Action supposed to have occurred in Dreamland. Green bank, C. Behind this a small platform about six inches high; chorus seated R. and L. of stage.

(As the chorus closes, enter R., Drowsa and Oblivia; L., Somna and Sootha; then R., Queen Mab, who stands C.)

Q. Mab.

Spirits of Dreamland, once again we meet,
Our round of nightly revel to repeat.
O'er earth, when locked in sleep's warm, close embrace,
Since time began, the genius of our race
Has had the power fearlessly to sway
The visionary sceptre all obey.
The mighty monarch, who, with tyrant frown,
Upholds the burden of his weighty crown;
The fierce-browed warrior who relentless slays,
And, bathed in blood, his vows to Moloch pays;
Haughty and lowly, powerful and weak,—
Under mysterious spells our guidance seek.
Sweet sister spirits, Dreamland opens wide;
Yet justice guards it well on every side.
Over the pure we rosy visions throw:
Around the base a sea of troubles flow.
Ere forth you glide to ply your happy arts,
Your queen would learn the secrets of your hearts;
Who hie to sport, with mischievous intent,
And who on graver ministries are bent.

Sootha.

I've an old miser under watchful care,
With sordid soul, of generous impulse bare;
Who nightly feasts, with avaricious eyes,
Where treasured gold in rare profusion lies;
Who revels o'er his fast-increasing store,
Chuckles with glee, yet wistful sighs for more;
Starvation's image, in a den so bare,
It seems a fit abode for dark despair.
Into his sleep I glide, disturb his rest,
Rattle his treasure, till, with fear possessed,
As frightful visions thick and thicker press,
He trembling wakes, his idol to caress.

Oblivia.

Fair queen, a toiling student I enchain,
And with my art refresh his weary brain:
Up wisdom's heights I lead him by the hand,
And show him visions of the promised land;
Fair fields of learning spread before his gaze,
For him the realm of science set ablaze,
Ope Fame's grand temple, Honor's scroll unroll,
And tell the triumphs of the trusting soul,
Till hope re-animates the wasting fire
With earnest zeal and conquering desire.

Somna.

I guard a trusting maiden, young and fair,
Whom Love has tangled in his silken snare;
Spread rosy dreams amid her sleeping hours,
And lead her captive through a land of flowers;
Adorn her hero with true manly pride,
And of the future ope the portal wide,
While smiles of pleasure o'er her sweet face creep,
And blissful words betray her secret deep.
With rare delight her day-dreams I repeat,
And make her young life's round of love complete.

Drowsa.

Oh, I've a task, fair queen, will love secure.
Last night I visited with visions pure
A weary mother, who, for many a day,
Watched o'er the cradle where her dear babe lay
Wasting with fever, till the unseen Hand
Took it in kindness to a better land.
Long has she mourned its loss, with wakeful eyes,
Fast-falling tears, low, sad, and bitter cries.
Last night she slept; and then, in vision's charms,
I crept, and laid her babe within her arms.
Content she rested, with a smile so sweet,
I go to-night this comfort to repeat.

Q. Mab.

Your zeal, industrious spirits, we applaud:
Your chosen missions meet with full accord;
Yet for this night we have a task so grand,
Your queen would all your energies command.

Somna.

We wait your pleasure,

Oblivia.

All our arts employ;

Drowsa.

Set us what tasks you will,

Sootha.

We'll serve with joy.

Q. Mab.

Thanks, sisters! To our confidence draw near,
And list our secret with attentive ear.
Freedom's fair goddess, Gloria, in doubt,
Her fair Republic, restless roams about,
Seeking a talisman to life prolong,
And make her youthful charge wax brave and strong.
Close at her side Rubina, crafty maid,
Whose fire-lit eyes gloat over war's dread trade,
Plies her bold speech, unchecked by fear of frown,
Counselling deeds of conquest and renown;
While calm Serena, long to Peace allied,
Whose gentle influence stretches far and wide,
Recounts the glories of a land at rest,
With sterling Industry's rich harvests blest.
Wavering betwixt the gentle and the bold,
By turns rebellious, and by turns controlled,
Poor Gloria wanders long, in dire distress
Which counsellor to choose her realm to bless.
Old custom gives to us prophetic power
To guide by vision in the trying hour.
And so to-night, o'er Gloria's doubting heart,
Fair sister spirits, we will ply our art,
Lure her to Dreamland, and in phantom light
Illume her path, and guide her to the right.
Stand close! she comes! the light winds bear along
The martial burden of her triumph song.

