Chapter XI: Exercises

DECORATIONS FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY EXERCISES

The hall in which the exercises in celebration of Washington's Birthday are held should be decorated with all the patriotic emblems obtainable,--flags, banners, flowers, etc.; including a portrait of Washington centrally and prominently exhibited, with the motto, "First in war, etc.," and the figures 1732 and 1799, the dates of his birth and death; the former trimmed with flowers, the latter with crepe. Nothing available should be omitted to render the hall as bright and attractive as possible.

The orations should be delivered by boys, but the other portions of the exercises may be rendered by girls, or by both girls and boys, as may be found most suitable to the text and the occasion.

* * * * *

SOME YEARS IN WASHINGTON'S LIFE

BY M. LIZZIE STANLEY

An Exercise for Boys From "_The Popular Educator_"

_Let the scholars who represent the ghosts of the vanished years stand in the background and come forth as they are called. Each should bear in his hand a standard with the date of his year in large letters upon it, or wear a badge with the same. Hang a large picture of Washington on the wall; above it place the motto, "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen," and beneath it the dates of his birth and death_.

SCHOLAR.

This wintry month of storm and cold Doth in its rough old heart enfold A memory bright as burnished gold, Which still lives on while years grow old. It pales not with the lapse of time, But burns with steady glow sublime-- Through all the years from age to age, A light upon our history's page-- The name and memory of one, Our country's hero--Washington.

SCHOOL.

Go, ring the bells and fire each gun In honor of George Washington.

SCHOLAR.

Come, boys, let's have some historic fun, Its theme to be grand Washington, 'Tis better far than simple play, So range yourselves in close array, While each in turn his deeds do cite, And thus we'll keep his memory bright.

SCHOLAR.

Call up the ghosts of the vanished years, And question each as he appears.

SCHOOL.

Aha! ye years that thought ye were gone, We'll call you back with your faces wan.

(SIX OR MORE VOICES IN CONCERT.)

Arise, thou ghost of seventeen thirty-two, And to our questions give us answers true. What knowest thou of Washington, the grave? What canst thou tell of Washington, the brave?

(_Arise 1732_.)

In February of my year, Unto my mind 'tis very clear, Upon the twenty-second day, In old Virginia far away, Was born a sweet and gentle child, On whom the heavens looked down and smiled.

VOICES.

Is that all thou canst tell?

(_1732 speaks again_.)

Ah! there's another thing, just one: They called the child George Washington. On all things else I am but dumb; Ask of the years that after come. [_Retire._

VOICES.

Arise, ye ghosts of his youthful days, And tell us of his acts and ways.

(_Arise 1733, 1735, 1738, 1741, 1743, and 1752. Each speaks in turn_.)

1733. In seventeen hundred thirty-three He was a baby, full of glee.

1735. In seventeen hundred thirty-five He was a child, all wide-awake, alive.

1738. I speak for seventeen thirty-eight, He told no falsehood, small or great.

1741. Thus speak the lips of seventeen forty-one: His work in copybooks was nearly done.

1743. In seventeen hundred forty-three He loved in military sports to be.

1752. My days of seventeen fifty-two No finer form could bring to view.

VOICES.

Away, ye years! No more, no more! [_They retire_. Arise, thou ghost of fifty-four.

(_Arise 1754._)

The French and Indian War this year begun, Its first gun fired by youthful Washington; The shots flew fast from hidden foe, And many a one was then laid low, Yet never a wound that grand form felt, Though shots like rain at him were dealt. Old Indian chiefs declared a charm Preserved his life from every harm. [_Retire._

VOICES.

Come forth, ye vanished seventeen seventy-five. No man methinks that knew thee is alive.

