GIFT OF

University of California Berkeley

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

Of Volume s /, //, and III of this Collected edition of <The QROVE TLATS ofthe^OHEMIA^CLUB thirty-one sets ha\>e been printed on hand-made paper, of which this set is

THE FALL OF UG THE FAIRIES

The GROVE PLAYS of THE BOHEMIAN CLUB EDITED WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY PORTER GARNETT VOLUME III

AUTHORS RUFUS STEELE J. WILSON SHIELS FRANK PIXLEY FREDERICK S. MYRTLE CHARLES TEMPLETON CROCKER COMPOSERS HERMAN PERLET UDA WALDROP EDWARD F. SCHNEIDER H. J. STEWART JOSEPH D. REDDING ILLUSTRATIONS BY MAYNARD DIXON AND PROM PHOTOGRAPHS

SAN FRANCISCO: PRINTED FOR THE

BOHEMIAN CLUB AT THE PRESS OF THE H. S. CROCKER COMPANY, 1 9 I 8

COPYRIGHT, 1918 BY THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

*.

CONTENTS THE FALL OF UG (1913) i NEC-NATAMA (1914) ........ 69 APOLLO (1915) ......... 123 GOLD (1916) 175 THE LAND OF HAPPINESS (1917) ...... 237

[v]

B'

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

ILLUSTRATIONS THE FALL OF UG The Fairies .... NEC-NATAMA The Dance of the Priests . APOLLO Maleficus ....

GOLD Destiny, Evil Impulse, and Good Impulse THE LAND OF HAPPINESS Fei-Yen-Fah and the Fox-God FROM <PHOTOgRA<PHS A SCENE FROM "THE FALL OF UG" A SCENE FROM "NEC-NATAMA" ... A SCENE FROM "APOLLO" A SCENE FROM "GOLD" A SCENE FROM "THE LAND OF HAPPINESS"

.Frontispiece

FACING PAGE . 123 . 175 2 37

FACING PAGE 30 . 102 . 150 . 218 . 252

[vii]

THE PLAYS

THE ELEVENTH GROVE PLAY [PERFORMED ON THE NINTH NIGHT OF AUGUST, 1913]

THE FALL OF UG

Masque of Fear

BY RUFUS STEELE WITH A NOTE ON THE MUSIC BY THE COMPOSER HERMAN PERLET

RUFUS STEELE SIRE

AUTHOR'S PREFACE IT is inconceivable that our grove should not always have been the meeting place extraordinary of the men who occupied the country roundabout. Our lace-hung, purplecoated trees were, to the first men who knew them, as awesomely venerable as they are to us. Always they must have played the patriarchs to every moving creature. The yester-men knew their appeal. A cycle can have brought

no change in that appeal, but only in men's progress toward interpretation. I believe that earnestness and even periodicity marked the coming to this grove of yesterday's pretenders to its mastery ; that then, as now, men courted witness everlasting to the best deed that they knew. And who can doubt which deed it was the yesterpeople called their best ? All early records of man's melancholy worship show him. struggling to appease the Terrible. What first brought men into this temple grove except some sober ceremony to ease the common curse some rite by which they sought to relegate old Fear ? Our trees have gazed on immemorial exorcisms meant to set men's spirits free. For us to-day they stay the snuffing blasts; they let us strike the flints of brotherhood to start our splendid flicker in the mist of dread. But those men of yesterday they also had their hopeful flints. What was their magic like ? How did they cozen or make war on Fear?

What might the trees remember if devoutly importuned ? By light of moon, on wind-swept morn and in the solitude of rain I teased them for the tale. At length the red mothers could no more deny a child the thing he begged. [3]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB When I had turned the vision into stumbling words, Perlet, I called Perlet, who, hearing with the blessed ear, sings in the sweeter key and he sat with me and all the things we witnessed wrote he down in language of the soul. Our joy lies in the sharing of the tale. And if the patient one that harks to us to Perlet's telling and to mine reaps but a tinkling of the ear, and fails to see with inward eye some twitching of the mortal veil, then are we faulty messengers, for we ourselves stood at the veil and as we stood we thought the pall was snatched away. Our vision touched a night that reeked with perfume as

of ruddy grapes. It was the season when in these woods the year seems verily to stand still. Spring's reckless promise had been met and overpaid in leafy green ; it seemed as if the crisping hand of autumn might never come at all. In that same glade of dreams we call the stage I saw the y estermen good, swart progenitors they were foregather in a throng. The place I barely recognized for no sweet hillside vista rose above. A peak of grayish rock walled all that range through which our hearts to-day look up to heaven. A rock it was but more. Some force had hewed the rock into a semblance every shuddering mortal knew to be the demon god of fear. And on the perfect night (I know not in what century it was for these trees have no sense of time) men gathered to affirm their endless subjugation to the god. A monstrous tinge of hope was theirs. Some faith fixed by their dim forefathers told these men that if they yearly sacrificed their fairest youth to Fear, the people should be spared some measure of the daily toll they paid

the god. And in the rites that my eyes looked upon the king's own son, by strange concatenation of events, was drawn to die the Prince who loved to live! A struggle followed such as none might ever know save one called on to die the death of fear. The Prince's father failed him, and his friends the only priestly counsel was [4]

THE FALL OF UG submission ! The brave youth sought a promise from the god himself that his death be the last that royal blood should pay the final measure of demand. And then, the stony image belching no reply, the Prince rebelled and lifted up his eyes, and marveling at the assurance of the redwood tops, he prayed the grim old sentinels to become his aids. Since man began the trees had stood confessors to his woe; a youth's beseeching eyes drew all the

consolation that they knew. They calmed him for a little space and opened his mortal senses to woodland music and to fairy creatures whose feet behaved on insubstantial air as though they tripped the ground. Of course the beauty that assuaged could not annul the Prince's plight. The monster pressed again. The friendly trees, their feet fast in the bowels of the earth, no step might take. And yet they served. The anguished youth about to die in sacrifice saw trees no more; what had been trees were now red fingers, nameless in their size and urgency, uppointing him a strange and certain way of peace. In a cataclysm fell old rocky Fear; but the rejoicing Prince fell not. He saved his people too. It must have been that Fear was not eternal ; that men themselves had hewn its horrid form ! One would have thought the demon god was vanished from the world. And yet, the rumor runs, his

visible portion lost in dust, old Fear has latterly contrived some gross perpetuation of himself within the human breast. What exorcism now ? Or must we stop at those sweet rites that set our camp-fire sputtering in the mist of dread ? The Prince might tell. But the Prince, alas, has gone. Long since has gone the last of those who saw the marvel that befell when Faith upturned her eyes and Essence called to Essence whence they sprang. All living things in all the living world are changed. [s]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB But stay! The trees the lone imperishables remain. The very trees that heard the Prince's call and gave such answer back shall watch our play that tells the story of the Prince. Unchanged they look down on the waning, wondering world. Good brother, can it be that now, as then, they wait on tiptoe to uppoint a wanderer

to his forfeitless estate that they stand tireless through all time, until the last sad princeling lifts his eyes and voice to claim the eternal secret as his own? RUFUS STEELE.

ARGUMENT A YOUNG Prince and his hunting companions follow a stag through a forest on Midsummer Day. They pause before a colossal stone figure of Ug, the god of fear, which has long blocked the white path leading heavenward up the hill. The people, it develops, come here this very night for the annual human sacrifice to Ug. The Prince laughs his scorn of the god of fear and, almost at the same moment, the ominous sunset shadow of the colossus falls on the young man. Evening comes as the princely party pass on in pursuit of the stag. Furred and feathered denizens of the wood appear. Trip, the brown-faced fairy master of the grove, swings to the tail of a huge bear, but gives up

his teasing to take his music lesson from a bird. When the moon floods the place servitors arrive to prepare for the rites. Their mortal eyes are blind to Trip, but they see Ug all too plainly. Trip amuses himself by adding to their terror. Upon their departure Trip warns colossal Ug that he may not always dominate mankind, and conjures up a procession of the fallen gods of fear who at one time or another have blighted man's joyous world. When men wrestled with their fear, Trip declares, each dreadful one vanished. As Trip runs off after his bear a party of priests arrive and a neophyte learns from the others the legend of the ancient pact which forces them to sacrifice a youth on each Midsummer Night, and of how Ug always sends a bloodred dawn to show that he is appeased. A patriarch priest recites a mythical promise of a final sacrificial night when [7]

GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB r *?!/rvl***2f(ie Victim: shall lift his eyes and call some power not of garth *td kid him some power that shall utterly destroy old Ug and send a white dawn to swallow up the red in token of a nobler day. Husbandmen, shepherds, huntsmen, warriors, king, high priest, prince, jester, scribe, nobles, lords the world in fact arrive and in a mighty chorus voice their trembling tribute to the god. The King names as the new defenders of great Ug a list of youths who have done valiantly. At the chief warrior's demand the name of the proud young prince is added to the list. It is hardly intended that the Prince shall stand with other defenders before the table of secret stones by which Ug makes his choice of a victim, but at the jester's taunt the Prince leaps from the throne steps to claim his place and presently the blackened stone falls to his royal hand!

The King protests, and so does the Prince, though not through fear of death. The high priest allows no questioning of Ug's choice. The Prince calls his father to lead in rebellion against old Ug. The high priest forces from the King's unwilling lips a story that shows the terrible consequences of revolt. The wretched Prince consents to die. Fanatics perform their wild dance of ritual. The company leaves the victim to his prayers while it feasts in a glade near by. The departing high priest offers the Prince sophist consolation; the jester offers liquor, with a song that tells him why men drink. The deserted Prince begs Ug to promise that no other victims shall come after him, and when no answer comes, the Prince turns away and gropes helplessly among the trees. His hands encounter a mighty trunk. He sees for the first time how calmly the tree stands amidst the horrors of this place. In ecstasy he calls to the unseen spirit of the trees to bring him balm. That very call unseals the Prince's eyes to Trip, who drops down from the

air. The [8]

THE FALL OF UG fairy tells the story of the friendly trees. He calls Ug a mere rock that men with their evil imaginings and lack of faith have carved into a terror-god. The Prince protests the awful reality of Ug, when Trip mounts to the shoulder of the colossus and lifts a nestling dove from the terrifying beak. The Prince's ears are opened so that he hears the fairies as they pipe and call. Good Trip reveals the talismanic key growing at their feet which enables the Prince to see the dainty woodfolk as they play and spurn the ground. The transported Prince desires to fetch the King and priests and all the company to share his sparkling vision, but Trip reminds him sadly that blindness binds all of them, since none has ever lifted up his eyes and called.

Shouts tell that the company is returning to sacrifice the victim. The Prince beseeches Trip to remain, but the fairy declares this useless. He is touched by the Prince's plight and before he whisks away gives the wisest counsel he knows he bids the needy youth anoint his eyes once more with faith and look where the redwood fingers point him. The Prince tries to make his people understand something of what has been revealed to him, but fails utterly. In discouragement he disrobes for the sacrifice. Red dawn is already showing in the hideous face of Ug. The naked youth is lifted high by the priests to be tossed into Ug's arms, from which he must drop into the flames. Suddenly Trip's pipe is heard close by. The Prince is aroused. He struggles out of the priests' grasp, leaps to a rock and lifts up his soul to the god where point the redwood hands, declaring the ancient promise of deliverance now fulfilled in him. The forest trembles with the thunder of Ug's

doom. Lightning rends the colossus. Great Ug sinks down in bits of dust. The whited path to heaven, which so long he held fast, is seen to lead on to the joyous summit of the [9]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB mount. Celestial beings in majesty descend to commune with men. As the throng moves upward over the very spot where once was Ug the world chorus of rejoicing grows until it fills all space. The red dawn that once spoke Ug's sway is swallowed in a crystal morn, the breaking of a day of which the hearts of men had hardly dared to dream.

[10]

CAST OF CHARACTERS

THE PRINCE FIRST COMPANION SECOND COMPANION FIRST SERVITOR SECOND SERVITOR TRIP, a fairy THE PATRIARCH PRIEST FIRST PRIEST SECOND PRIEST A YOUNG PRIEST THE HIGH PRIEST THE KING A JESTER A SCRIBE THE CHIEF HUNTSMAN THE CHIEF WARRIOR A BEAR

MR. RALPH L. PHELPS MR. FREDERICK THOMPSON MR. MARK R. DANIELS MR. FREDERICK L. BERRY MR. RUSSELL D. HOLABIRD MR. W. H. SMITH, JR. MR. JOHN HOUSMAN MR. ROBERT C. NEWELL MR. HENRY L. PERRY MR. SPENCER GRANT MR. R. M. HOTALING MR. E. C. FORD MR. MACKENZIE GORDON MR. HARRY H. SMITH MR. JEROME B. LANDFIELD CAPT. HARRY S. HOWLAND MR. FRANK L. CORBUSIER

GODS OF FEAR SET, MOLOCH, MEDUSA, HUITZILOPOCHTLI, TIAMAT, BAAL, KALI, HYDRA, ATE, HECATE, MINOTAUR, RUDRA

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Lords, Nobles, Servitors , Husbandmen, Shepherds, Huntsmen, Warriors, Dancers, Fairies, Celestial Beings , Voices of Woodjolk PLACE : A forest of redwood-trees. TIME: The days when men fought with spears.

Production directed by MR FRANK L. MATHIEU. Setting designed and executed by MR. DOUGLAS TILDEN, DR. W. A. BRYANT, MR. GRANVILLE REDMOND and MR. WYATT H. ALLEN. Costumes designed by MR. FRANK VAN SLOUN. Properties designed and executed by DR. HARRY P. CARLTON and MR. HARRY S. FONDA. Dances devised and directed by MR. GEORGE B. DE LONG. Flying directed by MR. W. H. SMITH, JR. Lighting by MR. EDWARD J. DUFFEY. \ Musical Director, MR. HERMAN PERLET Chorus Master, MR. JOHN DE P. TELLER

THE FALL OF UG ^4 \%Casque of Fear An open space at the foot of a steep hill in a forest of redwood-trees. The trunks of the trees, limbless to a considerable height, are like mighty pillars supporting the

mass of dark green foliage. Ferns of unusual size, vines, mosses and flowers , such as love sunshine that has filtered through lofty treetops, mask the hillside's rugged lines and spread a variegated carpeting. The time is late afternoon of Midsummer Day. A white road, entering from one side and turning up the hill, is completely blocked by a crudely carved, colossal statue of Ug, the god of fear. The grey stone figure, although in a sitting posture, is about seven times the height of a man. Not only does it bar the ascending path or road, but it casts upon the hillside above it a shadow suggestive of dangers unseen. The long, cruel beak of Ug is open and menacing. The forelimbs extend outward and downward; the human sacrifice cast upon the upturned palms must roll off and drop into the pit beneath, where the fire burns at sacrificial times. The colossus dominates the scene with the gloom of tragedy, even though the litter of limbs and leaves upon an incense altar and a crude throne set against a great tree indicate that there has been no recent human occupancy of the place.

[A stag bounds across the stage and makes off through the thicket. A huntsman s horn is heard, then shouting. The PRINCE enters, running, in pursuit of the stag. He gazes eagerly in the direction taken by the animal. Four of his Companions [13]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB arrive just as the PRINCE, appearing to catch sight of the stag, lets an arrow fly from his bow. *fhe FIRST COMPANION slips and falls. He does not rise, and puts his hand to his knee as if in pain. THE PRINCE (striking his bow disgustedly) Child's work! The eager shaft o'ersped the mark. The stag enheartened scents the peaks. Come all! Such noble quarry calls for noble chase. \ffhe PRINCE beckons to his Companions impatiently and starts off. All but the FIRST COMPANION prepare to follow him. FIRST COMPANION

Pray hold! My knee refuses to go on. THE PRINCE Then wait us here. Our backs shall be your steeds When yonder antlered stag rides on them too. FIRST COMPANION Forsake me not ! Though dying would I run Ere I alone in such a place remain. THE PRINCE Your hurt is soon forgot. What ails this place ? [The Companions exchange glances. SECOND COMPANION Good Prince, do you not see our friend lies prone Beneath the very beak of awful Ug, Who here blockades the path that leads to heaven ?

THE FALL OF UG THE PRINCE (gazing at the colossus) Naught but the stag I saw. Why heed old Ug ? This ancient god of fear no terror holds Save for some guileless shepherd or a child.

SECOND COMPANION Have you forgot this is Midsummer Day ? That on this very night we send through flames A youth to join his soul with awful Ug ? THE PRINCE The yearly sacrifice had slipped my mind. FIRST COMPANION The Prince forgets because his eyes are spared. We have observed how on Midsummer Night The King, his father, sends him forth while all Are at the feast; nor bids him stay to feed His eyes upon the human offering That marks the coming of the blood-red dawn.

THE PRINCE Well said. Though full I know the rites that fetch The King, the priests and people here this night, The final scene I ne'er have looked upon; Nor have I feared this god of fear. Too sweet The mad pursuit of butterflies and stags ; Too dear the all engrossing cup of life To waste a thought on creatures such as this. When I am king I swear old Ug must fall ! SECOND COMPANION (with alarm)

Oh hear him not, great Ug; the Prince but jests. No man that breathes but knows the sting of fear. [15]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE PRINCE Fear not for me but stay! Perchance this night Myself shall learn to know the dread of Ug. My birthday anniversary it is ; The boy no more am I ; behold the man ! And by the King's decree the sacrifice No more shall be withholden from my eyes. [The PRINCE, turning toward the colossus, snaps his fingers in derision and laughs. To-night I stay to laugh my scorn of thee ! FIRST COMPANION The Prince must learn as learns the humblest man How limitless the power of mighty Ug. \_Forgetting his knee, he scrambles to his

feet. E'en at this moment as the day declines Am I reminded that we must beware. Who here that does not know the legend well. Who does not know that man or beast or bird Upon whom Ug's strange sunset shadow falls Some hideous service for Ug must perform ? THE PRINCE Have done, have done! Save nightmares for the night. Quick mend your knee. Meanwhile let me divert Our thoughts to things that better fit our youth. A game I know, a game of skill and speed. Let yonder tree be goal: let one stand here: Another fend the crossing to the tree: Myself shall judge and leader be. This rock Shall serve my twice exalted station well. (climbing upon the rock) Prepare to run as I direct. Prepare [16]

THE FALL OF UG [As the PRINCE stands upon the rock, a deep shadow envelops him. Cries of " Ob! " " Ob-b-b! " from the Companions. FIRST COMPANION

Ug's sunset shadow has enwrapped the Prince! THE PRINCE (leaping down and picking up his bow) Enough, enough of childish omens, friends. To-night we must attend this cheerless place. Let's now away to fresh our minds and hearts. The challenge of the stag calls to our skill : Ere daylight dies our bows must bring him down. Forget old Ug! Let ardor wing our feet. [The PRINCE runs into the forest followed rapidly by all the others.

INTERMEZZO Night follows day. twilight comes , then darkness, then moonlight. Tbe transition is interpreted musically. 'The native denizens of the wood appear. 'The music tells the story of the life and mystery of the forest. By daylight, darkness, and moonlight, mystical lights and shadows play over mighty Ug. During the darkness the fireflies dance about his head. In full moonlight Ugs face is seen in weird and awful aspect. Behind and above the colossus is the dense shadow Ug casts upon the

blockaded path to heaven. Squirrels play on the redwood trees. A covey of quail whirls up from the leaves. Rabbits hop about. A coyote slinks along. The hoot of an owl and the scream of a panther [17]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB are heard. A huge BEAR appears. TRIP, a brownfacedfairy, swings to the BEAR'S tail and teases the beast at every step. A bird appears upon the limb of a tree and begins to sing. TRIP is caught by the singing. He allows the BEAR to lumber off while he raises to his lips a small pipe dangling from his neck and takes his music lesson from the bird. When the lesson is ended the bird flies away. TRIP (laughing and skipping about) Rocky peak and lily dell Know my skipping footsteps well. From the whitening columbine, From the trilliums making wine, From the vale of flowering fern,

From the hill where poppies burn Lately did my pathway twine, Twisted like clematis vine. Morning cup with bees I shared When by foxglove wells I fared. When at noon the shadows fled Thimble-berries gave me bread. All the long, mad afternoon Wanton laurels coaxed my tune; Danced and swayed till great-eyed deer Through woodwardias leapt in fear. When the moon drave out the sun Loath was I to end the fun. Sweet Midsummer Night holds sway Trip bids all the woods be gay! \Four Servitors enter. Mortals come! That see not me Blind to fairy folk they be! [TRIP skips here and there ', inspecting the Servitors at close range. Their actions show them to be entirely unconscious of his presence. [18]

THE FALL OF UG FIRST SERVITOR Here sits great Ug. The place we must prepare Ere come the priests and king and all the train.

Here you, remove this limb. Go, clear the throne. And, you, brush off the leaves the winds have piled Upon the altar in mock sacrifice. Wipe up the litter fallen in a year. [All busy themselves dragging off limbs and brushing leaves from the throne and incense altar. TRIP follows them about. He tickles the neck of one with a blade of grass. The fellow shows that he believes it was Ug that annoyed him. TRIP follows the SECOND SERVITOR and when the man has carefully removed a bough from the throne TRIP lays it back again. The man is astonished. SECOND SERVITOR I move the boughs; Ug throws them back again. Ug's strangling fingers seem to clutch my throat. Good master, grant me leave to flee and hide! [Trip mocks the SECOND SERVITOR'S show of fright. FIRST SERVITOR No hiding place there be. No dim-lit cave, No hollowed trunk, no secret, tangled vale, May screen you from Ug's penetrating eyes ; No sweet asylum knows the weary world.

SECOND SERVITOR Then give me spear, or give me bow of yew Some trusty weapon that may win me peace. FIRST SERVITOR Cease, friend. What forged steel smites off the load [19]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Of fear Ug slings upon the backs of men ? Have done with fruitless wailing. To your work. [ The Servitors, dragging limbs, disappear. TRIP (sadly) Countless men come to this place; Few behold my willing face. Blind they are, and deaf and cold To the world I would unfold. How dare they discover me When they hardly see yon tree ? Pish ! They never dream at all ; Never lift their eyes and call. [Turning toward the colossus, he shakes his finger at it. Foolish men see Ug alone:

Trip knows Ug is but a stone. Hi ! How long will men come here To renew their dream of fear ? How long shall old Ug endure ? Mighty Ug, be not too sure! Give me heed and Trip shall tell How the other false ones fell. Come, ye gods who, since man's birth, Leagued to blight his joyous earth. Come, ye gods whose chain and stave Made the trembling world a slave. Come, ye other gods of fear; Come and join your brother here! [Trip waves his arms before a large rock and out of the stone emerges SET, who proceeds with rigid head and stately movements toward the colossus. He gives no sign of hearing as TRIP continues speaking. [20]

THE FALL OF UG Set! How Egypt licked your hand When your fevers gave command! Iron were your bones and will ; Grist were mortals in your mill. When men wrestled with their fear,

Lo, they saw you disappear! [SET disappears into the ground at the feet of Ug and MOLOCH emerges from the rock out of which SET came. Moloch ! Bitter-barbed your thorns When the world writhed on your horns. Hungry ocean never saw Victims such as crammed your maw. When men wrestled with their fear, Lo, they saw you disappear. [MOLOCH disappears into the ground at the feet of Ug and MEDUSA emerges from the rock. Hail, Medusa! Serpent-crowned; How you made Greece bite the ground! When men's eyes gazed in your own, Living flesh was changed to stone. When men wrestled with their fear, Lo, they saw you disappear. [MEDUSA disappears and HUITZILOPOCHTLI emerges. See Huitzilopochtli now Aztec lifeblood on your brow!

Master you of war and strife; Life was yours, you swallowed life. When men wrestled with their fear, Lo, they saw you disappear. [HUITZILOPOCHTLI disappears and TIAMAT emerges. Tiamat! Your horrid spell

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Golden Babylon knew well. Order, peace and equal law Know no more your dragon jaw! [TIAMAT disappears and BAAL emerges. Baal! Where your ancient flail ? Silent now Phoenicia's wail; No more does she sacrifice To the father of all lies! [BAAL disappears and KALI, HYDRA, ATE, HECATE, MINOTAUR, and RUDRA emerge in rapid succession from the rock. Kali ! Bloody queen of Ind, Your destruction none could mend. Hydra! How your heads could frame Terrors past all 'depth or name! Ate! How your poisoned times

Stung the Greek to reckless crime! Hecate! How pain-racked Thrace Sucked its witchcrafts from your face! Minotaur! Your Cretan vale Burst with human victims' wail. Rudra! How you smote with storms! How you all lashed with alarms ! Ug, behold their broken spell! Ug, take heed how each one fell ! When men wrestled with their fear, Lo, all false gods disappear! [As RUDRA disappears after the others, the BEAR is seen again. TRIP pursues, and goes out of sight swinging to the tail of the baffled beast, ^he PATRIARCH PRIEST, a YOUNG PRIEST, and two other Priests enter, ^he PATRIARCH PRIEST and the two halt before the colossus and make the

THE FALL OF UG sign of Ug by extending their arms straight out at the sides on a level with their shoulders , then bringing the left hand to rest over the heart, then clapping the right hand upon the left, and ', finally , letting the head drop forward upon the breast. The YOUNG PRIEST, standing behind, watches and imitates them. THE YOUNG PRIEST

The very earth proclaims that this is Ug, Among whose priests a neophyte am I. I know him, yet ne'er saw I him before. FIRST PRIEST Though never saw you this colossal form That here locks fast the path to higher joys, Ne'er saw you day since from the womb you sprang, But Ug lurked close behind your elbow joint. Unseen, he fretted you in cradle days. When she who bore you, tore you from her breasts And bade you walk, Ug set the path with thorns. The youth chafed oft at yoke upon his neck ; The man finds fear encysted in his heart. THE YOUNG PRIEST How say you this who knew me not in youth ? FIRST PRIEST Alas, the heavy tale of one fits all. No man complains that Ug has passed him by. THE YOUNG PRIEST

Since day by day we pay, what drives us now To lay the richest gift of all a youth Upon the altar of insatiate Ug ? [33]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB FIRST PRIEST Know, son, that in the mystic dawn of things, Ere magic had been stirred into this soil, And Nature's womb still held these ancient trees, The fathers of our fathers' fathers' sires Knew tongue, now lost, in which they spake with Ug And with a compact sued some meed of peace. Though great Ug would not yield the whited path, By iron oath he bound himself to sink His beak but lightly into mortal hearts, Nor ever take his fill of human woe. And for this boon our fathers pledged themselves

And all their children's children's sons to come Here in the fullness of midsummer moon And send through flame to join his soul with Ug A youth, by Ug marked for such sacrifice. A thousand moons of soft Midsummer Night Have lit the strict performance of our bond; A thousand times, as stood the victim forth, A blood-red dawn has shown great Ug appeased. THE YOUNG PRIEST And shall there be no end of sacrifice And dawns that seem to bathe the world in blood ? FIRST PRIEST No end shall be while faithful priests of Ug Demand enforcement of the changeless law. THE PATRIARCH PRIEST Hear me in my great age. Now memory illumes the tale the priest, My father, told me, which, long since, the priest, His father, had told him. A myth it was, A legend shaped mayhap at Fancy's wheel

THE FALL OF UG And yet so rich in promise was the tale, So freighted with the rarest gems of hope, That even now it leaps upon my tongue. The prophecy says naught of fixed time. Told in some season long forgot, it leaps Through cycles to a strange Midsummer Night When Ug calls loudly for his human toll ; And then, so runs the tale, because the youth, About to pass into the flames, uplifts His eyes and voice, some wondrous visions waits, And when the seeing youth beseeches aid Some warrior, not of earth, his lance drives home ; Rends mighty Ug to nameless bits of dust, Nor leaves one fragment to rekindle fear. And down the freshly opened path to heaven

Celestial beings come to walk with men. Comes dawn, the strangest ever born of night: Ug's ancient beams reach out their crimson hands, When lo, there breaks a dawn all crystal white That overcomes the last false beam of blood And wraps the world in joy ineffable. . . . A dream! A dream! But such a treasure dream! [Overcome with emotion, the PATRIARCH PRIEST sinks down. FIRST PRIEST (manifesting disbelief and impatience) Save for your age we would not hear your tale A dream that sees our calling snatched away. [Lights are seen through the trees approaching from the east. SECOND PRIEST The hour is near ; the throngs approach this place. arty of Husbandmen enter, singing. hey carry

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

stalks of corn, fruits, and huge bunches of grapes slung from shoulder poles. HUSBANDMEN (singing) From fields all green and glowing We sons of Nature come. Where living streams are flowing There may be found our home. The fertile soil doth yield us Reward on stalk and tree. When Ug from blight doth shield us Glad husbandmen are we. [The Husbandmen dispose themselves upon the ground. Lights are seen coming down the hill. A party of Huntsmen enter, singing. 'They carry long bows, quivers of arrows, and the carcasses of game. HUNTSMEN (singing) The hills are our dominion. The beast of secret lair, The bird of swiftest pinion Yield to the bow and snare. A thousand dangers, lurking Along the tangled trail, Will find us never shirking;

The huntsmen do not quail. \jThe Huntsmen dispose themselves. Lights are seen approaching from the west. A party of Shepherds enter, singing. They carry live lambs and each has a crook. SHEPHERDS (singing) Mid meadows sweet with grasses, Through sylvan shadows cool

THE FALL OF UG The flock serenely passes To rest beside the pool. No lamb is left to wander Upon the hillside steep; The wolf is watching yonder, The shepherd guards his sheep. [As tbe Shepherds dispose themselves lights are seen approaching from the east. A party of Warriors enter, singing. 'They wear hemlets and carry lances and shields and spoils of warfare. WARRIORS (singing) Let justice guide our lances, Let Courage steel our hearts. Where evil's banner dances

There loose our winged darts. Let victory behold us Where battle-axes fall; Let honor still enfold us Or let death claim us all. \Husbandmen, Huntsmen, and Shepherds rise and mingle with the Warriors. ALL (singing) Let all the world assemble, Come all men to this place. We wait the words that tremble Upon Ug's dreadful face. For us no mad rebelling; Obedient we stand. Ug's call is all-compelling; The world is in his hand. \_Lights are seen approaching on the main highway. Cries of "The King! <The King!" and "Hail the King!" are raised. The KING and the HIGH

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB PRIEST are borne in, seated in a palanquin sup-

ported on the shoulders of eight bearers. Lords and Nobles, a SCRIBE and a JESTER accompany the palanquin. The KING is assisted to mount the throne, while Priests conduct the HIGH PRIEST to a seat beside the incense altar. Servitors place logs in the sacrificial pit. Torches are set up to supplement the moonlight. The JESTER skips about, taunting this one and that, and finally settles at the KING'S feet. The incense altar is made to send up a column of smoke. THE KING (glancing about questioningly) The Prince ! The Prince ! Where hides my son, the Prince ? THE CHIEF HUNTSMAN We met his youthful party just at eve. A stag fled high among the distant peaks. "I '11 fetch him down!" exclaimed the Prince, then led Where none of slower foot might follow him. We left his faithful huntsmen at the pass. They '11 bear his load I swear he '11 fetch the stag.

[Lights are seen coming down the mountain and a horn is heard. The Prince's horn! Its tone proclaims his kill! \The PRINCE enters followed by his four Companions, who carry a stag suspended from a pole. The CHIEF HUNTSMAN leaps forward, takes the PRINCE'S hand and strikes him on the shoulder in commendation. Other Huntsmen crowd about the stag. The PRINCE is accorded a cordial reception.