[Retire, and form behind bank.

Chorus; air, "Love of Country."

Blest is the land where Freedom rears,

'Neath heaven's blue, arching dome,

For labor's sons of every clime,

Her proud and happy home.

Beyond the reach of tyrant rule,

Free are the hands we raise:

Onward we move, with joyous song

Of thankfulness and praise.

Blest is the land, &c.

(Enter L., Gloria, attended by Rubina and Serena,

followed by Attendants.)

		C. Gloria.
R.	Rubina.		Serena,	L.
Attendants.				Attendants.

Gloria.

Yes, mine, all mine, this bounteous land,
So rich in varied blessings that command
Homage from all. The mighty of the earth
Must stoop to thee, O land of lowly birth!
Thy mountains rise in majesty and pride;
In royal state thy valleys open wide;
Thy broad, expansive waters, spreading free,
Embrace the bosom of the mother sea;
Out of a fruitful earth thy harvests rise;
Out leaps the golden ore with glad surprise;
Over thy broad domains, with ceaseless hum,
Labor's grand armies ever conquering come;
While rare Invention opes its secret heart,
And Genius rears its monumental art.
O land of promise! Gloria's inmost prayer
Could ask no more than thy fair fate to share.
Sweet counsellors, let Wisdom quick contrive
Some plan this happy state to keep alive.

Rubina.

A nation's life, fair mistress, action craves;
Cold, sluggish apathy the blood enslaves.
Renown's the rock on which to rear a state;
Rubina's counsel is for conquest straight.

Gloria.

Conquest, Rubina! Thine's a sorry jest.
We have no quarrels: friends with all we rest.

Rubina.

Ay: but to win renown, with fair excuse,
Strike at the shadow of some old abuse
Among our neighbors; or, with slight parade
Of justice, boldly on their borders raid.
Quick to revenge, their warlike hearts upspring:
"To arms! to arms!" they cry. Their weapons ring;
On us they march, a fast-increasing band,
Till in the confines of our realm they stand.
"Quick! to repel invasion!" then our cry;
Alarming signals flash out fierce and high;
From east and west, from north and south, outpour
The sons of Freedom, in their strength secure;
Drive back the foe, in turn invade their fold,
Until their fate victoriously we hold.

Gloria.

And then—

Rubina.

And then boldly for ransom claim
A portion of their realm in Freedom's name.

Gloria.

What says Serena?

Serena.

'Tis a crafty plot,
And full of wickedness. I like it not.
Freedom's a name too sacred to infold
A hungering appetite for greed and gold.
What conquest gains is ne'er enriched by toil;
Ensanguined earth is but a sterile soil.
Rubina's counsel, and her bold device,
Would purchase glory at a bloody price.

Rubina.

Serena, pause! thou hast no right to frown,
With thy cold-hearted words, my counsel down.
No crafty plot I weave to bring disgrace,
But lofty plans to glorify the race.
Let War once set his standard in the field,
With strength and valor blazoned on his shield,
The roar of cannon, and the clash of steel,
Shall glad the nation with triumphant peal,
And strong and mighty conquerers enroll
Heroic deeds on her historic scroll.

Serena.

While o'er the land the blood of her dear sons—
Conquest's sad recompense—in horror runs.
Forbear, Rubina! Gracious mistress, might
Should ever wield its strong arm for the right.
Let not Rubina's counsel carry weight,
Lest angry discord rend your lofty state.

Rubina.

Insult again—

Gloria.

Nay, nay, Rubina. Pause:
Thou hast had ample time to urge thy cause.
With patience curb a while thy fiery mood;
We'll ponder well thy influence for good.
Speak thou, Serena. Canst thou find release
For our perplexity in ways of peace?

Serena.

Ay, peace, fair mistress, is the fount of health,
Whence flow the streams of happiness and wealth
That bless a nation. In its waters fair,
Drowned are the pangs of life-corroding care;
Cheered and refreshed is duty's faithful heart,
In labor's trials strong to take its part.
O happy Gloria! o'er this blest domain,
With Peace thy minister, forever reign.
Its power can bless thy state with bright renown,
And deck with radiant gems thy royal crown.
Let not bold War thy quiet glades invade,
To ruthless revel in thy marts of trade,
Affront thy people with its thundering peal,
And grind the harvests 'neath its iron heel.
For Peace is mighty to achieve all ends,
And highest good with grandest triumph blends.

