Will not thy child be sav’d from many sorrows
Is not a virtuous death an envied lot
Perhaps God kindly calls me from a world
Where luring pleasure might deprave my mind
Its yet untasted bliss might stain my life
With vain ambition, pride and love of wealth
Perhaps the sins of Israel are not full
And fell destruction waits to scourge the land
Then when thou seest the matron vainly sueing
For pity to the vile and murderous band
Then wilt thou rejoice thy Elizabeth is safe.
BETHULAH.
Vainly my child thou striv’st to sooth my woe
I still must grieve, thou art my only hope
E’er since the hour I clasp’d thy infant form
With that fond transport mothers only know
I envied not the world its pomp or riches
The greatest monarch that ere rul’d the world
Was not so happy mid his days of triumph
Viewing his vast domains, and countless treasures
As I with my sweet lovely smiling infant
And each revolving year increased the treasure
And must I now, oh must I part with thee?
Yes I submit, since tis the will of heaven
But ask me not to bear the stroke with firmness
A mother’s heart must feel a mother’s woe.
ELIZABETH.
Think me not dead but in a happier country
Where grief’s not known but joy succeeds to joy
Perhaps our gracious God, will permit me
To watch thy secret steps, and whisper peace
When sad calamity corrodes thy bosom
To hover o’er thy walks a guardian spirit
To pour the balm of joy on all thy anguish
And wing thy soul at thy last hour to heaven
Tirzah must be thy child, my friend and sister
Must fill my place in thy maternal heart.
TIRZAH.
Oh were I worthy to fulfill that office
But if affection, sympathising love
And fix’d attention to thy slightest wish
Can sooth the sorrows of thy woe worn heart
Tirzah will spend her life to make thine tranquil.
(_Enter_ ATTENDANT.)
ATTENDANT.
The worthy Agnes with her three sweet children
Desire to see thee.
ELIZABETH.
I bade her come. Promis’d her feeble age
Should find protection in my native country
I dread to see her; her tears will melt
Her gratitude oppress me.
(_Enter_ AGNES _and her three grandchildren_)
AGNES.
Did I then visit Israel’s land for this.
(_To_ JEPHTHAH _who during this scene is walking in a gloomy but
determined silence in the back part of the stage_.)
Can’st thou who taught our savage race humanity
Can’st thou infringe its inviolable rights
And must Elizabeth, the kind the good,
She at whose presence ev’ry sorrow fled
At whose approach even misery smiled
Must she be sacrificed?
Ye powers of kindness melt his heart to pity
Oh how the poor will rue this dire event
I bro’t you here _dear babes_ to thank your generous friend
But she no more will cheer your fainting souls
No more with her own hands your forms adorn
She’s going to join her kindred angels
Lift up you [(little)/(innocent)] hands with mine sweet babes
Perhaps our prayers may move stern Jephthah’s heart
Come let us kneel and urge him to relent.
(_As_ AGNES _and the children kneel_ JEPHTHAH _goes out_.)
ELIZABETH.
(_Raising_ AGNES _and the children_.)
My good old friend, I thank thy honest zeal
But do not by thy grief distress my father
Thy little innocents, shall ne’er want friends
My mother do not say that thou art childless
I give these helpless orphans, for thy children
Guard them I pray thee for Eliza’s sake.
From ev’ry vice, and form their minds to virtue.
BETHULAH.
Sweet babes ye ne’er shall want a mother’s care
While sad Bethulah owns this wretched being.
ELIZABETH.
Tirzah wilt thou attend the little guests.
[Illustration:
PL. XXVI.—JULIA CHITTENDEN, PUPIL, 1800
]
(TIRZAH _leads the children to the back part of the stage_.)
ELIZABETH.
Mother I have one more request to make
If thou wilt grant it, I shall leave the world
With less regret, without one secret pang.
BETHULAH.
What can’st thou ask my darling child
Which thy fond mother will not joy to give.
ELIZABETH.
I fear thou hast not forgiven my father
The hasty vow which binds me to the tomb
Forgive him my dear mother I entreat
It wrings my heart to see my parent’s coldness
Oh let no tears of hatred bathe my tomb.
BETHULAH.
My dearest child, I have I will forgive him.
ELIZABETH.
Then let us seek him that I may view once more.
Returning peace and love within this dwelling.
(_Exit_ BETHULAH _leaning on her daughter_.)
AGNES.