THE FALL OF UG THE PRINCE (saluting the KING and also the HIGH PRIEST) Your pardon, sire, and yours, if long I have Delayed the ceremonies of the night. [The PRINCE leaps up the steps of the throne, kisses the hand of the KING, and sinks at his feet. The HIGH PRIEST stands before the colossus and raises his arms. All the other Priests stand at his back and lift their arms. THE HIGH PRIEST Hail, mighty Ug! CHORUS OF PRIESTS

Hail, Ug, hail! [The salutation and chorus are repeated three times, then all the Priests but the HIGH PRIEST move to one side. THE HIGH PRIEST Peace to this place and hour. Midsummer holds the world in charmed thrall. The mantling softness of these stately woods Enchants the aisles of every lesser grove. Gone are the rains and floods. Asleep the blasts. The winds chant only dulcet threnodies. Clothed are the meadow pastures with white flocks; The valleys covered o'er with ripening corn. Each great and little breast of Nature drips With honey and with milk. All paths drop fat. It is the hour of harvest and reward. The husbandman receives his cheerful toll. The tree throws back its acorn to the ground. The fold that was protected yields its lamb. Fear has but nibbled at our hearts the year

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Great Ug awaits his promised recompense. (stretching bis bands toward tbe Shepherds) The Shepherds bow before Ug's form. [ The Shepherds advance until they stand in front of

Ug y and fling down their lambs. They make tbe sign of Ug and kneel upon one knee, showing grave agitation. The JESTER has climbed to an eminence from which he watches the Shepherds in wonder and mockery. THE JESTER Oh, see our frightened shepherds bow and weep: They are as bold as any newborn sheep! THE HIGH PRIEST The husbandmen their reverence pay. [Tbe Husbandmen advance, fling down their corn and grapes, make the sign of Ug,and kneel behind tbe Shepherds. The huntsmen are defenseless fawns. [Tbe Huntsmen advance, fling down their game, make the sign of Ug, and fall upon one knee behind the Husbandmen. To Ug alone the warriors kneel. [Tbe Warriors advance and throw down their trophies. Then, after making the sign of Ug, they fall upon one knee. The JESTER continues his show of scorn. THE JESTER

O wafting warriors ! Are you also bound To grovel ? 'Ware of spiders on the ground! [30]

THE FALL OF UG THE HIGH PRIEST Nor holds the world lord, prince or august king Who dares deny Ug's never ending sway. [The Lords, the Nobles and the SCRIBE kneel behind tbe others, making the sign of Ug. 'Then the PRINCE. The KING lays aside crown and scepter and kneels with the others. The JESTER skips up the throne steps, puts on the crown, grasps the scepter, and seats himself upon the throne. THE JESTER Their hearts to senseless god of stone they fling: I 'm no such fool. Forsooth, let me be king! THE HIGH PRIEST Fool of all fools, before Ug smites you down, Prone on the ground and chew repentant dust! [Two Priests leap up the throne, remove the crown and scepter and fling the JESTER to the ground where

he grovels. 'The HIGH PRIEST signals and the SECOND PRIEST rises and sings the Song of Ug, the entire assemblage singing the chorus. SECOND PRIEST (singing) Out of the terrible night, Out of the chasm unknown, Lacking a star or a light, Sweeps from the caverns a moan. Over the rim of the world Darkness in travail writhes low, Straight from her womb there is hurled Ug, bastard scion of Woe. Oh, see how all mortals are bending; The jewel each wears is a tear; Man's homage is given unending

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB To Ug, god of fear, to Ug, god of fear, to Ug, god of fear ! CHORUS O Ug, our poor courage lies quaking! O Ug, be not deaf to our prayer! O Ug, crush us not with thine aching.

Ug, spare! Ug, spare! Ug, spare! Ug, spare! Spare! Spare! Spare! Ug, spare! Ug, spare! SECOND PRIEST Deep in the breast of mankind, Close by the chamber of soul, Chiefest of treasures enshrined, Joy of Life points man his goal. Swift as a fiend from the dark Fear comes with sword and with chain Man is left fettered and stark, Joy of Life ravished and slain. Oh hark, how all mankind is moaning; A flood rushes from the world's tear; Forever men turn with their groaning To Ug, god of fear, to Ug, god of fear, to Ug, god of fear! CHORUS O Ug, our poor lives we are giving! O Ug, be not deaf to our prayer! O Ug, slaughter not Joy of Living. Ug, spare! Ug, spare! Ug, spare! Ug, spare! Spare! Spare! Spare! Ug, spare! Ug, spare!

\fThefinal chorus ends with all on their faces, thereafter the assemblage relaxes and distributes itself as before. Servitors pass through with litters loaded with meats and fruits for the feast. The [3*]

THE FALL OF UG JESTER filches a horn bottle from a Utter and takes a drink. THE JESTER Ho, ho! My belly is an empty waste: Let 's to the feast in yonder glade make haste. THE HIGH PRIEST Peace, fool. Tempt not again Ug's vengeful hand. Moon shadows mark the hour of fateful choice. The patient eyes of Ug light with desire. Our bravest youth shall stand before the god Like snowy lambs that he may choose his own. Who are Ug's new defenders ? Who the youth That have done valiantly ? THE SCRIBE (unrolling a scroll handed him by the KING and reading)

These has the King set down : Among the husbandmen, Althone and Weg, Who cunningly led water to the vines Until the grapes nigh burst their purple skins. Of shepherds, Tord and Kim are named. All know They scorned their lives to save the fold from wolves. Mikail and Elam are the huntsmen's boast: Their arrows gone, with stones they slew two bears. Of warring men are Jud and Shed enrolled: They fetched a woman captive from a cave When hostile spears fell like the autumn rain. Thus ends the list of those the King acclaims. \Each of the young men, as his name is called, leaves his companions and leaps forward. The PRINCE, when his name is not read, sinks his head in his hands. [33]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE JESTER (after a pull at the bottle) He names me not, yet death I often dare: I tease the sleeping King's nose with a hair! [Roaring at bis own joke, the JESTER is seized and thrust aside.

THE KING (indicating the defenders of Ug) The leafen chaplets set upon their brows: Their fame be higher than these trees are high. THE CHIEF WARRIOR Pray hold! How may the scroll of brave youth be complete Save when my lord, the Prince, leads all the rest ? How often have I seen him hew his way In battle and with righteous lance drive back The foe that numbered him full five to one! THE KING Not through his own, but through another's eyes A father may see virtue in his son. Arise, O Prince, a proud defender thou! [The PRINCE rises joyfully. He does not go down to join the others, being detained by his father s hand. Priests deck each young man with laurel and with a ceremonial vestment. THE HIGH PRIEST Bring forth the table of the secret stones That speak the changeless, wordless will of Ug. [A table or rack having stone slabs upright

upon it is brought in and set before the colossus. All the [34]

THE FALL OF UG defenders excepting the PRINCE gather beside the table. Great Ug, the blossom of our race behold The noblest and the proudest of our youth. Regard them well, the fairest lamb approve: Affix thy seal upon him with the darkening stone. \fthe begin march close defender s> lifting tbeir arms to Ug y to around the table. 'The JESTER runs out to them> then looks back at the throne.

THE JESTER What brave defender is the kingly son ? He dares not share the risk the others run! THE PRINCE A fool's wise words ! My rightful place I claim ; Defender I, and, after that, the Prince. \Leaping down the steps, the PRINCE takes his place

with the defenders. 'The KING rises and then sinks doubtfully to his seat. THE KING It matters not if he be there or here: Not Ug would rob the throne to feed his maw. \he defenders resume their march around the table of stones. THE HIGH PRIEST Lift each the stone that calls unto his hand. Ye only play at choosing: Ug's the choice. These stones be all as white as wool is white, Yet when Ug's favored youth lifts up a stone And turns it so that all our eyes may see, Behold, it shall be black as raven's wing: Ug's tongue it shall become to speak his will. [35]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB \Each defender in turn lifts a stone and holding it aloft, slowly turns it around. As the under side of his stone is seen to be white a cry of relief

breaks from each defender s friends. At the PRINCE lifts a stone carelessly p , it above his head and turns it around. The under seen to be black. 'The PRINCE starts in ment and lets the stone fall. THE HIGH PRIEST Ug's choice has fallen on the Prince !

length holds side is amaze-

\fhe sign is recognized and consternation seizes the company. Cries of " the Prince! ^he Prince!" "It cannot be!" and "It must be so!" are heard. he PRINCE falters. he KING, all but overcome^ starts up and is about to protest when the HIGH PRIEST stops him with an imperative gesture. Ug speaks ! Let none oppose ; let none commend ! THE KING What dread mistake is here ? Not Ug himself May claim the Prince and heir for sacrifice! THE HIGH PRIEST The Prince that was is vanished from our eyes: Behold the lamb Ug chooses as his own! (turning to the PRINCE) Salute the fatal tablet with a kiss That all may know you do consent to die.

\fthe FIRST PRIEST raises the stone from the ground and presents it to the PRINCE, who dashes it down again. [36]

THE FALL OF UG THE HIGH PRIEST Does noble youth so fear to look at Death ? THE PRINCE Who says the King's son is afraid to die ? Think you kind Nature has bestowed on me My father's flesh, bone of his bone, and yet Withheld the faultless courage of his heart ? THE HIGH PRIEST Then why this strange reluctance ? Would you dare Defy the pact our fathers made with Ug ? THE PRINCE Hear me, high priest: About me now I feel a throng of youths As they outstretch their pleading hands to me. Souls are they of Ug's countless victims past. Souls of Ug's countless victims yet to come.

And all as one they claim my tongue to curse This unavailing slaughter to an end. FIRST PRIEST The poor Prince raves ; fear has transformed the lad. THE JESTER The Prince is sane, and all the rest be mad. THE HIGH PRIEST Peace, boy. While earth shall last Ug must be paid. THE PRINCE If obligation pend, let Ug stand forth With lifted lance, or human champion name And I will war with all my strength and life [37]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB To pay his debt in measure that shall leave No stern remainder for our sons to pay. THE YOUNG PRIEST What said the Patriarch to us ? He told How on some mystic night the victim should Behold a vision seldom seen of men, And from the vision draw some spirit aid

That should forever rend Ug from our path. THE HIGH PRIEST Heed not the tale, an empty, time-worn dream. It tells of Ug in dust upon the ground See how Ug still predominates the world! Come, boy, kiss yonder stone. We would proceed. [The FIRST PRIEST again picks up the fatal stone > but the PRINCE, giving him no heed, turns to the KING. THE PRINCE My being cries to know a better fate. Speak, father ; say that old Ug is not so ! THE KING My son ! My crown, my scepter would I swift exchange For answer that would satisfy your prayer. My reason at Ug's bold pretensions scoffs ; My living senses cry that Ug is true. Ug I deny, and straight my ears resound With groans of mortals in the grip of fear. Ug I deny, and straight my eyes behold Some yet more dreadful festers of his darts. , THE PRINCE My father and my King, if Ug be so,

[38]

THE FALL OF UG Then lead us in rebellion 'gainst old Ug! THE HIGH PRIEST Ha, ha ! That foolish word long since I heard. Speak, King, and tell him what rebellion means. THE KING (cowering) I have no words to say. THE HIGH PRIEST Speak now! I voice great Ug's command! THE KING (hesitatingly, as be comes down from the throne) The high priest's words are flames that melt the locks On secrets ne'er intended for my son. Hear now confession of that man who drained Rebellion's cup down to the poisoned dregs. Mature was I when lifted to the throne, And holding steadfast to the good in men ;

My people served I with a strong delight. Succumbed our foes or fled before our fame. At length none dared intrigue against our peace; No shackles knew our hearts save Ug's alone. Long pondered I upon my fancied strength, Then swore to bring destruction on great Ug. Midsummer Night was nigh. Farwell I bade That hyacinth of womankind, my queen, And drew to this accustomed place resolved That with the hour of sacrifice at hand Defiance I .should thunder to Ug's claim And rend him with my men from heaven's path. THE HIGH PRIEST Behold, the memory moves Ug not at all ! [39]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE KING E'en as I drew to loose my verbal bolt A runner breathless sank and gasped his news

My queen, the twin soul of my soul, was dead! Our son, not yet expected, had been born. The weakened mother, clutching him to breast, Her eyes wild with the light of prophecy, Screamed that Ug's hideous stamp was on her child! She died, herself slain by the darts of fear. THE HIGH PRIEST Thus laughed Ug at the hand that threatened him ! THE KING A score of years and each year like a score Have I watched o'er the son, nor once forgot The sword by spider thread swung in suspense ; Nor ever have I smiled save when false hope Lied that my faith in prophecy was fled. To-night I drave forebodings from my heart To-night Ug calls my son to sacrifice! And louder now than voice of her long dead, And louder than the wretched victim's prayer, And louder than a father's wailing soul The universe exclaims, "Ug is supreme!" [The PRINCE, all but overcome by bis father s story , approaches the KING and falls upon his neck. The FIRST PRIEST comes close with the fatal stone. He waits a little while, then rouses the PRINCE by plucking his sleeve.

THE HIGH PRIEST Revolt no more. The common weal demands That you shall play the debtor for us all. [40]

THE FALL OF UG [The PRINCE releases the KING, who slowly remounts the throne, The PRINCE looks around uncertainly. All await his action. With a gesture of hopeless resignation he seizes the stone, presses his lips to it and lets it fall to the ground. 'The defenders bring a white robe and put it on the PRINCE. Removing the garlands from their necks, they hang seven about the neck of the PRINCE. The FIRST and SECOND PRIESTS spread a rug before the colossus, and two defenders escort the PRINCE to it, where he sinks and buries his face in his arms. A figure, almost nude, but loaded with dazzling barbaric ornaments, glides upon the upper level before Ug, and begins a curious writhing of the body. Three others, similarly costumed, follow him upon the upper level, while a dozen appear upon the lower level. A fanatical dance is performed as a solemn part of the ceremony before Ug. The dance is

wild and furious, reaching a frenzy. As it ends the dancers whirl away. THE HIGH PRIEST (addressing the PRINCE upon the rug} Now are you sealed unto the sacrifice. A little while we feast. When we return Be full prepared to pass into Ug's flames. [ The KING leaves the throne. The Nobles support him as he goes away in the direction of the feast. All the company follow except the HIGH PRIEST and the JESTER. The HIGH PRIEST goes over to the bowed PRINCE. THE HIGH PRIEST Death is the changeless fortune of mankind. [41]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB To some it comes as last of countless storms That bent and marred but could not fell until The sap of life had brittled with the years. To others death comes in the quiet noon: The troubled axe they leave in half-hewn log Must marvel while it rots. To others still Death is a breath that shuts the door of life On eyes still round with wonder at the view.

Some chew the cud until the bitter's gone; Some never know the cud is aught but sweet. If called in youth or called in age, all men Swear solemnly the other way were best. Peace, boy. What privilege to die for those Doomed but to live! [The PRINCE gives no sign that be has heard. The HIGH PRIEST departs. The JESTER advances, bottle in hand. THE JESTER Forget Old Graybeard, boy ; his trade is woe. What sophistry can make you glad to go ? Or what, forsooth, should make you glad to stay ? Grief is your certain portion either way. The fool is wise, he quick accepts the rule; The wise man long denies it he 's the fool. Forgetfulness alone can scoff man's plight Good liquor is the very salve of live ! [The JESTER tries to force his bottle upon the PRINCE. He is thrust away and, moving about, he sings. THE JESTER (singing) When the sweets of the world have been captured ; When joys are plucked ripe from the tree; And the senses no longer enraptured

Awake to the dull mockery; '

THE FALL OF UG Then the mortal embittered to madness, All bereft of the false dream of gladness, Will not spurn the soft call in his sadness, "Let wine be the solace for thee." So fill up the bowl to the brim ; Let the flagon not balk at the rim. The man who will sip With a smirk of the lip Is a man from whose hand The good cup may well slip ; But the man who swigs hard we will bless He has lived and knows life is a mess. He drinks if he dies for it, Dying, he cries for it This be his prize for it Sweet forgetfulness ! When the pains of existence shall thicken ; When the urge of desire grows thin ; When passion's pulse ceases to quicken;

And love is of things that have been ; Then the grape sheds its blood without stinting And the mortal forgets his resenting, Sees his sky glow again with new tinting Good wine is the solace of men ! So fill up the bowl to the brim, etc. \fthe JESTER, walking unsteadily, departs in the direction taken by all the others. The PRINCE, left alone, gets up, lifts a spear a Warrior has left behind and stands before the colossus. THE PRINCE O mocking monster that befouls the world, Dare but expose some vulnerable joint [43]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB And though fiends straight devour me will I drive This iron lance to end thy cursed spell. \he PRINCE hurls the lance and it strikes against the colossus, ^he lance is shattered to -pieces by the

impact. The PRINCE'S attitude changes to entreaty. O endless fear, whom mortals may not slay, The King's son prays you grant this single boon: Speak now and say my death shall terminate This ghastly sacrifice of bravest youths Swear none come after me and I, the Prince, Will bless old Ug and leap into thy flame! \fThe PRINCE sinks to his knees and waits expectantly. When no answer comes he rises in utter despair. He turns his back upon Ug and staggers away. He gropes this way and that. He encounters a great tree. He clutches the bark and his eyes travel up the trunk. He regards this tree and the other trees about him as if really seeing them for the first time. THE PRINCE (singing) Behold my woe, ye trees. Behold old Ug's disdain. What cares he for my pain, This Ug that gluts on human agonies ? Ye tremble not, O trees ! How stand ye so serene ? What vision have you seen

That smites fear's shackles from your steadfast knees ? O trees, how lift the head ? Assurance is your crown; [44]

THE FALL OF UG You only bow not down. What secret frees your hearts from palsied dread ? Sweet spirit of this grove, Let mortal share thy calm. My soul cries for thy balm. Come to me, nameless messenger of love! [A flute ripples briefly , bigb up the bill. It repeats off at one side, then off at tbe other, then near the PRINCE. TRIP, the fairy, is seen flying. His pipe still at bis lips, he alights upon a rock. TRIP As ye called me so come I ; Bid me stay or swift I fly. THE PRINCE

Stay! Stay! O living fairy, who are you? TRIP Ho, ho ! Ask the snakes and snails How I twist their lazy tails! Ask the squirrel in the tree Would he store nuts but for me ? Ask the linnet, quail or jay I command them when to lay. When I speak, madrona tree Dons a purple robe for me. Master I of birds and bees, Friend, companion of the trees. Flock I guard, and herd and drove Lord and spirit of this grove! Fear me, mortal, fear my whip! [Lifting a branch above his bead be threatens, then [45]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB flings it away and clasps his arms about himself in ecstasy. Hi! I love you! I am Trip! THE PRINCE Sweet Trip, full often have I roamed this wood: How falls it that we never met till now ?

TRIP Oft as in this grove you've strayed Trip has faithful shadow played; Sometimes followed where you led, Often flitted on ahead. I have whistled, you have slept; I have piped and you have wept. In the bush I've teased the bear; Lured your foolish arrows there; After you mad bruin went It was I who stole the scent! THE PRINCE Alas, alas, not once saw I your form! TRIP Change has come to you, not me ; Faith has made your eyes to see. THE PRINCE Where be your home ; not near this dreadful spot ? TRIP Dreadful, dreadful, dreadful blind Eyes of men who will be blind! [He dances about with merriment^ then sobers and goes on. [46]

THE FALL OF UG Home? Ah, mortal, you shall see How Trip grew a homing tree. Once a sapling all unblest Came into the grove to rest. Full ten thousand moons have sped Since I found it all but dead; Barkless, leafless, white with pain, Summer zephyrs might have slain. Called I humming-birds and bees, Bade them whisk to farthest leas. Flower, bush and vine run rife Sent me each one drop of life. Lo, the sapling bent its head, Quaffed and flushed a living red. At my word the beaked birdfolk Wove a warm, majestic cloak; Teeth of squirrels wise and old Worked expansion in each fold. Leaves were wanting, in their place Spiders spun the rarest lace. Came the day my tree in ease Sang to soothe the orphan breeze; Came the splendid night at last, It defied the winter blast. "Grow!" I cried. It lifted high, Pillared up the tired sky. I dreamed immortality See my deathless redwood tree! THE PRINCE Strange is the secret of your life, old tree, Grown by a fairy for his castle home.

TRIP Fool you are, oh fool you be! Is my purpose hard to see ? [47]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Need I in such tree to dwell Whom a poppy serves as well ? Why grew I these shafts so tall, Like a heaven-kissing wall, But to hide from mortal eyes Yonder stony god of lies ? THE PRINCE No fairy knows the awful power of Ug. Alas, bright Trip, perchance yourself should fear. TRIP Ug was once a rock and bare Save for vines it flung in air. Men beheld it block the path, Marveled at the stone in wrath, Loudly called to it, "Begone!"

Rocks are deaf, the rock stayed on. Lack of faith like subtle darts Set men trembling in their hearts. Yon dread face they graved through tears With the chisels of their fears. With their evil thoughts alone They drave life into this stone; With impure imaginings Raised a god of countless stings. THE PRINCE Say not a simple stone bars heaven's path. What stone could cast such shadow black as doom, And peopled mayhap by such awful shapes That Ug in contrast is most fair ? TRIP I know panther, mouse and bee; [48]

THE FALL OF UG Awful shapes are strange to me.

Nameless monsters Trip would find Hi, let's see what hides behind! [TRIP passes through the air to the shoulder of the colossus, shades his eyes with his hand and peers earnestly into the shaded hillside above. Not a monster rolls in sight; Nothing is but lack of light. When you stand beside his head Awful Ug is all but fled. THE PRINCE Deride not great Ug to his face. Beware ! He holds the world's heart in his iron beak. TRIP Is it fearful to be near ? What this strange, soft sound I hear ? [TRIP climbs to where he can lay a hand on the beaky then draws back in mock fright. He repeats this, looking playfully down at the PRINCE. He thrusts his hands into the beak and draws out something which he hides under both hands against his breast while he laughs and chuckles. While this beak holds men dismayed

See what nests here unafraid! [TRIP tosses into the air a dove he had lifted from its * nest in Ug y s beak and the bird flies away. TRIP drops back to the ground near the PRINCE. Music comes to cheer your heart: Hear the nightly chorus start. THE PRINCE Ah, gentle Trip, mock not my tortured plight. [49]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB No music hear I save the cricket's dirge. TRIP Hist now ! Let your mood be ripe T is some far off fairy's pipe. \Eoth listen with band to ear. THE PRINCE Alas, no sweet tones greet my dreary ear! TRIP Deaf your ear to woodland sighs With long listening to men's lies. Hi! There sounds the call again Now the answer from yon glen !

\Eoth listen. It comes! THE PRINCE Not so! TRIP Now again! THE PRINCE Only silence! TRIP List with all your ears and mind ! \After a tim e the rising n otes of a pipe are heard. The sound dies and is repeated off at a distant place. The sound is heard very faintly at first and then more clearly , as the reward of intent listening. The PRINCE shows by his joyful manner that he has heard at last. Now the chord runs all around Till the woods with trills resound. [50]

THE FALL OF UG Open now to fresh delight ; Share the harmony of night. \fThe music runs through the woods. Trip dances about, charmed that the PRINCE is able to hear. THE PRINCE It seems I hear who never heard before! TRIP Now from hill and cavern dim Shall uplift the woodfolk hymn. Sing, ye sounding forest, sing! Ring, ye living redwoods, ring! [The haunting, wordless song of the woodfolk is heard in one place, then in another, and the ripple of it runs along the hill. Finally it is heard coming from every side, with indescribable effect. THE PRINCE I should have sworn my faculties complete, Yet deaf was I and knew it not until The wondrous music of the forest night Revealed and healed and left me lacking naught. TRIP

Deaf you were and knew it not, Deaf as any stone, I wot. Having eyes you think you see Blind as bat at noon you be! THE PRINCE Alas, my eyes see more than cheers my heart. TRIP Worse than blind, poor mortal eyes,

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Seeing clouds in summer skies ; Seeing ugly and untrue, Until Beauty hides from view; Spying woes on ev'ry side That no flowing tears may hide. Try your eyes ; gaze either way ; See the woodfolk at their play. Bear with their mischievous plight Soft the air Midsummer Night. See them skip and romp and prance; See, they beckon you to dance! THE PRINCE If such things be, then truly I be blind ! TRIP How may golden visions rise When you never lift your eyes ? How might you behold my face Where another saw but space Save that when old Ug appalled

You alone looked up and called ? Great now your reward shall be, Loosed shall be the mystery; Swiftly shall you pass the door Mortal seldom passed before. Mighty, mighty vainly knocks ; Lowly, lowly turns the locks. Bend and pluck humility Sweet oxalis is the key! [The PRINCE stoops and plucks a stalk of the oxalis which he holds up.

Bay leaves, jonquils, dragon-flies! Woodfolk, greet his famished eyes. r . _ n

THE FALL OF UG [A company of Fairies is seen and a lively frolic follows ', during which the Fairies frequently leave the ground and go sailing away through the trees. Others come flying from distant parts to join the fun. Objects which appeared to be bushes and rocks stir and move and are seen to be fairy folk. Suddenly the PRINCE drops his oxalis key. The

Fairies fly away and the vision fades rapidly. THE PRINCE My key IVe lost! Quick, give it back ! But stay The King, the priests, the company I call That all may share this vision of delight. TRIP Ho, ho! Blindness binds them all. When did they look up and call ? Smallest fairy knows no fear When the fiercest man be near. When mad mortals hurl their best Into Ug's consuming breast, Fairies join their unheard cries To the woe of him who dies. Even now their eyes are dew They prepare to weep for you. THE PRINCE Your words recall me to my bitter fate. E'en now approaching shouts proclaim my hour. The hope that had sprung up was but a dream. TRIP Hi ! What know you of your dreams ? What is true and what but seems ? Learn which is reality; Therein lies the golden key. [53]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB [Shouting is beard. THE PRINCE They come! Stay, gentle Trip, desert me not. When my sad eyes must close in hideous death Let their last vision rest on you, else I Upon the threshold turn to curse the world. TRIP Trip must fade nor linger on. Come your people, I am gone. How might you hold me in view When their blindness may blind you ? This my last injunction be: Heed my mystic redwood tree. When Ug scourged, you called and lo, Now you know what fairies know ! More than fairies know you need Seek and find some higher meed. When men wrestle with their fear

Often does the path grow clear. Faith once more your eyes anoint Look where redwood fingers point! [At his final word TRIP flies away y passing out of sight directly over the head of the colossus. 'The PRINCE runs appealingly to the spot where the fairy stood. The shouting grows louder. The KING enters and is escorted to the throne. The Priests, led by the HIGH PRIEST, take their places. The company is quickly composed as before. The PRINCE appears to see something invisible to the others. THE PRINCE Look, king and priests; look, warriors, huntsmen, all. See how the fairy master of this grove laughs down [54]

THE FALL OF UG In scorn of all our bootless sacrifice ! Fear Ug no more ! Great Ug is but a stone ! Oh, see you not sweet Trip ? Ask him to tell!

THE HIGH PRIEST Peace, lad, fear has distraught your mind. Stand boldly as the kingly son should stand, Nor shame us with your monstrous dread of death. THE PRINCE What words of mine could make you understand ? THE HIGH PRIEST Far spent the night; make ready for the rites. [Priests direct Husbandmen and others in placing additional logs in the sacrificial pit and the flames are lighted. THE PRINCE I see and hear; you all be blind and deaf! THE CHIEF WARRIOR Oh, falter not nor forfeit our esteem: True valor scoffs at fate and laughingly dies. THE PRINCE Illusion's victim worse than Ug's am I. They think me coward, else they call me fool. THE HIGH PRIEST Lay off the garlands. Aid him to prepare.

[Priests offer to assist the PRINCE to remove the garlands from about his neck y but he motions them away. [55]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE PRINCE My hands suffice: straight I disrobe my soul. [He lifts off a garland and holds it in his hands. Let this be love of father, home and friends: My dearest tie melts at the touch of Ug. [He pitches the garland into the sacrificial pit, then lifts another from his neck. This be ambition; how its roses flamed Ere Ug's foul breath turned every petal sere! [He flings the garland into the pit and lifts off another. This be sweet charity; it was a robe That hid the world's defects from trusting eyes Until Ug's hand displayed the horrid truth.

[He flings the garland into the pit and lifts the remaining four from his neck. Fair hope was this; a lily stung by frost: This truthfulness, this pride, this loyalty. Ug's fetid blasts touch all their purity. [He flings all the garlands into the pit, then tears off his white robe, standing nude but for a breechcloth and sandals. This garment be outrageous joy of life, A mocking pretense that enfolds all men, Yet at the first rude plucking rends apart [Rending the robe he throws it aside. And leaves us naked to such foe as Ug! THE HIGH PRIEST We wait with ready sacrifice that Ug. May speak his promise of a blood-red dawn. [56]

THE FALL OF UG THE YOUNG PRIEST

Pray let the patriarch recall his tale: Mayhap he will pronounce the season come When red dawn shall be swallowed up by white In token that Ug's day at last be done. [While speaking the YOUNG PRIEST has advanced to the PRINCE, though looking at and imploring the PATRIARCH PRIEST who moves his head doubtfully. The HIGH PRIEST seizes the YOUNG PRIEST and hurls him to the ground at one side. The HIGH PRIEST lifts his hands and all but the PRINCE /#// upon their faces. At length the face of the colossus begins to glow with red. THE HIGH PRIEST Red dawn is nigh. Ug calls for sacrifice ! [Priests and others seize the PRINCE and lift his naked form above their heads, preparatory to casting it upon the outstretched palms of Ug,from which it will bound into the pit of flame. At this moment TRIP'S pipe is heard loudly rippling somewhere close at hand. The sound startles the PRINCE and arouses him to desperate action. He struggles out of the hands of the Priests, springs to the top of a rock and with his back to the colossus, raises his arms to heaven. THE PRINCE O god of truth, where point the redwood hands,

Thy promise be established now in me! Thy kingdom comes ; Thy thunders vanquish Fear ; Thy will is done ; Thy lightnings rend Fear's form ; Thy word unbars the path that leads to Thee; Thy crystal dawn enwraps the reborn world, [57]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB And lights men's famished eyes to know Thy face ! [The Priests appear to be frantic in their anger and despair, but the PRINCE'S attitude of commanding faith makes them afraid to lay hand upon him. As the PRINCE remains with arms uplifted, thunder is heard. The scene darkens. The thunder culminates in a cannon-like detonation. Lightning flashes and rends the colossus. In the noise and mystery of a convulsion, Ug is dimly seen to shrivel and go down into utter nothingness. With the settling of the dust, quiet ensues and the white road is seen to be complete across the spot where once Ug sat. Growing light reveals the path leading up the hillside. Celestial Beings are seen

to beckon and to sweep downward toward the company of people. The latter lift their arms in gladness and, led by the PRINCE, commence to climb upward. As they pass over Ugs former seat they begin to sing a World Hymn of rejoicing. The chorus is caught up by many unseen choirs in remote places until all the world seems to be voicing its rapture. THE WORLD HYMN The Lord made the earth and the fulness thereof; By His hands were the deep places laid ; The strength of the mountains the breath of His mouth; In His palm are the mighty seas weighed. He spake and the wilderness wept with new rain ; From the dry ground the water-springs came. He looked on the earth and it trembled with joy; The hilltops He touched into flame. Let the floods clap their hands, let the winds shout their praise ; Let the mountains bow low and be furled; [58]

THE FALL OF UG The Lord from His high sanctuary hath come; His lightnings enlighteneth the world. The gods of the nations are idols of clay; The sun hath our Lord full arrayed: The Lord lifts His voice, let the nations be dumb "Lo, man in mine image is made: "Dominion be his over earth and himself: "The eyes of his faith none shall bind. "When perfect love casteth out fear from my son, "Lo, in him be the infinite mind!" Let all the nations and all the peoples Rejoice and be glad. Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! [The last vain impulse of fallen Ug is seen in the occurrence of his red dawn . The red illumination seems for a brief space to drive Ugs colorful suggestion into all the earth , but meaning and motive have gone, and presently a new and strange sublimity creeps into the breaking of the day. To men's unaccustomed eyes the novel rays at first are green, but as they overcome and swallow up the old manifestation of blood, it is seen that the

promise is indeed fulfilled, that crystal dawn is come to enwrap the hearts of those escaped from Ug in nameless glory and in endless peace.

[59]

NOTE ON THE MUSIC BY HERMAN PERLET

AFTER close study of Mr. Steele's play I realized that Ug could claim no single country as his own, but that his awful power held the world and dominated all nations, savage and civilized, alike. Consequently in the music I have not adhered to any one form, style or school, but have written with a free hand, breaking theoretical rules at pleasure in order to get most thoroughly into the atmosphere of the book. Since Ug dominates the hearts of all the characters, Ug must have an unmistakable and powerful theme which rings out in commanding tones

at all times. It must be ever in the ear as well as in the mind and heart. This Ug theme is as follows:

It is used in many forms and developments. It is heard at the beginning of the Prelude, being announced by the entire brass choir; again it proclaims its power when the world gathers before the colossus to do homage, this wild harmonization introducing the entrance of the clans:

[61]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB In the Song of Ug the motive frequently appears in the accompaniment of the" song, while the chorus uses it in still another form:

( - n , 4 ^=N= 3 'lick '- f-^:

H - M '-J r x>vuv Wevtfviruvoe/ &* ; t i Tj 1 1 1 ^ ^~ r r f [ . i =

t=- 1 !=! g L iH ' F -^ i ^^1 J 1

-$ -^-4^-^

: i

1?

I !

's

Thus the motive appears and reappears, sometimes in warning and again in jealous frenzy, as though Ug himself feared that the truth might be learned by his slaves and his power lost for all time. In the Prelude, after the triumphant declaration of the Ug motive, the atmosphere changes to one of calm, in a short episode sung by three French horns:

fij&i ^ t M fem i < > j.>

HP

In this is denoted the natural peace and calm of the Grove. Through it is heard a mournful voice (the coranglais) pleading with broken heart for recognition. It is the voice of Truth begging that it be listened to and heeded, but no one and no thing pays attention to it save only the evening breeze that seems to follow the mournful strain in its wanderings, looking for a mind or heart to receive it: [62]

THE FALL OF UG

The voice hopes and trusts that it will find lodgment (as it eventually does), because it knows that its reception will cause to spring up a strength, glory, and eternal beauty before which Fear must vanish as fog vanishes before the When, after its hard struggle, it is finally recognized,

sun.

there occurs the downfall of the coarse and boastful Ug; and the Ug motive dies away before the glorious, overwhelming theme of Truth :

In the Intermezzo I have "tone-pictured" as nearly as I could, the transition from afternoon to night. The jovial, happy little scene in which Trip takes his music lesson from a bird is merely a short duet between a flute

and piccolo, the theme being as follows:

* f !