Rubina.

Ignoble Toil, Serena, grovels low,
And on the race no glory can bestow.

Serena.

Toil is the power that tears the rock away,
And brings rare jewels to the light of day.

Rubina.

'Tis base!

Serena.

'Tis noble!

Gloria.

Silence, I entreat!
Counsel is vain when angry passions meet.
In patience we have heard: in patience wait,
Till we have pondered on this strange debate,
And made our choice. Anon we'll make it known.
Await our pleasure. We would be alone.

(Repeat chorus, "Blest is the land," &c., and march off R., Rubina and Attendants; L., Serena and Attendants. Gloria sits on bank.)

Gloria.

O doubting heart! the battle to repeat,
Within thy depths Content and Conquest meet.
Upon the field where Conscience sits enthroned,
One must be victor crowned, and one disowned.
When Wisdom all its arguments hath plied,
Thou, judge impartial, must the case decide.
Upon thy fiat hangs a nation's fate:
Give me the power to make my people great.

Song; air, "Oh, come ye into the summer woods:"

Queen Mab and Dream-Spirits.

Oh, sink you into soft slumber's arms!

There dwelleth no annoy;

There freely rove the Dreamland sprites,

And sweet rest is full of joy.

Gloria (slowly sinks to rest, speaking softly, with closed eyes).

Soft, drowsy spirits o'er my senses creep,
And bear me captive to the realm of sleep.

Song continued.

We'll spread for you, in phantom light,

That plainly you may know,

The woes of dreadful warfare,

The joys from peace that flow.

Oh! sink you, &c.

Queen Mab (comes front of bank, and kneels; Somna and Oblivia come down R.; Drowsa and Sootha, L.).

Ay, sink to sleep, fair goddess. Healthy rest
From weighty care shall ease thy troubled breast;
Prophetic visions o'er thy senses roll,
To guide to just result thy struggling soul.
Rubina comes with treason in her tread,
To crafty acts by false ambition led.

(Enter Rubina, R. She passes behind bank, and stands C., looking down at Gloria. Then enter R., Cruelty and Hatred, who pass to L.; Discord and Revenge, who stand R.)

		Rubina.
		Gloria, on bank.
		Queen Mab, kneeling.
R.	Discord.		Hatred.	L.
	Somna.		Sootha.
	Revenge.		Cruelty.
	Oblivia.		Drowsa.

Rubina.

In fetters bound all powerless she lies,
The mighty goddess who all earth defies,
The slave of sleep. Relinquished the command
Which sways the fortune of her chosen land.
The gleaming crown on her majestic brow
But serves as symbol of her bondage now.
Should I but snatch it from her pillowed head,
Rubina rules, and Freedom's host is led
Instant to conquest. 'Tis a glorious aim.
Speak, you who wait: have I your free acclaim?

Discord.

Quick! snatch the crown, and I will hie away
To boldly with the meaner passions play;
Quicken your hosts with feverish desire,
With love of anarchy their bosoms fire.
Pause not, but on the instant power assume!
Discord will go before, and cry, "Make room!"

Cruelty.

Ay, wear the crown. Let war defiant move;
Let me 'mid soft and tender passions rove,
Crushing and slaying, turning all to steel,
Forged in the flame of fierce and bitter zeal.
Allegiance to thee, Cruelty will give;
Under thy triumphs will she grandly live.

Hatred.

Usurp the regal state, and I am free
War's stanch and sturdy champion to be.
Warm blood I quicken with a thirsty hate,
That nought but anarchy can satiate.
Unto thy crown I full allegiance lend;
Hatred by thee will ever stand as friend.

Revenge.

Success to treason! At thy feet I lay
My fond allegiance. Bid me quick array
The fiercest passions. I will straightway prove
My bold endeavor worthy of thy love.
War is my idol; at its luring call
Revenge is quick, and sure to conquer all.

Rubina.

O glorious spirits! what you free accord,
This grateful heart shall bless with rich reward.
Success is certain: I'll no longer pause,
But raise aloft the standard of our cause.

(Takes crown from Gloria's head.)

The crown is mine. Rise, War, in triumph now;
Gloria's rare diadem is on my brow!