Sweet flower untimely torn from life
In virtues course mature
Short is thy race, but glorious as the sun(light)
Thy innocence more fragrant than the morn
Shall rise in spotless incense to the skies
Sweet babes imprint her image on your hearts
Copy her bright unsullied life in yours
Her smile was charity her heart all love
Her lips drop’d comfort to the wounded heart
Oh may her parting pangs be few
Few as the stains, which sully her pure life.
_Act_
_Scene I._
(_A grove._)
(ELIZABETH, TIRZAH.)
ELIZABETH.
Farewell sweet fields deck’d in the pride of spring
No more thy verdant charms shall meet my view
Ye harmless flocks, no more my fond companions
Shall ye delight me with your sportive gambols
Another now must watch your tender lambs
Another hand must guide you to the field
And thou fair sun, bright image of our Maker
No more thy beams shalt wake the joyous morn
And light my eyes to greet this beauteous earth
Farewell oh world, thy joys I know are fleeting
But still entwine frail man around thy heart
And is it Tirzah, is it a crime to love
The tender reverend name of parent
With such affection, such unbounded fondness
That this torn heart, drawn by the ties of nature
Cleaves fast to earth, and loses sight of heaven
If tis a crime to love with so much ardour
Why rests so many virtues on the passion
And if our friendship ends with mortal being
Why glows its flame more bright at death’s approach.
TIRZAH.
Friendship and filial love my dear Elizabeth
Will find a place no doubt in heavenly bosoms
And if our fondness for our earthly friends
Does not exceed the love of our Creator
Tis innocent, nay more a lovely virtue
A duty which commands a blessing on it.
ELIZABETH.
It is no crime I’m sure, to love a mother
Fond and good as mine, to revere a father
Whose stern virtues yield, in melting tenderness
Towards his child. All other ties I quit
Without a struggle, but these, these tear my heart
And melt me quite to weakness.
TIRZAH.
I oft have wonder’d at thy fortitude
How can thy heart so firmly meet thy fate
The wisest best of men tho’ bent with age,
Grown callous of the earth and all its pleasures
Tremble at death’s approach, and cling to life
With eager fondness. Then how canst thou my friend
Adorned with ev’ry grace, courted by ev’ry bliss
The earth affords, resign these pleasures
And scarce breath a sigh.
ELIZABETH.
Bred in obscurity I feel no bliss
Allied to greatness, except the praise of virtue
Perhaps I had not met a common fate
With equal firmness. But when the world looks on
And applauds the deed, shame nerv’s the feelings
And we meet great evils with firmer patience
Than the triffling sorrows, the secret woes
Which daily rend the heart, which borne with patience
Oft make private life a scene of virtue
Worth an angel’s praise.
(_Enter_ PEDAZAR, _and a number of young women_.)
PEDAZAR.
The people wait the priests are ready.
ELIZABETH.
A moment more, Tirzah support my mother
I fear my fate will bend her to the tomb
Oh watch her evening hours with tender care
Try to assuage her grief, bid her remember
We soon shall meet again never to part.
And ah my friend remember
That when a few more waning suns have roll’d
Their silent course, thou too must join me in the narrow tomb
I love thee Tirzah, thou hast many virtues
But earthly joys too much engross thy heart
Forget not my last words, sweet friend and sister
Life’s but a day a short and wintry day
Then do not waste it in forgetfulness
Of that eternal glorious morn which follows
Receive my last embrace, my last adieu
Farewell my young companions, weep not for me
To that last dwelling whither I am going
Ye all will shortly follow. Then dry your tears
Or weep for your sins, or those of Israel
Thro’ death’s dark vale we pass to realms of bliss
Seek then to adorn your souls in virtue’s robes
By faith prepare to meet the bless’d in heaven
Where I trust this day to find a happy home
Beyond the limits of yon glorious orb
With soul enlarg’d, made pure from earth’s defilement
With saints and angels, sing redeeming love
Glory on glory opening to our view,
Thro’ the never ending ages of eternity
My lov’d companions, my earliest friends
Reject not this my last, my dying counsel
Flee ev’ry pleasure hurtful to the soul
Live here as strangers, bound to a better land
Then we shall meet where sorrow never comes
Where happiness is lasting, as tis pure.
(_Enter_ JEPHTHAH, ELZAPHAN _and attendant priests_.)
JEPHTHAH.
(_Leading his daughter forward._)
My friends and countrymen behold your chief
Thus justly punished for his cruel vow
Here I devote my child, my only child.