I U U -tx^- ^X ^X i [63] -J 1

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB The next number of importance is the entrance of the groups. In this we have first the motive of the Husbandmen (tenors):

Next is the motive of the Huntsmen (first basses) :

The Shepherds (second tenors) follow, their song being accompanied by the pastoral music of the pipes: i

* 4

H la

Last of the groups come the Warriors (second basses) :

Then comes an ensemble of all the groups, with the Ug motive dominating. The Dance of the Fanatics is based upon a wild, weird motive, suggestive of a barbaric religious frenzy. In the Drinking Song of the Jester, the motive of the refrain is the same in each occurrence, while the verses themselves are foreign to each other. This is the motive of the refrain :

THE FALL OF UG

The distracted Prince, left alone before Ug to whom he is soon to be sacrificed, dares Ug to meet him in combat:

{<***

Getting no response, the Prince appeals in another manner. He begs Ug to swear that his death shall

be the last sacrifice demanded, whereupon the Prince will gladly leap into the flame:

5S

i XU

\!7t j : .

[65]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

Receiving no reply, the Prince turns away in despair and discovers the trees. He looks at their upwardpointing shafts, and it is during his appeal to them that we hear once more the mournful, earnest appeal of the motive of Truth, beseeching the Prince to heed it:

Trip's joyous motive is suddenly heard again, before he reveals himself to the Prince:

[66]

THE FALL OF UG

Next, the call of the fairies is heard. Then the fairies appear and dance and gambol and dart through the air on silken wings. The birds of the forest lend their notes to the musical rhythm ; the friendly quail take flight to clear the way for the fairy dancers, and through the

dance birds are heard calling as if expressing their approval:

p J rt f^ =F^ *

-J J t ^ ^-

_^iii^

E= 1

-*fn ^ ^Mn 4^4 T kf tl |

-i fi : 4-

pf

to

-1 \^-

The finale, which is the next number of musical importance, is announced by the tympani in solemn, measured tone as the Prince is being prepared for his death. The voices of two bassoons add greater color of sadness: CLfJLoccvvo i

lUfc.

m m If [HM

nt

While the Prince is in the depths of despair, the Truth motive is again heard begging for recognition. The youth seems to feel its unknown strength and influence. The

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Priests are seized with fear as the Prince lifts his voice in prayerful declaration. Thunder and lightning ensue. As Ug is demolished, the Truth motive rings up triumphantly. Light, Truth's counterpart, floods the place where once darkness reigned, and the World Hymn of rejoicing is heard: The motive of Truth sings on in overwhelming majesty. Fear is vanquished.

68

NEC-NATAMA THE DANCE OF THE PRIESTS

THE TWELFTH GROVE PLAY [PERFORMED ON THE EIGHTH NIGHT OF AUGUST, 1914]

NEC-NATAMA (COMRADESHIP) Forest "Play

BY J. WILSON SHIELS WITH A NOTE ON THE MUSIC BY THE COMPOSER

UDA WALDROP

CAST OF CHARACTERS THE PROLOGUE THE PRIEST MR. G. F. HERR A WHITE MAN MR. AMEDE JOULLIN THE LOVE WOMAN MR. HARRIS C. ALLEN THE HATE WOMAN MR. GEORGE B. DE LONG FIRST TORTURER MR. HENRY S. BATES SECOND TORTURER MR. J. D. FLETCHER FIRST FIRE LIGHTER MR. A. F. LAWTON SECOND FIRE LIGHTER MR. CARL BUNDSCHU THE SPEAR THROWER MR. JEROME B. LANDFIELD THE ARROW AIMER MR. STEWART L. RAWLINGS THE KNIFE MAN MR. G. S. POMEROY Hate Indians, War "Dancers THE PLAY THE HIGH PRIEST MR. RALPH L. PHELPS AN AGED PRIEST MR. H. McD. SPENCER

FIRST ASSISTANT PRIEST MR. E. T. HOUGHTON SECOND ASSISTANT PRIEST MR. FRANCIS J. BRUGUIERE THIRD ASSISTANT PRIEST MR. H. B. BLATCHLY FOURTH ASSISTANT PRIEST MR. W. H. ROBINSON [71]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB FIFTH ASSISTANT PRIEST MR. CHARLES F. BULOTTI A NEOPHYTE MR. AUSTIN W. SPERRY FIRST GUARD OF THE HOLY POOL MR. SCOTT HENDRICKS SECOND GUARDOFTHEHOLY POOL MR. E. L. TAYLOR THE GREAT HATE CHIEF MR. WILLIAM P. HORN AN INFERIOR CHIEF MR. R. M. HOTALING THE SILENT ONE MR. FRANK L. CORBUSIER A RUNNER MR. J. B. BRADY THE GUARD OF THE RIVER TRAIL DR. BENJAMIN M. STICK THE GUARD OF THE TRAIL OF THE SETTING SUN MR. C. H. LAMBERTON THE MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE

PEOPLE MR. HAROLD K. BAXTER THE LOVE WOMAN MR. HARRIS C. ALLEN THE DREAMER MR. MARSHALL DARRACH FIRST WOODSMAN MR. BUSH FINNELL SECOND WOODSMAN MR. JOSEPH S. THOMPSON THIRD WOODSMAN MR. RALPH SLOAN A VOICE MR. MACKENZIE GORDON Love-Longing Indians, Hate Indians, War Dancers, Hate Eraves Boys, Water-Spirits y Voices of the Treefops, other Voices PLACE: The Prologue A redwood forest. The Play The same. TIME: Long ago. Many years are supposed to elapse between the Prologue and the Play. Production directed by MR. FRANK L. MATHIEU. Setting designed and executed by MR. GEORGE E. LYON, DR. W. A. BRYANT, and MR. E. C. FORD.

NEC-NATAMA Costumes designed by MR. AME'DE'E JOULLIN.

Properties designed and executed by DR. HARRY P. CARLTON and MR. HARRY S. FONDA. Dance devised and directed by MR. GEORGE B. DE LONG. Lighting by MR. EDWARD J. DUFFEY.

Musical Director, MR. UDA WALDROP. Chorus Master, MR. E. D. CRANDALL.

[73]

NEC-NATAMA (COMRADESHIP) THE PROLOGUE A redwood forest. A waterfall flows down a wooded billside^ over a huge rock and ends splashing in a pool. When the world was created (so runs the Indian faith) Great Hand fashioned his features upon the rock, and it was made sacred; then the pool mirrored his face and was made holy. Once, in the dead past, a mighty wind laid low a tree. It fell to

the hillside, over the Sacred Rock. From the hilltop to the glade below flowers bloom in radiant beauty and faintly fill the air with sweet scent. The birds sing and all is bathed in summer light. Suddenly this fair place is flooded with Indians. They start an irregular torture dance and are frenzied with the desire to impart to the faggots their hate. A WHITE MAN is dragged before them. He is noble and, mindless of all this intense throbbing hate, gazes in adoration at the trees and the beauty of the summer scene. By gesture he shows his love of nature and gives his fellowship and forgiveness. The PRIEST, seated upon the rock-throne, will have none of it, and commands the impatient Indians to proceed with the torture. They take him, with hate-haste, to the blackened torture stake and there they lash him; some build a fire; others leap into the dance and carry the faggots back to the flames; others fill rude cups at the waterfall and either hold them just outside their victim 's reach, or dash the water to

[75]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB the ground; others try to spear him, but the spear-beads blunt and fall at every thrust; others endeavor to shoot arrows at the martyr, but the bowstrings break. They stand amazed and try again. The squaws gloat and incite further deviltry. Great is the wrong they do this man, this lover of all things beautiful, and lo! the spiritual LOVE WOMAN of the tribe (fragile in form, delicate of feature, clothed in simple white, a white eagle's feather in her hair) comes out of the waters, over the fallen tree and gives her love to him. She stands motionless, with arms outstretched as if holding a cup filled to overflowing with her love. The eyes of the man at the stake light with understanding and by expression tells her that he takes the full measure of her love. The PRIEST, following the eye of the WHITE MAN, sees this goddess of tribelove and with a wild fling of his arms commands the Indians to cease the dance and to put out the fire; for

love has entered the victim. They, for a moment, go on with the torture and the PRIEST again commands, pointing the while at the LOVE WOMAN ; at last it is given to them to see her and they obey. They are panic-stricken with wild terror and in their hurry burn themselves, showing this by blowing on their hands, running to the waterfall, plunging their arms into it, covering their eyes and showing pain, while they beat down the fire. The flames are out. The LOVE WOMAN stands entranced and with joy seems about to return to the waters, to live again, unseen, among her people. The Indians cut free the WHITE MAN from the stake and lead him, untouched by the fire, to the rock-throne and proclaim him chief, for a goddess has come to woo him. They gaze in superstitious awe while he lifts his arms to heaven. The Indians bend down before him. All seems well, but the HATE WOMAN enters. She is all sinuous movement, strong, coarsely beautiful and boldly ornamented with jewelry. She leaps at the LOVE WOMAN, who, fearing, flies up the trail, her black hair

flowing in the wind, and, with a despairing gesture from her outspread arms, vanishes from the grove. The HATE WOMAN [76]

NEC-NATAMA stands supreme, The white chief turns to bless Love upon the trail when lo! the HATE WOMAN meets his eye. She dances and holds out her permissive arms. He isfascinated y he hesitates; control is yet within him. But at fast, throwing away his reverent mien and dashing aside the worshiping Indians who seek to stay him, he strides roughly toward her while she waits for him, confident with the pride of victory. When he reaches her, and just as he is about to take her in his arms, the grove is thrown into complete darkness. Love has left the grove and the doom has come. He has thrown away conscience and Hate is triumphant. The waterfall no longer flows. The flowers fade. The birds are still.

All is gloom within the glade.

ORDER OF THE ACTION IN THE PROLOGUE Torture theme and entrance of torture Indians. Dance of torture. Leaping for the faggots. Entrance of the WHITE MAN and the PRIEST, followed by others. The WHITE MAN'S declaration of fellowship. (Fellowship theme.) The refusal of the PRIEST. Torture theme and the torture of the WHITE MAN. The miracle of the spear-heads. The miracle of the bowstrings. The miracle of the flames. The entrance of the LOVE WOMAN. (The Love theme.) The giving and receiving of love between the LOVE WOMAN and the WHITE MAN. The PRIEST'S knowledge of the LOVE WOMAN'S presence. The torture Indian's knowledge of the LOVE WOMAN'S presence. General adoration of the LOVE WOMAN. Subduing of the flames. Liberation of the WHITE MAN. His descent from the stake. The allegiance of the Indians. (Fellowship theme.) Entrance of the HATE WOMAN. (Hate theme.) The flight of the LOVE WOMAN. The dance of the

[77]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB HATE WOMAN. The fascination of the WHITE MAN. The approach of darkness. The fading of the flowers. The cessation of the waterfall over the Sacred Rock. The flight of conscience from the WHITE MAN. The WHITE MAN'S flight up the hill to the HATE WOMAN. The coming of darkness.

[78]

THE PLAY scene is the same as in the Prologue, but without sunlight. All is gloom within the glade. Unkind time has been at work. All is sullen. The black stake stands in the ashes of past tortures. The hillside is peopled with busy Hate Indians. They make bows, arrows and spears. A squaw is seen weaving a war head-dress; another is

dipping arrowheads into a poison brew. Each has his own little fire of dried willows. The thin smoke of the fire, to say nothing of the characteristic odor of the willow smoke, adds to the atmosphere of the scene. On the lower level, near the Holy Pool, are two Love-Longing Indians; one, an AGED PRIEST, the other a NEOPHYTE. They crouch near the water s edge and are in deep sadness. Near by, to the left of them, are two Guards of the Holy Pool; they are less devout. VOICES (singing in the distance) To-night the treetops listen tense. The forest deep, in reverence, The moonbeams shine with constant glow. The Grove Song is so sad and low. The birds are still. The flowers yearn. Ah ! Love, they wait for your return. The drooping flowers fall and fade. And all is gloom within the glade. They long to live in love again. Yet all is whispering hate and pain. Birds listen sadly in the leaves.

Ah ! Love, fly back upon the breeze. [79]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB \he music changes and two Indian boys bound forth upon an upper trail, running here and there in vicious play. 'They separate and chase each other until they spy the Love-Longing Indians at the Holy Pool. They pause and plot in whispers; then with cunning and under cover, they sneak to within throwing distance and cast a stone into the Holy Pool. 'The incidental music ceases. They boys run off laughing through the woods. This action startles the Love-Longing Indians. 'The FIRST GUARD lifts his spear to aim and slay. THE AGED PRIEST Kill not! FIRST GUARD (still aiming) They foul the Holy Pool. SECOND GUARD Fast they run. Try no more, (drawing an arrow) If they come again they will not grow to follow the Great Hate Chief. THE NEOPHYTE

Let all things live. So orders the High Priest. FIRST GUARD (pointing to the workers on the hill) See. They live to kill. THE AGED PRIEST Hot is their war-blood. [so]

NEC-NATAMA SECOND GUARD They hunt well. To trail elk and deer is better than to gather acorns. THE NEOPHYTE We hunt far to gather nuts. Here nothing grows. (pointing to the Holy Pool) See, no lilies live. Why is this? THE AGED PRIEST The Great Spirit is angry. THE NEOPHYTE Tell of this. THE AGED PRIEST Many moons ago. Not within the time of three

tribes. A great spirit, the Love Woman, dwelt with the lilies in this Holy Pool. No brave had sight of her. Unseen, she created love and gave it to our people. Unseen, called the sun to grow the flowers. Unseen, made flowers give up heavy scent to twilight air. Unseen, called love-light to the moon. So, by love alone our people were made ready for the Mighty One. All praised her. All was peace, power and just vengeance. When, lo! she fled. . . . All was changed. . . . We watch for her return. THE NEOPHYTE (witb reverence) I watch! \He crouches at the pool. SECOND GUARD (pointing with his spear to Hate Indians) They do not watch. [81]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE AGED PRIEST They have no faith. They are Hate braves. They

follow the Great Hate Chief. FIRST GUARD I followed once. SECOND GUARD And I. Big war-man. Good chief for us. THE AGED PRIEST No. He runs wild. THE NEOPHYTE He is like the panther, all strength and fight. He hastes for blood. FIRST GUARD No one finds food, or foe, if keen he seeks not. Does the hound kill the deer, if he scent like the village dog ? SECOND GUARD If they fight he fights back. It is good for the tribe that he hates keen. THE AGED PRIEST Hate is good to guard life. Hate is bad to make fight, without cause. The Great Hate Chief travels far to make

fight. So the Great Spirit is angry and the Love Woman has fled. Heard you the Grove Song? SECOND GUARD No. When ? I hear not the Spirits. I am no priest. [84]

NEC-NATAMA THE AGED PRIEST Yet you hear and see nature. ... Is this summer ? SECOND GUARD Yes. THE AGED PRIEST Comes the same sun-god to all lands ? SECOND GUARD True. THE AGED PRIEST The seasons are the same ? SECOND GUARD Good. THE AGED PRIEST Then look and know. Grey light fills this forest; sun-

light grow; bloom birdsong?

floods the Loveland. Here no flowers they full in Loveland. Listen! Hear you the ... It is singing strong in Loveland.

(picking up some dry grass) Lo ! the grass dies ; the God of cloud and rain grows waving grain in Loveland. Look! the waters flow weak and shallow, they fall with little splash. [Suddenly with arms outstretched be prays. Oh God of sudden dawn ! Where are the waters ? \_He pauses as if bearing an answer. Gone, by secret ways to charm the Loveland. We feel the shadows' gloom, they breed fellowship in Loveland. The Great Spirit is angry. I. have spoken. [83]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB SECOND GUARD (somewhat impressed) Will the Love Woman fly back ? THE AGED PRIEST It is so told.

FIRST GUARD When, O priest ? THE AGED PRIEST When human love comes victor to a Great Hate Chief. FIRST GUARD All fear this chief. Fear makes a poor fight. How then may pure love come^ to him ? THE AGED PRIEST Great is the Mighty One. Pray that he send a gentle maiden, brave with the power of love. THE NEOPHYTE Tell. Why did the Love Woman fly? THE AGED PRIEST She gave love to a paleface, making him a chief. The Evil One sent the Hate Woman to fight her. The Hate Woman won. The Love Woman fled. Then did the white chief throw away Control and breed with Hate, and Strife was born. THE NEOPHYTE

If love comes to this our chief, how will the Love Woman know? THE AGED PRIEST . Love will call Conscience to its home. For Love is the home of Conscience. And Conscience will call the Spirit

NEC-NATAMA Woman back. She will hear. Then will the grove grant fellowship to all. THE NEOPHYTE How will Conscience come ? THE AGED PRIEST I know not. Now is the moon-time-of-fallingleaf. The High Priest comes to seek a sapling at this torture stake. For it is told: "When, from a hidden trunk, a tender sapling grows ; All the living world will know, what strength to weakness owes."

Then shall we know Control. SECOND GUARD (running up to tbe stake) No sapling here. FIRST GUARD (sneers and turns away) THE AGED PRIEST (to tbe GUARD) Sneer not. He who seeks and shows his teeth never finds. SECOND GUARD (gazing into tbe forest) The High Priest comes ! \^A goodly number of Love-Longing Indians enter, for the most part pipe-players and converts from tbe Hate Indians. ALL Hail! O medicine-man. Reader of moon and sun. [85]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

Hail! O patient priest. Slave of the Mighty One. [The HIGH PRIEST and Assistant Priests enter. He takes his place upon the throne. He returns the acclaim with a sign. THE NEOPHYTE (at the stake , excited) O High Priest! No sign of sapling here. THE HIGH PRIEST (with some annoyance) Approach. [The NEOPHYTE jumps from the stake and kneels. Break not the coming ceremony. Your tongue is young. Listen, learn, have faith. [The NEOPHYTE is properly subdued; yet he is very reverent and kneels , taking this as just censure. THE AGED PRIEST Master of mystery, we have watched the Sacred Throne. (turning to the others) All hail! The High Priest! The Priest of Love is great and he alone ! ALL (very solemnly) Hail! THE HIGH PRIEST

Comes now the moon-time-of-falling-leaf. The mist rests on the river. Hear the story of the stake. [The pipe-players gather round the Holy Pool. The Assistant Priests squat down and form a semicircle from the HIGH PRIEST to about the center of the open space. Others stand behind them, facing the HIGH PRIEST. The NEOPHYTE stands at the foot of the rock throne. The Hate Indians on the hill cease their work. Some withdraw^ having no interest in the ceremony. [86]

NEC-NATAMA Others remain and listen listlessly. The music of a pipe is beard; weird and low. ^be HIGH PRIEST gives a sign, ^be FIRST ASSISTANT PRIEST leaves tbe semi-circle and goes to tbe stake. He starts a slow religious dance around it. After be bas gone once round, tbe SECOND ASSISTANT PRIEST does likewise; then tbe THIRD ASSISTANT PRIEST; then tbe FOURTH ASSISTANT PRIEST, until all four are slowly dancing. 'T'be pipes continue. FIRST ASSISTANT PRIEST (stepping out of tbe dance) Oh! High Priest of all the Love tribe.

Hearing message from the Great One. Knowing all the past traditions. Solving them to all the people. . . . Speak ! [He steps back into tbe dance. SECOND ASSISTANT PRIEST {stepping out of dance) Mouthpiece of the birds, and fishes. Knowing all the roots, and berries. Favored by the Wonder Worker. Servant of the gods that serve him. . . . Speak! [He steps back into tbe dance. THIRD ASSISTANT PRIEST (stepping out of tbe dance) Reader of the sudden starlight, Flashing fast across the heavens, To the resting-place of spirits, To the home of souls departed! . . . Speak ! [He steps back into tbe dance.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB FOURTH ASSISTANT PRIEST (stepping out of the dance) Lo! the bridge of little starlight! Lo ! the distant summer starlight ! Lo ! the moon-time of traditions, Orders thee to straightway tell us, Of the Love Maid, and the white chief. Of the time she lived among us, All unseen beside the lilies, Giving love to all our people. How the Hate Maid Child of EvilCame and won the white chief from her. . . . Speak! Oh, speak! ALL (rising) Speak! Oh, speak! [The HIGH PRIEST leaves the rock throne, followed by two who carry the medicine pouch, and strides to the torture stake; then, with a solemn ritualistic gesture, throws the contents of the pouch upon the stake. THE HIGH PRIEST After long and weary watching, To this blackened stake of torture, Came a storm of awful thunder, Crashing redwoods all about me, Bending treetops low, in anguish. Flying ashes of the victims, Whirled around the stake in circles,

Forming ghosts of those who suffered, From the flames of long ago. [The Indians murmur. Yet the rain-god, he was silent, [88]

NEC-NATAMA Strange and awful was the night-time, When the voice of one departed, Came and told to me this story. \_Tbe Indians murmur again. The HIGH PRIEST strides to the lower level and takes bis place on the rock throne. Through the grove, all gay with summer, Went the hunting braves, at daylight, To the rushing winding river, Winding wildly to the ocean. Then the clear air of the morning, Showed no river-haze obscuring. And the keen eye of a hunter Saw the thick smoke of the stranger Curling heavy, from the treetops, Showing plainly where he rested, Showing he had little wisdom.

FIRST ASSISTANT PRIEST You are sage, O Wonder Reader. For the thin smoke of our people, Shows the cunning of the hunter. FIRST GUARD Good. The smoke of little willows, Made from willows that are sun-dried, Rises like the summer vapors That are blue within the canyon. So the hawk is oft mistaken. SECOND GUARD And the eye of foolish white men Sees but blue within the canyon. [89]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB SECOND ASSISTANT PRIEST Speak, O priest! THE HIGH PRIEST Then the hunters started circling. Coming closer, ever closer, Like the eagle when he 's flying, Till, at noon, they came upon him.

Then they paused, and looked, and wondered, For the picture that they saw there, They had never seen aforetime. \Music is heard the Fellowship theme. He was manly, strong and gentle; And he rested there in sunlight, With no spoils of war beside him. Lo ! the white birds, from the treetops, Flew with fellowship about him. They were flying with the secrets, All the secrets of the treetops. And the timid ones of woodland, They were fearless in their playing, As they gamboled all about him. . . . Only strife of little insects Hurt the stillness of the noon-time. \he Fellowship theme ends. All of this they saw and wondered, And they feared to fall upon him. They were faint with thought of slaying, For he seemed a god of nature. Yet they came a little nearer, With the cunning of the hunter. And the birds flew wild with warning. And the timid ones of woodland, [90]

NEC-NATAMA Ran with fear into the forest. But he took no heed of danger. And bewildered, he was captured. [Tbe music resumes with the Torture tbeme. Then they drove, and dragged him footsore, To this grove, and there they lashed him To this stake of many tortures, And in fury flamed the faggots. [The Torture tbeme ends. Lo ! the faggots would not burn him ! Lo ! the knife and sharpened spear-heads, Broke and blunted when they hurled them ! [ Tbe music resumes with tbe Love Woman tbeme. Then in all this hate and fury, Came the Love Maid of our people, From the waters that were splashing, Splashing strongly in the pool. She, the Love Maid of our people, Who had lived with water-lilies In the Holy Pool for ages, Granting love to all our people, Came in human form to love him, For the wrong that they had done him. Love Woman tbeme ends.

Then they knew that they had blundered And in haste put out the fire. Love had entered strong the white man, For her light was all about him, As they called him to the rock throne And they claimed him as their chieftain, For a goddess came to woo him. [Tbe music resumes witb tbe Hate tbeme. [91]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB But alas! The Evil Spirit Sent a hating, lustful woman To the grove, to fight the Love Maid, And to win the white man from her. Hate did win the Love confounded, Fled with fright across the bridges. Up the trail, her black hair flowing Far behind her with her speeding. Then, with outspread arms, she vanished. . . . Then, with wicked spell, the Hate One Danced, and lured the new-born chieftain From his worship of the Love Maid, From his Conscience from Control. Then the Great One doomed the chieftain,

Doomed the woman who had won him. Doomed their sons to come thereafter, Doomed them all to Hate and Strife. . . . \He pauses and the silence is broken only by the sound of falling water. This the story of the Love Maid, From the voice of awful thunder, From the voice long since departed. FIRST GUARD Our chief is great. THIRD ASSISTANT PRIEST Great in Strife. He is the child of the doomed.

SECOND ASSISTANT PRIEST Yet he is better than his kind. I have seem him ill at ease after wrong. The fault lies not with him but with his fathers. [9*]

NEC-NATAMA THE HIGH PRIEST You speak true. Pray that love come to him. SECOND GUARD (with pride)

Great strength. Eye of eagle. Ear of deer. Nose like bear. Cunning as fox. Great war-man. Our chief is great! THE NEOPHYTE Aye, great lust ! SECOND ASSISTANT PRIEST Alas, the seed of evil holds high place ! THE NEOPHYTE We are doomed. No flowers grow. I grieve. THE HIGH PRIEST Have faith. Hear me. [He bends over the Holy Pool, makes a few mysterious signs, and then speaks in a voice of prophecy. A maid will come with power of pure love. She will fight a Great Hate Chief. She will win and Hate will fly from him. Then will the Mighty One be kind and send back the White Chiefs Conscience. Then will the Love Woman come to live again, with the lilies and, unseen, breed love among our people. Have hope, O youth. I have spoken.

THE NEOPHYTE How will Conscience come ? THE HIGH PRIEST I know not how. By man, beast or bird. Therefore kill no living thing. [93]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE NEOPHYTE Will there be a sign ? THE HIGH PRIEST When sapling springs from blackened stump! Keep watch. THE NEOPHYTE (leaping to the stake and keenly looking) Alas, there is no sapling here, (despondently) We are doomed! FIRST ASSISTANT PRIEST (with religious fervor) Lift the gloom, O Spirit of Light! SECOND ASSISTANT PRIEST

(with religious fervor) We sorrow for Love, O Gentle One ! THIRD ASSISTANT PRIEST All is strife. The spear, the arrow, the waraxe conquer. Bring peace, O Mighty One ! Bring peace ! THE HIGH PRIEST (with solemn reverence) This the moon-time, O Mighty Spirit! When long ago a wrong was done. See how the redwoods grieve in silence. Lift now the doom, O Mighty One ! \He strides over to the Holy Pool. he LoveLonging Indians follow and all arrange themselves for the ceremony of the Prayer and Lament, which now takes place to the accompaniment of pipes. [94]

NEC-NATAMA FIFTH ASSISTANT PRIEST (singing) Pause in Thy wonder-work, O Mighty Spirit! Listen, with grace, to our prayer and our woe.

Call back the Love Maid who fled from the forest, Affrighted by Hate in the long, long ago. CHORUS Spring up, O Sun-God, Bounteous giver! Lord of the Love tribe. Hear our prayer. Now Mighty Spirit! Out of the waters Call back the Love Maid. Stay our despair. FIFTH ASSISTANT PRIEST (singing) Welcome the swift things we send with the message. The wood-rat, the deer, the snake and the bird. O God of all gods, with love and compassion, Give to the White-Wing thy wonderful word. CHORUS O great River-God! O most Mighty One! Wild in the winter, Tame in the spring! THE HIGH PRIEST Foam Into Over Loud fast the waters the Holy Pool; the Sacred Rock thundering!

[95]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB CHORUS O God of Sudden Dawn ! Doomer of shadows, Maker of flaming light, Lifting the gloom. O God of Cloud and Rain! Fall on the tired leaf; Sink to the striving root; Make flowers bloom ! \The pipes continue to play low. 'The LoveLonging Indians are in silent prayer. A memory of the Hate theme is played and an INFERIOR CHIEF enters unnoticed by them. He smiles and with gestures summons his retinue of Braves and commands them to silence -, pointing at the devotional group. Looking about for a stone > he finds one and points to it. One of his Braves bands it to him and be flings it over the heads of the LoveLonging Indians. It falls with a splash in the Holy Pool. The pipes cease. The HIGH PRIEST and his followers start to their feet. THE INFERIOR CHIEF Look! Look! Beware the ripples! If they touch a sickness comes upon you. (sarcastically} Prayer

seems to blunt your bravery. Is it not time to gather acorns? FIRST GUARD (striding up to him angrily) Squaw work! THE INFERIOR CHIEF Is it? [96]

NEC-NATAMA THE HIGH PRIEST (in anger but touched with fear) You mock. You dare to splash the waters! INFERIOR CHIEF walks to the Holy Pool, looks down at it and points. THE INFERIOR CHIEF You looked too long at yourself. I saved you from the sin of pride, (sarcastically) Thank me, O mighty priest ! THE HIGH PRIEST The pool is holy and .... THE INFERIOR CHIEF

Holy? Is it known? O wise one! Are you sure it is holy? It looks evil. FIRST ASSISTANT PRIEST All things look evil to you. THE INFERIOR CHIEF Do they ? [He measured the depth of the pool with his spear. This is even a greater sacrilege and the LoveLonging Indians murmur. He takes no notice of them, but looks at the mark upon the spear and then speaks with feigned surprise. It is almost dry! A shallow home for the Love Woman, if she return, (innocently) Is she not a waterspirit ? HIGH PRIEST (in alarm) Heed him not. He is bad. Love will return. [97]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE INFERIOR CHIEF (ingratiatingly) How long, O reader of the stars, since the Love Woman fled?

HIGH PRIEST Alas! Three tribes ago! THE INFERIOR CHIEF (as if in deep thought) Hm ! Three tribes ago ? Hm ! A long time. A long flight. She has flown to the end of the world. If she fly back, it will not be in our time. A pity. I am sad. [Some of the Love-Longing Indians, especially the two Guards, look up suddenly. 'This is a new idea to them. They speak together and nod their heads. Seeing this out of the corner of his eye and noting its effect, the INFERIOR CHIEF continues slyly. But it is foolish to long for her! It is not good to be sad! Sadness makes the blood thick. \_Several more of the Love-Longing Indians show interest. THE HIGH PRIEST (in fear and excitement) Hear him not, he is of the Evil Spirit! THE INFERIOR CHIEF (ignoring this) We who follow the Great Hate Chief do not long

for her. We live well. We hunt. We do not pick berries. You know, O High Priest, our chief is great ! Indians murmur.

No? Good! I will tell him. It will please him. He is [98]

NEC-NATAMA so calm. You know, O reader of the stars, our great chief guards our sleep ? [He waits for an answer. he Priests and Indians are silent. He is victorious, O wise one ? [Silence. Even now, he fights to bring the spoils of war the cattle and women of our foes. Does he not ? [Silence. O priest, they tell me you are the Lord of the Love

tribe. Will you take this pleasure from our chief? [Silence. [Failing to trap them he suddenly changes his tone. Come! We are rich! Leave this old man. He is too proud of himself. Hate well that you may live well. If we want peace, for he talks of nothing but peace, we need not fight. [Some of the Love-Longing Indians , including the Guards, cross over to his side. He smiles. Now, you show sense. THE HIGH PRIEST (with great concern) Oh, foolish ones! No peace comes from Strife. While the peace of Love is everlasting! THE INFERIOR CHIEF (imitating him) Oh, foolish one! You say Love is not here. Where then is your peace? Heed him not. THE HIGH PRIEST That we may live well, we long for love. [99]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE INFERIOR CHIEF That we may live well, we slay. To slay well, we hate. From the eye to the edge of the world all things slay to live. It is nature's law. (imitating the HIGH PRIEST) Be natural, Oh, my people! THE HIGH PRIEST (in anger) With you, evil one, all nature dies before its time. THE INFERIOR CHIEF Oh, wise priest! To know the dying time of nature. (commandingly) Come, waverers, leave these thin prattlers. Stain not your fingers berry-picking, but stain them in foe's blood. [Others cross over. Welcome! Is he not a silly old man? THE HIGH PRIEST (in alarm) Return ! Oh, return ! He leads you to ruin ! Oh, my people, come back! Beware, O Evil One who

brings out the bad, you play with your death. The Great One is

angry!