(_Arise 1775._)

I proudly rise from the vanished past, Behold a dark cloud gathering fast! At first no bigger than a hand, 'Tis spreading over all the land, And men are hurrying here and there, Their brows all grave with anxious care. Upon the green at Cambridge gaze, List to the shouts the people raise, As on his war-horse, proud and calm, Sits he, the nation's strong right arm; Beneath the spreading elm-tree's shade, Commander-in-chief he there is made Of young America's armies all. Who is it thus the people call? 'Tis Washington, the star of light, That shone through all the country's night. [_Retire._

VOICES.

Come back, ye years that now are o'er, And tell us of this man yet more.

(_Arise 1776 and 1777. In concert_.)

Together we rise to speak his fame, Who won a grand, immortal name At Trenton and at Princeton too. More brilliant deeds where can we view? On History's page they brightly gleam. Him "first in war" we rightly deem. [_Retire._

VOICES.

Behold a shadow dark and weighty! Stand forth, thou ghost of seventeen eighty.

(_Arise 1780_.)

Hunger and cold, and suffering great In my last days was the sad fate Of Washington and his soldiers brave. The name "hard winter" to me clave. But still the grand old patriot fire Within one breast did ne'er expire. In cause so grand he placed a faith sublime, That far outweighed the sorrows of the time. [_Retire._

VOICES.

What canst thou tell us, seventeen eighty-one, Of this far-famed, immortal Washington?

(_Arise 1781_.)

I see the British soldiers, one by one, Surrendering their arms to Washington. The war of revolution now is o'er, And joyful shouts from every hillside pour. As soon as war's black flag is furled, The admiration of the world, Bearing the love of countless grateful hearts, George Washington unto his home departs. The "first in war," and "first in peace," His memory shall never cease. [_Retire._

VOICES.

Once more we call. Come forth and shine, Spirit of seventeen eighty-nine.

(_Arise 1789_.)

My year beheld George Washington Above all men the ruling one, Of the United States first President, His name a glory to our country lent. [_Retire._

VOICES.

Come forth, thou ghost, the last in line; Come back, oh seventeen ninety-nine.

(_Arise 1799_.)

I rise with sorrow in my face, Which time can never quite efface. In the last month of the Last year Of the LAST century (dost thou hear?) There passed away a kingly soul, And sadly all the bells did toll; The people mourned their leader much; Their feelings in one mighty rush! Swept back o'er all the years gone by, And heartfelt was the nation's cry O'er Washington whom tongue and pen Proclaim the first in hearts of countrymen. [_Retire._

SCHOOL.

"First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen."

VOICES.

Who would have thought the vanished years Could come back thus with smiles and tears!

(_The years come back in procession, 1732 in advance, and recite together_.)

Together we come farewell to say, Ere in our graves we hide away. Till another year hath passed its round, Our voices shall utter forth no sound. Our lips have only told a part About this great and noble heart; But go and study history's page, You'll find him there from age to age. Before we go a challenge brave we send Unto this year, and on till time shall end, To e'er produce a greater one Than _our_ immortal Washington. [_Pass out in order, repeating_ "_Farewell, farewell!_"

_If there is a bell on the school-building, have some boy at this point ring it with bright, quick strokes_.

SCHOLAR.

List! I hear the bells a-ringing, High within their steeples swinging. Loud let them ring, and ring, and ring, And all abroad their music fling, For honor doth belong to him Whose memory ages cannot dim.

SCHOOL.

Ay, ring the bells, and raise the shout, And drag the massive cannon out, Let all unite as though in one To praise immortal Washington.

_School sing in closing "Speed Our Republic" etc., or some other patriotic hymn_.

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SOMETHING BETTER

BY CLARA J. DENTON

_For a Very Little Girl_

I cannot be a Washington,
However hard I try,
But into something I must grow
As fast the days go by.

The world needs women, good and true,
I'm glad I can be one,
For that is even better than
To be a Washington.

