Once more we call. Come forth and shine, Spirit of seventeen eighty-nine.
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._
Come forth, thou ghost, the last in line; Come back, oh seventeen ninety-nine.
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._
"First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen."
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_.
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.
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_.
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.
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.