CHARACTERS.

Scene.—Idylcourt. For a school exhibition, the chorus should be seated right and left of an open space in the centre of the platform, for the speakers. There should be a raised platform, six or eight inches high, at the rear of this, with a dark background for the more effective display of tableaux.

During the singing of the Chorus, enter, R., Primeva, Majesta, Flora, and Oceana. Enter L., Genia, Classica, Blenda, Harmonia. At the conclusion, enter Justicia R., and stands C. Positions are indicated by the following diagram:—

Justicia.

Welcome, fair sisters, to our regal court;
Your tuneful measures breathe of good report;
Twin guardian spirits of the fruitful earth,
To glad mankind creation gave you birth.
To you, Primeva, Nature bends in awe;
From you, fair Genia, Art receives its law.
Your free acclaim, upon this regal seat,
Justicia placed, all arguments to meet
With ear impartial; bade her voice decide,
That blissful harmony might here abide.
Your graceful homage, to our royal ear
Is but the foretaste of more welcome cheer.
You need our aid: unto our grateful heart
Your mission's import quickly now impart.

Primeva.

Fair genius—

Genia.

Sweet Justicia—

Justicia.

Our decree,
By courtly rule, admits no double plea.
Be gracious, sisters.

Genia.

I was wanting grace,
And humbly bend to give Primeva place.

Primeva.

Justicia, yonder proud and haughty sprite
Usurps a name Primeva claims by right.
I would have justice!

Justicia.

Art thou just to her?
Genia usurper! 'tis a cruel slur.
Brave, truthful speech bears no envenomed sting,
But, like good metal, has an honest ring.

Primeva.

It was an honest truth, I dare repeat;
I may be rough in speech, but scorn deceit.

Genia.

'Tis true, Justicia, in a friendly way,
I chanced to cross Primeva's path to-day,
And held some converse with my sister sprite,
Whose bold, free speech is often my delight.
Our theme was conquest; and, in pleasant strife,
Each boasted of her power o'er human life;
And, half in jest, this boast I gayly hurled,—
"I, Genia, am the empress of the world."

Primeva.

'Tis false. It was no jest.

Justicia.

Primeva, cease!
Your angry humor doth disturb our peace.

Genia.

Primeva met my jest with frowning brow,
And angry words, so bitter in their flow,
My jesting humor fled. We argued long
To whom, by right, that title should belong;
Leaving all else but this great truth behind,—
She is the greatest who best serves mankind.

Justicia.

Who won the battle?

Genia.

That you must decide.
By your impartial fiat we abide.

Primeva.

On this we are agreed. Justicia, hear,
And let your judgment be both wise and clear.
Nature's own goddess, crowned and sceptred, I
Stand forth all meaner powers to defy.
I rule the field, the mount, the sky, the sea:
Who shall presume in power to rival me?
I wave my hand; and, o'er the barren waste,
Upspringing flowers to meet my coming haste.
I smile: the trees, o'erburdened with their fruit,
Bend low, with blushing cheeks, for my salute.
I speak: the bristling hillocks, far and near,
Present in homage many an opening ear;
The grand old mountains, stately and serene,
Welcome my coming, own me as their queen;
Adown their sides I loose the mimic streams,
To sport and revel in the sun's warm beams.
I rule the mighty sea by wave and tide;
I deck with starry gems the heavens wide;
I hurl the storm upon the maddening sea;
The shifting winds, obedient, follow me;
I bind the waters in an icy band,
And spread a snowy pall o'er all the land;
With all the elements I sport at will,
And, fast or loose, all my commands fulfil.
Fair genius, 'tis but just, that, so renowned,
As empress of the world I should be crowned.

Justicia.

There's anger in thy speech, pride in thine eye;
Ambition's soaring pinions lift thee high.
What says your rival to this weighty claim?
Can aught be found to heighten Genia's fame?

Genia.