THE INFERIOR CHIEF

Heat not your blood, old man. You play with your death. Be careful. You may not live to see the Love Woman. THE HIGH PRIEST Hear me! Without love, this tribe will pass. The trees, our gentle gods for ages, demand fellowship! We little heed the lesson of the grove and all is gloom and grey. Roots grow weak and treetops moan with thirst made greater by the little mist drinks. The leaves tire, and no flowers bloom. Love has fled, and thou, slave of evil, art

[100]

NEC-NATAMA watching to slay the good within us. I pray your death that Love return ! THE INFERIOR CHIEF Bah! You wield no weapon but your tongue! Be silent, like a squaw. \fThe NEOPHYTE, exalted by the HIGH PRIEST'S lesson and wild with anger at Ms insult, draws a knife and rushes at the INFERIOR CHIEF. At last I hate! I hate! Die, evil one! Die! [The INFERIOR CHIEF wards off the blow with great ease and with a smile seizes the knife. THE INFERIOR CHIEF Love-longing makes thee weak. \He starts to stab the helpless NEOPHYTE when a RUNNER appears on an upper trail. THE RUNNER Hail!

{The RUNNER leaps down over the bridges and stops rigid on the lower hillside. Comes the Hate chief! Swift as panther! From the land of warlike people ! Bringing spoils of bloody battle After long and heavy righting! . . . Comes the Hate Chief! Swift as eagle! From the land of gentle people. Bringing maiden who is captive To his craft and to his cunning. \He runs off. The Indians gather from all sides. A band of war-men appears on the upper trail. They are followed by the captive MAIDEN OF [101]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE GENTLE PEOPLE. Her hands are bound behind her back. From her neck a rope leads loose to the neck of a mustang ridden by the GREAT HATE CHIEF, ^he maiden shows no

fear, but walks with pride. When the GREAT HATE CHIEF appears on the hillside, followed by his retinue, the Indians below break into song. CHORUS Hail, Great Hate Chief! He who fights well Fierce foes to quell. Hear our war-yell Great Chief! Hail, Great Hate Chief! Who lives to fight, Who longs to smite, Brave foes to fight Hate Chief! Skilled in craft of war Wonder warrior, Keen, with eagle eye. Seeing far away, Foes who come to fight, Meet his arrow shot Great Chief! Swift as deer in flight, Ear like doe with fawn, Hearing falling leaf, Strong as redwood-tree. Fighting with his might. Bringing victory Hate Chief! Hail, Great Hate Chief!

He who hates straight. His axe will sate. War-man! Great Hate Chief! [102]

: Z I S i

NEC-NATAMA [The GREAT HATE CHIEF gives a sign and THE SILENT ONE steps out. The GREAT HATE CHIEF points to the MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE. THE SILENT ONE takes the rope from her neck and cuts the thongs from her wrists. The INFERIOR CHIEF obsequiously holds the GREAT HATE CHIEF'S pony as he dismounts. The GREAT HATE CHIEF goes to the throne and beckons the MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE to follow. She obeys slowly , and stands in no submissive way at his side. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF Great fight! Well done! Dance! [A War-dance is performed, the dancers finally dashing off in a mad fury. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF

Guard river trail. Watch well. [A Brave goes out. Guard trail of setting sun. Watch well. [Another Brave goes out. Priest, watch well this maiden. Be kind. (to others of his retinue) Come! Follow me! [He goes out, followed by his retinue. THE INFERIOR CHIEF (touching THE SILENT ONE, detains him) Whence comes this woman ? THE SILENT ONE From Gentle People. Land of rising sun.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE INFERIOR CHIEF Two days' journey. You take four. You travel slow. Why? THE SILENT ONE Great Hate Chiefs command. She young . . . trail

rough. . . . She foot-tired. Ask no more, (proudly) I follow Great Chief. I have spoken. \He goes out. THE INFERIOR CHIEF The maiden bringing love! It is not good. [He goes ouf, in deep thought. THE HIGH PRIEST (to Assistant Priests) Go! [The Assistant Priests go out. The MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE goes slowly to the stake and makes a few medicine signs. THE HIGH PRIEST O Judge of Vengeance, give sign! Behold the maiden. Is she the virgin bringing love to the Great Hate Chief, that he may know Control ? Is she the soft cloud before the sun ? Will the Great Hate Chief take her? Will the sun shine with love upon us ? (looking at the base of a tree) No sign ! No sapling grows ! Then speak, O soul departed ! [He lifts his arms. A glow appears at the foot of the

tree. A VOICE (singing) When virgin love shall enter him, Passion then begets no sin. [ I0 4]

NEC-NATAMA Then in hollow of his heart Conscience comes ne'er to depart. THE HIGH PRIEST (singing) O God of the Treetops, give Love to my people. (singing} Are you the maiden of old tradition. Bringing the grove a love-lighted dawn ? Sing that the treetops may know of thy presence; Sing that a fellowship love may be born. Soft gentle maid, like a deer in the autumn, Be fearless and brave in this hate-shadowed place. Make captive our chief by your wondrous beauty; Hold him a slave by your god-given grace. Sing to the heavens a full-throated song, A song that the birds will echo to thee. Bring all the sorrowing life of the forest

Back to its joy with a love melody. THE MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE (singing) By a shady tree and a running brook A Love Woman gave me birth. And I drank strong love from her full, rich breasts, As brown as the breasts of earth.

THE VOICE OF A TREETOP (singing) The wind blows soft through our spreading leaves. Sing on, sweet maid, the song of the trees. For the song we sing to the stars above, Is the song of a perfect fellowship love.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE (singing) And great is the power of virgin love, To bring a brave to his mate. So I will fight this Great Hate Chief, And win him from his hate. THE VOICE OF ANOTHER TREETOP

(singing) Soft is the tread of your foot on the leaves. Sing on, sweet maid, the song of the trees. Bring fellowship love that the flowers may bloom, For without love they grieve in the gloom. THE MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE (singing) And he shall have my power of love, And all my weakness too. And he will worship wonder things, As all true lovers do. Then love will breed sweet fellowship, And the trees will sing their song. And the grove will worship at your feet, From even fall till dawn. THE VOICES OF OTHER TREETOPS (singing) Sweet is your song of love to our leaves. Sing on, sweet maid, the song of the trees. Sing that the grove by the Sun-God be kissed ; Sing that the weary leaves sleep in the mist. \fTbe HIGH PRIEST, in a fatherly and reverent

manner, leads the MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE away. The GREAT HATE CHIEF and the INFERIOR CHIEF enter. 'They watch the MAIDEN [106]

NEC-NATAMA OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE as she passes out of sight the GREAT HATE CHIEF, with awakening love, the INFERIOR CHIEF with hate and resentment. THE INFERIOR CHIEF (with the utmost consideration) What fights you, Great Chief, greater than all others ? THE GREAT HATE CHIEF (with deep concern) I know not where I go. I rush on like winter river. I rest not my mind. THE INFERIOR CHIEF (with affectionate anxiety) Rest your body. You traveled too fast upon the trail. (sneeringly) O swift one! THE GREAT HATE CHIEF

No. The maiden wearied. I went slow. THE INFERIOR CHIEF (with solicitude and watching him narrowly) Then you fight too long, and are weary. Sunrise will see you again the Great Hate Chief. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF "Hate Chief"! I like not the name. It sounds evil to me. THE INFERIOR CHIEF It is evil, to others. All fear you, O mighty war-man! THE GREAT HATE CHIEF (after a pause) This maiden. Her land but a swift two days' journey.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB All peace, rushing water and rising sun. Her people do not fight. They do not hate. There is no strife. Their seasons are the same. See! This grove is in gloom. No flowers grow. Why is this ?

THE INFERIOR CHIEF (with solicitude) We are a tree tribe. The sun is little in the trees. Rest *now. Think later. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF The Great One is angry with my people. Or, is it I ? THE INFERIOR CHIEF No! Not you, mighty Chief. Command me and I will lay waste this maiden's land. Then think no more of it. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF See, the forest gloom deepens! THE INFERIOR CHIEF A cloud passes. Oh, rest, eagle, rest! Think no more of this. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF She has sorrow for her people. She has spoken. THE INFERIOR CHIEF She will soon forget. It is their way. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF (in sudden anger) Speak no evil of her.

THE INFERIOR CHIEF I speak no evil. To forget is the gift of the gods. The wound remains not open. [108]

NEC-NATAMA THE GREAT HATE CHIEF She is like the sun. When I look at her, I pray in my mind. Is the Great One calling me to the things he makes beautiful ? I conquer. The pride of war is mine, yet I sorrow. Why? I am punished. O Mighty Spirit, lift now this burden. What burden ? I know not. . . . Something fights me. I have spoken. [He sits and gazes despondently into the Holy Pool. The INFERIOR CHIEF gazes at the GREAT HATE CHIEF with hatred. THE SILENT ONE goes out. THE INFERIOR CHIEF The maid is beautiful. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF She has starlight beauty! She is fawn-eyed!

THE INFERIOR CHIEF Good. She is your war prize. Take her, O Chief. . . . Where goes Silent One ? THE GREAT HATE CHIEF I know not. I care not. THE INFERIOR CHIEF It was he who told me she was beautiful. He spoke long of her. Like you, O Chief, but not so well. He did not think of ... "Starlight beauty," but he spoke long and well. Strange. He is called Silent One. Where goes he, I wonder? THE GREAT HATE CHIEF I know not. . . . You say he spoke of her ? [109]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE INFERIOR CHIEF A long time. He told me he was happy, for she smiled upon him. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF Go on!

THE INFERIOR CHIEF I told him she was your war prize, but he smiled. \fThe GREAT HATE CHIEF draws bis knife and, with sudden, panther-like spring, threatens the other. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF Bring him! Bring him to me! THE INFERIOR CHIEF No! Not him, but her. Take her now. She is not for a brave. Be quick. Be not blind. Kill him at sunrise. Take her now. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF (in wild rage) Ho! [A Brave comes running. Bring the maiden! \fThe Brave runs off. THE INFERIOR CHIEF O panther! Kill him at sunrise. Take her now! [The MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE is brought in by the Brave, followed by the HIGH PRIEST and his retinue. THE SILENT ONE enters with them.

THE GREAT HATE CHIEF (pointing to THE SILENT ONE) Guard him. Go kill him at sunrise. [no]

NEC-NATAMA [Braves fake THE SILENT ONE away, The INFERIOR CHIEF roughly brings the MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE to the GREAT HATE CHIEF. THE INFERIOR CHIEF War prize, O mighty Chief! THE HIGH PRIEST Thou plotter of mischief! [The MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE stands fearless. The HIGH PRIEST steps forward to protect her. The trees moan. The theme of Hate is heard in the music. 'The MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE lifts her arms in prayer. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF Bind her. [Braves bind the MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE. Two-faced squaw, I [The call of the Guard of the River Trail is heard

afar off. It is repeated by the Guard of the Rising Sun Trail. All are suddenly tense with listening. The GREAT HATE CHIEF makes a sign. A young Brave steps out and gives the answering call. All listen . The call is answered. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF Paleface! [All scurry to cover. The Indians take ambush on all sides. The GREAT HATE CHIEF takes the MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE with him. The theme of Hate is heard. A light falls upon the blackened stake. Now the theme of the WaterSpirits enters in the music y and from the water-

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB fall, from the stream and from the Holy Pool the Water-Spirits come. 'The Water-Spirits dance with beckoning gestures and finally disappear in the waters whence they came. During the dance a sapling is seen to grow from the blackened torture stake. The DREAMER and three Woodsmen enter. The DREAMER gazes in rapt adoration at the grove, at the Sacred Rock, at the waterfall and at the great trees. The Woodsmen stand in a group. It is easily seen that they are in anger.

FIRST WOODSMAN I'll go no further. I'm tired of this aimless march. SECOND WOODSMAN And I ! Do we seek gold ? THIRD WOODSMAN I know not, but it's time to ask. SECOND WOODSMAN If it be gold, is it a certain find? THIRD WOODSMAN I know not! (pointing to the DREAMER) He has been silent too long. SECOND WOODSMAN We have crossed fast-growing lands, where all was sunlight and rest. He took no heed of them. Now he waits in this forest gloom. What is he after ? (to the DREAMER) Hear us. Where go we? What do you seek? We will go no farther unless we know. [112]

NEC-NATAMA THE DREAMER

Take heart. Hear my dream. My wonder dream. I saw within a grove of silent trees, a man. Great was his glory, for he was Self-denial. It was night, and the moonlight sheen gave light to guard the sleep of nature. The smoke of his fire filled the air with phantoms, and the sparks were as little stars flying to their brothers in the sky. Suddenly all went evil. The man laughed and cried aloud, "I care not, I have yet my senses to satisfy." Then a voice said, "Let evil own thee. Let thy unbridled senses sway thee. Let beauty shun thee. Hear not the song of the birds. Thou and thy race shall live in gloom and they shall hate and be hated, until one, made perfect by a virgin love, shall cry aloud, 'O mighty Spirit, lift now this burden/ Then will I make a dream and give the dreamer thy conscience that thou hast thrown away, and he will go forth, seeking this one made pure by love." Such was my dream. I am the dreamer. I am the bearer of the conscience. My journey is nearly over; my

duty nearly ended. I seek the son, making him a god! FIRST WOODSMAN A dream! SECOND WOODSMAN Footsore, and half starved for a dream. Parched on the plains for a dream! THIRD WOODSMAN Mountain, flood and danger for a dream. We have been fooled. FIRST WOODSMAN (suddenly looking back with great fear) Shall we suffer the same for a dream ? No ! \He grasps at bis bunting-knife.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE DREAMER I have answered. SECOND WOODSMAN We will go no further. THE DREAMER Then leave me. FIRST WOODSMAN

Aye! We will leave you, and may you die in a dream! Come. [The Woodsmen start into the forest. Immediately arrows fly from every thicket on the hill and the cries of the Woodsmen proclaim their death. The Indians flood the scene from all sides and some lay hands upon the DREAMER. Others bring faggots to the torture stump to which the Indians start to drag the DREAMER. THE HIGH PRIEST Hold! This man lives! Some power held the fatal arrow. Yet swift sped death to the redman's foe. It is the moon-time of the soul departed. Beware! [The Indians hesitate and turn to the GREAT HATE CHIEF, who also hesitates with superstitious fear. THE INFERIOR CHIEF Slay him. This is foolish talk. [The Indians show impatience at the delay. See how your people rage. [The Indians again start to drag the DREAMER toward the stake.

NEC-NATAMA THE DREAMER (calmly) You know I come here for your good. [The NEOPHYTE runs to the stake and is astonished to see the sapling that bas grown from it. THE INFERIOR CHIEF (beside himself) Hear him not. This tribe will be lost, (turning to the Indians) Light the faggots. [Indians rush to the DREAMER and some move toward the stake with the faggots. The NEOPHYTE makes a move to guard the stake. THE GREAT HATE CHIEF No!... Wait! [He throws the INFERIOR CHIEF to the ground. THE HIGH PRIEST Behold the maiden in the grove. Love has entered your heart and made a home for Conscience. Now, art thou the Great Love Chief. THE NEOPHYTE

See ! See ! A sapling grows ! [All gaze in awe. The NEOPHYTE runs down to the DREAMER and bends low in reverence. The INFERIOR CHIEF draws his dagger and rushes at the DREAMER. The NEOPHYTE wards off the blow and stabs the INFERIOR CHIEF, who falls at the feet of the DREAMER. THE NEOPHYTE Evil is dead! THE HIGH PRIEST (looking up the hill) Behold the Love Woman ! Praise her, O my people !

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB [The LOVE WOMAN enters. She descends the trail. The waterfall bursts out in greater volume. Flowers spring up at her feet. All is radiant light around her. 'The Water-Spirits leap from the stream and make her train. With every step she dispels the forest gloom. He who was the GREAT HATE CHIEF starts up the hill to meet her, by his side the MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE. 'They are in a trance of love, and the flowers grow and make a way for them. The Indians look on in amazement while they sing their acclaim. When the CHIEF and the MAIDEN come to the LOVE WOMAN, she vanishes. He who is now the GREAT LOVE CHIEF turns to the MAIDEN OF THE GENTLE PEOPLE, takes her in his arms and gives her the pure kiss of love.

'The waters rush over the rocks and splash, in torrent, in the Holy Pool. 'The dawn appears and the forest is illumined.

[116]

NOTE ON THE MUSIC BY UDA WALDROP THE PRELUDE to the forest play "Nec-Natama" introduces several of the motives of the Prologue. Commencing with four bars of the Torture theme, given out by the wood-wind, in chromatic triplets and accompanied by strident chords on the strings, it lifts directly into the Fellowship motive into which the Love theme is interwoven later. The first number in the Prologue is the Torture Dance. The principal melody of this is played by oboes and clarinets, to which the trumpets, muted, add effect:

pppf

The second theme, the Fellowship theme, is the principal motive of the play. The first ten measures are given to the flutes and oboes and the theme is afterward taken up by the violins and 'cellos and finally worked up into a grand crescendo by the full orchestra:

ivj'.n* " "i.- i,. -i i -

("T^ i r v f 1 J=

-f ' r J ^

["7]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

\VL\ b f s r ' x^i 3 e A A yFU f. i >Tir. >Tf J i ii V b '

-f ' ' p

7-

The Fellowship theme is interrupted by the Torture theme, played as in the Prelude:

The Torture Dance is heard again, this time played in a more forceful manner by the cornets and trombones, muted, and then, almost directly, begins the Love theme which, with the Fellowship theme, is predominant throughout the play. This theme is played at first by the violins and 'cellos and later made broader by the addition of the wood-wind choir and brass. The harp is also prominent in the rendering of this theme:

^Af|fM 4H *f

L_i f EQ / ff // p LJ J t ~ -^ i r r :

Just when the Love theme appears to be nearing a triumphant climax it is interrupted by the Hate theme, played first by the French horns in unison and later by the full brass contingent, punctuated by an occasional crash on the cymbals: [118]

NEC-NATAMA

9S

The play proper commences with twenty-two bars of

the Love theme played by the full orchestra. As this theme diminuendoes it is taken up by the violins and becomes the introduction to the Grove Song. In this song the Fellowship theme is used as a countermelody:

Jdfc

-*The Prayer and Lament is written for tenor and chorus, part of which is sung "a capello" and, later, accompanied by the full orchestra:

The Ceremony of the Stake is an Indian melody, rendered by the English horn, clarinets and bassoons with an accompaniment of 'cellos and basses (pizzicato), tympani and drums:

["9]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

The Dance of the Water-Spirits opens with a cadenza for flute with accompaniment for harp. The first half of the dance is played entirely by the wood-wind, principally flutes, and accompanied by the harp and strings (pizzicato). As the dance progresses a solo-horn joins in the melody with a counter rhythm by the violins. The second half is a legato melody for 'cellos and English horn: i*_

NEC-NATAMA The Great Hate Chiefs march is scored "ff," for full orchestra:

The play concludes with the Love theme, this time uninterrupted by the Hate theme. It is brought to a triumphant end by full orchestra with triumphant chords:

frr?

[121]

APOLLO MALEFICUS

THE THIRTEENTH GROVE PLAY [PERFORMED ON THE SEVENTH NIGHT OF AUGUST, 1915]

APOLLO

BY FRANK PIXLEY WITH A NOTE ON THE MUSIC BY THE COMPOSER EDWARD F. SCHNEIDER

NOTE THE AUTHOR desires to make emphatic acknowledgment of indebtedness to his fellow Bohemians who in former years have made the grove plays a series of brilliant successes. "Apollo" is an attempt to combine the most salient features of several earlier productions and to incorporate them in a new story with a slightly different dress and different development. A few liberties have been taken with Roman and Grecian mythology to meet certain exigencies of the grove environment.

ARGUMENT

APOLLO, the son of Jupiter, was the god of the groves, waterfalls and flowers, the inventor of music, the instructor of the muses, the most perfect type of masculinity and possessed the power of prophecy. The action of this play takes place in the sacred grove of Apollo at the base of Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. At the end of the prelude Pan is disclosed lying asleep on a mossy bank just before daylight. He has been dreaming of his youth as an Arcadian shepherd boy before he mocked the gods, for which offense he was changed into a half-goat. He awakes with a cry of anguish as he realizes that his happiness has no real foundation and that he is still a misshapen monster. Presently he lapses into a philosophic mood and finds contentment in the thought that, though banished from human society, he has formed pleasant acquaintances with the buds, the bees, the birds, the butterflies and the fairy folk of the grove and has learned to charm them with the music of his pipes which he has fashioned from

hollow reeds. He plays upon his pipes and, in response to the call, elves and gnomes and woodland sprites come trooping about him and engage in a fairy dance and revel. At the height of the frolic a sentinel owl gives warning of the approach of danger. The dancers hurriedly scurry away and Maleficus, the spirit of evil, enters. He has plotted the overthrow of the gods and seeks to enlist the aid of Pan, who he believes will readily join him. In this, however, he is mistaken. Pan, after learning all the details of the plot, declines to join in it and ambles away.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Maleficus decides to begin his warfare by an attack on Apollo, the god of the groves, and directs his attention first to the sacred grove itself. With his wand of fire he frightens away the cool winds, withers the flowers, dries up the springs and scorches the roots of the trees. Mercury, the messenger of the gods, accidentally discovers the havoc

that has been wrought and flies up to Olympus to inform Apollo. The latter hastens to the spot, discovers the damage that has been done and, not knowing the cause, calls forth the dryads, spirits of the trees, and questions them. Then, to counteract the evil influence of Maleficus, he summons the refreshing breezes, restores the springs and brings forth a waterfall upon the hillside. The dryads, dancing with joy, reenter the trees and Apollo sings a song to the giant redwoods, promising them the continued protection of the gods and foretelling the future of the grove. Maleficus craves an audience with Apollo and tries to accomplish his downfall by exciting jealousy of the other gods. The temptation fails and Apollo drives the tempter from the grove and forbids him ever to return. Clytie, a vestal virgin, enters to perform her morning religious rites. She advances to a small altar and, in pantomime, goes through ceremonies in worship of the gods on Olympus. In the midst of her devotion she is

discovered by Pan, who is struck by her rare beauty, and, forgetting momentarily that he is half beast, addresses her, whereupon she screams with fright and flees. This incident brings home to Pan the full realization of his awful plight, and in an impassioned song he supplicates the gods to restore his human form and runs up Mount Olympus as if to carry his appeal directly to the gods themselves. Maleficus stealthily returns and meets Bacchus, the god of wine, whom he induces, on a wager, to attempt the downfall of Apollo through drink. Bacchus and a band of roisterers engage in an orgy of singing and dancing and [128]

APOLLO carousing, whereupon Apollo seeks to put an end to this profanation of the sacred grove and, resisting all their efforts to induce him to join them, drives them away.

Mercury flies down from Olympus with a message from Jupiter to Apollo ordering him on no account to leave the grove, as an important council of the gods is to be held there almost immediately. Pan reenters hurriedly, falls on his knees before Apollo and, ignoring the one wish uppermost in his thoughts, warns Apollo of the machinations of Maleficus. For this service Apollo restores his human form and asks Pan what he now intends to do first. He replies that he will go forth in search of love. Apollo does not understand the word and a duet follows in which its meaning is made clear. Pan runs away in search of a mate, leaving Apollo in wonderment over the strange lesson he has just learned. While he is still pondering over the subject Clytie reenters to replenish the sacred fires upon the altar and Apollo, in observing her, notices that he is strangely stirred by a feeling which he never has experienced before, but which Pan has described. He addresses her as one of the

gods whom she worships and a love scene ensues during which flowers spring up on the hillside, the waterfall reappears, elves, gnomes and fairies creep forth from their hiding places, birds sing merrily and the grove is filled with music the whole typifying a maid's first conception of love. At its conclusion Clytie drops the censer and the lovers embrace while the fairy folk dance with joy. They hastily disappear as Maleficus runs on, picks up the censer and follows the lovers off unobserved by them. Jupiter, Mars, Neptune, Bacchus, Mammon and Mercury, accompanied by a large number of attendants, march down from Olympus and a general council is held. Apollo's absence is noticed and Mercury is sent to find him. Maleficus declares that Apollo no longer obeys the commands of his king, but has been taken captive [129]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

by a mere silly girl. Jupiter is incredulous at first, but when the lovers appear becomes furiously angry and changes Clytie into a sunflower. Apollo attempts to intercede in her behalf, whereupon Jupiter declares it an act of treason and invokes his winds and thunderbolts to punish the offense. A terrific storm ensues, during which Maleficus dances with joy and gloats over his triumph. The storm ends with a blinding flash of lightning and a crash of thunder, leaving the grove in darkness and silence. Pan invokes the aid of the fireflies in restoring light. The altar fire stills burns, and from it torches are kindled. Maleficus has been killed by Jupiter's thunderbolt, thus verifying a prophecy by Apollo. Pan appeals to Jupiter in behalf of the sunflower, whose only offense was love of Apollo, and the king, deeply moved, relents. Acknowledging that the gods, born of Ignorance and Superstition, have been vanquished by the hosts of progress, truth and clear enlightenment, he sends them into oblivion, henceforth to

live only in myth and legend, and bids farewell to Olympus. Before he follows them he delivers his final decree as king of the gods that Apollo, no longer a god, shall be reincarnated in human form and return to earth and mate with Clytie, and that Apollo's godlike soul, as the sun, shall daily revisit the earth and bring to humankind light, life and love. As Jupiter departs the heights of Olympus are aglow with red light betokening the return of Apollo, the dawning of the perfect day. The entire hillside is ablaze with colored lights as Apollo marches down to the sunflower, which suddenly is transformed into Clytie, and the lovers embrace, while the populace engage in a grand triumphal chorus of acclamation and rejoicing.

[130]

CAST OF CHARACTERS

JUPITER, the king of the gods APOLLO, the god of the groves MARS, the god of war NEPTUNE, the god of the sea BACCHUS, the god of wine MAMMON, the god of riches

MR. MR. MR. MR. MR. MR.

MARSHALL DARRACH CLARENCE WHITEHILL E. C. FORD GEORGE L. BELL HENRY A. MELVIN CHARLES C.TROWBRIDGE

MERCURY, the messenger of the gods MR. HAROLD K. BAXTER MALEFICUS, the spirit of evil

PAN, a shepherd boy, transformed into a half -goat CLYTIE, a vestal virgin A NAIAD, the spirit of the waterfall A DRYAD, the spirit of the trees

MR. R. M. HOTALING

MR. GEORGE HAMLIN MR. HERBERT HERON MR. GEORGE B. DE LONG MR. LORING P. RlXFORD

Elves, Sprites, Dryads, Brownies, Attendants PLACE: The sacred grove of Apollo at the foot of Mount Olympus. TIME: The present of fancy.

Production directed by MR. FRANK L. MATHIEU. Properties designed and executed by MR. HARRY S. FONDA and DR. HARRY P. CARLTON.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Dances devised and directed by MR. GEORGE B. DE LONG. Flying directed by MR. W. H. SMITH, JR. Lighting by MR. EDWARD J. DUFFEY.

Musical director, MR. EDWARD F. SCHNEIDER.

Chorus Master, MR. E. D. CRANDALL.

APOLLO

sacred grove of Apollo >, at the foot of Mount Olympus. It is just before daybreak. During a musical prelude the light gradually increases. PAN is discovered lying asleep on a mossy bank. He moves uneasily at times during the prelude > and at its close jumps up with a cry and looks about as if dazed. PAN A dream! 'twas but an empty, mocking dream! And yet, so beautiful it was, methinks It must be heaven-born! Oh, cruel fate That I must awake to contemplate the thing I am! It seemed the gods at last had learned What pity means. My penalty was paid; My expiation done. This ugly form Distort, misshaped, half man half beast was gone. Again I was a youth of perfect mold That gods might love. Playing my shepherd's reed I led my flocks through fairest Arcady In rural peace, my happiness complete. It was a dream ! But may it not be more ?

In this, Apollo's grove, the very air Is charged with prophecy ! Perchance, forsooth, Some mystic power which guides the destinies Of things to come hath left an impress here (putting his hand to his head)

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Upon my mind distraught. May not some thread Of truth lie tangled in this flimsy web Of fantasy ? ... If penance pays for wrong, In thought or deed, no further debt I owe! If penitence profound, too deep for words, May plead for mercy, e'en the gods on high Must hear my prayers and grant me clemency. (in a lighter mood) Yet would I not complain. I mocked the gods; My punishment was just. I was a fool But everyone, sometime, hath played that role. The gods alone control. Mere puny man Is but a puppet plaything in their hands And, knowing this too late, within this grove I've learned submission and I've won content. (brightly and almost joyously) Music is mine! In yonder friendly marsh I found the reeds to fashion forth these pipes

The pipes of Pan whose magic melodies Can summon forth the spirits of this place. I stole the laughter from the purling brook, The tattoo of the hail upon the leaves, The breeze's sigh, the carol of the thrush, The earth's glad cry which greets the first spring rain, And tuned them to the ring-dove's mating call That note of love to which the world responds. Whene'er I breathe upon these luring pipes The frisking squirrel's noisy chatter stops ; The bees, the birds, the buds, the butterflies Come trooping forth in sweet companionship To give me joy in blest forgetfulness ! \He turns as if invoking the fairy. folk. (singing) Come now, ye blithesome woodland elves ! Ye fairy spirits, disport yourselves!

[134]

APOLLO [PAN plays upon his pipes and Gnomes and Elves one by one appear from the ferns, bushes, flowers and trees upon the hillside. They scamper down, and, surrounding PAN, engage in a dance and revel.

The dancers disport themselves on various levels, giving an appearance of life on the entire hillside. At the conclusion of the dance an owl in the distance hoots three times as a warning that danger threatens. Consternation seizes the dancers. Hark! The sentinel owl gives warning! Danger threatens us! Away! [The Gnomes and Elves all scamper to their hiding places and disappear. PAN hurries them away and then turns, half defiantly, to face the expected danger: The music changes to the motive of Evil. There is a puff of smoke and from it MALEFICUS enters. MALEFICUS Greetings, my good friend Pan! How is 't with thee? PAN Call me not friend! In truth, thou hast no friend! I know thee now and, knowing, fear thee not! MALEFICUS (in a conciliatory tone) 'T is true thou knew'st me once. But I have changed And, as I wronged thee greatly, now I seek To pay the debt I owe thee to the full

In humble reparation for my sin ! PAN That cannot be! Within thy evil mind

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB There lies no thought of just or good intent. Behold thy work! [PAN with a gesture indicates his misshapen body. MALEFICUS Til grant I prompted thee To mock the gods because I hated them. Could I foresee thy fate that followed fast ? Our plans were right; but everything went wrong. For that I 'm not to blame. What follows then ? Begin again! We '11 find some other course To overthrow the gods and lay them low ! Join me once more, and thou shalt taste the sweets Of full revenge ! \Pan shakes his head negatively. Thou still art half a man ; But if thou art content with this I swear I shall regret the change was not complete ! \He laughs mockingly. PAN

The aim of law is justice, not revenge! MALEFICUS There speaks thy lower half, thou ambling goat ! The cringing cur will turn to lick the hand That smites it! But no manly man acts thus. Servility is cowardice at best And both are bestial traits. Be brave, good Pan! PAN (sadly) Had I not wandered from the path of right To follow thee, to-day I'd be a man! MALEFICUS (in a wheedling tone) 'T is simple quite ! The gods themselves oft err. [136]

APOLLO They make mistakes like us of common clay. Along the path that this Apollo treads I '11 strew temptations thick and he will fall ! He shall be first, since him I chiefly hate ! Why should he rule this beauteous grove instead

Of thee or me ? PAN Enough! I'll hear no more! I Ve paid the price of disobedience; If thou art friendly tempt me not again! [He goes out. MALEFICUS Poor, silly fool ! I '11 bend him to my will . And make him serve me like an abject slave! Forsooth I need no aid to end my work! The greatest power that shapes the trend of life Or death is Evil! I am everywhere! When once the gods are vanquished, I shall rule Alone ! Meanwhile I 'm willing quite to match My cunning craftiness against their strength And bide my time until I shall have won ! When that hour comes, I '11 drive my frantic steeds, Havoc and Ruin, round the world itself

And naught but chaos shall remain behind! But now to work! Time presses, I must haste! This is the sacred grove Apollo's own And here shall I begin ! These giant trees, Which have for centuries stood staunchly fast Against the elements, must be destroyed! The wrath of tempests and the thunderbolts Of Jove they 've mocked to scorn ! I am supreme And they must fall! I '11 wither up their roots And sap their source of life! The brooks, the springs Which nourish them shall be no more ! The deer

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Shall die of thirst ! No bird shall sing ! The air Itself shall be a scorching flame of death! [Music through which runs the motive of Evil is heard and MALEFICUS moves about, drying up the springs and withering the flowers with his wand of fire. This done he goes out, laughing sar-

donically. The Mercury theme is heard in the music and MERCURY enters, looking about as if surprised. MERCURY What strange malefic power infests this place ? The air is close. It smells of death itself. The flowers droop. The springs are dry. The leaves Are withered, and it seems as if this grove Itself were doomed. All nature sighs and gasps. No flowery perfume fills the air. The birds Have ceased to sing! These glorious trees themselves No longer lift their haughty heads toward heaven In proud supremacy. The gods on high Olympus must be told of this forthwith. Apollo, master of this sacred spot, Thy subjects here invoke thy potent aid! RCURY^VJ off, crying as he darts through the air, "Apollo! Apollo!" The music changes to the Apollo theme and APOLLO enters at some distance

up the hillside. He descends the hillside, looking about in amazement, but does not hasten. He notices the withered flowers . APOLLO What 's this ? And this ? And this ? [He picks up a flower. Am I awake

APOLLO And do I see aright ? Now, by the gods Who rule Olympus, vengeance sure and dire Shall follow fast! The thunderbolts of Jove Shall blast the author of this monstrous crime ! (tenderly to the flower he holds in his hands) Poor, stricken one, go now to Mother Earth That gave thee birth. Anon thou shalt return To us again in royal raiment clad The blush of beauty on thy velvet cheek. Thy honeyed lips shall lure the vagrant bee. Thy fragrant breath shall woo the soft south breeze And waft a blessing to a grateful world. God rest thee for a little while. [He places the flower in the earth. Sleep well! There is no death.