Tableau. The crowning of War.

	Hatred.	Rubina.	Discord.
		Gloria, on bank.
R.	Somna.	Queen Mab.	Sootha.	L.
	Revenge.		Cruelty.
	Oblivia.		Drowsa.

A chord. Rubina places crown on her head; stands with her hands raised to the crown. Gloria starts up, resting on one hand, her other hand raised to her brow, terror in her eyes. Queen Mab on her knees in front of bank, her hands clasped, resting in her lap, head thrown back. Somna, R., and Sootha, L., in line with Queen Mab, crouch each with one hand on her shoulder, the other outstretched, as though warding off danger. Hatred and Discord run R. and L. of Rubina; each has hand on her waist, the other raised in triumph. Drowsa falls at the feet of Cruelty, L., her back to audience, her hands raised and clasped. Cruelty looks down at her with right hand raised and clenched, as though about to strike. Oblivia falls at the feet of Revenge, R., with outstretched arms, facing audience; Revenge seizes her hands, bends her back, and looks into her face. Expressions of terror on the faces of Dream-Spirits and Gloria; triumph in those of Rubina and her Attendants. Soft music until the attention of the audience is fastened on the picture, then,—

Chorus; air, "Soldier's Chorus."

Glory and fame for the free and bold!
War's red banner let heroes unfold,
Boldly advancing to win renown,
Ay, eager to fight, and ready to guard Rubina's crown.

Semi-chorus.

Who lack courage to dare in the front of fight,
With conquest before, and the foe in sight?

Semi-chorus.

Who would falter or turn when glory and fame
Their bright laurels press, and with victory bless,
In War's mighty name?

Chorus.

Glory and fame, &c.

Rubina.

Up and away! the tocsin sounds afar;
The land of freedom is the realm of war.

(Repeat chorus, "Glory and Fame," &c., and exit R., Rubina, followed by Revenge, Hatred, Discord, and Cruelty. As the music ceases, Queen Mab and the Dream-Spirits resume their places at back of bank.)

Gloria.

Rubina false, and I, by sleep possessed,
Powerless to rise my rightful crown to wrest!

Queen Mab.

Now, fair Serena, let thy loyal heart,
The treasures of its secret depths impart.
Sisters, the spell prolong with slumber's chain;
Bind the fair goddess to her dreams again.

Song: Queen Mab and Dream-Spirits; air, "The

Image of the Rose."

Come, Sleep, on drowsy pinions flying,

Fair Gloria lull to sweet repose.

The land of dreams around her lying,

To charm her senses, brightly glows.

There peaceful visions, soft, entrancing,

In changeful measures sport and play.

Sleep, by thy magic power advancing,

Within thy arms bear her away.

Magical sleep, bear her, bear her, oh, bear her away!

As the song proceeds, the Dream-Spirits and Queen Mab slowly exeunt, R. Serena, and Attendants, Music, with a lyre; Industry, with a distaff; Plenty, with a horn of plenty; and Art, with a palette and brushes,—appear, L., when the music ceases. Serena stands C., looking down at Gloria; her Attendants L. The implements carried by the Attendants should be made of flowers, if possible.

		Bank.
		Serena.
R.			L.	Attendants.

Serena.

Genius of Freedom, in thy visions bless
Serena's faithful heart with warm caress.
Let not vain Conquest flatter and deceive:
Bid restful Peace at once thy doubts relieve.
Bending in homage to thy royal sway,
Strong to achieve, and zealous to obey,
She sues for favor: bid her journey wide,
Prosperity to sow on every side.
She pleads in love: receive her earnest prayer,
And of thy love bestow a generous share.

Industry.

Hear her, great goddess: ready to inthrall
True-hearted worth, I wait her cheery call.
With brain and muscle ceaselessly I play,
Opening new harvests to the light of day.
Contentment, life's warm, sweet, and better part,
Industry thrones in Labor's thrifty heart.

Plenty.

List to her prayer, O Gloria! All elate
To fill the treasure-house of wealth I wait;
At her command, the harvest shall outpour,
To deck thy chosen land from shore to shore.
Warmed in the love-light of her peaceful eyes,
Plenty, fruit-freighted, shall luxurious rise.

Art.

Grant her fond wish, fair goddess, and I twine
Into thy reign, with rare and grand design,
All that pen, brush, and chisel can achieve,
Thy weighty cares to lighten and relieve.
Gigantic Genius bends a willing knee,
When Art, by Peace, to triumph is set free.