Justicia, I a mightier sceptre sway,
And make Primeva's realms but pave the way
To grand achievements. Through her flowery field
I drive the plough, and bounteous harvests yield;
With skilful husbandry I trim and train,
And bursting garners from wild growth obtain;
Tunnel her mountains with resistless force,
And make a pathway for the iron horse;
Gird up her waters to obey my will,
And move the strong arm of the whirring mill.
Across her broad expanse, the mighty sea,
My white-winged messengers move swift and free;
From out their earthen graves I pluck the gems
That warm and shape, or glow in diadems.
In aërial flights I wander through her sphere,
Or with rare science draw her planets near,
With touch electric feel the farthest clime,
And count the storm-specks on the wings of time.
She empress of the world! it cannot be;
All her possessions minister to me.
Rough and ill-shaped the treasure she displays;
I mould and carve, and make the jewel blaze.
I claim the crown. Justicia, be thou true;
She must be greatest who can all subdue.

Justicia.

Unto this haughty speech, and fulsome praise,
We've listened, Genia, in a wild amaze.
Hast thou forgot, self-laudatory boast
Was ne'er the leader of a conquering host?
But that to sober justice we're allied,
We should be merry at such foolish pride.

Genia.

We wait your verdict.

Primeva.

'Twill give me the crown.

Genia.

Primeva, cease.

Primeva.

I care not for your frown.
Betwixt the false and true she must decide:
Mine is the wise, and yours the foolish pride.

Justicia.

This idle skirmish doth our court defame;
A silly quarrel for an empty name.

Primeva.

A silly quarrel! Is Justicia fair,
To shun a verdict by excuse so bare?

Genia.

She's bound to rule whene'er we make appeal:
Be wise, Justicia, and your choice reveal.

Justicia.

Hear, then, the judgment which we now proclaim:—
As each has sought to blazon her own fame,
The key to right in this one truth we find,—
She is the greatest who best serves mankind.
On this you are agreed. Here rest your case,
And leave the verdict to the human race.
Ofttimes, in Idylcourt, you've chanced to meet
An earthly maid, who favors our retreat,
With curious, watchful eyes, as though she sought
Food for the nourishment of new-born thought,—
A goodly type of fair, ingenuous youth,
About whom floats an atmosphere of truth.
Woo her, fair sisters, with all fair device,
Which should in honest rivalry suffice;
In peaceful tourney meet to win the maid;
And on the victor shall our hand be laid
In benediction of so wise a choice;
Then harmony prevails, and all rejoice.

Primeva.

An admirable plan.

Genia.

Justicia's right.

Justicia.

Prepare your forces for the bloodless fight.
Be earnest in the strife, but loyal ever,
And some success must crown a right endeavor.

Chorus; air, "New-mown Hay."

Then gayly to the tourney hie,

And struggle for the crown;

The strong in right shall all defy,

The wrong in shame go down.

In peaceful contest meeting,

All courteous be the greeting.

We arm, the contest to begin:

Hurrah! the right shall win!

 

At the words, "All courteous" Justicia extends her right hand; Primeva lays her left hand upon it; Genia lays her right. They stand thus until the chorus ends. Then repeat the chorus. Justicia steps back, and exit R.; Primeva and Genia with their attendants countermarch, and exeunt R. and L. As the song ceases, enter from R., Poesie.

 

Poesie. Vanquished again! Was ever mortal maid
By wild, illusive phantoms so betrayed?
Taught by a wise old seer that Idylcourt
Of guiding genii is the famed resort,
I've wandered in and out for weary hours,
Seeking the leaders of those mighty powers
That robe the earth in beauty, seasons guide,
Hang out the stars, and shift the changing tide,
Endow with action all the sons of earth,
And to the good and beautiful give birth.
Alas! my search is vain. About me glide
Tormenting shadows, that my calls deride.
I feel their presence in the fragrant breeze;
I touch their fingers in the fruited trees;
I spy their images in mirrored fount;
I hear their music in the echoing mount.
I know that at their touch fair cities rise;
That at their call delighted progress flies;
That at their smiles e'en towering genius soars
To loftier heights, and richer spoil secures.
And yet far off they stand. I cannot meet
The love-light of their eyes, or at their feet
Drink in the wisdom of inspiring speech.
The springs of power rise far beyond my reach.
Hear me, ye spirits, wonderful and grand!
Upon your charmèd ground I fearless stand.
Come ye in frightful shapes, or forms of grace,
I challenge you to meet me face to face.