(addressing the great trees about him) Ye godlike giants, who do sanctify And dominate this place, on you I call! Appear, ye dryads of Sequoia land ! Tis I, Apollo, who commands! Stand forth! [The Dryads appear from the larger trees. What wrong is here ? In what am I remiss ? Mine ear is open! Speak! \he Dryads kneel appealing to APOLLO. Kneel not to me! 'Tis not thy master but thy friend who pleads! [The Dryads arise. A DRYAD O thou who hast dominion here, give heed To this our prayer! Some potent, mystic force, Unknown to us, hath wrought our fearful plight.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB We thirst ! We sigh ! We gasp for life itself! No cooling breeze now fans this favored spot. The brooks and springs are dry. How can we live Since every artery is scorched ? The sap Of life no longer courses through our veins. We pine and droop and fade. Give us relief.

APOLLO (turning toward Mount Olympus) Olympian Jove, 'tis I, thy son, who calls! Thy sweetest dews, thrice purified, I ask To end this drought! Send us the cool west wind To chill the fires of hate that compass us ! \f be foliage moves as if shaken by a brisk breeze. See now, how every leaflet stirs in glad Response! The blessings which we have invoked Are ours. And now behold ! This waterfall Shall give ye proof that e'en the gods on high Stand guard o'er you. [A waterfall appears on the hillside. *The Dryads dance about with delight. Come forth, thou naiad queen. \A Naiad steps forward through the falling water. Rare beauty is thy birthright, gracious one. To thee 't is given to please the ravished eye With flashing splendors in thy diamond drops ; To charm the ear with liquid melody, To cool the wandering breeze, baptize the buds, And bless the flowers with thy misty touch.

But beauty, for a time, must needs give way To stern utility. These giants tall Grim sentinels which guard thy blest abode Invoke thine aid! Seek subterranean ways, Each path and avenue to reach their roots. [

APOLLO Bathe them in Nature's tears until once more They feel the thrill of life and health and strength. This is thy urgent mission. Go! Make haste! [The Naiad vanishes through the falling water and the waterfall also disappears. ^Tbe Dryads reenter the big trees, leaving APOLLO alone. APOLLO (singing) O redwoods, tall and stately, Beneath whose friendly shade For centuries and ages The tribes of man have strayed, We offer you our homage,

Our loyal hearts and true, And love and true devotion Anew we pledge to you. Lift up your heads, Sequoias. Toward heaven point the way. Teach man to worship nature And scoffers how to pray. The earliest kiss of sunrise, The sunset's last salute, Proclaim you kings of woodland, Un equaled absolute. And here in after ages, When gods have passed away, The sons of men shall gather And each his part shall play. Inspire them with your greatness And make them understand The path which leads to Eden Lies through Bohemia-land. [The music changes to the motive of Evil and from a

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

puff of smoke MALEFICUS enters. He bows to APOLLO with great deference. APOLLO What baneful mission brings thee to this place ? This is a hallowed spot. Go ! Get thee hence ! MALEFICUS One moment, pray. Prove thou art truly great And let me speak. APOLLO Be brief! What dost thou here ? MALEFICUS I fain would pay my compliments to thee. APOLLO I trust thee not, for truly well I know Thy lying tongue, thou monster of deceit! MALEFICUS Be not so harsh. I '11 not deny I 'm bad; But surely thou hast naught to fear from me. Though erring mortals oft I trick and cheat, Against the gods themselves my wiles are vain. Be lenient with me. Cherish thou no grudge. APOLLO Mere idle words; but have thy say at once. MALEFICUS

Think it not strange that I, of ill repute, Should worship thee. 'T is but a tribute just That evil pays to good. With thee, in truth, I sympathize, for justice is not ours.

APOLLO T is contrast that must gauge the meed of worth. If all were good what credit would there lie In being good ? Thy goodness would be nil Except for me and what I represent. Each atom of this cosmic universe Some purpose serves. I am thy dearest friend And yet I am by all the world despised. To me that matters not; I am content To be thy slave if I but aid to make Thee greater still. If justice were not blind Thou would'st be heralded throughout the world Like Mars and Neptune! Why should'st thou be cramped Within the narrow confines of a grove ?

The jealous hand of history records No deed of thine to set the world agog. Thou art suppressed, overshadowed day by day, Whilst they, of lesser worth, win lasting fame! Why should Olympian Jove, who orders all, 'Gainst thee and me discriminate ? Why not Demand thy rights, which justice should accord? APOLLO Maleficus, thy motive is most clear. Know thou that in mine inmost thought there lies No jealous spark of envy. Thou hast failed. Go now forever from my sight and ne'er Again invade the limits of my realm ! MALEFICUS (angrily) One further word! Thou wilt not treat with me; The penalty be thine ! Know, then, the truth ! I hate thee! Now an open war I' 11 wage 'Gainst thee and thine! Henceforth no quarter ask! Thy overthrow shall be complete, for I Shall win !

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

APOLLO Begone forthwith! Ere I invoke The thunderbolts of Jove to strike thee dead ! [MALEFICUS hesitates a moment, regarding APOLLO with anger, then laughs sardonically and goes out. APOLLO slowly follows him, as if to make sure that evil has been driven from the grove. CLYTIE enters with a cruet of oil and censer. She advances to the altar and goes through devotional ceremonies of worship. She pours oil upon the coals. Flames dance up and she puts incense on them, which causes smoke to rise. She swings the censer, kneels, rises and swings the censer again. In the midst of these devotions PAN enters and, unseen by CLYTIE, stops enraptured by her beauty. PAN What lovely vision greets mine eyes ! A maid Immaculate, unsullied by earth's touch! She seems, indeed, an angel sent from heaven To bless the sight of man ! I '11 swear she 's chaste As she is beautiful! No sinful thought E'er finds lodgment there. See how the flames Do dance with amorous joy at sight of her!

Within my breast a feeling stirs I thought Had long been dead! She seemeth heaven-born And yet to me she kinship bears in that We both are human. I shall speak to her. Oh, maiden fair, let pity rule thy heart. [CLYTIE starts, gazes at Pan with wonderment and fear, and, swinging the censer about her as if for protection, runs out. Oh, deepest woe! It needed only this ['44]

APOLLO To make my lonely wretchedness complete. I Ve lost the world itself in losing love ! The sweet companionships which here I found With fairy folk are truly dear to me; But love alone can satisfy the soul

And fill the measure of life's brimming cup. (singing) Oh, deepest woe! At last I know The full damnation of my fearful fate. To mortal eyes This cursed guise Makes me appear a thing to shun and hate. My grisly plight Appals the sight And fills with horror all who are not blind. Would I had died, Since I'm denied The blest companionship of humankind. Would I had died! Would I had died! The fairy folks that here abide Are loyal friends of mine. But though they are instinct with life They lack one spark divine, They are not moved by passion's thrill. To them love is unknown. Without a mate I 'm doomed to live Companionless alone ! Oh, fearful fate that makes me this.

What living death is mine. Give me but love. I '11 ask no more, Nor murmur, nor repine. Apollo great, to thee I call. [145]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Remove thy awful ban, And thee I '11 serve forevermore ! Relent! Make me a man! \At the conclusion of bis song PAN turns appealingly toward Olympus and then goes out. <fhe motive of Evil is beard again and MALEFICUS enters. He glances apprehensively about as if fearing pursuit. MALEFICUS The fight is on ! Henceforth shall be no truce ! He knows me as I am. Now strategy Must win, for open war with him would fail. My cunning traps I '11 set with artful craft But he must not suspect the bait I use. Temptation's power must lay him low. He shall Defeat himself. [A voice is beard, singing.

But lo! who cometh here? [Tbe singing continues. T is Bacchus ! And in jovial mood he seems ! Now, by my luck, here is an ally strong To help mine ends. Him have I often sought And he hath served me well. No strangers we. And yet he is as wax within my hands To mold and shape and fashion as I will. [BACCHUS enters. BACCHUS (singing} May all of your troubles Be lighter than bubbles. Drink up and drive care away. Here 's death to all sorrow ! Who cares for to-morrow, So long as we 're jolly to-day ?

APOLLO \0n seeing MALEFICUS he stops abruptly. MALEFICUS

Hail, Bacchus, and well met! I pledge thy health! [He raises bis band as if drinking. BACCHUS Such pledges stand for naught ! Drink thou but air ? There 's yet wine in the world. Wilst have a cup ? [BACCHUS makes to pour wine from a goatskin bung over bis shoulder. MALEFICUS hastens to decline. MALEFICUS Nay, nay, good Bacchus! With a thousand thanks Perforce I must decline. I need my wits. Clear minds are not preserved in alcohol. I am no weakling as thy minions are. BACCHUS How say'st thou ? "Weakling" ? T is a sorry jest! MALEFICUS Not so I speak the truth! Consider well: If thou art truly great and powerful Why dost thou deal with underlings alone ? T is easy quite to snare an addled brain And warp the judgment of a mind diseased. What credit comes from such a victory ?

'T is easy, too, to bend the weakened will Till resolution snaps and hope is dead. Is that a proof of greatness or of strength ? BACCHUS Ho, ho! Reformer! What hath changed thee so ?

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Am I to blame that all fools are not wise ? Good wine is helpful ! Oft it brings the flush Of health to wan and wasted cheeks. It lights The eye and fans anew ambition's spark. Wine is a servant good. MALEFICUS A master bad. BACCHUS Why preachest thou of good or bad to me ? MALEFICUS Because I love thee and would hold thee so. I grant that thou art great. Be greater still. Forsake thy present course and, for a time, Join battle with thine equals. Test thyself. Then, if thou needs must yield what hast thou lost ?

But if thou winnest, what name in the world Shall rank with thine ? BACCHUS Thy sermon hath no text. What further proof is needed now to show My sway ? The rich, the poor, the powerful And e'en the wise pay tribute to my will. Dost thou presume to question my estate ? MALEFICUS Ah no, good Bacchus! Pray mistake me not! Great power counts for naught when ill applied. Thou art, against the weak, invincible ; True glory comes from conquering the strong. Albeit a most useful end is served, Who crowns the cat that kills the timid mouse ?

APOLLO But if the cat a brave defense puts up Against attacking curs and drive them off, She wins renown and therein honor lies. Ambition's voice should urge thee to aspire To greater heights. Seek thou a worthy foe. BACCHUS (swaggering) I challenge thee ! Be plain ! Proclaim the test ! MALEFICUS That speech rings true. A wager shall it be ?

BACCHUS Set forth the terms to which I must agree! MALEFICUS Apollo, master of this grove, knows naught Of wine, carouse or revelry. 'Gainst him Direct thy shafts of cunning craftiness. If thou succeed in luring him to fall, With whirling brain, and maudlin, misty thoughts, And stammering tongue that hath forgot its use, I do engage throughout the current year To serve thee as thy faithful, bounden slave; But, if thou failest, thou shalt for a year Obey all my commands. What sayest thou ? BACCHUS 'Tis done! The wager stands! I crave the chance To prove that Bacchus is indeed a king! May kindly fate spur on the laggard hour Which puts my strength and mettle to the test! MALEFICUS Now, win or lose, each way I gain my wish.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB \Voices are heard singing a drinking song. As BACCHUS and MALEFICUS shake hands to bind the wager they stop and listen intently. I'll send yon band of roisterers to thee To aid thee in the task which thou hast set. Thy quarry oft doth pass this way. Make no Mistake and let no single chance escape To bring him down. Play well thy siren role. [He laughs sardonically and goes out.

BACCHUS Presumptuous fool to question thus my power! It but remains for me to prove he's wrong. \he singing suddenly ceases, as if interrupted. I'll make my victory complete. The world Shall bow to me as master from this day. \A band of Roisterers enter laughing boisterously. What ho, my lads! Come, gather round me here. Fill every cup ! Aye, bumpers ! To the brim !

[Drinking-horns are quickly filled from the goatskin of BACCHUS. Forget the past, excepting what you love And cherish best in memory! A song! ROISTERERS (singing} Ho, lads and lasses, Come, fill your glasses And let's be jolly while yet we may! Away with sighing For time is flying. We die to-morrow; let's live to-day!

APOLLO Fill every cup To the brim! Fill up And pledge to every heart that's true! So here's to pleasure In endless measure! For all good fellows I drink to you! \_A Bacchanalian revel with dancing follows and is interrupted by the entrance of APOLLO. APOLLO

What means such uproar ? 'T is a grave offense! Who leads the profanation of this place Wherein dwells gentle peace and quietude ? Make answer swift, ye yelping, howling hounds! BACCHUS My lord Apollo, hear me but a trice. This glorious grove, so beautiful and fair, Hath stirred our souls to tuneful ecstasy. We could but voice the joy which welled in us And cried for utterance. Forgive us, pray, For this offense, which malice did not prompt. APOLLO An overt act which reason doth not guide Hath no excuse. BACCHUS Yet gods, like men, may err. Mine is the wrong, if wrong there be in this. Let not displeasure fall on these my friends Who feel the glad exuberance of youth And give it tongue without intent of wrong. They sing the praises of thy blest domain And fain would toast thy health in flowing wine.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB As proof of friendship wilt thou drink with us ?

[BACCHUS offers drink to APOLLO. MALEFICUS appears in the background and listens intently. APOLLO Bacchus, thou hast a mission well defined To aid the ill, to nourish health and strength, To foster happiness. The world needs thee. [MALEFICUS laughs sardonically and dances with joy. No word I urge against the use of wine ; Its misuse all condemn there lies the wrong. Though Liberty is sweet she hath one son Of wayward bent, young License, dissolute; Him should thou check and curb. I'll drink no wine. T is dangerous at best and in its use Discretion wise should moderate desire. BACCHUS (sarcastically) 'T is cowardice alone withholds thy hand. If thou art friendly and art not afraid Pledge with us in a single brimming cup. [He again presents drink, which APOLLO declines.

APOLLO The cup I drink to health and happiness Is filled from nature's living, crystal fount. BACCHUS In water ? Why, upon my soul, it is A drink for rats ! Life laughs in sparkling wine ! FIRST ROISTERER (slightly intoxicated) It were a shame to waste good wine on him. \He laughs boisterously.

APOLLO APOLLO The laugh of Folly dies upon the lips And leaves no echo in the heart or soul! Corroding care cannot be drowned in drink; Anon she reappears and brings with her Remorse and Wretchedness ! BACCHUS (sneeringly) Thou art a god, Then wherefore act the ass ? Thou slave of fear, If thou thyself distrustest, quit thy high Estate! Recruit the craven, quav'ring ranks Of timorous dames and silly fools who think

Each nightmare real! APOLLO A truce to parley vain. Intemperance in speech avails thee not. It is a traitor to thy base designs. Begone, vile harpies, from this hallowed spot Before my patience breaks ! [fTbe Roisterers, now silent, move away in fear, BACCHUS following them. BACCHUS One word, my lord APOLLO (interrupting) That shalt thou truly have one only! Go! [BACCHUS and the Roisterers go out, laughing derisively. MALEFICUS tiptoes away. MERCURY enters, flying. Behold the winged messenger himself! What business is afoot ? [153]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB MERCURY Most noble lord,

I bring a message from imperious Jove. His Gracious Majesty hath pleased to plan A visit to this grove within the hour. With various members of the royal court, For conference with thee upon affairs Of utmost moment to the throne. APOLLO T is well. Inform His Majesty at once that I Attend upon his wish to meet him here. [ MERCURY flies up and away. Some weighty project must impend which calls For thoughtful care. Grave premonitions now Disturb my mind. Strange omens indicate Some great event is near. This is, indeed, A most portentous hour! PAN (from a distance) My Lord! My Lord! APOLLO Who calls? [PAN enters. PAN 'Tis I thy humblest servant, Pan. Give me but leave to speak. APOLLO

Be unafraid. Say on. PAN My lord, thou art with dangers thick

APOLLO Beset on every hand! Thine enemy, Maleficus, doth plot thine overthrow! He e'en hath dared to seek mine aid in this Most fiendish scheme. Prithee, be warned in time. Ten thousand lives like mine I'd gladly give To save thee now. He caused my fall and well I know his power. My fate is worse than death. APOLLO He tempted thee and thus thou didst rebel Against the gods. Thy punishment was mine. The power to punish hath an equal right To pardon, too. Thy lesson hast thou learned. Stand forth a man! [PAN is miraculously changed into a youth. PAN

Now gods be praised, and thou ! My thankful heart overflows with gratitude! [He kneels to APOLLO. APOLLO Nay, rise, good Pan. The pleasure in this act Is mine. T is better far to render good Than punish wrong. PAN Thou art a god, indeed! APOLLO Tell me, I pray, since now thou art a man, In what way lies thy course ? PAN Led by my heart, I go to seek the one great, priceless boon [155]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Which hath been me denied. I search for love. APOLLO For love ? And what is love ? Gods know it not. PAN (singing)

Love is a wondrous, mystic power which blends Two souls in one. It hath no end. It knows No change. Tis constant as the sun. Beyond All measurements of worth more priceless far Than gold this greatest boon of life divine Is blest a thousandfold. APOLLO (singing) Whence cometh love ? And who hath love ? And where doth it abide ? Is it a thing of earth alone ? Is it Creation wide ? PAN (singing) Within the human heart It dwells and rules with magic sway the rich And poor, the high and low ; e'en kings themselves Obey! APOLLO (singing) What blest reward doth love bestow On them that it possess ? PAN (singing) It fills the heart And soul with peace, content and happiness! APOLLO AND PAN (singing) Oh, Love divine,

Would thou wert mine. All else on earth I'd fain renounce

APOLLO For thee alone. Thee I adore. Come, I implore, And fill my heart and soul and life. Claim thou thine own. [PAN again attempts to kneel to APOLLO, who interrupts him. The music continues. APOLLO Waste not good time in proffering thy thanks But seize the golden hour within thy grasp. God speed thee well and give thee full success. [PAN runs away. What wonder-working charm is that which man Calls love? It rules the heart and soul and lifts The lowly far above the things of earth To revel in content ineffable. Yon shepherd lad, when he shall find his mate, Will be far greater than the gods themselves. He'll know true happiness and taste the joys Of full possession of the heart's desires. There's naught in high Olympus that can fill The rounded measure of perfected life.

In truth I envy him. [CLYTIE enters and again goes through devotional ceremonies at the altar. APOLLO regards her with amazement. Am I awake? What vision fair is this that feasts the eye And satisfies the soul ? See how she kneels In prayer and supplication to the gods. 'T were fitter far the gods themselves should bow To such as she. What grace! What beauty rare! What symmetry of form ! What loveliness [157]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Is hers! At last my dormant heart begins To awake. My soul cries out for sympathy. My pulses throb and thrill. I know not why. \He advances toward CLYTIE, who notices him and starts with surprise and alarm. She is about to flee when APOLLO hastily interposes. Let no fear chill thy breast, for all is well. 'T is I, Apollo, who would speak with thee. The gods on high have heard thy every prayer. Hear thou a god who fain would worship thee. I am no mortal, as thou knowest well, Yet, as a mortal might, I humbly plead.

Companionship I crave which love cements. . . . This is my own domain. I'm master here And everything within this grove hath life; But life is empty if it know not love. [CLYTIE turns toward the hill. The Dryads appear from the larger trees. The spirits of these monarch trees with me Have close communion. Well I know them all And dear I hold them, every one. [Gnomes, Elves and Sprites appear from ferns, bushes and hidden nooks on the hillside. CLYTIE regards them with astonishment. The gnomes And elves and fairy folk that here abide Are pleasant comrades, quick to do my will. \Erownies appear from the rocks. These rugged rocks are not insensate things [ The waterfall appears with its Naiad. And every waterfall lives, laughs and leaps.

APOLLO fairy folk evince delight and throw kisses to

the lovers. The hillside is alive with motion, though silent. The flowers which deck this mystic woodland glade Have lent their beauty to adorn thyself. Whence comes the whiteness of thy virgin soul ? The lily is thy prototype. And whence The blush which glorifies thy mantled cheek ? From queenly rose, herself no whit more fair. Who taught thee modesty ? Earth's fairest flower, The violet. Whence comes the priceless gold Which lies entangled in thy sun-kissed hair? From buttercup and marigold. And whence The azure hue reflected in thine eyes ? The larkspur and the bluebell gave thee that. . . . (rapturously) Thou flower of flowers, ordained to rule as queen Within the garden of transcendent love, Shrink not. Together let us face the sun That all the world may know that we are one. [The music swells to a passionate climax. APOLLO holds out his arms appealingly. CLYTIE raises her arms, drops the censer and they embrace. 'The fairy folk again dance joyously as the lovers slowly go out. Suddenly the music changes to the motive of Evil, the Fairies disappear and MALEFICUS enters. Laughing sardonically, he dances with glee and picking up the censer

swings it mockingly as he hurries off. The music takes on a strain of sadness, which suddenly changes into the Jupiter motive, and JUPITER, MARS, NEPTUNE, MAMMON, BACCHUS, MERCURY and Attendants march down from Olympus. [159]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB JUPITER The hour is ripe for council. Grave affairs Of state demand our deep and careful thought. The times have changed since first our rule began And with them we must change or own defeat. Of ignorance and superstition born We wage a losing fight against the hosts Of progress, truth and clear enlightenment. Mere children who but know the rudiments Of science laugh the gods to scorn and use Us for their ends. Mark how my thunderbolts Are rendered harmless by invention's craft.

My lightning hath been taught to do the will Of man, to turn night into day, to drive The wheels of power and join with instant thought All peoples and all places of the world. My winds themselves are now no longer free. The husbandmen hath harnessed them, forsooth, To pump up water for the lowing kine And grind the golden grain. Our days of proud Supremacy are drawing to their close, For progress is the very law of life. MARS By thy permission I would lodge complaint Against that selfsame cause. Are no more names To blazon forth and burn upon the page Of history ? Must Mars now sheathe his sword ? When brute force ruled the world and might was right The conqueror who won his crown was hailed As one supremely great. The public eye

Saw only him and all acclaimed the man ; But, in these latter days, when War cries out, "Behold the man!" Peace makes reply, "Regard The men!" and Reason echoes her appeal. [160]

APOLLO Nations, 't is true, like men, at times go mad And rage like beasts to glut their greed for blood; But madness is a curse to be abhorred And war no longer leads to glory or To fame. By all the gods, I am ashamed To stand as sponsor for this monstrous thing! JUPITER True wisdom, soon or late, must win. When man Grows fully wise, grim war will be no more. And in that day no one will win more fame Than he who best hath served his fellow man. Advancement marks thine end. NEPTUNE

Your Majesty, The name of Neptune causes fear no more. Invention's art hath robbed me of my work. No longer men go down to sea in ships Whose frailties tempt the angry wind and wave. No sudden storms surprise the fisher folk For science warns them of my every mood. My foaming chargers ride the billows' crests But find no victims in their onward course. The glory that was mine is gone. JUPITER Thou, too, Must share the fate that follows all of us. MAMMON Men call me great and worship at my shrine, But Mammon's power grows weaker day by day. No longer is my dominance complete, For Wisdom's voice doth ever cry aloud That money may be good but 't is not best, [161]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB And they who seek the higher things of life Regard me with disdain and strive to win The things which money can not buy or sell. JUPITER

Thy power is great; but 't is not paramount For good or ill. And, in these latter days, True Wisdom is thy most relentless foe. For money-madness marks the mind diseased. The time will come when man shall cherish thee But for the good that thou canst do a means To gain an end not for thyself alone. Then wilt thou be no god and hence thy days Are numbered, too. BACCHUS Science and common sense Be damned! My deepest curse upon them both! They rob me of my dues and cheat my hopes. The drunkard, just within my grasp, escapes Because, forsooth, some scientific fool Claims drunkenness is merely a disease Which medicine can cure. Ah, what is worse, He proves it, too. And hence I am undone. JUPITER Bacchus, thou wert a god; but god thou art No more a tempter only of the weak. Thou hast overthrown thyself, and Reason clear Henceforth shall fill the cup. Thy sun hath set.

[JUPITER looks about the group. One well beloved face I miss. Pray where Is fair Apollo, master of this grove ? [MALEFICUS enters.

APOLLO (to MERCURY) Make search at once and bid him hasten here. [MERCURY flies of. MALEFICUS (laughing sardonically as he comes forward) A fruitless quest. Apollo will not come. He's occupied with more important things. JUPITER How say'st thou? "Occupied"? Explain thy words! What keeps him from our side ? MALEFICUS (gloatingly) A simple maid Who hath more power to sway him than thyself. Apollo treads no more Olympian paths. He hath forgotten what a god should be And sighs and simpers like a lovesick swain Who first feels Cupid's dart. A silly wench

Now holds him captive at her feet. Poor fool. JUPITER What's this ? Now, by our scepter and our crown, If thou but speak the truth, dire punishment Shall follow fast. T is past belief ! Thy proof ! MALEFICUS Apollo is not here what doth he now ? Shall he play truant when great Jove commands His aid in council ? Thou art pushed aside. Another hath supplanted thee as king A skirted vixen who doth bid him come, Or go, or stay, or dance, as suits her whim. Ha, ha! Ho, ho! All hail, great Womanhood! [He laughs mockingly.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB JUPITER (enraged) Peace, slanderer! The truth shall straightway show How vicious is thy lying, serpent tongue.

[APOLLO and CLYTIE enter. "They are so absorbed in each other that they do not notice the gods who regard them with amazement. JUPITER addresses APOLLO. Stand where thou art! What means this rebel act? If thou hast aught to say in thy defense Speak out. Frame thy excuse well. APOLLO Great sire, I have no words to voice the grief I feel If I have given offense. I yield to none In loyalty to thee. Thy will is mine. To-day I strayed along the path which leads To happiness and heaven on earth. All else To me was naught. I only knew I loved And was loved in return. Swift-footed Time Outran my fixed intent to meet thee here. JUPITER Thy explanation brings no just excuse. Hast thou forgotten that thou art a god ? APOLLO Nay, sire. To-day I truly know I am Indeed a god, since love hath come to me. JUPITER

What baleful madness thus obsesses thee ? Hath Reason left her throne ? No liege of ours

APOLLO Shall consort with a thing of common clay! (to CLYTIE) Stand forth, thou witch! [CLYTIE advances toward APOLLO and stands beside him. Indeed thou art most fair And therefore art thou dangerous! Thy form Is cast in beauty's mold ; but nevermore Shalt thou appeal to passion's weaknesses. Since beauty is thy dow'r, that shalt thou have To please the eye alone. Thou shalt become A flower. APOLLO (intervening excitedly) Nay, nay, my lord, say thou not so ! Spare her and let thy sentence fall on me. Without her, life for me holds naught henceforth. Give her to me and gladly I'll renounce My high estate itself, I'll walk the earth A godlike mortal and will envy none On high Olympus. JUPITER (furiously)

Treason now. This calls For death. Blow winds! Unleash our thunderbolts! \A terrific storm follows^ with high winds y rain, thunder and lightning. In the darkness and the commotion MALEFICUS is seen leaping about in jubilation and his voice is heard in loud laughter. When the storm ends all is silence and darkness for a moment. Then the voice of PAN is heard. PAN Let there be light! Ye fireflies, lend your aid That order may be brought from chaos! Quick!

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB \Fireflies begin to dance in the air over the dark hillside. Bring torches! Torches! Drive away the dark! All is not lost! Still burns our altar fire! [Torches are hurriedly lighted at the altar and distributed. Let's know the worst and see what Havoc wrought. (moving torch about as if examining ground) What fearful tragedy is here!

(holding torch close to body on the ground) Mine eyes Refuse to view the awful sight. Thy son, Apollo, hast thou rashly slain! Behold! [He holds torch nearer and starts back with an exclamation. Maleficus! Thy thunderbolt hath found A fitter mark! (to Attendants) What ho ! Bear this away. \ffhe body is removed. Where CLYTIE was last seen, stands a large sunflower to which PAN directs JUPITER'S attention. Hath pity now no place within thy breast ? Behold this martyr, sacrificed to love, The flower symbol of a virgin soul. JUPITER This is the end. For us life holds no more. The gods have had their day. Oblivion, hail ! (addressing the other gods) Go now, henceforth to live alone in myth And legend. Lead the way. Jove follows you. [The gods one by one salute JUPITER, extinguish

their torches and withdraw. [166]

APOLLO And now, ye proud Olympian heights, farewell ! Before we go record our last decree Which justice doth demand. Our dearest son, Apollo, is no more a god. He fell A sacrifice before the power of love ; But, if in truth it be a crime to love, Know ye that Jove himself is guilty, too, For we loved him. His noble soul shall live Forevermore, and, as the sun, each day Shall guide the world itself and give to man Light, life and love. (addressing the sunflower) To thee who won his heart Apollo shall return reincarnate, And at that fateful hour thou shalt assume Thy human form again and mate with him.

See how Olympus glows, e'en now to greet The dawning of life's perfect day! Rejoice, Ye sons of earth, rejoice! Farewell, for aye! \He extinguishes his torch and slowly goes out. 'The mountain-top is aglow with red light^ indicating the return of APOLLO. Presently a strong ray of white light comes down the hillside as if searching for something. At last it finds the sunflower ', which turns to face it. The illumination begins and APOLLO, surrounded by PAN and earth beings , comes down the hillside singing a triumphal hymn of rejoicing. The sunflower is changed into CLYTIE, and APOLLO takes her in his arms.

NOTE ON THE MUSIC BY EDWARD F. SCHNEIDER IT HAS been the composer's aim to provide each person in the drama with a distinguishing motive characteristically significant and appropriate, to be used allusively whenever the action demands. In addition to his endeavor to clothe the personages of the play in congenial robes of tone, the composer has also sought to render

the orchestral score more effective by the use of themes identifying the abstractions which work out their measure of weal and woe in the disposition of the characters and the episodes of the plot. The Prelude adjusted to an instrumentation of flutes, horns and harp, introduces the Love motive. These are the opening measures of the Prelude:

SB

, ff

Later the Love motive will be heard in altered instrumentation and at appropriate moments, when it is hoped

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB that its tenderness will provide a musicodramatic contrast with the Hate motive. This latter is at once the musical statement of hate as an abstraction and the characteristic motive of Maleficus, which it may interest musicians to analyze as to its harmonic structure: i

r f A Pastoral motive is the germ from which a sprightly dance is evolved to accompany the arrival of Pan and his merry and grotesque companions. The auditor may be interested in a bit of musical realism opening this number. Pan tries the theme in several efforts to find the right key before breaking into the dance which ends his dolorous reflections on the misfortune of possessing a neutral physical nature. This is the dance theme:

The sportive Gnomes and all of Pan's merry crew are interrupted in their festivities by the sudden shriek of an owl and disappear to the skurrying swish of weird orchestral effects. Then appears Maleficus to the brassy dissonance of the Hate motive already illustrated.

APOLLO The plot development and the dramatic treatment accorded Apollo necessitate providing the hero with two motives, the first is heard following the development of the Maleficus episode. As guardian of the grove and valorous enemy of evil, Apollo is first shown in dignified guises noble and unimpassioned. The following is the composer's musical conception of Apollo's characteristics before Love comes to him:

From material introduced in the Prelude is developed the dainty Dryad Music which follows:

Apollo's Song is in the same mood and key as his Entrance Music and the entire song is intended to convey the first suggestion of the somewhat sombre and thoughtful nature of the hero. This is the motive of the song:

Pan's song number, which follows, is based on the opening measures of the Prelude, the propriety of which is justified by Pan's woe and his passionate resentment at a fate which forbids him again to know love. It will be observed that the ground work of harmonic accompaniment is built upon Maleficus' Hate motive and the Love motive. This is the opening of Pan's lamentations:

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

OA,

ft*

Bacchus is now heard "off stage." He is true to form and tradition. Bacchus, in short, is genially drunk. As he is usually pictured, so here he is a rollicking and jovial soul and as melodic as his condition will permit. This is the composer's introduction of Bacchus, and it should be noted that this theme will be heard in different harmonic environment when the chorus and the dance are added to Bacchus' tipsy tune:

And this is the following ensemble dance and chorus utilizing the Bacchus theme:

ft* MU MU

L k -S^-r f HT ?