* * * * *

THE STATES CROWNING WASHINGTON

BY KATE BOWLES SHERWOOD

_For Forty-five Children_

This exercise will require forty-five children, boys or girls, or both, as most convenient. Where a stage and curtain are obtainable, have the speakers grouped upon the stage at rise of curtain. If a stage and curtain are impossible let the speakers sit near the platform, each coming forward quickly, as the predecessor retires. A bust or framed portrait of Washington must occupy the center of the stage or platform; surrounding it must be an arch containing forty-five nails. Each speaker at the close of speech hangs upon a nail the wreath he or she carries. Where flowers cannot be obtained in the winter time, use wreaths of evergreen. If a stage is possible, but not a curtain, the States may form at back of schoolroom and march upon the stage in time to martial or patriotic music. Each State may wear a badge with name if convenient.

1. Maine comes marching on as one
To crown immortal Washington.

2. New Hampshire brings him honor, too,
In offerings both sweet and true.

3. Vermont here comes to take her stand
To crown him with a lavish hand.

4. Massachusetts, Pilgrim state,
Proclaims him hero grand and great.

5. Rhode Island comes with willing feet
To place a garland fair and sweet.

6. Connecticut, with laurel's light,
Would keep our hero's honor bright.

7. New York, a mighty empire now,
Still crowns her gallant leader's brow.

8. Pennsylvania holds him great,
Who spurned a crown to make a state.

9. New Jersey, Trenton can't forget,
Her hero claims her honor yet.

10. Delaware will wreathe her bays
To tell our hero's matchless praise.

11. Maryland crowns the peaceful heart
Unspoiled by cruel deed or art.

12. Virginia hails her first-born son,
The proud and peerless Washington.

13. West Virginia will proclaim
The splendors of a patriot's name.

14. North Carolina's wreath is brought
To him who independence wrought.

15. South Carolina follows on
To twine a wreath for Washington.

16. Georgia exalts him high
Who made the flag of freedom fly.

17. Alabama's lore is pure,
For him whose fame shall aye endure.

18. Florida a tribute brings
To him exalted over kings.

19. Ohio twines with generous hand
The garlands of a goodly land.

20. Indiana's wreath is green
For him of grave and gentle mien.

21. Illinois cannot forget
That Washington is speaking yet.

22. Michigan with love is stirred
For him who always kept his word.

23. Wisconsin hangs the victor's palm
For him, in peace or tumult calm.

24. Kentucky would his praise prolong,
For fortitude and valor strong.

25. Missouri comes with gifts of love
For Washington's all men above.

26. Iowa exalts the man
Who shaped his life on honor's plan.

27. Minnesota will revere
The name that all the world holds dear.

28. Nebraska brings from summits high
Immortal gifts that cannot die.

29. Kansas speaks of duties done,
Of battles fought and victories won.

30. Mississippi tells the tale
Of glorious acts that never pale.

31. Louisiana counts the deeds
By duty done where valor leads.

32. Arkansas brings an offering bright
To him who struggled for the right

33. Texas will her honor show
To faithful friend and generous foe.

34. Tennessee exultant bears
The crown a conquering hero wears.

35. Nevada from her mountain height
Has plucked this garland kissed with light.

36. California's thousand flowers
Will crown this patriot of ours.

37. Oregon brings offerings rare
For him she holds in loving care.

38 Montana, from the mountains blue,
Has brought him love, and honor, too.

39. North Dakota loves him well,
And comes his valiant deeds to tell.

40. South Dakota follows on
To crown the patriot Washington.

41. Washington is proud to claim
The glory of his noble name.

42. Colorado ever true
Will bring him loving garlands, too.

43. Wyoming from her mountain height
Would crown the man who stood for right.

44. Idaho brings garlands fair
For him whose life's beyond compare.

45. Utah comes with fadeless pine
In his immortal crown to shine.

_Chorus of States_

We all will honor Washington,
His fame will ever lead us on
To better lives and nobler deeds,
To guard our land in all her needs,
To keep us ever kind and true
To friends, and home, and country, too,
In virtue strong, in honor bright,
The foe of wrong, the friend of right.

We all will honor Washington,
The first in war when wrong was done.
The first in peace when freedom came
To crown him with immortal fame,
The first in all our hearts to-day,
To bind us all as one for aye,
While battle and freedom lead us on
We all will honor Washington.