Chorus: "The Fairy's Revel."

 

The mountains are sending their forces in might;
The fields are upspringing, and girding for fight;
The sea is outpouring, the air is alive,
For thee, fair Primeva, in tourney to strive.

 

During which, enter, R., Primeva; Flora, bearing flowers; Pomona, bearing basket of fruit; Agria, with a bundle of dried grass, hay, and grain; Oceana, Shellie, Wava, Majesta, Loftie, Aerie, and take positions according to following diagram:—

Poesie.

Conquered at last; and yet with strange affright
I am possessed at this most dazzling sight.
Fair spirits, at my call you've kindly met.
I'm little skilled in your court etiquette:
Accept the homage of a grateful heart,
That long will cherish what you may impart.

Primeva.

A suitor for that heart behold in me,—
Primeva, Nature's goddess, strong and free.
Follow my footsteps, and the path of life
Shall be with beauty and instruction rife.
Nature's grand empire all inviting opes,
To crown with joy and bliss thy youthful hopes.
The realm of matter owns my sovereign sway;
All working forces my commands obey.
But give to me thy heart, and onward press,
For I've the power to beautify and bless.
Come thou, fair Flora, guardian of my fields,
Display the charms thy rich dominion yields.

(Flora steps upon platform at L. of Poesie. Pomona

and Agria step behind them.)

Flora.

Broad and bright, in beauty and in worth,
The realms I govern stretch about the earth:
In pastures where the meek-eyed cattle graze,
In clustering woodlands, musical with praise,
In mighty forests where the untamed rove,
O'er rich plantations, through the tropic grove,
O'er plain and prairie, noiseless to the tread,
My regal green luxuriously is spread.
Out of my thrifty soil mankind's supplies,
At lusty labor's call, obedient rise.
With fancy's touch I skilfully combine
Grove, hill, and river in a rare design,
And spread for Genius, rich, attractive views
She fails to catch, yet hopefully pursues.
Come to my realms, fair maid! Primeva's heart
With warmest love shall purest joys impart.

Agria.

Haste, gentle maid, into our fair retreat:
Agria will lay her treasures at thy feet.

Pomona.

And in thy lap, from her abundant store,
Pomona will her choicest treasures pour.

Flora.

Thou shalt be welcomed with a matchless song,
Our heaven-taught singers joyously prolong;
On mossy beds recline for happy hours,
Charmed by rich perfumes, decked with lovely flowers.

Tableau: "Flora's Tribute." Music.

 

Poesie sinks on one knee, making a "lap" of her dress with her hand. Flora steps behind, holding flowers over her head. Agria at R., kneeling, in the act of laying her treasures at her feet. Pomona, L., bending forward, about to pour her fruits into her lap. Oceana with her arms about Wava and Shellie, R. and L., kneel. Majesta, Loftie, and Aerie form a standing group, with arms thrown about each other. Pomona passes to back, L. corner. Flora looks down at Poesie. Poesie has her head thrown back, looking up at Flora. All the others look at Poesie. Music continues until the group is well settled in position, then,—

Chorus; air, "The First Violets."

 

Come with gentle Flora, fair fields to rove.
She can deck with beauty, she will share with love.
Bathed by the sunlight, and fed by the dew,
Her bright and verdant regions are opening to you.

Poesie (springing to her feet; others retiring to their

first positions).