Except her, I have no son or daughter
Her spotless life has been my chief delight
Sum up perfection in a female form
And you name Jephthah’s daughter. Thus to fulfill
My vow to God, I give this sacred life,
A life more dear, more precious than my own.
Let my example teach you to beware
Of rash resolves, of breaking sacred oaths
Each one here present owes a life to God
A life of virtue, you have sworn with me
To obey his statutes, follow all his laws
Let not this precious blood be spilt in vain
But let this offering teach you to resign
Each selfish wish, each token of rebellion
And silent bend before that power who gives
Not only life but all its dear possessions.
(JEPHTHAH _hands his daughter to_ ELZAPHAN, _who leads her out.
A procession of young women follow. Solemn music._)
NOTE 1. xxx
These sentiments of Elzaphan are not to be considered as agreeing with
the laws of Moses truly expounded, but we must suppose that not only
Jephthah but those priests who were about him must have mistaken the
meaning of the 28^{th} and 29th verses of the 27th chapter of
Leviticus, otherwise they would not have permitted Jephthah to have
sacrificed his amiable daughter to his unlawful vow. Not only Jephthah
but the leaders of Israel appear to have been tinctured by the idol
worship so long prevalent in Israel. Saul seems also to have made a
similar mistake when he devoted Jonathan. And all Israel fell into a
like error when they devoted the tribe of Benjamin to destruction. The
punishment in all these cases, fell on the offender, and doubtless
taught the nation the true meaning of the law. See Scott’s notes on
Jephthah’s sacrifice.
MRS. STOWE’S REMINISCENCES IN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF LYMAN BEECHER.[40]
“On one occasion of this kind I had a hand in a merry joke enacted at
one of the rehearsals of Miss Pierce’s favorite drama of ‘Jephtha’s
Daughter.’
“It was when Jephtha, adorned with a splendid helmet of gilt paper and
waving ostrich plumes, was awaiting the arrival of his general,
Pedazar—his daughter’s lover—who was to enter and say,
“‘On Jordan’s banks proud Ammon’s banners wave.’
Miss Pierce stood looking on to criticise, when having prearranged the
matter, a knock was heard, and I ran forward, saying, ‘Walk in, Mr.
Pedazar.’ In he came, helmet and all, saying, ‘How are you, Jep?’ who
replied, ‘Hulloo, old fellow! Walk in and take a chair.’ Miss Pierce was
in no way discomfited, but seemed to relish the joke as much as we young
folks.
“On one occasion of this sort father came in late, and the house being
packed, he was admitted by the stage entrance. Either from accident or
fun, just as he was passing over the stage, the curtain rose, and the
law students spied him and commenced clapping. Father stopped, bowed
low, amid renewed clapping and laughter, and then passed on to his
seat.”
1814.
RULES FOR THE SCHOOL AND FAMILY.
[_Copied by Eliza Ann Mulford in 1814._]
It is expected that every young Lady who attends this School will be
careful to observe the following rules.
_1^{st}_ To be always present at family prayers
_2^{nd}_ It is hop’d that each young Lady will read a portion of
scripture in private and regularly address her Maker Morning and
evening. They who begin the day in prayer will probably find cause to
end it in praise.
_3^d_ Let our Saviours maxim be follow’d at all times. Do unto others,
as you would they should do unto you.
_4^{th}_ Avoid anger, Wrath and evil speaking. a tale bearer separates
chief Friends.
_5^{th}_ It is expected public Worship be attended every sabbath except
sickness or some unavoidable circumstance prevents, which you will dare
to produce as a sufficient excuse at the day of Judgement.
_6^{th}_ It is expected that your outward deportment be grave and
decent, while in the house of God and that you be more ready to hear,
than give the sacrifice of fools.
_7^{th}_ The sabbath is to be kept holy throughout not wasted in sloth,
frivolous conversation, light reading, or vain employment, but every
moment must be employed in endeavoring to improve your own heart in
doing good to others Those who honour my sabbath, I will honour is the
promise of the great and unchangable God
_8^{th}_ It is expected that every hour during the week be fully
accomplish’d, either in useful employment or necessary recreation Keep
always in remembrance that time is a most invaluable blessing, and that
for all our time but—particularly for the hours of youth and health you
must give an account to God.
[Illustration:
PL. XXVII.—EMBROIDERY BY JULIA CHITTENDEN
]
_9^{th}_ Every real Lady will treat her superior with due reverence, her
companions with politeness, good humor she will always show, a sweet
temper, a modest deportment on all occasions, never forgetting what is
due to all persons in every situation.