In the duet sung by Apollo and Pan the effort has been made to maintain the characteristics of both; Apollo still appearing as the unimpassioned, and Pan as the vehement soul:

APOLLO

rrrv-vo

- &C

j%> f y 3 ] j. 3

**

Follows now the Love motive as Apollo falls gradually under the awakening spell of romantic affection, and the pantomime which develops this episode is commented upon by the orchestral score woven of the various themes of conflict and consonance which have previously been heard. This is the Love motive as heard at this juncture: fcr

&

r t

t-f

Jupiter's entrance is announced in march form with the employment of the Jupiter motive, the militant character of which is indicated thus:

^ ' f~ __3_J \

J rlry m M= 1 L

_=Ll

[ ]f. 1 -^

The stormy session which now ensues resorts appropriately to Maleficus' motive and opens in an unusual manner by a three-note tympani theme, the drums being

tuned to B-flat, F and E-natural, which mixed tonality gives the composer's idea of the ominous episode which is about to be unfolded: [173]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

IT - ' f I

As the dramatic issues of the plot now serve to present Apollo in the guise of an awakened soul and body, a new and triumphant suggestion musically is desired, embodying the thought of an Apollo awakened to the joys as well as the sorrows of love, and rejoicing in his new-found nature. This, then, is the new Apollo. The theme serves the composer as the finale for his score: L

^F

._.,_ 1 1 ^

FT \= = t * t M |=

r~i~ -H r '

H= m =#=

J: I ' P

i- *

[174]

GOLD DESTINY, EVIL IMPULSE, AND GOOD IMPULSE

THE FOURTEENTH GROVE PLAY [PERFORMED ON THE TWELFTH NIGHT OF AUGUST, 1916]

GOLD *A Forest

BY FREDERICK S. MYRTLE WITH A NOTE ON THE MUSIC

BY THE COMPOSER H. J. STEWART

AUTHOR'S PREFACE 4 4 y^ OLD" is an imaginative play based upon a sym\J bolical theme which is presented, in part by historical figures, in part by supernatural presences. In the treatment of this theme gold is symbolized as a substance planted in the earth and nurtured by nature to fulfill a settled purpose, that of aiding man in the development of civilization and the upbuilding of empire; and the author has connected his story with California by drawing upon an interesting chapter of the early history of that state. In doing this no attempt has been made to follow strictly the lines of historical accuracy, nevertheless the action is woven around actual events and in the character of the Comandante is to be recognized a well-known

historical figure, Don Juan Bautista de Anza. The Spanish soldier and the Franciscan friar are generally revered as men of noble purpose who blazed the trail for those adventurous spirits of a later period to whom we owe the California of to-day; and surely none is more worthy of honor than Anza, the intrepid commander who led the first successful expedition overland fromSonora into Alta California, reaching the Golden Gate and establishing the presidio and mission of San Francisco. To quote Mr. Zoeth S. Eldredge, whose work, "The Beginnings of San Francisco," inspired the historical setting of the play: Few are the citizens of San Francisco who have ever heard the name of Juan Bautista de Anza, its founder. Yet he was a gallant soldier, and he executed with courage, energy and fidelity the task entrusted to him by his king, of bringing across deserts and over high sierras the settlers for a city whose destiny neither king nor captain could imagine. [177]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Gold was discovered in California some threequarters of a century after the arrival of the Spanish settler; nevertheless its presence there was known to the native Indians and proclaimed by Spanish historians ages before Montalvo, writing in the sixteenth century, described California as an island inhabited by a race of amazons and abounding in gold and precious stones. The entire action of the play, then, is set in a Californian forest, on the coast, at no great distance from the Golden Gate. In the prologue, gold is planted, as a seed in the ground, by the fairy inhabitants of the region for the purpose of destroying, through its baneful lure, the race of mortals whose approaching invasion of their kingdom has been revealed to them ; and, in the play which follows, this lure is exerted, centuries later, upon the Spaniard, to the threatened destruction of his expedition in the cause

of God and King. Threading through the entire story there is an unceasing struggle between two warring spirits, Good Impulse and Evil Impulse. These spirits strive to invest gold, each with its characteristic influence, and the first conflict, which takes place in the prehuman period, is won by evil; but when the contest is renewed among the mortals the ultimate victory goes to the beneficent spirit, so that man is left free to carry out the really noble purpose of his existence, gold being given him to employ toward the betterment of things spiritual as well as material. The fundamental ideals of bohemianism as represented by the Bohemian Club are revealed in the final adjustment by the introduction of spirits of Art, who through the agency of the dominant symbolical figure, Destiny, are made the inheritors and disseminators of earth's treasures for the general good of humanity. It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with so distinguished a musician as Dr. H. J. Stewart, of

whose talent the Bohemian Club has availed itself on many previous

GOLD occasions. Dr. Stewart has illustrated the author's theme most strikingly and with a skill entirely worthy of his high reputation as a composer. The author desires also to express his gratitude to the many personal friends and fellow-members of the Bohemian Club who have assisted, in various ways, in the production of his play upon the stage in the Bohemian Grove. In the capacity of stage director Mr. William H. Smith, Jr., has given the play the benefit of his experience of years in Grove productions, which, taken with all his exceptional energy and resourcefulness, sets a value upon his services that can not be over-estimated. In collaboration with him Mr. Edward J. Duffey, master of illumination, has brought into play a very complete technical knowledge enhanced by years of thoughtful study

of the Grove hillside and its possibilities. A special word of appreciation is due Mr. Maynard Dixon for his costume designs, which must inevitably add distinction to whatever effects of spectacular beauty may be attained in the presentation. These designs are the result not only of his artistic skill but, also, of historical research, so that they have a significance apart from their mere pictorial value. To each and all the members of the cast the author expresses sincere thanks for their loyal and unselfish cooperation which has made possible the presentation of the play in manner worthy of the best traditions of the Bohemian Club. FREDERICK S. MYRTLE.

CAST OF CHARACTERS THE PROLOGUE THE WOODLAND KING MR. CHARLES K. FIELD

A TREE-SPIRIT MR. HAROLD K. BAXTER A BROOK-SPIRIT MR. FRANCIS J. BRUGUIERE A CAVE-SPIRIT MR. HERBERT HERON A SATYR MR. WILLIAM F. LEIB DESTINY MR. RAYMOND BENJAMIN GOOD IMPULSE MR. FREDERICK L. BERRY EVIL IMPULSE MR. BERNARD P. MILLER Tree-Spirits, Brook-Spirits, Cave-Spirits, Satyrs THE PLAY THE COMANDANTE MR. DOUGLAS BROOKMAN THE FRIAR SUPERIOR MR. R. M. HOTALING A LIEUTENANT MR. AUSTIN W. SPERRY A SERGEANT MR. E. C. FORD FIRST SOLDIER MR. J. WILSON SHIELS SECOND SOLDIER MR. DION HOLM THIRD SOLDIER MR. H. B. JOHNSON FOURTH SOLDIER MR. I. O. UPHAM FIFTH SOLDIER MR. WILLIAM OLNEY

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB A YOUNG SOLDIER MR. CHARLES F. BULOTTI A FRIAR MR. HENRY A. MELVIN A CORPORAL MR. ANDREW Y. WOOD AN INDIAN MR. FRANK A. CORBUSIER DESTINY MR. RAYMOND BENJAMIN THE ANGELIC VISION (pers. muta) MR. HAROLD K. BAXTER Franciscan Friars, Soldiers, Camp-Tenders, Muleteers, Indians, Voices, Spirits of Art, TreeSpirits, Brook-Spirits, CaveSpirits, Satyrs PLACE: The Prologue A Californian forest. The Play The same. TIME: The Prologue The prehistoric age. The Play A.D. 1776.

Production directed by MR. W. H. SMITH, JR. Setting and properties designed and executed by MR. HARRY S. FONDA, DR. HARRY P. CARLTON, MR. PORTER GARNETT and MR.

LOUIS C. MULGARDT. Costumes designed by MR. MAYNARD DIXON. Lighting by MR. EDWARD J. DUFFEY.

Musical Director, DR. H. J. STEWART. Chorus Master, MR. UDA WALDROP.

[182]

GOLD Forest Tlay THE PROLOGUE A forest in central California, near the coast; a wooded hillside is revealed, at its base a grove of giant redwoods. It is night, and pale moonlight casts a weird glow upon the scene. A musical prelude is followed by the appearance of woodland folk, Tree-Spirits, Brook-Spirits and Cave-Spirits, who disport themselves in dances characteristic of their free and joyous life in the woods. In this they are joined by a

band of Satyrs, and the dancing is at its wildest when the WOODLAND KING appears suddenly on the hillside. At first the woodland folk see him not, and he stands there a silent spectator of their revelry; presently, however, he is revealed to them and they gather around him and dance, hailing him with shouts of "Oh-he! Ob-be!" "Master, master! Ob-be!" Their merriment, fails to meet with response from their ruler, whose mien of great solemnity at first provokes jest. A TREE-SPIRIT How now, dear lord ? Thou frownest on our joy! What mood is this ? Wouldst have us chant a dirge ? [The woodland folk laugh merrily. THE WOODLAND KING (gravely but kindly) Nay, dance your wildest. Let your joy ring out

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Till every treetop quivers in acclaim Of unrestrained revelry. Laugh on

Till Echo laughs yet louder and the air Froths with the bubbles of your mirth. The night Smiles on your sport. THE TREE-SPIRIT Why, then, so serious, lord ? Come, join our play. Do thou its leader be And we'll make merry till the dawn. [The woodland folk noisily acclaim the proposal. THE WOODLAND KING Good folk, My mood but ill accords with merriment. THE TREE-SPIRIT (incredulously) O master, say not so. THE WOODLAND KING Play on, play on, And heed me not. THE TREE-SPIRIT But, master THE WOODLAND KING Dance, I say,

While dance you may. For know, my merry folk, Your time is short to lord it over earth ; Your race is well-nigh run. [As their ears catch these prophetic words , the woodland folk bring their joyous capers to a sudden stop. 'They look at one another in evident awe.

GOLD A BROOK-SPIRIT Our race nigh run ? What means this ? Surely 't is a sorry jest, If jest it is, our lord would point at us. But mark his serious mien! It cannot be (turning to address the WOODLAND KING) Oh, sir, you do affright us! We beseech You of your grace explain. THE WOODLAND KING Alas, good folk, Did I but jest, my heart were light indeed! THE TREE-SPIRIT (aside) Did he but jest? THE BROOK SPIRIT (aside) What dreadful words are these ? A CAVE SPIRIT

(to the WOODLAND KING) Oh, sir, we do entreat you, tell us all! \fThe WOODLAND KING seats himself on a rock, while his folk gather nearer to hear the story. THE WOODLAND KING Your race, I say, is run. Ere long these woods Shall look their last upon such peaceful sport As yours, mere imps of mischief that ye be And harmless in your playing. Soon this grove Shall know another presence, soon shall bear Allegiance to less innocent a folk Than you who dwell in air, in trees, in leaves,

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB In caves, in brooks your dwellings, as your lives, Of Nature's fashioning. ... I tell of Man, A race of mortals, of gigantic form And wondrous beauty, that will move and speak As we, yet, while so far resembling us, Will be as things apart from aught that you Or I have ever pictured of our kind. Has whisper of this reached your ears ?

[Meeting no response save murmurs of curiosity, he proceeds. Well, know That such a race will be. Had ye the means To hold communion with the higher powers That rule your destinies, your minds might grasp The portent of this message that I bear. 'T is of the coming of this being, man, To spread and scatter over our domain And hold and dominate it, so these woods, These very trees and rocks and steams, shall bear Him vassalage. And ye, poor wretched imps, Shall hold no more your undisturbed sway O'er all that here surrounds you. Nay, good folk, For aught I know your very doom is sealed. [There is consternation among the woodland folk as these words fall upon their ears. They exchange frightened glances, murmuring. A SATYR (boldly) Your message is of such foreboding, sir, As 't were not meet to turn aside from. Yet, Methinks, you should inform us whence it comes, What powers omnipotent have so decreed

Our fate. We satyrs are but demi-gods, Yet, surely, having power these woods to guard Against all mortal evil ? [186]

GOLD [ The other Satyrs murmur approval. The WOODLAND KING, rising, waves them aside. THE WOODLAND KING Peace, ye fools That know not what ye say. What madness bids You fling such boastful utterance at fate ? Think ye that satyrs made these noble woods, These stately trees, the sun that warms, the moon That bathes them in a gentle glow ? Nay, nay, Such work is not of woodland folk. The powers That rule our universe are higher, far, Than sylvan demi-gods. It is not given To penetrate th' inscrutable, nor stay The hand that shapes the course of destiny. \_All are now listening with rapt attention.

After a pause the WOODLAND KING proceeds. Such powers have I communed with, they with me, In virtue of mine office as your king, This glimpse into the future my reward For that I craved some guerdon for my faith. And now behold me, harbinger of ill To all I hold most dear. [He reseats himself. THE BROOK-SPIRIT We fain would know What fashioned thing will be this man, dear lord, That soon must oust us from our paradise. Will he have wings ? [The WOODLAND KING seems about to answer when a CAVE-SPIRIT breaks in. THE CAVE-SPIRIT Belike he will ! How else To reach the treetops ?

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

THE WOODLAND KING (approvingly) Verily, well said. THE BROOK-SPIRIT And limbs like ours ? THE WOODLAND KING Why, yes, he needs must walk And run and dance, or else not live at all. THE TREE-SPIRIT Then, why may he not join with us and be A fairy, like ourselves ? THE WOODLAND KING No, no, my folk, That were impossible. The Fates decree The coming of a master race, to rule, Not play with us. THE CAVE-SPIRIT And so our day is done! What sin, what folly, must we thus atone ? THE WOODLAND KING Nay, question me no more. My heart is dull With dread foreboding. \He moves away.

Would the powers but deign Protection, all might yet be well with us. \Clasping his hands in entreaty , he declaims bis appeal to the powers. Hear me, ye powers of mystery, whose will Is fate, whose aid is ever at our call, [188]

GOLD Whose countenance bends trees to us and makes The brooks to ring their laughter in our ears, Gods of our universe, unseen, unheard, Yet ever present, rulers of our lives, I plead my kingdom's cause! These woodland folk, Whose mischief is but play, have wrought no wrong; Shall they be driven hence ? Shall this new race Of mortals overrun our world ? If man Must be, then grant, O mighty powers, that he

Become of us, to love and cherish all We prize so dearly, rinding perfect joy In comradeship with all in Nature's realm ; But let him not a tyrant be; let him Not cast us from our kingdom ! Hear our cry, Ye powers! Give heed! Forf end such sacrilege! Desert us not that worship you! Give sign That we may know your presence at our side Now, as of yore! A sign, dear lords, a sign! \^A blinding flash rends the heavens. A loud report is heard, and at a point on the hillside the earth splits open, revealing a cave, the sides of which glow with a golden splendor. 'The woodland folk scatter in alarm, but presently are recalled by the WOODLAND KING, who, while evidently deeply moved, betrays no fear. THE WOODLAND KING Behold, our cry is heard ! [Addressing the woodland folk reprovingly. But, why this fear ? 'T is boundless joy should fill your hearts!

Rejoice, I say, rejoice! Behold your sign! What else Can mean such tumult from beyond, where dwell [189]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB The powers our prayer invoked ? Let all rejoice! Go, bring the message so conveyed! Fear not, My folk; no harm can come to you! [Thus reassured, the woodland folk rush toward the cavern. As they approach, DESTINY, a majestic figure, appears at the entrance. The woodland folk fall back. DESTINY Behold me, messenger of fate! The powers Ye called upon have answered! I am here, By their command, to give you counsel. Speak! What would ye know ? THE WOODLAND KING Spirit, if such thou art, We pray thee comfort us. Our hearts are sore For that a warning from beyond our world Hath told us of the coming of a race Of mortals. Spirit, shall this be ? Shall man Usurp our kingdom ?

DESTINY Man must be. The Fates Have so decreed. THE WOODLAND KING Will he, then, live with us ? And will he less or greater be ? Canst tell ? DESTINY Nay, man himself must shape his course on earth, His fate his own to choose. Within his grasp Shall lie the measure of his progress. See! [He points to the walls and floor of the cave. [190]

GOLD THE WOODLAND KING What mystery is there ? What message this ? DESTINY Here earth lays bare a secret long withheld. This substance, known as gold, shall have the power To guide man's course to glory or to grief,

As Good or Evil Impulse shall control His use of it. [GooD IMPULSE and EVIL IMPULSE enter on the billside and stand on either side of DESTINY. EVIL IMPULSE gloats and leers y while the demeanor of GOOD IMPULSE is tranquil and dignified. THE WOODLAND KING Hath gold some subtle charm ? DESTINY Such charm as impulse may exert, no more. THE WOODLAND KING These impulses are ever present, then ? DESTINY Both are at hand! Let each speak for himself! EVIL IMPULSE I go with every piece of gold. My will Directs who finds to make good use of it. Let me your prompter be, good folk, and peace Shall dwell within your realm for aye. GOOD IMPULSE I, too, Reveal my presence in the gold, but not For evil purpose, but to stay the hand

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB That, ill directed, would abuse its power. EVIL IMPULSE Heard ye the all-wise counsel ? Know ye, then, That here, at hand lies answer to your prayer. See for yourselves ! [He rushes into the cave and brings out handfuls of golden pieces which he casts upon the ground before the woodland folk. Take what the gods provide ! Its lure shall be your weapon to defend Your woodland kingdom ! GOOD IMPULSE Heed him not, good folk! Beware his influence ! Best live your lives And leave man's mystery to man alone! EVIL IMPULSE Wherefore, then, did ye pray ? What use a sign From those ye called upon, if so ye fail To profit by it ? Never more the powers Ye serve shall hearken to your cry if fear Shall conquer faith! DESTINY These warring impulses

Shall strive for mastery within man's soul, And fierce shall be the struggle ; but when man Shall rise up in his might and cast from him All lust for gold in that it represents But fruitless vanities, content to use Its power for nobler ends, then man shall know Himself. And now, enough ! The spoken word [192]

GOLD Hath given you insight into what shall be. A summons calls us hence! Away, away! [DESTINY and GOOD and EVIL IMPULSE withdraw into the cave. The woodland folk stand aweinspired. The WOODLAND KING is the first to recover himself and, stepping to where the gold lies scattered on the ground, picks up a fragment. THE WOODLAND KING (musingly) Here may we find the answer to our prayer. The weapon sought to wield against the foe That comes to rob us of our paradise. TREE-SPIRIT (protesting) Master, beware! Harbor not vengeful thoughts At such a time as this! It bodes not well To hurl defiance at the Fates !

THE SATYR Hear me, Dear lord. Before us lies the golden lure That's destined to make havoc of man's soul; Let's take this message as 't was sent and make Good use of it. TREE-SPIRIT No, I beseech you, no ! 'T is Evil prompts you now! The very lure You set for others may ensnare us all And work our ruin ! THE SATYR Why, what talk is this ? No evil spirit enters here. [193]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE TREE-SPIRIT Unseen, This Evil One, yet lurks he by your side, His leering countenance aflame with rage To force you to his will, the demon, Fear, His vile accomplice. He would have you tear Your very souls asunder in a cause Unjust as foolish, lost before begun !

THE SATYR Let not such fearful counsel move you, lord ; The powers have spoken; 't is for us to heed! \ffhe WOODLAND KING signifies bis approval of this suggestion. THE WOODLAND KING My trusty folk, what earth hath yielded, earth Shall nurture to a greater yielding still. The seed is here for sowing. Sow it, then, Where bounteous harvest may be well assured. All nature shall acclaim this day! ['The WOODLAND KING motions to where the golden treasure lies. 'The woodland folk start to gather it y when the TREE-SPIRIT again protests. TREE-SPIRIT Alas, Poor, simple woodland folk, what would ye do ? THE WOODLAND KING They do my will! Do you, a subject, dare To question it? Begone! [The TREE-SPIRIT goes out. The WOODLAND KING addresses his waiting subjects.

GOLD Why loiter ye, My folk? Go, do my bidding! [fTbe woodland folk gather handfuls of the gold and scatter in all directions. The WOODLAND KING remains alone. So, 'tis well; And now the seed thus sown shall multiply And every impulse so engendered grow A thousand fold, to spread and spread again. Stouter the spirit, stouter yet the will For good or evil, as the Fates may choose; So may these impulses, whatever they be, Lay such fierce hold upon the tyrant, man, As to disrupt his very being, turn His substance into shadow. Then, indeed, May power be ours to guard our heritage From tyrants all! [Darkness falls. A flash of lightning reveals the WOODLAND KING standing with arms uplifted. A moment later a roll of thunder is heard > followed by flashes of lightning which show the hillside entirely deserted.

INTERMEZZO ( 'The music of the intermezzo is descriptive of the passing from night into dawn and on to the full glory of the day.)

THE PLAY The scene is the same as in the Prologue. Centuries have elapsed. It is now the latter part of the eighteenth century. [At the conclusion of the intermezzo, the music changes and a company of Indians enters. They are out hunting; one has killed a deer and the carcass is borne in triumph. 'The Indians, in merry mood, are celebrating the success of 'the chase, when, suddenly, the blare of trumpets is heard in the distance. The Indians scatter in alarm. The trumpets sound again, and at the summit of the hillside the COMANDANTE appears. He is accompanied by the FRIAR SUPERIOR and followed by the Soldiers. Mingling with these are a number of Friars of the Franciscan order, one carrying a large wooden cross; camp-tenders with packmules bring up the rear. They wend their way slowly down the hillside to the spirited

strains of a march. On arrival at the bottom of the hill the Soldiers join in a song of cheer. SOLDIERS (singing) For Spain and Glory, God and King, Through desert drear and forest wild We onward march and onward bring Hispania's greeting to her child Hail, Alta California! Behold our country's flag unfurled! Here spreads a western empire

GOLD To glory Spain before the world! Let trumpets blare and voices ring For Spain and Glory, God and King! One nation frowns across the seas, Another threatens border-line; But Spain confronts her enemies As guardian of a trust divine! Hail, Alta California! Behold, our country's flag unfurled! Here spreads a western empire To glory Spain before the world !

Let trumpets blare and voices ring For Spain and Glory, God and King! [During the singing the COMANDANTE and the FRIAR SUPERIOR stand apart from the others. THE COMANDANTE (looking about him) . A noble spot, good father! THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Truly so, My son. THE COMANDANTE Dame Nature hath been generous To all this western land, but surely more Than lavish here. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR (sententiously) Say, rather, God, my son ; For Nature but obeys His law. THE COMANDANTE (with amused good humor) Nay, nay, [197]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

Good priest, I am not wanting in respect Or reverence for Him who made our world; I do but yield to Nature her small due For this fair sample of her industry. How sweet this grove! Mark you these stately trees, Grim records of the ages that have past Since first their roots laid hold upon the ground To shoot slim saplings skyward. See, they stand Encircling us with grave, straight columns, like Some old cathedral. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Truly said. They seem To bend their limbs to us in blessing, while Their leaves waft fragrant incense all around. THE COMANDANTE (rousing himself as from a reverie) This peaceful stillness moves to sentiment And thoughts that wander far. (turning to his soldiers)

Hear me, my men ; The journey hath been hard to-day; this place Invites, so let us lie within its shade Until to-morrow's sun. Go, gather wood For fires, and let who boast the hunter's craft Find game to fill the cooking-pot. Full pot, Full belly that, with slumber's help, gives strength Against the hardships of the trail. But, stay (addressing the FRIAR SUPERIOR) Your blessing, father, on our resting-place. \_Allassume reverent attitudes as the FRIAR SUPERIOR, standing erect, turns in a half circle and, with uplifted arm, gives the blessing. 'Then the Friars, unaccompanied, chant an Ave Maria.

GOLD Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus et benedictus Fructus ventris tui Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc Et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. [At the close of the chant the FRIAR SUPERIOR, who has been standing directly in front of the cross ,

faces the assemblage and intones. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Dominus vobiscum. ALL Et cum spiritu tuo. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Benedicamus Domino. ALL Deo gratias. [Some of the soldiers go off in various directions upon the duties assigned them. Camp-tenders bustle about preparing for the night's bivouac. At a point on the hillside, the Friars plant the cross and build an altar which they cover with a rich cloth. T^he FRIAR SUPERIOR joins the COMANDANTE, who summons a LIEUTENANT and a SERGEANT to a conference. THE COMANDANTE We near the goal, my friends. Another day Should end our journey. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR (piously) Praised be the Lord That He hath held us safe upon our way. [199]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE COMANDANTE (reverently assenting} All praise be His. Without His gracious aid Our lot were hard indeed. No puny task The noble viceroy set us, by command Of His most Catholic Majesty, our King, Whom Saints preserve. Thrice have I made the ford Of swollen Colorado, thrice the vast, Inhospitable desert crossed, each step Defying ravages of hunger, thirst, Cold, sickness, hostile gentiles, all the ills And perils the explorer needs must face. But now, it seems, the end is near at hand, The goal all but in sight. \_A. s he pauses the LIEUTENANT interrupts. THE LIEUTENANT Your pardon, sir,

But I am young in service and the thrill Of romance stirs my corselet and gives zest To sternest duty. Will you not relate Your perilous adventure? THE SERGEANT (stepping forward) I, too, sir, If I may make so free, would crave to know The why and wherefore of our journeying. Plain soldier I, knowing enough to go Where told and when, and ask no questions ; yet I, too, have braved the dangers of the trail These many hundred leagues, and now the end Is come, I'm told, and still I know no more Than when I left Tubac. 'T is understood, Of course, that we're to hoist the flag of Spain And tell the world we're here and here to stay ; [200]

GOLD But why such hurry ? This new land of ours Won't run away; it's stood two hundred years Since first Cabrillo claimed it; that I know. Methinks it might as well just linger on Another century or so without Much danger to the cause of Spain. But, lo, Some word mysterious and out we turn ; Build forts and missions up and down the

coast ; Cover the desert with our tracks ; and now We're heading for the river, arm, or gulf, Whate'er it is, that lies up yonder. (pointing northward) Why, Good gentlemen, this wild excitement? THE FRIAR SUPERIOR How, Bold soldier ? Hold you, then, of no account The saving of a host of darkened souls ? Your forts protect while missions spread the Word Among the heathen ignorant, who know No law but instinct, serve no god but Fear. THE COMANDANTE Forgive him, father. 'T was the soldier spoke In him, with all a soldier's heedlessness. \fTbe SERGEANT abashed, drops on one knee. THE SERGEANT I crave your pardon, father. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Nay, my son, Kneel not to me. You did but speak the thoughts That stirred your soldier's heart. The fault was mine

[201]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB That I rebuked you, knowing what you were, A soldier, not a priest. [The SERGEANT rises and moves away. THE COMANDANTE A brave one, too, And loyal. [He calls the SERGEANT back. Here, good Juan ! You fain would know What purpose lies behind our journeying? Well, listen and be wise. The Briton scowls, The Muscovite encroaches ; and our King Takes warning by such signs and moves to meet The issue. Stern necessity demands We occupy this long-neglected coast And wave our country's banner to the world As sign that Spain stands ready to protect Her realm from insult or invading host. THE LIEUTENANT (enthusiastically) Oh, 't is a noble work! And you, sir, you Have borne the heavy burden and will reap The glorious reward ! THE COMANDANTE (smiling)

Your zeal, Jose, Beclouds your memory. Right well you know That I but follow paths that others hewed. THE LIEUTENANT Yet none claims your achievement. ~ THE COMANDANTE True, I found [ 202 ]

GOLD The Royal Highway, joining south to north, Province to province, in communion, Linking our Christian missions in a chain Of open travel. There a cherished dream I realized, and in my fervor praised The Lord of Armies. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Praise His name! ALL Amen. [Some Soldiers are seen returning, laden with wood and game.

THE LIEUTENANT How holds our King the native tribes that swarm The length and breadth of these his provinces ? THE COMANDANTE He bids us hold them brothers. In his creed One God created all men, as the sky, The sun, the moon, the stars, the universe ; And all men are akin within these realms, All subjects of the King and serving God, The King's one master. So His Majesty Commends our gentile brethren to our care, To visit them and give them peace. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR While I And others of my order bear the cross Where starving souls are to be won to Christ. Abundant harvest, surely, should reward Our apostolic zeal. [203]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE LIEUTENANT And now, it seems, We near our journey's end. THE COMANDANTE

Yes, surely so; My knowledge tells me that from yonder peak Lying to northward we should sight the gulf That splits the land at entrance to the port Of San Francisco. There our journey ends. Our fort shall overlook those waters, and In some sweet, peaceful valley near at hand Our mission bell shall summon worshipers. Jose, your work lies there. THE LIEUTENANT (joyfully) O, say you so ? THE COMANDANTE *T is you shall found both fort and mission. You Shall take command and live to glorify The name of San Francisco de Asis. Come, follow me while yet there's light. Perchance From yonder peak we may espy our goal. (observing that the SERGEANT appears ill at ease) Why, Juan, what trouble lines your countenance ? THE SERGEANT Our men are growing restless, sir. They've heard

And read in books about this western land, How it's an island and inhabited By black-skinned women, and abounds in gold And precious stones. . . . I tell them 't is n't so, But they, they won't believe me. [204]

GOLD THE LIEUTENANT (impulsively) Fools, they know This is no island. As for women, none Have seen the kind they seek. 'T is all a tale Of purest fiction. THE COMANDANTE 'T is the gold that sinks Most deep into their thoughts, I fear, Jose. (to the SERGEANT) Good Juan, I charge you, laugh these men to scorn ; Tell them of glory ; promise rich rewards ; Say or do anything to turn their hearts Aside from mischief. Go! [The SERGEANT obeys. 'The COMANDANTE turns to the FATHER SUPERIOR.

I feared but this! [He paces up and down in great agitation. Then, turning to the LIEUTENANT. Jose, time presses. We must on. So, come; Take men to bear us torches. Daylight wanes, So we must do our scouting now, at once. \_Turningto leave, he addresses the FATHER SUPERIOR. Good father, pray our safe return. [The COMANDANTE and the LIEUTENANT start up the hillside. The LIEUTENANT calls two soldiers to his side, and they follow. The FRIAR SUPERIOR is left standing in an attitude of deep reflection. He goes directly to the cross and, with uplifted hands, appeals to heaven. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR What awful danger threatens ? Can it be [205]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB That now, upon the very eve of victory, This curse, this dreaded curse, the lust for gold, Shall raise a hideous spectre in our midst

To rend our souls apart and stupefy Our senses, so that we become as beasts And sink our manhood in a bestial strife ? Eternal Spirit, hold thy children safe! Let not disaster through this curse of gold Descend upon them and their sacred cause! Oh, hear our prayer! Thy Holy Church appeals To Thee for succor in its hour of need ! A VOICE Take heart! The hour of strife approaches, yet Be comforted! 'T is written man shall kneel Before this golden image, shall debase His soul in madness for its splendor; but At darkest hour, when all seems chaos, when Dire ruin threatens, do thou cry aloud And answer shall be given thee. Take heart! [Tbe FRIAR SUPERIOR stands transfixed in amazement/or a moment, Tben, raising bis hands on high, bis countenance beaming witb ecstasy, be moves away and disappears. And now more Soldiers return from hunting. The afternoon wears on. Bivouac fires are built by the camptenders and the evening meal is started in a large cooking-pot. The Friars occupy quarters apart from the soldiers. Three Friars start a game of

quoits with horseshoes, while others look on. It is the hour of general recreation. The soldiers, for the most part, assume lounging attitudes and amuse themselves in various ways, some at dice, some at cards. Six Soldiers detach themselves from the others and, moving to one side, engage in earnest conversation.

GOLD FIRST SOLDIER Well, what's in store for us ? What rich rewards Await us yonder ? SECOND SOLDIER Just such rich rewards As we deserve, who toil and slave for naught But common soldiers' portion. FIRST SOLDIER (in a bantering tone) How, my friend, Have fame and glory lost their charm for you ? SECOND SOLDIER What use is glory when one's youth is spent And limbs drag wearily ? 'T was not for that

I donned my soldier's corselet and set out Across the desert ; no, I dreamed of better things. THIRD SOLDIER (laughing) A dream of conquest, women, wealth and power; Eh, soldier, eh ? SECOND SOLDIER (hotly) And if I did? FIRST SOLDIER Come, come, We're wasting time in banter. None of us But sees through toil and danger some reward To make his toil and danger worth the while. So now, what say you ? Shall we strike a blow For freedom ? THIRD SOLDIER Meaning ? [207]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB FIRST SOLDIER (motioning to the others to draw near) Meaning this, my friends ; The books proclaim this land a treasure-vault. Charged to the mouth with gold and precious

stones; The wealth of ages. FOURTH SOLDIER Women, too, 'tis said; Black as the night but beauteous as the stars. FIRST SOLDIER Well, women, if you like. No land's so poor But holds attractions for the amorous. But gold Is what concerns us most. FIFTH SOLDIER Where is this gold ? Mine eyes have not beheld a trace of it. FIRST SOLDIER There's something tells me we shall find it soon ; I seem to scent it, like a hound whose nose Assists his eyes to good advantage. Men, Once find this treasure, then away with fame And all such foolishness. FIFTH SOLDIER Our leader, though ? FIRST SOLDIER Naught but ambition stirs his martial soul; He's for his country's glory, first and last; Expect no aid from him.