 

Sweet, gentle Flora, take me to your heart;
In all your joys I long to bear a part.

Primeva.

Nay, not so fast, fair maiden. List again.
Majesta burns your homage to obtain;
She is the guardian of the mountains high,
Whose peaks in grandeur pierce the arching sky.

Majesta.

Where the fierce eagle builds her dizzy nest,
Amid the clouds, I take my regal rest.
The sun on me his morning kiss bestows,
And nightly wraps me in his farewell glows.
The storm-king grimly musters round my throne,
And sends his chariots to the farthest zone.
My realms stretch far and wide o'er all the land,
And monuments of awe-inspiring grandeur stand.
Within my treasure-caverns locked secure,
Are precious stones, and veins of gleaming ore;
Marbles and granites—sleeping giants—lie,
Long to escape the crafty builder's eye.
Come to my realm, fair maid, and thou shalt find
The golden talisman that lures mankind.
From towering summits watch the creeping world;
See beauty's colors gloriously unfurled;
Heap the weird echoes bound from steep to steep;
And see the lightning take his earthward leap.
Primeva's fortress shall thy guardian be:
Give me thy hand, and upward mount with me.

Tableau: "The Listeners." Music.

 

Majesta stands C., with left hand pointing up over audience. Poesie, kneeling R., places her left hand in Majesta's left, and bends forward, intently gazing in the direction in which she points, her right hand behind her ear. Loftie passes to L. of Majesta, and kneels with her hand on the waist of Majesta. Aerie in same position, R. of Poesie. Oceana and her sprites form a standing group, R., back. Primeva steps back of all; and Flora and her sprites form standing group, L., back. Music continues until all arranged, then,—

Chorus; air, "The Herd-Bells."

Amid the mountains fleeting,

The echoes linger long,

Earth's song of praise repeating,

In chorus rich and strong.

The grand old mountains proudly

Their heads in beauty raise,

And, bathed in blushing glory,

Accept the song of praise.

 

[The effect could be heightened by concealing a chorus at the farther end of the hall, and introducing an echo refrain in the song.]

Poesie (springing up; the others resuming their former

positions).

 

Upward, Majesta, guide my willing feet;
I long to share the joys of your retreat.

Primeva.

Curb your impatience once again, I crave.
Speak, Oceana, guardian of the wave.

Oceana.

Know me, fair maid, as guardian of the sea,
The wealth of waters stretching far and free,
Deep basined in the world; in peace as mild,
As bright and beauteous, as a sportive child;
Dancing in sunlight up and down the sand;
Leaping, with white-capped waves, the rocky strand;
Creeping to shady nooks on pebbly bed;
Sleeping in moonlight 'neath a silvery spread.
Over her rolling roads, in strength and pride,
The floating treasure-chests of nations glide;
In emerald pastures deep beneath her crest,
The fin-clad wanderers from their gambols rest.
At mankind's call she hastes to do her part,
And from her herds bestows with generous heart.
Far, far below, fair cities rear their walls
With jewelled keeps, and coral-caverned halls.
Come to my realms, fair maid, and float with me
Upon the bosom of the swelling sea.
Hark to the song of Naiads far below;
See in the sunlight yonder billows glow.

Tableau: "The Gazers." Music.

 

Oceana kneels on one knee R. of Poesie, pointing off R. Poesie places her left hand on Oceana's shoulder, leans forward, shades her eyes with right hand, and looks in the direction of pointed hand. Shellie comes L. of Poesie, a little behind her, and kneels quickly, holding a shell in her hand. Wava kneels in front of all, with her finger to her lip, and her hand waving silence to Primeva, who stands L. Aerie and her sprites form a standing group, L., back, and Majesta and her sprites the same, R., back; all looking in the direction in which Oceana points. Music continues until the picture is complete, then,—

Chorus; air, "Boating Song."