_10^{th}_ Those hours appropriated for any particular study, must not be
employed in other occupation. Nothing can be well done without proper
attention to regularity & there is time enough to acquire every useful
and elegant accomplishment provided order be observed
_11^{th}_ Profusion in expenses, a want of Neatness and economy, a
stupid inattention to instruction, are indications of a bad heart and
must be avoided.
_12^{th}_ Each young lady must observe the particular rules of the
family in which she resides.
QUESTIONS.
Have you rose early enough for the duties of the morning. Have you read
a portion of scripture by yourself. Have you prayed to that God in Whose
hands your breath is.
Have you in all cases done unto others as you would be done by. Have
been angry—Have spoke evil of any one. Have you attended public worship.
Have you behaved in the house of God with that reverence due to his holy
Character. Have you wasted any part of holy time by idle conversation,
light reading, or sloth.
Have you wasted any time during the week. Have you shown decent and
respectful behaviour to those who have the charge over you. Your
parents, elders, Brothers and sisters, teachers, domestics, the aged, or
people who are older then yourself. Have you been patient in acquiring
your lessons. Have you been polite and good humored to your Companions.
Have you been modest in your deportment not boistrous or rude. Have you
spoken the truth as all tho it were to your hurt. Have you used the name
of God irreverently or spoken any thing which is a brief of the third
Commandment. Have you spoken any indecent word or by any action
discovered a want of true feminine delicacy. Have you been neat in your
person, made no unnecessary trouble by carelessness in your chamber or
with your clothes. Have you torn your clothes, books, or maps. Have you
wasted paper, quills, or any other articles. Have you walked out without
liberty. Have you combed your hair with a fine tooth comb, and cleaned
your teeth every morning. Have you eaten any green fruit during the
week.
1815–1816.
CATHERINE CEBRA WEBB—HER DIARY.
Catherine Cebra Webb was born at 84 Beekman Street, New York City,
January 25, 1801, _Daughter of Orange Webb_ (a shipping merchant of the
firm of Webb and Lamb, corner Pearl Street and Burlington Slip, and
ruling elder in the Old Brick Church) and _Elizabeth Cebra_ (daughter of
Mr. James Cebra, of the Custom House).
Catherine Cebra Webb entered Miss Pierce’s school in the summer of 1815,
and boarded at first in the family of Lyman Beecher, until Mrs.
Beecher’s death, and then with the Misses Edwards on North Street,
nearly opposite the school. Catherine remained only a few months in
Litchfield,—the climate proving too severe for her. July 20, 1818, she
married Mr. Rensselaer Havens (a shipping merchant of the firm of
Perkins and Havens, 198 Front Street, New York City, and ruling elder in
the Old Brick Church for thirty years). Mrs. Havens has had eight
children, nineteen grandchildren, and twenty four great-grandchildren.
She has lived since 1873 in Stamford, Connecticut, and is now in her
ninety-sixth year.
Frances Maria Webb, an older sister of Catherine Cebra Webb, also
attended Miss Pierce’s school about 1810 or 1811, and met there
Alexander Garden Fraser, of Beaufort, South Carolina, a student in Judge
Gould’s Law School. Frances M. Webb was born June 5, 1796, and married
Alexander G. Fraser, June 5, 1812. Frances M. Webb (Mrs. Fraser) died in
Edinburgh, August 5, 1847. She has four children still living.
I left New York, Wednesday, July 11^{th}, 1816, for Litchfield, to
enter Miss Pierce’s school. I took a steamboat to New Haven, and went
by stage from there to Litchfield. The Rev. Mr. Stockton, a friend of
my Father’s, took me up.
I went to board in the family of D^r Lyman Beecher, but stayed there
only three weeks, as his wife was so ill they could not have the care
of boarders. Miss Catherine Beecher and a Miss Burr, presided over the
family. D^r Beecher had a room in the attic for his Study. I had a
room with two Misses Wakeman, who were also pupils at Miss Pierce’s
school. Catherine Beecher had to send a report every Saturday of the
_conduct_ of the young ladies in her family, to Miss Pierce.
When Mrs. Beecher’s illness obliged me to leave there, they got
another boarding place for me across the street, with the Misses
Edwards—two sisters—Miss Nancy and Miss Betsey.