[208]

GOLD FIFTH SOLDIER But does he know ? FIRST SOLDIER I'll swear he does. I feel it in my bones That he and others know that what we seek Is near at hand. But he hath held his peace; Afraid, no doubt, for his beloved venture. THIRD SOLDIER He'd surely not deny a soldier's right To spoils of soldier's enterprise ? D'ye think He'd not consent ? FIRST SOLDIER (dropping bis voice to a cautious whisper) Consent? What matters it? Once find the gold, and we can say "Go, hang, You and your glory! ..." Should he combat us It shall go hard with him. SECOND SOLDIER

You'd mutiny ? FIRST SOLDIER Aye, if you call it so. Before I'd stand To turn my back on such a chance as this, I'd kill! Yes, kill! [They look at one another in awe. The FIRST SOLDIER notices the SERGEANT approaching. No more of this just now. Await events; they'll happen fast enough For all of us, or I'm a fool. Lie low, Lie low. [209]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB [There are laughter and shouts from the Soldiers on the hillside. A YOUNG SOLDIER steps forward and sings. THE YOUNG SOLDIER (singing) Know ye the maiden of sunny Castile ? Hair black as night, Eyes starry bright, Rosy-red lips that when parted reveal

Teeth pearly white, Smiles that invite; Rich jewels shining, Soft arms entwining, Matchless form swaying in dance's mad fling; Gay colors flashing, Castanets clashing, Maid of Castile, to your glory I sing! Hear us, fair maid, as your grace we entreat ! Sons of Castile, Proudly we kneel, Noble and peasant, alike, at your feet; Hold you divine, Toast you in wine, Pledge you devotion Deep as the ocean, Fight for your favor with knighthood's true zeal ; Sigh for you madly, Die for you gladly, Queen of the world is our maid of Castile! [As the song concludes, the SECOND SOLDIER

comes in dragging an INDIAN with him, much excited, and is joined immediately by the FIRST SOLDIER. The INDIAN is trembling with fear. The Soldiers around the camp are too engrossed to notice them, [210]

GOLD but tbe SERGEANT observes them, and, under cover of the applause which greets the conclusion of the song y comes forward. THE SERGEANT What have we here ? SECOND SOLDIER (breathlessly) Good news, great, glorious news! THE SERGEANT What call ye news ? Yon wretched, trembling waif Where found ye him ? He hath an abject look, As one in fear. Is he your glorious news ? SECOND SOLDIER When you have heard our tidings, Sergeant Juan, You'll pipe another tune. You'll bless the hour We fell upon this savage in the woods. We're rich! I tell you, rich!

THE SERGEANT (puzzled) How, rich ? SECOND SOLDIER (excitedly) Yes, rich ! You, I, and all of us! THE SERGEANT (testily) Quit raving, fool, And speak. attention of the conspirators is attracted. They draw near. SECOND SOLDIER I'm raving, am I ? Well, methinks [an]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB You'll rave yourself directly. All around These woods are riches for the gathering, Riches untold ! 'T is gold, bright, shining gold ! The mountains teem with it, the river-beds; The very spot we're standing on may hide

Enough to stock a galleon! [The SERGEANT appears startled and makes a motion as though to check the torrent of words that flow from the excited Soldier. Recovering himself > he bursts into a hearty laugh and slaps the SECOND SOLDIER on the back. THE SERGEANT Come, let us have the story. SECOND SOLDIER This poor waif, You call him, proves your benefactor, for Through him the glorious tidings came to us. We fell upon him skulking in the woods And took him captive. He was far too scared To even try to flee from us, much less Show fight. No weapons bore he, but a belt Girdled his loins and this we took from him. Concealed therein we found look for yourselves! [As he speaks the SECOND SOLDIER exhibits a handful of gold nuggets. The others crowd in closer. ALL Gold, surely gold! FIRST SOLDIER

Aye, comrades, gold it is. And where that comes from stores on stores abound! [212]

GOLD THE SERGEANT How know you this ? SECOND SOLDIER (pointing to the INDIAN) By talk I had with him. THE SERGEANT You speak his tongue ? SECOND SOLDIER No, sergeant, nor he mine ; But signs are sometimes eloquent enough. Try him yourself. \_Tbus adjured, the SERGEANT exhibits the nuggets to the INDIAN, and by signs inquires if such are to be found nearby, ^he INDIAN nods intelligently and spreads out his arms in response^ taking in all points of the compass. THE SERGEANT (aside)

This cursed savage knows Enough to set the camp ablaze. The men Already murmur. Once the lust for gold Gets in their bones, good-bye to everything; We might as well give up. (aloud) A wondrous tale, Upon my soul. More wondrous still, if true. (calling to the Soldiers on the hillside) Comrades, the hour is late, and belly cries For food. Let's eat, let's eat. Ha, ha! {pointing to a FRIAR recumbent under a tree) There's one Who answers to the call right readily. [213]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB [The SERGEANT moves away from the group in the direction of camp. A chorus of laughter greets the FRIAR as he sits up and rubs his eyes. THE FRIAR Such pleasant dreams ; 't was shame to waken me. Or was it nature's summons ? Like enough; I'm hungry, and I smell good, luscious food. (singing) What fragrant odors meet my nose

To rouse me from my sweet repose ? They're not of Araby, nor yet Of Flora's kingdom, I dare bet. For well I know what penetrates The atmosphere and me elates, So that I feel a welcome glow Pervade my being, top to toe ; No perfume e'er my senses wooed So well as that of luscious food! CHORUS And to eat, ha, ha! of good meat, ha, ha! Is a friar's best occupation ; For, the belly to fill is to cure every ill That threatens the soul's damnation ! THE FRIAR Let lover pipe his mournful lay; Let drunkard in his cellar bray ; Let monk go empty, if he will ; They're naught to me, I eat my fill! No stern ascetic I, to fast Till all desire for food is past; I bless the day when cooks were born

And pity stomach so forlorn

GOLD As cannot bear its weight of meat; Give me to eat! Give me to eat! CHORUS For, to eat, ha, ha ! of good meat, ha, ha ! Is a pious man's recreation ; Let him fast who will, the belly to fill Best fits the soul for salvation! \fTbe refrain is taken up by Soldiers who bave been cooking and are armed with various utensils which they use to beat time to the music. At the conclusion of the song they gather around the FRIAR, laughing and applauding, and lead him to the cooking-pot. ^The other Friars follow in more sedate fashion. Meanwhile, there is increased agitation on the part of the group of malcontents. Others are attracted to them. 'The SERGEANT, seeing that matters are becoming serious, breaks into the gathering. THE SERGEANT Now, what's ado ?

What ails you, comrades ? Is this mutiny, Or what ? T is but a moment since ye sang And danced and laughed like happy children ; now Ye look like devils. What's it all about ? FIRST SOLDIER (boldly) You mentioned mutiny; well, call it so. THE SERGEANT You mean FIRST SOLDIER I mean just this youVe lied to us.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE SERGEANT (starting forward angrily) How, damn you, lied, you say ? FIRST SOLDIER (hotly) Aye, lied, I said; And here's the proof! [He points to the INDIAN. By this time all on the hillside, Soldiers and Friars, attracted by the hubbub, have gathered round the disputants. This heathen hath betrayed What you, old cunning fox, would hide from us And so would rob us of our recompense

For all the hardships we have undergone And dangers braved for you. This very day We talked with you, recounting what we'd heard About the treasures of this western land, Of gold and precious stones; and you, you sneered To put us off the scent, of course and swore 'T was all an old wives' tale. And now you're caught, Caught in your miserable lie! [Loud murmurs from the throng. The SERGEANT makes a step forward, but is held back. There's gold, Aye, gold galore, all round about, each foot Of earth a treasure spot! (to his companions who are now crowding in excitedly) What say ye, men, To this fair promise ? Shall we stay content With soldiers' fare the balance of our lives, When at our very feet there's rich, red gold Just waiting to be gathered ? Speak, men, speak, Speak out your will! Choose now your fate, to toil

GOLD For empty glory, or to lie at ease

In lap of luxury, the world your slave. Your gold a talisman, your every whim A law, a law to be obeyed! Oh, think, Think what Of slavery As princes For action it means, to cast from you the yoke forever and to live of the earth ! Come, now's the time which of you will follow me ?

SOLDIERS (in loud acclaim) All, all of us! Lead on, we follow! [The FIRST SOLDIER and bis followers now turn to depart. But as the throng moves the FRIAR SUPERIOR, who has entered during the dispute, steps forward and raises his right hand in warning. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Hold! Take warning ere ye move one step ! The church, The Holy Church commands you, hold! \_His earnestness causes a halt, and for a moment the Soldiers stand irresolute. But the chief agitator, unafraid, boldly faces the FRIAR SUPERIOR. FIRST SOLDIER

How now ? What means this interference, worthy friar ? What law of God or man do we transgress That you invoke the church ? THE FRIAR SUPERIOR (earnestly) I bid you pause, If only for a moment. Pause, reflect Ere one false step ye take. An evil spell

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Hath fallen on you ! 'T is a spell accursed ! Beware the golden tempter! From his wiles Our good Saint Francis spent his life to shield His followers. And ye, my soldiers brave, Would turn your backs upon your patron Saint At evil's prompting? No, it shall not be! Your faith, your loyalty, your manhood, cry A shame upon you! FIRST SOLDIER (sharply) Come, my comrades, come; We've talked enough, now let us act. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR (in a last entreaty) But, wait! Your leader is not here! Ye would not leave

Without his knowledge? He will soon return; Abide his coming, like good men and true. FIRST SOLDIER (sternly) Who choose to stay may do so. I do not. Comrades, we're wasting precious time. [The FRIAR SUPERIOR raises bis band to beaven in mute appeal. As the Soldiers turn once more to go y the SERGEANT, drawing his sword, places himself between them and the path. THE SERGEANT Not yet! Across my prostrate body ye shall go, Not otherwise! \Eut the blood of the Soldiers is up and they speedily rush upon the SERGEANT and disarm him. In a surging mass they pour into the forest ', bearing [218]

GOLD the SERGEANT along with them and crying, "On, on to find the gold!" The FRIAR SUPERIOR, left alone, casts himself on his knees before the

cross. There is complete stillness for some moments. Suddenly, the COMANDANTE and his escort are seen returning. The COMANDANTE, in the uncertain light, not observing that the camp is deserted, speaks from the hillside. THE COMANDANTE (ecstatically) Eureka! Give me joy, my friends! The goal Is all but won ! Just now I looked upon The gulf that marks the entrance to our port Of San Francisco. North of here it lies, A bare day's journey. In the background looms The noble peak our patron Saint hath blessed As guardian of those waters. There beyond Lies Point Los Reyes, Vizcaino named So aptly from the Day of Holy Kings On which he first beheld it. So I found Each landmark as 't was pictured to my mind. And now the flag of Spain [The COMANDANTE halts abruptly, for the first time conscious that something is amiss. He looks about him. But what's amiss ? Where are the men ? Our soldiers, friars, all Are gone! The camp's deserted! [He sees the FRIAR SUPERIOR, who has risen from his knees and is moving toward him. Father, say,

What means this ? Why, your countenance is grave And pale as death! What's happened ? Speak, I say! [219]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB THE FRIAR SUPERIOR (bis head bowed in grief and throwing out his hands in a gesture of despair) The worst, my son. THE COMANDANTE 'T is as we feared, then ? THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Aye; The cursed spell we feared, the spell of gold, Hath come upon them like an avalanche And swept them from our side. And now they're gone, Maddened with greed, to tear from Mother Earth Her golden secret. Fools, they think that wealth Means more than life to them. THE COMANDANTE

Yes, fools indeed; But let such folly once possess their souls And fools have power to work more ill than knaves. So, now the blow hath fallen. On the eve Of glorious achievement, with the goal At hand, this blight is sent to frost our hopes And wither all ambition. \fThe COMANDANTE walks to one side, his attitude one of utter dejection. he FRIAR SUPERIOR goes to him and lays a hand upon his shoulder. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Come, my son; 'T is not a soldier's part to own despair His conqueror. THE COMANDANTE No, father, no ; and yet [ 220 ]

GOLD This strange depression call it what you will Controls my very being. Bear with me. \He takes bis seat upon a rock.

Almighty Providence, is this the end ? Is such a fate reserved for me and mine As others met who nobler aims pursued Than I e'en dreamed of? Is there no reward For glorious endeavor ? Are we all To perish by the same relentless hand, A destiny that looks not into aims Nor objects, purposes in life, nor men, But strikes, it would appear, at random and Destroys at will ? Each book of history Abounds with instances where justice strayed And man and enterprise were doomed to death Without a hearing. Nay, this very coast Bears witness to Dame Fortune's grim caprice. Balboa, when thou stood'st on Darien's peak To gaze upon the boundless western sea, Had'st thou foreknowledge of thy hapless fate, Thy headless corse thy life's memorial ? Cortez, thou conqueror! What booted thee

To subjugate an empire but to fall A victim to imperial neglect ? Cabrillo, thou did'st sail the western coast And claim it for thy sovereign, but to leave Thy bones to bleach upon a desert isle! Then, Coronado, thou in princely state Did'st make thy journeyings; but thou did'st lend Too ready ear to fables, and thine end Was that of some poor, wretched derelict ! And so they came and went, these men of iron Who did and dared. And now my turn is come, It seems. T was e'en predicted in my youth That I should fall before this curse of lust, [221]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Of avarice, of evil impulse, all The harvest from the seed that men call gold;

Is this resistless fate, or shall I fight For freedom for my manhood, for my soul, Against the dark oppressor ? \Voices are heard near-by and the Soldiers rush in, followed by the Friars. 'The Soldiers are wildly excited. Each carries handfuls of golden nuggets while the pockets of their jerkins are bulging with treasure. FIRST SOLDIER Here I stop; No more for me of hardships. Good I'll carry back with me along the Across the seas and right to dear The motherland is good enough for SECOND SOLDIER My wealth to tender purpose I'll devote. The fairest women shall be mine; I'll choose From all the beauties at the court. What's life When love is absent ? red gold trail, old Spain. me.

THIRD SOLDIER Give me gold for power ; Why fool your life away in idleness When you can bend a nation to your will ? FOURTH SOLDIER The hazard of the die's my weakness ; now I'll humor it; with riches back of me The tide of luck may ebb and flow at will. My life shall be one dazzling game of chance!

GOLD FIFTH SOLDIER I seem to hear the trickling Through fondling fingers. To sounds As music. It shall be my joy Communion with my riches all FIRST SOLDIER A miser, eh ? Why, blast you, gold is meant For spending, not for hoarding. Give your share To one who'll find a better use for it! [As he speaks he advances upon the other, who, starting back, lays bis hand upon his sword. FIFTH SOLDIER Take care! This robbery's a game that two of the gold mine ears it to hold alone.

Can play at! FIRST SOLDIER Comrades, help me to relieve This miser of his hoard ! SECOND SOLDIER (running up) Help you, indeed! Why, where do I come in ? THIRD SOLDIER Here, I'm in this! FOURTH SOLDIER And I! [Other Soldiers cry," And I!" "And I!" "And I!" A scene of great confusion ensues. Weapons are drawn and a skirmish is imminent, ^he FRIARS, who have gathered round the FRIAR SUPERIOR at the cross, turn at the hubbub and start to [223]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB intervene, but are anticipated by the COMANDANTE, who now steps forward and confronts the unruly throng.

THE COMANDANTE Hold ! Hold, I say ! What means this rioting ? Has madness come upon you all ? [The Soldiers halt abruptly at the sound of their leader's voice. Swords are lowered, and all turn facing the COMANDANTE. The FIRST SOLDIER takes a step forward. FIRST SOLDIER Oh, no ; Not madness; rather the reverse. It seems We've all been blind, but now, at last, we see. THE COMANDANTE (angrily) See what, you scoundrel ? Dare you thus affront Your leader ? FIRST SOLDIER (boldly) Leader! Pah! Your leadership Is over. We are masters now. THE COMANDANTE You dare To speak such words to me ? FIRST SOLDIER

I dare, and do. What's more, I speak for all around me. THE SERGEANT (breaking away from the group and placing himself beside his leader) No! [224]

GOLD Not all, by God ! Here's one who'll never side With mutiny! \^A CORPORAL follows the SERGEANT and is in turn followed by another corporal and a group of Soldiers. THE CORPORAL And here are others! \ffhe two bands face one another menacingly. The COMANDANTE greets his followers with a gesture of appreciation and, stepping forward, addresses the mutineers. THE COMANDANTE Men,

One word of solemn warning. Well I know What evil hath befallen you. The craze For wealth hath rent your very souls and turned Brave, honest soldiers into fiends. Is this Your loyalty to Spain ? Where is your pledge To God and King ? Would you desert the cause So nearly won ? FIRST SOLDIER (insolently) What cause ? We know no cause But that of freedom. THE COMANDANTE (disregarding the FIRST SOLDIER and addressing the others) Soldiers, think what means Desertion at this point! I now appeal To you as men, as brothers, all of you! Ambition, glory, riches, power are naught When measured side by side with fellowship. [225]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB The loving loyalty man bears for man Outweighs all things material! This without, Man's mission upon earth were vain indeed! No cause, however noble in itself, Can win but men walk hand in hand Along the path that leads to victory.

Comrades, my cause is yours! Come, follow me Where glory waits. That won, go dig for gold Till very weight of wealth oppresses you ! [The COMANDANTE'S appeal is fruitless. The mutineers stand defiant. FIRST SOLDIER (impatiently) Men, choose your leader now! Or follow him Or me! Quick, speak your will ! SOLDIERS (clamorously) We follow you ! THE COMANDANTE (drawing bis sword and calling upon bis followers) Come, then, have at them ! They outnumber us, But right is on our side. For God and King! [His followers rally round bim with drawn weapons^ crying "For God and King!" to wbicb members of the other band reply with "For God and Liberty!" The opposing forces rush together. 'The Friars are gathered at the cross around the FRIAR SUPERIOR, who is silently invoking aid from on high. But just as weapons clash the FRIAR SUPERIOR, snatching up a cross from the altar and holding it aloft l , plunges into the midst

of the fray. [226]

GOLD THE FRIAR SUPERIOR Hold! Hold! Almighty Ruler, hear me now! Out of the depths I cry to thee for aid! All, all is dark before our eyes ! The hand Of Death is on us! Save us, save, O God! [The mutineers bait, irresolute, 'Their leader rails at them. FIRST SOLDIER What, cowards, men ? Do ye, then, stand afraid At sound of prayer and preaching ? [f here arc cries of "No/" "Lead on!" The FIRST SOLDIER rushes at the FRIAR SUPERIOR. At that instant, a voice rings our from the heavens and is heard above the din. A VOICE Peace, mortals! Cease your senseless strife! Give heed! [ The mutineers fall back. Angelic music is heard and a white-robed ANGELIC VISION is revealed in the sky.

OTHER VOICES (chanting) Peace, mortals, peace! Your way lies before you; Fulfill your destiny, to bring enlightenment to earth. Earth's treasures shall be yours, not for strife Among you but to aid you in the task decreed by fate. Peace, mortals, peace! [The ANGELIC VISION vanishes, and DESTINY is disclosed on the hillside above the mortal throng. DESTINY Mortals, ye now behold the evil wrought By lust for gold. Long ages past, this strife [227]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Among you was foreseen. This very grove Beheld a conflict. Good and Evil fought For mastery, and Evil gained the day. The seed of Evil Impulse then was sown That man should reap the harvest. So was war Declared upon the human race. But now A mightier power than aught of Evil guides Man's mission upon earth. 'T is given man To choose 'twixt Good and Evil, and the choice

Is unrestrained. No longer Evil rules By right of conquest. Therefore, if ye seek Full measure of contentment, joy and peace, Renounce your gold, in token that ye heed This message of the Infinite! \fThe Soldiers stand for a moment in silent awe, then impulsively cast their gold upon the ground. The FIRST SOLDIER advances to the FRIAR SUPERIOR and casts himself at his feet. FIRST SOLDIER Father, forgive us. We were crazed indeed ; But now the clouds are lifted, and we see. THE FRIAR SUPERIOR (his hands uplifted, his countenance radiant with joy) O mighty Spirit, thou whom heaven hath sent To minster to mortals here on earth, Accept our blessing for thy words of cheer! On bended knees we render thanks to Him Whose messenger thou art. Our way lies clear Before us; now let all give praise to God! ALL His name be praised! Glory to His name!

GOLD DESTINY

Once rid of Evil Impulse, gold may bear A blessing, not a curse. For, 't is decreed Through Nature's gifts shall this fair western land Contribute to a world's enlightenment. Her gold shall be man's talisman, to charm His universe to higher, nobler state Than man hath visioned. Nature's offspring, Art, Shall be his guiding-star, to point the way To him. Through painter's brush, through sculptor's tool, Through writer's scroll, through music's tuneful charm, [As these words are spoken, figures appear on the hillside representing Music, Letters, Painting, Sculpture. Each carries a tablet bearing symbols of the arts. Shall all the noblest thoughts of man retain The impress of their worth. T is art alone Shall glorify your world ; and art shall live Though man shall die ! Mortals, give gold to these,

So may its noble purpose be fulfilled. The seed restored to earth shall fructify ; Man shall return to gather of its fruit; And then shall be recalled the prophecy Of long ago ! The dawn of wondrous days Is nigh ; soon shall the veil be torn from eyes Dimmed with the mist of ages ! THE COMANDANTE Alas, that I, A soldier and a man, should fail of heart At Evil's prompting, that a fantasy, Of superstition born, should dominate My very soul so that I all but fell Before its shadow! [229]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB (addressing DESTINY) Speak, what punishment Is mine to suffer for my lack of faith ? DESTINY Soldier, your way lies yonder. Seek it, then. You serve both God and King, so falter not, But render service unto both. That done, Your fault, if fault there was, hath been atoned. On to your goal!

THE COMANDANTE (waving his sword) On to the goal ! On, on ! SOLDIERS (singing) On to the goal ! The dawn is nigh ; The star of hope shines in the sky ! FRIARS (singing) Hail, joyous sign from heaven above, A message of eternal love! ALL (singing) Hail! Hail! Hail! Our voices rise in greeting! Hail to the star that guides us on our way! Shadows of night before the dawn are fleeting; Soon shall the sun reveal the splendor of the day! On to the goal our eager feet are pressing, Hearts beating high, our watchword "God and King!" Angels of peace our glorious mission blessing, Out to the world let our song of triumph ring! Hail, Alta California, our empire in the west! Fair land of destiny, on thee our hopes we rest! [230]

GOLD Nations shall honor thee, men thy fame shall sing; Hail to California, hail! God and King! [As the closing words are sung dawn illumines the sky. At the conclusion of the song of triumph the mortals move in procession up the trail. As they go the heavens brighten intensely , and the en ire forest glows with a superb illumination. The woodland folk the Tree-Spirits, BrookSpirits , Cave-Spirits and Satyrs return to their domain. As the mortals disappear in the distance the illumination dies down, the woodland folk vanish, the music ceases and all is still.

NOTE ON THE MUSIC BY H. J. STEWART THE PROLOGUE commences with an orchestral prelude, "Elf-Land." This is in scherzo form. After a short introduction the principal theme appears:

f Tf f

The "trio" has a quartet for horns:

The suite de ballet^ which follows at once on the Prelude, consists of five numbers: i. TREE-SPIRITS

1 1 1 \=t

$0* Jfyioi/w awt> /$# - toft t -kffi, 2. BROOK-SPIRITS

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB 3. CAVE-SPIRITS

v ^^N <**/ \*s 4. SATYRS

j i j j j

The groups of dancers appear in the above order, each group remaining on the stage after its dance is concluded. All then unite in an ensemble movement:

The music accompanying the invocation of the Woodland King is based upon two themes: (i) the motive of Prayer: Vivace/

(2) the motive of Love for Humanity

At the close of the Prologue there is an orchestral intermezzo, descriptive of dawn, and leading by degrees to the full light of day. The first faint glow of dawn is accompanied by the twittering of birds, and presently the main theme appears, played very softly by the trumpet:

GOLD The music grows in intensity as the sunlight develops, and reaches its climax with the full blaze of daylight. A suggestion of Indian music accompanies the appearance of the natives:

This is interrupted by the march of the Spaniards, whose trumpets are first heard in the distance. The principal theme of the march is as follows:

As the exploring party wends its way down the hillside, the music increases in volume, and when all reach the lower stage, the soldiers sing a chorus:

(<$ " H

The Friars gather round the cross, and sing an Ave Maria. This is entirely without accompaniment, and is followed by some short versicles and responses, in Gregorian plain chant. The song of the Spanish soldier, with chorus, in praise of the maids of Castile, is intended to suggest the seguidilla y an ancient Spanish dance:

MOW j The buffo song of the hungry friar, with chorus, has the following refrain: l>35]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

Toward the close of the play a quartet of angels is heard in the distance, accompanied very softly by strings and harp:

The finale is for chorus and full orchestra. It

is in two movements: (i) "On to the goal!":

On, tf <U y^t-l Ow itf (2) "Hail! Hail! Hail!":

T*

At the conclusion of the chorus the theme is continued by the orchestra during the illumination of the forest.

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS

FEI-YEN-FAH AND THE FOX-GOD

THE FIFTEENTH GROVE PLAY [PERFORMED ON THE FOURTH NIGHT OF AUGUST, 1917]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS ic - T^rama

BY CHARLES TEMPLETON CROCKER WITH A NOTE ON THE MUSIC BY THE COMPOSER JOSEPH D. REDDING

ARGUMENT IN ANCIENT days in China, Hu, the Fox-God, reigned in terror over mankind. God of unhappiness, he ruled in the Sombre Skies, holding court in the halls of the moon and stars.

For having offended the Supreme Being, he is banished from the Upper World, to spend one hundred years on earth incarcerated in one of his shrines. He may have one day liberty in human form, should a doubter appear before him questioning his authority. Unknown to mortals, the Fox-God is thus imprisoned in the shrine disclosed in the Prologue. The scene is a grove in a remote part of China, sacred to Hu. "The sovereign of malignant spirits I." "Give me this day on earth, O Lord ! One day !" The Prologue is spoken by Hu, whose voice is heard issuing from the shrine. He chafes at his long confinement, and begs that the doubter appear, that he may have one day of freedom. ACT! "Fei-Yen-Fah, my woodland dove." "It is the Fox ! Oh. save me from his wrath !" Shi-u-nin, a youth, has just returned from

foreign travels. He has been abroad since early childhood. The arrival of Shi-u-nin and his fellow-students is interrupted by Tin-Loi, an ancient scholar, who is horrified at such [239]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

sacrilege in the grove sacred to the Fox-God. He bids them depart. Wang Loo, the Viceroy, is about to perform a ceremony, and his daughter, Fei-Yen-Fah, will make her vows, dedicated to Hu a sight so sacred that none may watch. Shi-u-nin remembers Fei-Yen-Fah, and refuses to leave. He hides from the approaching procession. After Wang Loo's ceremony, Fei-Yen-Fah is left alone before the shrine. Shi-u-nin soon makes his presence known. He tells Fei-Yen-Fah of the Land of Happiness, ruled by the fairy goddess, Hsi Wang Mu, who guards the sacred Peachtree of Immortality. Once the goddess sent a

branch of this tree to the emperor, Muh Wang. Her messenger, a dove, dropped a twig while flying over this grove. It fell in the shadow of the shrine and has never grown. "Where'er my temple hides the brilliant sun, nothing thrives." Shi-u-nin begs Fei-Yen-Fah that they pray to Hsi Wang Mu to cause the tree to bear fruit that they may eat of it and become immortal, to live forever in the Land of Happiness. Fei-Yen-Fah is afraid of the FoxGod, whereupon Shi-u-nin defies this deity, and mocks his power. A storm with thunder and lightning ensues, during which Fei-Yen-Fah flees in terror, followed by Shi-unin. At the height of the storm, Hu comes forth from out the shrine, rejoicing in his freedom. The doubter has appeared ! ACT II "Naught knows the well-frog of the ocean deep." "Come, light your tapers first from Happiness, The lamp of fairest destiny." It is the Feast of Hoa-fcbao, Birthday of One

Hundred Flowers. The Viceroy, Wang Loo, and his court are gathered at a large banquet table in his gardens. Shi-u-nin tells them of his travels, and of the fortunate lands where there is no Fox. The dignitaries are horrified at such [240]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS sacrilege. Wang Loo recounts to Shi-u-nin how the latter's father, at the sacrifice of his own life, saved that of the Viceroy in their youthful warrior days. He will repay this debt by giving his daughter to Shi-u-nin, that, as his wife, she may win him back to the faith of his ancestors. Fei-Yen-Fah appears in the dance of Hoa-'Tcbao. She is then left alone with Shi-u-nin. Their love scene is interrupted by a runner, calling for Wang Loo. A large troop is arriving, led by the imperial dragon flag. The procession winds down the hillside, gorgeous in its splendor, escorting a state litter. From it emerges an

envoy from the Emperor, who demands Fei-Yen-Fah as bride. Shiu-nin remonstrates, and is nearly torn to pieces by the outraged mob for daring to dispute a command of the Emperor. The envoy summons his cohorts, the Poppies, in dance. They encircle Fei-Yen-Fah and soon overwhelm her. The envoy embraces her, imprinting upon her lips the kiss of death, and her body falls lifeless at his feet. He now reveals himself as the Fox-God, and disappears with howls of fiendish laughter. ACT III "China awakes!"

"Happiness reigneth in all Cathay!" Shi-u-nin returns to the sacred grove, lamenting the loss of Fei-Yen-Fah. Tin-Loi tells him of Fei-YenFah's death, caused by the Fox-God, for his daring to defy such a power. In rage, Shi-u-nin sets fire to the shrine. Tin-Loi, in horror, summons the Viceroy. The shrine falls to the ground, an empty ruin. From its ashes arises a

glorious peach-tree in full bloom. The spirit of FeiYen-Fah emerges from the falling blossoms. Shi-u-nin presses to his lips a peach growing on the tree, and Fei-YenFah leads him upward to the Land of Happiness. This is revealed

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB in a vision of the goddess, Hsi Wang Mu. From her presence a light radiates, which grows stronger and stronger, finally enveloping the world in the triumph of its glory. The fairy story of Fei-Yen-Fah and Shi-u-nin is not founded on any established tale. It has been the endeavor of the author to weave a plot out of the rich material furnished by the extensive literature of the Chinese in their many legends and characteristic customs.

OUR SINCERE thanks are due to all the members of the Club for their uniform cooperation and enthusiastic

support. We wish to express our gratitude to Messrs. Frank L. Mathieu, Edward J. Duffey and Haig Patigian, and to the members of the Jinks Committee for their untiring efforts. The principals, minor characters and our splendid chorus have responded with infinite zeal and industry. We also wish to add a word of thanks to the management of the Club and to the working force. CHARLES T. CROCKER. JOSEPH D. REDDING.

[242]

CAST OF CHARACTERS SHI-U-NIN, a youth MR. GEORGE HAMLIN HU, the Fox-God MR. R. M. HOTALING WANG LOO, the viceroy MR. HENRY A. MELVIN TIN-LOI, a tutor MR. CHARLES K. FIELD FEI-YEN-FAH, daughter of Wang Loo MASTER KENNETH COOK FIRST DIGNITARY MR. CHARLES J. DICKMAN

SECOND DIGNITARY MR. HARRY FRANCIS THIRD DIGNITARY MR. EDGAR D. PEIXOTTO FOURTH DIGNITARY MR. F. B. TURPIN FIFTH DIGNITARY MR. CHARLES C.TROWBRIDGE SIXTH DIGNITARY MR. GEORGE S. GARRITT A RUNNER MR. JOSEPH J. MORA THE FLAG BEARER MR. DION HOLM HSI WANG MU, goddess of happiness MR. FRANK S. MITCHELL Students , Priests, Guards of the Viceroy, Chair Bearers, Insignia Bearers, Shield Bearers, Slaves, State Litter Bearers, Handmaidens, Lilies, Poppies, Celestial Beings, etc. PLACE: The Prologue Before the Temple of Hu, in a remote part of China. Act I The Grove of the Fox Temple. Act II The private gardens of Wang Loo. Act III The same as Act I. TIME: Legendary.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Production directed by MR. FRANK L. MATHIEU. Setting and costumes designed by MR. HAIG PATIGIAN. Properties designed and executed by DR. HARRY P. CARLTON and MR. HARRY S. FONDA. Lighting by MR. EDWARD J. DUFFEY.

