to resolve that this nation under God shall have a new birth of Freedom. As the light fades in the Mayflower, the Pageant Ends SOME MARSHALL JONES BOOKS FURNITURE OF THE PILGRIM CENTURY By Wallace Nutting In this tercentenary year the publication of Mr. Nutting's remarkable collection of photographs of colonial furniture is most appropriate and significant. It is the result of years of work by a man whose name stamps it with authority. American furniture, of native woods, of our first century ia the theme. A thousand pictures with descriptions beautifully printed on cameo paper make a book that no collector or important library can ignore. We expect to publish it on September 15. Enter your order now, state the date you wish it filled and we will give it careful attention. It will solve one Christmas problem. Price, $16.00 A DAY IN A COLONIAL HOME By Delia R. Prescott Edited by John Cotton Dana Teachers and parents frequently asked the Newark Public Library how they could make their children have a better appreciation of the home. So they built an old-fashioned kitchen with its fire place, furnished it and reproduced its daily life with the assistance of Normal School girls. The exhibit was witnessed by many thousand interested children. Then this little book was written, illustrated and published, that others may see how happy and whole some lives were lived when each member of the household con tributed to the family welfare. It is an excellent book for children whether of native or adopted Americans. Ready in June. Price. $1.25 CROOKED AND NARROW STREETS OP THE TOWN OF BOSTON 1G30-1822 By Annie Haven Thwing The origin of this book was due to the author's attempt, many years ago, to find out where her ancestors lived, who their neighbors were and what their neighborhood was like. The collecting of this material was spread over a period of thirty years. It contains records of the streets and people, events and anecdotes — material of great interest to all who would know their Boston. There are seven double page specially drawn maps, twenty-four full page illustrations and a comprehensive index. Priee, $5.00 TURNPIKES OF NEW ENGLAND, THE By Frederic J. Wood An exhaustive, authoritative, and human treatise on the subject upon which there is little material elsewhere available, containing nearly four hundred illustrations, maps, and charts and an index of nearly four thousand entries. It appeals to the engineer, the eco;._ "list, the historian, the automobilist, and the general reader. BouE „ in heavy library buckram, with decorations in gold. A monumental work in a new field, a, work as unique as it is exhaustive — Boston Berald. Price, $10.00 HISTORIC TREES OF MASSACHUSETTS By James Raymond Simmons, formerly Assistant State Forester, Massachusetts; now Secretary and Treasurer, New York Forestry Association Trees have ever been connected with human history. Historic trees are those beneath or near which events of continuing interest in the life of State or Nation have occurred. Massachusetts has more of them than any other State in the Union. Some of them were standing before the Pilgrims landed, and still survive. Mr. Simmons describes them all, and shows most of them in the photo graphs that illustrate the book. There is a map with the help of which automobile tourists may visit these historic sights in order. The volume has special interest and value iu connection with the Plymouth Tercentenary Exposition. Price, Si.OO PARTIES AND PARTY LEADERS By Anson Daniel Morse, late Professor of History in Amherst College, with an Introduction by Dwight Whitney Morrow A collection of the best political essays of a singularly clear- minded and unbiased analyst of American institutions. Hitherto scattered in various periodicals, these papers are now brought together into a volume which covers, in a notably clear and impartial way, the history of our politics down to 1914. Ready in June. Price, $3.00 THE NEMESIS OF MEDIOCRITY WALLED TOWNS In the first of these two books Mr. Balph Adams Cram has shown the weakness of the world in competent leadership. He says, "Men and nations have been what they have been, either for good or evil, not by the will of a numerical majority, but by the supreme leadership of the few — seers, prophets, captains of men; and so it always will be." In the second book he suggests "the way out" of the present confusion that has overtaken modern civilization. They are suggestive and have provoked much discussion. NEMESIS OF MEDIOCRITY Price, $1.^5 WALLED TOWNS Price, $1.50 THE JOKE ABOUT HOUSING By Charles Harris Whitaker, Editor of the Journal of the American Institute of Architects It must be admitted that the title of this book isn't indicative of its contents for it is one of the most fundamental and serious dis cussions of this all-important subject that has been printed thus far. Mr. Whitaker speaks without fear, without prejudice, without despite of the rich or maudling sympathy for the poor, but he hides nothing. Price, $S.OO LIBERTY AND DEMOCRACY By Hartley Burr Alexander, Professor of Pliilosophy, the University of Nebraska The volume portrays the ideals of American institutions in con trast with Prussianism. Though written as war-time essays, its significance is limited to no one period of our history, as long as liberty and democracy mean anything to us and our faith is in them. The author is a distinguished scholar and a frequent contributor to our leading magazines and journals. Price, $1.75 BILINGUAL SERIES FOR NEW AMERICANS The Massachusetts Society of Colonial Dames at the suggestion of the Massachusetts Free Library Commission has undertaken the publication of a series of volumes on American history, biography and ideals which shall contribute to a better understandin ; between the new Americans and the old. The first volume (described below), was published in 1920 and met with favor. A new edition will be published shortly edited by Charles Hall Grandgent of Harvard University and will be greatly improved. It will probably be illustrated and contain maps. THE STORY OF AMERICA, in ItaUan and English. By Alberto Pecorini $1.00 THE STORY OF AMERICA, in PoKsh and English. In preparation. By Alberto Pecorini $1.00 THE STORY OF AMERICA, in English. By Alberto Pecorini Probable price .60 THE MEANING OF ARCHITECTURE, an Essay in Constructive Criticism ^ By Irving K. Pond Being the study of an abiding principle and an analysis of the forms of its manifestation in the life and architecture of the past — an application of the principle in the expression of present day ideals — and a statement of the individual's responsibility in the developing art of a democracy. Colored frontispiece and thirty-seven drawings by the author. Price, $2.S5 MARSHALL JONES COMPANY 212 SUMMER STREET BOSTON, MASS. 3 9002 \M.' if' 'Jl 71 « ^ ii-^i^.&. Wr>- Ife, 'ft'' , »fe' i'ijisil''-;.',; '5 Si ^Li:'^(^S;« 1 .^