Patriotic Plays and Pageants for Young People Part 13

PRINCESS POCAHONTAS

For this pageant episode see page 12 of the Outdoor Arrangement of the Pageant of Patriots.

PRISCILLA MULLINS SPINNING: TABLEAU

The same woodland setting as has been used for Pocahontas. In the center of the stage Priscilla and her spinning-wheel. The scene is outside her dooryard at Plymouth, Ma.s.s., in the Spring of 1621. The tableau should be held a full minute. Appropriate music: Senta's "Spinning Song"; or Solvig's "Spinning Song" from Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite."

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: JOURNEYMAN

CHARACTERS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, a young printer ROGER BURCHARD, a Quaker ELIZABETH BURCHARD, his wife DEBORAH READ WILLIAM, an inn boy

SCENE: A room in a tavern. Place: Philadelphia. Time, October, 1723.

The room is a private one in the tavern known as The Crooked Billet. It has a neat, cheerful, welcoming aspect. At left a small fire glimmers on the bra.s.s andirons of a well-kept hearth. A bra.s.s kettle rests on a hob. On the shelf above the hearth candles are alight.

All across the background are a series of small windows curtained in chintz. By these windows a table set for supper, with a white linen cloth and delicately sprigged china. Quaint chairs with spindle legs.

Against the right wall a secretary with a shelf full of handsomely- bound books. Near this two chairs with high backs that would screen from view any one sitting in them.

There is a door at right background opening into the hall.

Another door at left near background, opening into another room.

At the rise of the curtain Roger Burchard is discovered seated at the table, on which a generous supper lies spread; while Elizabeth, his wife, is bending at the hearth.

ELIZABETH.

The kettle hath not yet boiled for thy second cup, Roger. 'Tis slow, yet I do not worry, for 'tis only twilight, and there is a good hour yet ere we are due at the special meeting of the Friends, and Deborah Read is to come with us. Does thee know, Roger, I sometimes think that for all her saucy ways Mistress Deborah Read is half a Friend at heart.

When I do speak she listens to me most attentively.

ROGER.

Thee should not _force_ belief upon another, Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH (demurely).

I did not force: I did but talk to her, Roger. Thee knows I sun not over eloquent. How should a worldly maid of Philadelphia give ear to me?

[Crosses to Roger: the kettle lies forgotten.

ROGER.

How, indeed! Does thee know, Elizabeth, that in so quiet a room as this I can scarce believe that a great city lies about us? 'Tis so still that I can hear the ticking of the clock.

ELIZABETH.

For myself, I am glad of a little rest after our journey up from Brookfield to the city. I find myself scarce used to city ways.

ROGER.

No more do I, Elizabeth, no more do I. I cannot think this lavish life is seemly. This table, now! Does thee note its profusion? More bread and honey and cheese and chicken pie than we can eat. Sheer waste-- unless we can share it. If there was but some poor traveler in this inn whom we might bid to supper, and----

[A knock on the door leading to hall.

ELIZABETH.

'Tis William, the inn boy, with tea cakes.

[Elizabeth opens the door. William enters with tea cakes on tray. He deposits the plate of cakes on table.

ROGER.

As I was saying--if there was but some traveler in this inn to share our evening meal--some one with pockets that were well-nigh empty----

ELIZABETH.

Perhaps the inn boy knows of such a one. (To William.) Does thee not, William? Some one whose purse is not too over-burdened?

WILLIAM (st.u.r.dily).

Aye, that I do. A lad came here this noon from Boston. A journeyman printer so he says he is, and I'll warrant he has not above four s.h.i.+llings with him. (To Roger.) He's come to search for work in Philadelphia, and says he was directed to this tavern by a--by a Quaker, sir.

ELIZABETH.

Directed here by a Quaker--! (To Roger.) Then, Roger, all the more reason why we should bid him in. What is his name?

WILLIAM.

He says his name is Franklin.

ROGER.

Then ask friend Franklin if he'll sup with us. Tell him we, too, would hear the news from Boston--that he'll confer a favor if he'll come. And mind, no hint about an empty purse! I fear at first I put the matter clumsily. Give him my later message. That is all.

WILLIAM.

I will, sir.

[Exit, with a flourish, right background

ROGER. I hope he comes.

ELIZABETH (fondly).

'Tis ever like thee, Roger, to have a care for the friendless and forlorn.

WILLIAM (knocking, opening door from hall, and announcing).

Benjamin Franklin, Journeyman!

[Enter Franklin, shabby, travel-stained, and boyishly appealing. Exit William.

ROGER (stepping hospitably forward).

I bid thee welcome, friend Franklin. I hear thee is from Boston, and come to search for work in Philadelphia. Will thee not sup here? We are ever anxious for news such as travelers may bring. This is my wife, Elizabeth Burchard, and she will make thee welcome. I mind me of the time when I was once a stranger. Will thee not do us the pleasure to sup with us?

FRANKLIN.

I scarcely, sir, know how to thank you for such kindness. All Quakers must be kind, I think, for it was a Quaker who directed me hither.

[Franklin crosses to fire, Roger taking his hat from him. In brief pantomime behind Franklin's back Roger has indicated that Franklin is to take his place at table, and that he himself will sup no further.

During the conversation that follows Elizabeth is taking fresh silver out of a quaint basket that is on the table, Franklin stands at fire, and Roger is seated at right.