 

Gayly, ye billows, among you we play;
Take us up gently, and bear us away;
Light on the surface of ocean we glide;
Deep in her bosom we fearless abide.
Roving at pleasure, joyous and free,
Rocked in the arms of the murmuring sea.

Poesie (starting up; others resume former positions).

 

Among thy happy scenes I long to roam;
Bright Oceana, take me to thy home.

Primeva.

Thou shalt be free to roam field, mount, and sea,
If thou but give thy gentle heart to me.
These sisters three, my ministers of state,
My edicts to enforce, obedient wait;
And I, submissive to a heavenly will,
With mighty powers its commands fulfil.
I own no earthly rule, no rival fear;
Beauty and grandeur at my voice appear;
What title, Poesie, will you here bestow
On one in whom such rare endowments glow?

Poesie.

Thy glorious visions wrap me in amaze;
Speech were too poor, in eloquence of praise,
To frame a title that would fitly stand
To mark a power so wonderful and grand.
What title can I give? I pray thee tell.

Primeva.

The empress of the world would suit me well.

Enter Justicia, R.

Justicia.

Hold, rash Primeva! not to gain applause
Should wild ambition overstep our laws.—
What thou hast heard, fair mortal, ponder long,
For hasty action often strengthens wrong;
Another suitor comes; give willing ear;
Weigh well all doubts; then let the truth appear.

[Exit, R.

Chorus: "The Fairy's Revel."

 

The armies of Genius outpour in their might,
Fair Science is marching her clans to the fight.
At the call of its mistress Art's realms are alive,
For thee, lovely Genia, in tourney to strive.

 

(During the chorus, all upon the platform move round back of Poesie, and form in line. Enter L. Genia, Blenda, and Classica.)

Poesie.

Another brilliant throng, so fair and bright,
My spirit quickens with a new delight.
Welcome, sweet friends: if me you come to greet,
Such glowing honors lay me at your feet.

Genia.

Kneel not to me; I come to win thy heart.
The suitor here should choose the lowly part.
Fair mortal, listen. Genia is my name:
Art's chosen goddess, mighty is my fame.
Thou art the offspring of that sovereign Thought,
Under whose sway the universe is brought;
And I, the guiding genius of mankind,
In bonds submissive, Nature's realms to bind.
Before my birth, the world was filled with strife,
And all the squalor of barbaric life;
The human race in ignorance sunk deep,
Content to live and die in sloth and sleep.
But, with my coming, energy awoke,
And reason through the deadening chaos broke;
Awakened Thought, in wonder, sought by lore
Creation's mystic riddle to explore;
And, as she strove, the world's great change was wrought,
With purer joys from deeper delvings brought.
Beneath my sway, all's wonderful and grand
Where taste and culture deck what Nature planned.
Give me thy heart, and with all-conquering might
I'll guide thy steps through life to realms of light.
I bring three sisters in my regal train,
Who high in Art's supreme dominion reign.—
Blenda, approach. Thy skill to Poesie show,
And let rare colors on thy canvas glow.

Blenda.

In Nature's studio, Blenda's models rise
In various shapes to gladden and surprise.
The shadows of their beauties to secure,
Leads genius many trials to endure.
But what a triumph waits the earnest heart,
Who on the canvas sees her trophies start
To life and action, adding, age on age,
To history many a bright, illumined page!
Portraying vice with rarely gifted hand,
She sees a warning light 'gainst passion stand.
Depicting virtue in her pure attire,
She warms all hearts to worship and aspire.
Inwrapping sense and soul with pleasure high,
To homage leads the world's applauding cry.
Look on the picture I will now display,—
Religion standing in the heavenly way,
Her finger pointing in the Book of truth,
Instruction pouring in the ears of youth.

Tableau: "The Heavenly Way" Music.

