Washington's Birthday Part 30

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 pa.s.sed its round, Our voices shall utter forth no sound.

Our lips have only told a part About this great and n.o.ble 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 Was.h.i.+ngton.

[_Pa.s.s 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 ma.s.sive cannon out, Let all unite as though in one To praise immortal Was.h.i.+ngton.

_School sing in closing "Speed Our Republic"

etc., or some other patriotic hymn_.

SOMETHING BETTER

BY CLARA J. DENTON

_For a Very Little Girl_

I cannot be a Was.h.i.+ngton, 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 Was.h.i.+ngton.

THE STATES CROWNING WAs.h.i.+NGTON

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 Was.h.i.+ngton 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 Was.h.i.+ngton.

2. New Hamps.h.i.+re 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. Ma.s.sachusetts, 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 Was.h.i.+ngton.

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 Was.h.i.+ngton.

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 Was.h.i.+ngton 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 fort.i.tude and valor strong.

25. Missouri comes with gifts of love For Was.h.i.+ngton's all men above.

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