Musical Director, MR. JOSEPH D. REDDING. Chorus Master, MR. E. D. CRANDALL.

[244]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS

THE PROLOGUE After a musical prelude, the dark interior of a shrine in the Temple of Hu, the Fox-Spirit, is revealed. The temple is in a densely wooded grove, at the foot of a hillside, in a

remote part of China. Hu, condemned for an offense against the supreme deity to spend one hundred years imprisoned in his shrine, is dimly seen writhing in impatience at his confinement. Hu One hundred years impounded have I been For having doubted once the Lord of All ; Offending when I ruled in Sombre Skies The patience of divine authority. I therefore am compelled to cool my zeal Entombed within this golden earthly shrine. The sovereign of malignant spirits I ! From jasper throne I knew and saw this world Where mortals lived in constant fear of me As rats, beneath the altar of my might ! Now must I crouch and watch them supplicate With paltry gifts, and prayers of terror born. Poor fools ! I thrive on grief; I crave their woe ;

I quaff with greed their sorrow-laden tears. In vain they seek my favor. Cringing man ! [245]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB My stealthy shadow drifts behind his trail. No place where I am not ! Strong as the sun, In all my dreaded force I rule the world ! One hundred years imprisoned now am I. And yet this dismal spot suits well my mood. There are no birds. Those cheerful messengers, Bred in the Land of Happiness, here find Their melodies are choked within their throats. I hear but music of the gibbon's howl ! My sole companion is the bird of gloom, The owl, grim harbinger of death itself! Incarcerated thus, yet have I power, Where'er my temple hides the brilliant sun, To shrivel all that grows inside that spot. Behold the sorry emblem of man's hope The Peach of Happiness ! Within my shade, No blossoms sprout upon that withered tree. I am supreme ! And yet my spirit chafes. Since ninety years and nine within this jail, Confined yet unsubdued, I cry aloud For strength to burst aside these golden walls. The canker of stagnation gnaws my soul ! Alas, imprisoned thus my might is gone Beyond the baneful shadow of these walls. \ffhe grove surrounding the temple is now revealed.

O Lord of Stars ! O Master of the Night ! Fulfill thy promise made on dooming me To banishment ! Give me the day on earth Pledged me should a scoffing doubter come. One day of freedom grant, should he deny My majesty, controlling death and life! His friends will fill the Bloody Pond of Hell And he will live, a prey to misery ! Give me this day on earth, O Lord ! One day !

ACT I The Grove of the Fox Temple. A group of Students enters. STUDENTS (singing) Welcome, Shi-u-nin, welcome home ! Welcome home to the land of thy sire ! No more to roam welcome home ! Land of thy heart's desire. Land of thy noble sire ! [SHI-U-NIN enters. SHI-U-NIN Once more I breathe the scented hills, The playground of my youth. My heart returns to childhood days. Home, home, my being thrills To hear those magic words, "my home" !

STUDENTS Ah ! those magic words ! We breathe the scented hills, The playground of our youth. Our hearts return to childhood days, Home, my home. \fThe Students gather around SHI-U-NIN. STUDENTS Long life to thee, O Shi-u-nin. [TiN-Loi is seen coming down a road on the hillside, nervously and somewhat excited. He stops at intervals. [247]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB TlN-Loi Who dares to speak of happiness ? Who dares To rouse the Fox's wrath with words of joy? The night-owl hoots of death ! Within this grove The butterfly becomes the white-winged crow. Beware the god of sorrow, Hu, the Fox !

SHI-U-NIN This god of sorrow TiN-Loi Where hast thou lived ? {He recognizes SHI-U-NIN. They embrace. Shi-u-nin, my noble boy ! Long weary years have ploughed their furrows deep Upon this ancient brow, since thou didst leave Thy father's land to journey far beyond The four encompassing seas. How fared ye all Among the strange red-haired barbarians ? But no ! I have forgot. Another time Ye must away ! SHI-U-NIN Why should I leave this friendly shade ? TiN-Loi The Viceroy comes ! Wang Loo shall offer prayer. His daughter, having reached the age of light, Will make her virgin vows before the shrine Of mighty Hu, the Fox, and thus appease His wrath. Ye must be off! Away, away! [TiN-Loi drives the Students away. SHI-U-NIN remains.

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS STUDENTS (in distance) Long life to thee, O Shi-u-nin ! SHI-U-NIN His daughter ! Sweet Fei-Yen-Fah ! My childhood love ! TiN-Loi Thou shalt Not stay, thou must be off! SHI-U-NIN I will remain ! TiN-Loi Defy the mighty god ? Oppose the Fox ? Beware his wrath ! No mortal eye may watch Her act devout. Come ! Come ! SHI-U-NIN I will remain ! TiN-Loi As well talk to the butterfly of snow ! Evil will come of this. Alas, alas ! [TiN-Loi rushes off in despair. SHI-U-NIN

conceals himself behind a large tree, There is heard a loud trumpet blast in the distance. Two Priests of the Fox Temple enter, and place lights upon the altar before the shrine. They are followed by eight Priests chanting, who are followed in turn by ten others who repeat the chant. PRIESTS Nan-mo O-mi-to po-ye, To-ta-kia to-ye, To-ti-ye-ta O-mi-li-to po-kwan,

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB O-mi-li-to, Sieh-tan-po-kwan, O-mi-li-to, Kwan-kia-lan-ti O-mi4i-to, Kwan-kia-lan-ti; Kia-mi-ni kia-kia-na, Chih-to-kia-li po-po-ho. \The Priests perform a preliminary ceremony ', decorating the altar as they sing. PRIESTS (singing)

Behold, who comes in modesty demure; It is his daughter, Fei-Yen-Fah. Light ev'ry altar lamp with incense rarest, Fill golden jars with fruit and blossoms fairest. Behold, who comes in gentle modesty; A maiden offers prayer to thee. ['The Bearer of the Fan of State enters, followed by the Viceroy's empty chair, borne by attendants, and six Dignitaries. Hail to thee, O mighty, mighty potentate ! O mighty, mighty potentate, we salute thee ! Our heads upon the earth we kiss thy sacred feet ! [WANG Loo, the Viceroy, enters, preceded by two trumpeters and the Bearer of the Umbrella of State, and followed by his Imperial Guard. Hail Wang Loo ! Long life to thy command ! Hail Bright Star of Dewy Morning Land ! May the god of war, victories decide; May the god of land and of grain provide. Jewelled greetings ever we bear thee, Banners descend from heaven to bless thee. Honor and joys unnumbered are thy due, Mighty Wang Loo ! Mighty Wang Loo ! [250]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS [WANG Loo performs a brief ceremony before the shrine, then seats himself in his chair, and addresses the assemblage. WANG Loo The water-clock of life for me hath dripped Till almost dry. I soon shall be released ; My fathers call me to their heavenly home. No son hath come to bear my princely name; No son hath come to worship at my tomb ! Yet I've a child who dwells within my heart. My daugher, Fei-Yen-Fah, hath reached the age Of light, and custom calls her to observe The solemn rites before the shrine of Hu. [FEI-YEN-FAH and her Handmaidens enter. They make obeisance before WANG Loo. WANG Loo As blossoms sprout upon a rugged branch So thou wert born, O tiny bud of mine ! Slow ripening in the sun of early years, As pure as Lan-Tien jade, a flower now About to stretch thy petals to this world

A world of sin, of sorrow. Happiness We only have in furtive moments few, When Hu, the Fox-God, turns aside his wrath. Since ever children first their fathers knew This god hath ruled our hearts and held domain, We pray to him to spare us misery. As yet thou know'st him not. He only seeks For victims in this world of mortals free Who, knowing happiness is not his will, Yet stray beyond his jealous majesty. (to the Handmaidens) Bring forth the robe. Invest this figure pure

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB With royal silk the ceremonial dress ! \fThe Handmaidens place a long flowing robe over FEI-YEN-FAH'S shoulders. She prostrates herself before WANG Loo. My child, my Fei-Yen-Fah, kneel, pray to him To keep thee throughout life and spare thee woe.

Remember, as a fly sees blood, so Hu Scents odor of repugnant happiness. [Embracing FEI-YEN-FAH, WANG Loo takes his leave with all the others. FEI-YEN-FAH kneels before the shrine and commences her prayer. SHI-U-NIN, who has been watching her from behind a tree, is entranced. FEI-YEN-FAH Mighty Hu, hear my vow, mighty Hu ! SHI-U-NIN (singing) Fei-Yen-Fah, my woodland dove, Dare I tell to thee my love ? Red thy lips as ruby rings, Small thy feet as fairy wings, Fair thy cheek as light above; Fei-Yen-Fah, my woodland dove. FEI-YEN-FAH (singing) Mighty Hu ! Grant my prayer, hear my vow ! SHI-U-NIN Hear the songsters herald spring As they carol, trill, and sing; On the faintly breathing wind Each a playmate seeks to find. FEI-YEN-FAH

What voice breaks on my ear ? [252]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS Can it be the Spirit?^ Ah, I dare not listen ! SHI-U-NIN Chain thy throbbing heart now free, Sweeter far than liberty. Yield thyself to happiness ! Veil thy face with my caress ! FEI-YEN-FAH In thine eyes I behold the light divine, The light of love. [SHI-U-NIN leads FEI-EN-FAH by the band to the pool. She kneels. SHI-U-NIN I heard thy prayer, O trusting Fei-Yen-Fah ! A nestling thou, just fluttering to the ground, Must thou implore the Fox-God in his lair ? No, no, thy waking heart is tuned to love; The music of thy soul is happiness ; Thou art a petal of the purest rose Grown in the fairyland of Hsi Wang Mu. FEI-YEN-FAH

I have been taught to fear the Fox-God's power. How dare I listen to thy tender words ? SHI-U-NIN Far in the west toward the setting sun In a land of gold, of cloudless sky, Are flowery slopes of Mount Kwen Lun Immortal lovers occupy. There, is a forest of chrysoprase, Surrounding gardens of many gems, [253]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Where emerald lawns in flowers blaze, Jewelled, with slender crystal stems. Near by, is the palace of jadestone wrought, Where the blessed goddess of happiness dwells ; Builded with loving smile and thought By faithful fairy sentinels. In a secret court, in a rose-twined bower, And guarded by gates of porphyry, Grows the Peach that gives her greatest power, The gift of Immortality.

Here rules the goddess, Hsi Wang Mu, As queen, her scepter, cheerfulness ; Welcoming there all lovers true For this is the Land of Happiness. Wishing to honor once a king, She sent a dove through the empty sky With coral feet and azure wing, Bearing a Peach of Eternity. On flying high above this grove, A crow the feathered page pursued; A twig fluttered down from the sky above And fell in the shadow of solitude.

Beware the shadow of solitude, Shi-u-nin ! SHI-U-NIN In the shade of the shrine it has never grown, Dry as if swept by scorching heat. Let us pray to Hsi Wang Mu to crown The withered boughs with blossoms sweet; That we may find upon the tree A Peach of Immortality.

\He starts to lead her toward the tree. She shrinks back. [254]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS FEI-YEN-FAH Beware the mantle dark that sweeps the ground; That signal of the Fox-God's evil power ! SHI-U-NIN The light of happiness shines on the world. To dazzle sombre thoughts of fear and woe. Doth not Tai Yaong, the great male star, the sun, Yet gladden all he smileth on ? Tremble not ! FEI-YEN-FAH Shi-u-nin, I am afraid. . . . SHI-U-NIN Of what, the dark ? There is no god to mould our timid minds Unto his evil pleasure, nor a god To quench the happiness within our hearts ! (addressing tbe shrine) thou invisible monster feared by all !

Thy might is but a dream of shallow minds. 1 fear thee not ! I scoff thy brainless power, A fancied rule of empty nothingness ! I scorn thy work thy cursed sway defy ! \fThere is a crash of thunder and a vivid flash of lightning. FEI-YEN-FAH It is the Fox ! Oh ! save me from his wrath ! SHI-U-NIN The god of thunder calls the god of rain To wet the parched soil.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB FEI-YEN-FAH Ah, Shi-u-nin, I've disobeyed my father ! \_Sbe runs up to a point on the lower hillside. SHI-U-NIN Fei-Yen-Fah! Fei-Yen-Fah! FEI-YEN-FAH Oh, save me from the vengeance of the Fox ! Save me, Shi-u-nin. [She falls to her knees.

I have seen happiness ! [She runs off in terror. SHI-U-NIN ( following her) Fei-Yen-Fah, my Fei-Yen-Fah! Fei-Yen-Fah, my Fei-Yen-Fah! [There is more thunder and lightning. Again the voice of the Fox-Spirit is heard from within the shrine. Hu An outrage to my power, O Sovereign Lord ! Such happiness I cannot bear ! Free me ! The doubter has appeared. He mocks my might ! The rod of evil trembles in my grasp ! Release me for one day ! One day alone ! So thou hast promised me ! [He appears in front of the shrine clothed as a human being, but with a fox mask over his features. Keep on, O god of thunder, child of mine ! Keep on, O lightning queen, with shafts of thine ! O Wind and Rain, my minions, here am I,

Once more to govern in the Sombre Sky. [256]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS Again Death's cold and glassy stare will see My path triumphant choked with misery. For I am free again ! Oh, woe to him This mortal who would brave my vengeance grim ! I'll kill his love, destroy his life! Distress Shall feed on rotting bones of Happiness!

[257]

ACT II The private gardens of WANG Loo, the Viceroy. The Feast of Hoa-Tchao, Birthday of One Hundred Flowers, is being celebrated. The gardens are gay with flowering shrubs and blossoming trees. It is evening and many lanterns are strung through the trees. A large prayer-gate

on an elevation indicates the entrance to the Viceroy 's palace. From the gate, a bridge over a waterfall leads to the lower level. On one side is a long banquet table, at which the Viceroy and Dignitaries are seated. Back of them stand insignia bearers and the Guard of the Viceroy. On the other side is a platform for musicians, decorated with blossoms and flowers. On a higher level stands a large service table, covered with food and wine. [SHI-U-NIN and a group of Students are standing before the Viceroy's table. SHI-U-NIN is telling of his travels. SHI-U-NIN Our eager caravel approached the shore And o'er the water borne on perfumed wind Came music strange but beautiful. In soft Caress it touched our souls. That richer dusk Of burnished gold revealed a harbor safe. We were made welcome by new friends who lived

Unmindful of a Fox's haunting curse. FIRST DIGNITARY (rising) What says the youth ? [258]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS SECOND DIGNITARY (rising) He will be damned ! WANG Loo (rising) Peace, peace ! SHI-U-NIN They labored for a future most secure In building roads through all the empty land ; In raising legions for a foe still friend; Constructing vessels both for trade and war ; And, molelike, ever digging in the ground For vast and hidden treasure, else concealed. No evil Fox appeared to cross their path ! THIRD DIGNITARY (rising) I'll hear no more! FOURTH DIGNITARY (rising) What sacrilege ! FIFTH DIGNITARY (rising) He climbs a tree to hunt for fish ! SIXTH DIGNITARY (rising) This desecration bodes no good !

WANG Loo (rising) Peace, peace, my noble friends, and let him speak ! [The Dignitaries and WANG Loo resume tbeir seats. STUDENTS Tell them, O Shi-u-nin, tell of the land Where happiness reigns ever of the land Where ev'ry heart its fondest wish attains. [>59]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB SHI-U-NIN Aye, let me speak ! Give heed to this the truth ! Naught knows the well-frog of the ocean deep. Toad-like, and plunged in sleep of years gone by, Ye lead the lives of your ancestors. Shame ! "Do nothing and all will be done." Alas ! Rise from your moss-grown beds. Away with dreams !

The imperial sceptre trembles in your grasp. Beware ! Discard this gyve, this unseen god ! There is no ivory in the mouth of rats ! Oh ! light your tapers first from happiness, The lamp of fairest fortune ! THE DIGNITARIES (rising angrily and shaking their fists) Blasphemy ! SHI-U-NIN Disperse this cloud, this myth of fancied fears ! Enjoy the wonder world of nature ! Wake ! Your prayers are born of fear. There is no Fox ! Ope your hearts to love ! Our God is one of love and happiness. Fear shall be conquered by faith and love. STUDENTS Ope your hearts to love ! Love and happiness, this is our faith.

Conquer by faith, conquer by love ! ALL O great Wang Loo, he hath defied the Fox ! O horror ! Horror ! [260]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS WANG Loo (waving all to their seats) Great Hu hath ruled below since first Pan Koo Did carve the earth and make it fit for man To walk upon. He rules in majesty. Our future is but subject to his whim. Seek not to change our faith. It is rock-ribbed And holds supreme against the test of time ! \fTbe Dignitaries signify tbeir approval. WANG Loo approaches SHI-U-NIN and places his hand upon his shoulder. Thou hast the spirit of thy noble sire. Thy father was my most devoted friend. SHI-U-NIN My sacred and indulgent father ! Yea !

WANG Loo Long years ago, at war with alien tribes, Together went we forth our homes to save. The battle's fury raged about us twain. Overpowered was I, thy father sprang between His heart received the arrow aimed at mine ! Upon the altar of our brotherhood He laid his life that I might live. A debt Therefore I owe unto his sacred name. And hark ye, China doth repay her debts ! My daughter is the blossom of my heart. To-day in flowering womanhood she comes, The dance of Hoa-Tchao to perform. It is the Birthday of One Hundred Flowers. Thou lovest Fei-Yen-Fah, brave Shi-u-nin ? Now may she guide thee to thy father's faith ! We do consent our child shall be thy wife ! [All cheer. SHI-U-NIN kneels to WANG Loo. [261]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB SHI-U-NIN Fei-Yen-Fah! WANG Loo (to himself) The debt is paid. My child, my Fei-Yen-Fah ! [Arousing himself with the greatest vigor, he claps his hands.

Bid Fei-Yen-Fah appear ! The dance of Hoa-Tchao ! [ There is great movement. Banquet tables are removed, and new groups formed. The musicians on the platform commence to play. A large silver lily is carried on by four black slaves. FEI-YEN~FAH steps forth clad as a white lily. She begins the dance, in which she is joined by a group of Lilies who appear from various bushes. At the end of the dance, FEI-YEN-FAH and SHI-U-NIN are together. WANG Loo, with a gesture, summons his court to the palace, where he has prepared additional entertainment. All but FEI-YEN-FAH and SHI-U-NIN go out. SHI-U-NIN (singing) Fei-Yen-Fah, my woodland dove, I have dared to tell my love. Fair thy cheek as light above, Fei-Yen-Fah, my woodland dove. Fairer than light above, Thou shalt be my only love. With every merry humming song, I have joined this lover's throng. Fei-Yen-Fah, for thee I long. FEI-YEN-FAH (singing) Again my timid heart is thrilled, Shi-u-nin ! [262]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS By magic of thy voice. I saw thee oft among the flowers, And heard thy melody Float from the summer's breath. My heart endures as heaven above ! With every merry song I would join this lover's throng, In prayer for thee alone. Thou art my star of happiness, Shi-u-nin, my only love ! [yf RUNNER appears from the hillside, calling for the Viceroy. A crowd comes on, attracted by his cries. WANG Loo and court appear from the palace entrance. He comes down and sits in a thronelike chair. During this scene the March of the Envoy develops. WANG Loo Why this commotion ? By our gods, speak out ! THE RUNNER

Wang Loo, O Benefactor of the Age ! There comes from out the north a mighty troop Of ninefold splendor slaves and warriors As plentiful as melon seeds in June ! WANG Loo And who comes thus attended ?

THE RUNNER* We know not A stranger prince, of grim and haughty mien, Led by the imperial dragon-flag ! ALL The imperial dragon-flag ! [263]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB \fThere is a murmur of awe. With one accord all, with arms outstretched, turn to the hillside, acclaiming in great chorus. May the Emperor live ten thousand years ! Ten thousand years !

Ten times ten thousand years ! [ ^he FLAG BEARER carrying the imperial flag appears on the hillside at the head of a great procession. All prostrate themselves as the troop winds down the path, gorgeous in splendor, lights, and music. In the procession are gong-beaters; slaves with chests; swordsmen ; bearers of insignia, shields, lanterns, flags, and lances; a State Litter. A ceremonious presentation of the gifts brought out of the chests takes place. THE FLAG BEARER Before the five-clawed Dragon, prostrate fall ! Lord of Five Lakes, Four Seas, Giver of Rain, He is the symbol of your mighty king ! Salute the flag ! Thrice shall ye knock your heads ! \_All kowtow. ALL Hail! Hail! \ffhe doors of the State Litter are opened and Hu steps forth. He is clothed as when first seen, but without the foxs head. Hu

I am the envoy of the Emperor ! [All kowtow. ^The influence of Hu's personality is tremendous, and FEI-YEN-FAH is visibly under his spell during the following scene. [264]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS The Son of Heaven, World-Honored, Lofty One, Imperially greets his faithful friend. To thee with royal grace we send these gifts. WANG Loo With reverence these favors I accept. \jTbe slaves with gifts go out. Hu unrolls a large scroll and reads. Hu Our seventh year, in spring, the second moon. From Gates of Heavenly Purity, all hail ! Long life to thee, Wang Loo, distinguished prince ! Our eye, since it can pierce one thousand miles, Confirms the whisperings breathed in our ear.

Thou hast an only child, a virgin maid As beautiful as queenly Ho Seen Koo. Her eyes reflect the limpid autumn waves ; Her feet in dainty tread scarce brush the earth; Her slender waist is like the willow-tree. In sooth, such beauty must adorn our court. It is our pleasure that your child shall come As bride of our august ambassador. [All fall on knees with beads to the ground. ALL Fei-Yen-Fah! WANG Loo But dust am I beneath the imperial foot ! One sun in heaven, emperor one on earth ! In reverence I bow my worthless head, Impelled by reasons hundred fold and more. Bring forth the incense burners, light them all ! Let fragrance wafted through the summer night Proclaim this honor brought upon our house ! [265]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB ALL Ah! Ah! Hu

Fair as the jewel in the lotus bloom, Draw near, that I may feast my hungry eyes ! SHI-U-NIN (rushing forward) No, no, since childhood days our love we knew I claim my right ! THE DIGNITARIES (horrified) Defy the Emperor ? Sacrilege ! TiN-Loi What folly seizes you, O Shi-u-nin ! A star to face the moon ? Thou canst not thwart one born of heaven. My boy, my boy, I tremble for thee ! SHI-U-NIN Is Fei-Yen-Fah a puppet then, For sale to highest bidder ? STUDENTS Hark thou, great Wang Loo ! SHI-U-NIN I bring her youth, and love and happiness ! STUDENTS Happiness, youth and love. SHI-U-NIN

I pray thee fulfill thy pledge to me. [266]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS STUDENTS Fulfill thy pledge ! Fulfill thy pledge ! SHI-U-NIN My father's greatest friend ! STUDENTS His father's greatest friend ! WANG Loo Commands from heaven must be obeyed. [ SHI-U-NIN faces Hu in defiance. SHI-U-NIN I do defy this stranger grim ! Who is this hawk who flies by night ? Hu Thou soon shalt know ! By the ten kings of hell, begone ! \ffhe Dignitaries and crowd bustle SHI-U-NIN and the Students off, with cries of "Away with

him!" TiN-Loi follows y wringing bis bands. SHI-U-NIN (from the distance) Fei-Yen-Fah! Fei-Yen-Fah! Hu Come nearer, child ! Let me enjoy thy beauty Thy virgin cheeks by only moonbeams kissed ; Thy lips, the dove's heart-blood, await mine own ; Thy dawning breasts are eggshell bowls of wine ! Come nearer ! Let me hold thee, Fei-Yen-Fah ! Dost hear my dreamy flowers calling thee ! [Slowly, a number of red Poppies drift down from [267]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB the hillside. 'They encircle FEI-YEN-FAH in their dance, which grows wilder and wilder. Hu stands on the lower hillside above the dancers. When the dance ends he speaks. Hu Come, my Fei-Yen-Fah ! Thou art mine forevermore.

[He rushes into the circle of dancers, where FEIYEN-FAH stands like a frightened fawn. He takes her in his arms and crushes her to him. As he does so his fox's face is revealed. He kisses her and she falls dead at his feet. He breaks into howls of laughter. Hu And now, bold Shi-u-nin ! Dost thou still doubt the power of the Fox ? Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! [Hu and the Poppies now disappear in the darkness with echoes of their laughter. The Lilies come in timidly, ney place their flowers around the body of FEI-YEN-FAH. WANG Loo kneels at her feet. WANG Loo It is the Fox's curse, my little Fei-Yen-Fah!

INTERMEZZO "THE SPIRIT OF FEI-YEN-FAH !

ACT III Grove of the Fox 'Temple. Hu is seen in front of the doors of the sbrine.

Hu O Lord of All, my day on earth is spent. I've wallowed in the haunts of Hsi Wang Mu Destroying as of old that happiness Which fills my belly with the seeds of hate ! Unconquerable am I, and still supreme ! My dormant slaves now soon will prowl the earth As retribution for my punishment. Grim sullen war shall fill the empty fields With stinking, swollen dead. Starvation, too, And Pestilence, her kin, will gorge their fill On ruined crops and seasons dry. At last All hungry graves with coffins shall be choked A banquet for my servant, Death ! [He disappears into the sbrine. SHI-U-NIN'S voice is beard in tbe distance.

SHI-U-NIN (singing)

O Love of mine, O Fei-Yen-Fah ! Thy beauty like yon star Received its light from heaven above; Thou wert too pure for love. O Fei-Yen-Fah, my Fei-Yen-Fah, my Fei-Yen-Fah! [He appears on tbe lower hillside. [269]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB The nightingale my love bemoans In soft and mournful tones; The stars are dimmed in misty tears, The world my heartache hears. My heartache hears, my love, my life, My own, my guiding star ! My Fei-Yen-Fah ! [He descends. With tears I grieve, and bleeding heart That fate should bid us part. There is a land for lovers true The land of Hsi Wang Mu. O Fei-Yen-Fah, my Fei-Yen-Fah, my Fei-Yen-Fah!

[TiN-Loi enters. He finds SHI-U-NIN seated with bowed head. TiN-Loi My boy, my Shi-u-nin ! The ambassador was Hu, the Fox, himself! Sweet Fei-Yen-Fah is gone to his domain. Her life hath paid the debt of thy disdain Of China's faith. Repent, or thou art lost ! SHI-U-NIN No, no ! Her body smirched by his foul touch, Her soul took wings unsullied to the stars. The goddess, Hsi Wang Mu, hath called my love. My bride, with virgin dower, awaits me there. (approaching the shrine) Foul fiend ! Thou spirit of relentless woe ! Thou snarling beast ! Thy poisonous fangs Rip joy from out our hearts, To gorge thy noxious paunch. What is thy power but ignorance Of craven fools who fall beneath thy sway ? [270]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS TiN-Loi (grasping SHI-U-NIN around the knees) Quick, offer meats ! A bullock roasted whole With wine, and candles burned before the shrine

! [SHI-U-NIN brushes TiN-Loi aside and be falls to earth. He runs up to a brazier y and, grasping from it a burning brand, holds it aloft. SHI-U-NIN Take heed, thou pig of spirits, incensesmoked ! I fear thee not ! No more our land shall feel Thy cloven foot upon her tender breast. I will burn thy sty and smoke thee out, to prowl Forever more the pathless walks of night ! [HE holds the burning brand aloft. TiN-Loi rises and rushes off y wringing his hands. SHI-U-NIN sets fire to the shrine. TiN-Loi Wang Loo ! Wang Loo ! [WANG Loo and all appear. There is thunder and lightning. ALL (mumbling in prayer) Almighty Hu, O save us from thy wrath. \ffhe thunder and lightning continues. Accept our gifts. Destroy us not, O Hu !

\ffhe shrine disappears in a great sheet of flame. Intense darkness ensues. SHI-U-NIN China, awake ! Hu, the Fox, is gone ! Free from his curse live ye forevermore.

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB Lift up your voice, to the goddess divine ! Hsi Wang Mu, paeans of praise are thine ! Fear no longer holds his sway ; Love triumphant shines to-day. Happiness reigneth in all Cathay ! \Hefalls prostrate. ALL What says the youth, can it be true ? Where is thy power, Almighty Hu ? Almighty Hu, Almighty Hu ! Show us the light, great goddess, Hsi Wang Mu ! Hsi Wang Mu! \_A soft light begins to appear where the shrine had stood. As the light becomes stronger , a

glorious peach-tree is revealed in full blossom. China awakes ! China awakes ! China awakes ! China awakes ! Hu, the Fox, is gone ! Free from his curse live we forevermore ! We lift our voice to the goddess divine ! Hsi Wang Mu, paeans of praise are thine ! Fear no longer holds his sway, Love triumphant shines to-day. Happiness reigneth in all Cathay ! [A shower of blossoms falls from the peachtree, and out of it appears the spirit of FEI-YEN-FAH. She assists SHI-U-NIN to his feet. The tree behold ! Tree of Immortal Life ! Welcome vision bright ! Welcome vision bright ! Hail! Hail! Hail! The tree behold, all hail ! [FEi-YEN-FAH points upward, where a shaft of light reveals four Celestial Beings, seated on high. She leads SHI-U-NIN up the hillside. [272]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS SHI-U-NIN (singing) Fei-Yen-Fah, beloved, lead, Lead the way. Heaven's voices

Are calling thee, calling thee; Lead the way ! \ffhe vision of Hsi WANG Mu, the goddess of love and happiness, now appears above the Celestial Beings. A light that seems to radiate from her person, grows stronger and stronger, finally illuminating the whole countryside in its glory. ALL (singing) China awakes ! Hu, the Fox, is gone ! Free from his curse live we forevermore. We lift our voice to the goddess divine. Hsi Wang Mu, paeans of praise are thine ! Fear no longer holds his sway, Love triumphant shines to-day. Happiness reigneth in all Cathay !

[273]

NOTE ON THE MUSIC BY JOSEPH D. REDDING THE SCENE of the story is laid in ancient China, to which the youth, Shi-u-nin, returns proclaiming the

life, the virtues and the point of view of the people of another land which he has visited. This permits the oriental and occidental forms of music to be placed in contrast throughout the work. The uniqueness of the Chinese percussion instruments has been recognized and employed in several modern scores; but, as far as we are advised, the great dramatic values which the Chinese have obtained from time immemorial in the employment of many and varied accents of percussion seem hitherto never to have been brought to the attention of what we are pleased to call our modern world. Again there is a marked quaintness and lilt to the thematic material which the Chinese construct upon the five-toned scale. Their music is very definite, very accurate; it is nowise lacking in technical form and development. By repetition, imitation and rhythmic counterpoint, they intensify the dramatic effect of their themes and

always with the strictest attention to tempo and rhythm. Their harmonic structure is confined to the chord of the added sixth, which, with the super-tonic, becomes a five-toned or pentatonic scale. The Chinese sing only in solo or in unison, never in part or choral form. It is in the final scene, when Shi-u-nin has brought about the miracle destroying the [275]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB ancient temple of bigotry and fear and bringing into full bloom the Tree of Eternal Life, that China awakes and the entire chorus breaks forth into full harmony and hails the new Land of Happiness. The Prologue opens as follows:

fefe

Old China is typified in the opening strains of the March of the Viceroy:

[276]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS Whenever the viceroy speaks he is accompanied by the orchestra playing the following themes, scored as delicately as possible, in order to produce a tone color similar to that heard in the Chinese theatre. 4 J ,4 ',* J .4

.rni rrn

pv*^ ^

. frp rm H i 4 * ^y rm $ p r

f r

-t f

The music of Fei-Yen-Fah, the daughter of the viceroy* while based on the Chinese scale, is extended into the modern, to illustrate the sweetness of her character.

|C* .. ,.

p fl

J rp J^l p ^ ^

[277]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

fe^i

C-" " LL'

i==i

,4^^ r

fr J \& . Ij* *oK.. V MT Iti.^?:

The love duet between Shi-u-nin and Fei-Yen-Fah is a mixture of both the oriental and occidental scales.

I yj^'*'*

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS

r' .

^s

*^ f U 'V 't>'t> t> t>" 'V> '^'

The following is a fragment of the solo of Shiu-nin, telling of the Land of Happiness:

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB

***

|W

The Poppy Dance is intended to be gruesome, but with well-defined theme and rhythm:

[280]

THE LAND OF HAPPINESS Shi-u-nin rails at the temple in the third act:

S:

O &xvt. A -Y^rve.

. <kCAX - ftA

-&COW

[ 2 8i]

THE GROVE PLAYS OF THE BOHEMIAN CLUB The final chorus is given in full harmony:

r r

e*OA/

xk*

r r

r r r

r r r

-W,.<Ke Aia^v

t=*

[282]