 

Blenda takes Poesie's hand, and leads her R., then turns, and points to C. Poesie falls upon her knees with clasped hands. Primeva and her sprites, who are in a line, back, separate R. and L., disclosing group. Religion, standing C., an open Bible supported on her left hand, rests upon her arm, the open pages towards audience; her right hand rests on the page, with one finger pointing. At her right hand, kneels Joy, pointing with her left hand to Religion, her right on the shoulder of Sorrow, who is crouching before her, with her face buried in her hands. Left of Religion, Prayer kneels, joining the hands of a little child who is in front of her: she is looking up at Religion. Music soft and low, until the group is formed, then,—

Chorus: "How gently, how calmly."

So gently, so calmly descending,

Religion glides over the earth,

So pure, so bright,

She decks the earth with heavenly light,

That charms to calm and sweet repose.

Oh, lovely spirit!

Genia in triumph shall soon arise;

Blenda calls beauty from out the skies;

She shall be honored evermore;

Goddess of Art, your crown is secure.

Joyous are we, &c.

(Music continues until all change to their old positions.)

Poesie.

I am enraptured with your beauteous art;
Sweet Blenda, let me henceforth share your heart.

Genia.

Classica waits, fair maid: we hold her dear;
With words of counsel let her now draw near.

Classica.

Dull, senseless stone, I train to living grace,
Trace beauty's lines upon the pallid face;
From sullen marble draw the prisoned heart,
And strength and sense to meaner clay impart.
Over the earth I rear the grandest homes,
With towering pinnacles, and stately domes;
While tombs and pyramids for ages stand,
To mark the workings of my gifted hand.
Who follows me must labor hard and long,
Be brave in trial, and in patience strong.
The tasks I spread, by perils oft beset,
The sculptor strengthen, when courageous met;
Through me, life-studies he must ponder o'er,
And dive deep down in streams of classic lore;
And, if he fails to reach his ideal plan,
Out of his struggles he has carved—a man.
But, if he triumphs, grand is his renown;
Fame can bestow no more enduring crown.
Upon my marbles, maiden, look with me;
Faith, Hope, and Charity,—the peerless three.

Tableau: "The Peerless Three" Music.

 

Classica takes Poesie's hand, and leads her R., then turns, and points C. Poesie falls upon her knees. The characters at back separate, showing group: Charity, a tall figure, C., her left hand upon the left shoulder of a child, who stands nearly in front of her, half turned towards her, with outstretched hand, into which Charity is in the act of dropping a coin, with her right hand. At R. of Charity stands Hope, leaning upon an anchor, looking at Charity. On her L. stands Faith, with her arms folded about a large cross, which rests upon the platform, and reaches above her shoulder. Faith and Hope should be a little shorter than Charity. All the figures in plain white, no colors; the cross and the anchor should be white. Music soft and low until all is arranged, then,—

Chorus; air, "How gently, how calmly."

How calmly, how sweetly relieving,

Moves Charity over the earth,

With Faith and Hope!

They deck the earth with heavenly light,

That charms to calm and sweet belief.

Oh, lovely spirits!

Genia in triumph shall now arise;

Classica calls from out the skies;

Her works for ages shall endure;

Goddess of Art, your crown is secure.

Joyous are we, &c.

Poesie (starting up; line at back changing as

before).

 

Classica, thy sculptured forms are all divine.
Has Art another realm can equal thine?

Genia.

Thou shalt be judge, fair maid; within my train,
Is one who can the wildest heart enchain;
She rules the realm of song, melodious moves,
Gathering the warbled sweets of woodland groves;
And thence distilling soul-entrancing lays,
That fill the earth with peace, the heavens with praise.
Spirit of music, sweet Harmonia, wake:
Of thy rich gifts bid Poesie partake.

 

Music. Characters at back separate. Harmonia discovered, C., standing erect, a lyre in her left hand, the fingers of her right upon the strings. Poesie moves up, and kneels at her feet, looking up at her with clasped hands. The characters group themselves in sitting and reclining positions about her. Primeva and Genia stand at extreme R. and L., back.