Music.

Hear her, fair goddess, and I joyous soar,
PÆans of thankfulness and praise to pour
In bounteous song. Thy proud and happy reign
Shall be the burden of my glad refrain.
Religion's anthems swell with large increase
When Music rises at the call of Peace.

Serena.

Dost hear, my mistress? All the Graces meet
In my behalf, thy favor to entreat.
Grant me thy love, and beautiful and grand
Shall be the labors of this gifted band.

(Enter Rubina, R., and her Attendants.)

Rubina.

Thou suest for love, Serena, all too late:
Gloria has parted with her high estate.
I sued for power, defied the royal frown,
Played with bold hand, and won the regal crown.

Serena.

The crown upon thy head! Oh, bitter woe
O'er a fair land relentlessly shall flow!
Must I relinquish all my dreams of bliss?
Do I deserve such recompense as this?

Rubina.

Check thy bold speech, Serena. Get thee hence!
Thy piteous pleading is a rash offence
Against our state.

Serena.

Rash Rubina, hold!
Peace by thy sway can never be controlled.
Thou hast usurped the guidance of a race
Who shrink in terror from thy brazen face.
Thou hast with treachery obtained a crown;
Serena quails not at a wicked frown.
Traitress—

Rubina.

Defied by thee! At once away!
Rubina rules, and can relentless slay.
Thy power is crushed: Serena now must cease
The fickle glow of enervating peace.
With all the sprites that compass thee about,
From Freedom's realms I boldly drive thee out.
War's mighty reign begins—

(Gloria rises quickly, steps between, and snatches the

crown from Rubina's head.)

Gloria.

False one, 'tis o'er!
Flaunt thy fierce mien in our domain no more.
Thy rude assaults of recklessness and pride,
Fame, glory, and renown, in scorn deride.
Thou hast no charms the noble to inthrall;
No knightly hearts obey thy martial call
When Conquest beckons. Here, within the realm,
Be thou content to treason overwhelm
With mighty force. Fate binds thee to our side;
Henceforth thou watchful guard, and we will guide.

(Waves her hand; Rubina and her Attendants retire to back of stage, L.; Gloria passes behind bank, and stands.)

By vision hath our sleep been girt about,
And happy wake we, free from anxious doubt.
Our choice 'twixt War and Peace we here reveal,
And stamp the fiat with our royal seal.
Approach, Serena! Love thou dost desire.

(Serena stands near C.)

Thou hast all charms affection to inspire,—
Heart warm with honesty and generous zeal;
Brain strong to contrive, and mighty to reveal;
Soul full of teeming virtues. All outflow,
Blessings of peace and love to free bestow.
Henceforth to guide us by thy loving arts,
We crown thee sovereign in our heart of hearts.

Tableau. The crowning of Peace.

	Dream-Spirits.		Attendants.
	Queen Mab.		Rubina.
		Gloria.
		Bank.
	Industry.	Serena.	Art.
R.	Plenty.		Music,	L.

Serena sits on bank, C., facing audience, hands folded across her breast. Gloria stands behind her, placing the crown upon her head; Industry R. of Serena, seated on bank, facing R., distaff in her left hand resting against shoulder; Art in the same position L. of Serena, facing L., with palette in her left hand; Music kneeling in front of Art, facing audience, playing upon lyre; Plenty kneeling on right knee, front of Industry, outpouring her horn of plenty; Rubina L., back, with her Attendants grouped behind her. Queen Mab enters R., with her Dream-Spirits, and group R., back. Appropriate music: then chorus; air, Eichberg's "National Hymn."

On thee, O Freedom, grand and great!

In confidence we lean,

Our land to bless, with fond caress

Of happiness serene.

To hail thy crowning, gentle Peace,

Let music joyous soar;

While harvests wave, and blessings lave

Thy realm from shore to shore.

Repeat. Curtain.

Note.—All the tunes used in this allegory, with the single
exception of Eichberg's "National Hymn" (which is published
in sheet-form), are from "The Grammar School Chorus," which
furnished the tunes for "The Revolt of the Bees," "The War
of the Roses," and "Lightheart's Pilgrimage," by the same
author. Published by O. Ditson & Co., and sold by Lee &
Shepard, Boston. Price $1.00.