(_Issued under the auspices of the George Washington Memorial Association. Used by permission of the New England Publishing Co_.)

* * * * *

THE NEW GEORGE WASHINGTON

ANONYMOUS

_To Be Recited by a Small Boy_

I am six years old,
And like play and fun.
I mean to grow up
Like George Washington.

So, when mother said,
"Who ate all the pie?"
I, spoke like a man,
And said, "It was I."

But she didn't say
She'd rather lose the pie,
And know that her boy
Would not tell a lie.

She just shut me up
Where I couldn't see,
Then sent me to bed
Without any tea.

* * * * *

IN PRAISE OF WASHINGTON

_For Nine Pupils_

FIRST PUPIL.--To the historian few characters appear so little to have shared the common frailties and imperfections of human nature as that of Washington. _William Smyth_.

SECOND PUPIL.--No matter what may have been the immediate birthplace of such a man as Washington! No clime can claim, no country can appropriate him; the boon of Providence to the human race, his fame is eternity, his residence creation. _Charles Phillips_.

THIRD PUPIL.--As a ruler of mankind, he may be proposed as a model. Deeply impressed with the original rights of human nature, he never forgot that the end, and meaning, and aim of all just government was the happiness of the people. _William Smyth_.

FOURTH PUPIL.--As a general, he marshaled the peasant into a veteran, and supplied by discipline the absence of experience. As a statesman, he enlarged the policy of the cabinet into the most comprehensive system of general advantage; and such was the wisdom of his views and the philosophy of his counsels that to the soldier and the statesman he almost added the character of the sage. _Charles Phillips_.

FIFTH PUPIL.--Immortal man! He took from the battle its crime, and from the conquest its chains; he left the victorious the glory of his self-denial, and turned upon the vanquished only the retribution of his mercy. Happy, proud America! The lightnings of heaven yielded to your philosophy! The temptations of earth could not seduce your patriotism! _Charles Phillips_.

SIXTH PUPIL.--It is the happy combination of rare talents and qualities, the harmonious union of the intellectual and moral powers, rather than the dazzling splendor of any one trait which constitutes the grandeur of his character. _Jared Sparks_.

SEVENTH PUPIL.--Washington did the two greatest things which, in politics, man can have the privilege of attempting. He maintained, by peace, that independence of his country which he had acquired by war. He founded a free government, in the name of the principles of order, and by re-establishing their sway. _Guizot_.

EIGHTH PUPIL.--Greater soldiers, more intellectual statesmen, and profounder sages have doubtless existed in the history of the English race, perhaps in our own country, but not one who to great excellence in the threefold composition of man--the physical, intellectual, and moral--has added such exalted integrity, such unaffected piety, such unsullied purity of soul, and such wondrous control of his own spirit. He illustrated and adorned the civilization of Christianity, and furnished an example of the wisdom and perfection of its teachings which the subtlest arguments of its enemies cannot impeach. _Vance_.

NINTH PUPIL.-- He fought, but not with love of strife; he struck but to defend; And, ere he turned a people's foe, he sought to be a friend. He strove to keep his country's right by Reason's gentle word And sighed when fell injustice threw the challenge sword to sword. He stood, the firm, the calm, the wise, the patriot and sage; He showed no deep, avenging hate, no burst of despot rage; He stood for liberty and truth, and dauntlessly led on, Till shouts of victory gave forth the name of Washington. _Eliza Cook_.

IN CONCERT.-- Washington, the brave, the wise, the good. Supreme in war, in council, and in peace. Valiant without ambition, discreet without fear, confident without presumption. In disaster, calm; in success, moderate; in all, himself. The hero, the patriot, the Christian. The father of nations, the friend of mankind, Who, when he had won all, renounced all, and sought in the bosom of his family and of nature, retirement, and in the hope of religion, immortality. _Inscription at Mount Vernon_.