Solo and chorus: "So merrily over the Ocean

Spray."

Harmonia sings the three solos, then full chorus.

Solo.

I am queen of the realm of song,
My home the harmonious sea,
Where the spirits of music prolong
Unceasing a welcome for me.
From the song wave they merrily brave,
Melodious voices glide;
Oh, sweet is their song as it floateth along
The crest of the tremulous tide!

Chorus.

So merrily over the sea of song,
Rising and falling we float along;
So merrily over the sea of song,
Gayly we float along.
Gayly over the sea,
Harmonia's spirits free,
Singing, singing,
Happy, happy are we.
As merrily over the sea of song,
Rising and falling we float along;
So merrily over the sea of song,
Over the sea of song,
Gayly we float along,
Gayly we float along.

 

(When the song is ended, all keep their places, Poesie kneeling, with her eyes fixed upon Harmonia. A pause; then Genia steps to the side of Poesie.)

Genia.

Silent, fair Poesie? What! no words of praise
As tribute to Harmonia's matchless lays?

Poesie.

Can words pay fitting homage to her art?
My tribute's here, in this high-swelling heart,
Which, filled with rapture, checks the flow of speech
That would aspire to praise it cannot reach.

Genia.

And so I triumph. Maiden, unto me
This soaring spirit bends the humble knee;
Is but a slave to work my sovereign will,
And with her sisters my commands fulfil.
Over the earth unnumbered spirits bind,
At smile from me, rich blessings for mankind;
What title can she claim who thus displays
All that can bless and strengthen and amaze?

Poesie.

What title can she claim? You ask me this,
Whose soul is filled with one rich draught of bliss,—
Harmonia's mistress?

Genia.

I that spirit claim.

Primeva (comes down L. Poesie rises).

 

'Tis false! 'Twas I, Primeva, gave her fame.
From heaven she came, to purify and bless;
And Nature nurtured her with warm caress.

Genia.

'Twas Art's rich culture trained her infant voice
In grand, majestic numbers to rejoice.

Primeva.

Genia, no more; let Poesie decide
Upon our claims. Her judgment we abide.

Genia.

I am content.

Poesie.

Of me, ye judgment seek?
You, strong and mighty, I but poor and weak.

Primeva.

To save a sovereign title of command,
Nature and Art in strife before you stand.
In full accord our forces are combined
For this great task,—to serve and bless mankind.
Who is the greatest? Fearlessly proclaim.
We ask your verdict in Justicia's name.
Both have our powers skilfully unfurled;
Who shall be crowned as empress of the world?

Poesie.

O spirits regal, beautiful, and wise!
In unity supreme your glory lies;
Can frail mortality presume to call
Her judgment forth, to make you rise or fall?
Fair Genia, through your realms of thought and light,
I wander in a maze of grand delight;
Behold mankind upspring in strength and grace,
And sturdy tasks courageously embrace.
As through your realms, Primeva, free I rove,
My spirit glows with reverence and love.
I see your earth, so wonderful and vast,
Which proud man conquers, conquer him at last;
And in both Art and Nature see the hand
Which wields the sceptre of supreme command,
Where each within my heart holds equal place,
I could not elevate, would not abase.

(Joins their hands.)

 

Together reign, and teach mankind the way
To that grand realm, and that one sovereign sway.

Enter Justicia, C.

Justicia.

A righteous verdict, which we joyous seal.
Our tourney's ended: let the chorus peal.

Tableau: Justicia on platform, with her hands raised in benediction over Poesie, who stands before her, joining the hands of Genia, L., and Primeva, R.; Genia's followers on her L., Primeva's followers on her R.

Note.—The airs, "Shady Groves," and "Boatman's Song," can be found in "The Grammar School Chorus." The other airs are from the new "Fourth Music Reader," published by Ginn Brothers. Price, $1.50. Furnished by Lee and Shepard, Boston.