They were very religious women; and as the Sabbath began then at
sunset on Saturday, we had to hurry to get our letters from the
postoffice, and be back before the sun went down. After supper, the
Sabbath began with religious exercises—reading of the Bible and
prayer—Sunday we all went to D^r Beecher’s church. On one occasion,
some of Judge Gould’s law students were talking during the sermon,
when D^r Beecher paused, and looking at the square pew at the right of
the pulpit, (where Judge Gould’s pupils sat) said, “I will suspend my
remarks until those young gentlemen have finished their conversation.”
There were no Sunday schools in those days. On returning from church,
all we had for our dinner was a piece of pie and a mug of milk, as the
Misses Edwards considered it wrong to cook on Sunday. We went to an
afternoon service, then had a simple tea, and when the sun went down
Sunday was over; but we had prayers and went to bed.
School began at nine o’clock, and closed at noon for an hour’s recess,
when we went home for our dinner and came back; but I cannot remember
how long it kept in the afternoon—whether it was three or four
o’clock—
Miss Waite taught me music, and I went into the back parlor of Miss
Pierce’s _residence_, to take my lesson on the piano. I remember “The
Battle of Wagram” was one of my pieces. I had a very handsome
paint-box which my father had imported from England for me, and I took
drawing lessons at Miss Pierce’s, but I cannot recall the teacher’s
name.
I did not stay long at Litchfield, as I was a delicate girl, and it
was so very cold my Mother was afraid to have me stay. I came home in
the Autumn, I remember when D^r Beecher’s wife died. Her name was
Roxana Foote; and I heard D^r Beecher preach her funeral sermon,
standing in the little tub pulpit, while her coffin stood below it.
Miss Pierce had a nephew, John Pierce Brace, who lived, I think, next
door to Miss Pierce’s, and he taught _every day_ in the school.
Miss Mary Pierce did not teach; _only Miss Sarah_, She was of medium
height, rather fine looking and dignified, and very religious. We had
school every day; only, it seems to me that on Wednesday and Saturday
we had a half-holiday.
Among the pupils was a Miss Catherine L. Webb, from Cooperstown,
(sister of James Watson Webb)—two Misses Farnham from
Massachusetts—Miss Phebe Conklin from Poughkeepsie—two Misses Sanford
from Jamestown (N. Y.)—and Miss Emmeline Beebe from Connecticut. (She
was the one who told Miss Pierce she could not study because the girls
kept up such a “cessation” through the room.) There was also a Miss
Caroline Delafield, who lived at her Uncle’s, Gen’l Tallmadge’s,[41]
and came to certain recitations only.
Old Grove Catlin kept the Hotel in Litchfield, and had a daughter
Flora, who was quite a belle. The law students used to quiz him about
his daughter’s popularity, and he said, “Yes, my daughter Flora is
assassinated most every night” (meaning _serenaded_)—He also said he
wore his old fashioned watch seal “for the antipathy of the thing,”
(meaning _antiquity_)—D^r Beecher had two colored servants named
Zillah and Priscilla—I remember their grinding the coffee for
breakfast. There was a large sink in the kitchen, and a couple of
basins, and we had to go there to wash—It was the only place—so of
course we could not take much of a bath—which was a great trial to me.
While I was at D^r Beecher’s, the Rev. Mr. Nettleton, the revivalist,
came to visit him, and I remember their drinking cider and pearlash
with their breakfast.
CAROLINE CHESTER—HER DIARY—EXTRACTS FROM HER COMMONPLACE BOOK.
Caroline Chester was born in Hartford, Connecticut, 1801, married John
Knickerbocker, 1824, and died at Troy, New York, 1870. She was fifteen
years old when she attended the school.
DIARY.
_Nov. 30, 1815._ I left Hartford at eight in the morning and arrived
at Litchfield about four, had very pleasant company, Mr. and Mrs.
Wheeler of Hartford, and her niece, Mr. Catlin of Litchfield, and
several other gentlemen whom I did not know. It rained constantly
almost the whole day. West Hartford was the first place we passed
through, it is a very pleasant place though a small one. Farmington is
much larger, and as we passed through Main street I saw it to the best
advantage. Burlington is a small place consisting of a few houses, one
store, a blacksmith’s shop, a post office and one meeting house.
Harwinton the last town (until we reach Litchfield) is much pleasanter
than Burlington, here we left four of our passengers. After riding
over many a long hill we arrived at Litchfield which agreeably
surprised me. Went immediately to Mrs. Sheldon’s where for the first
time I saw her and Miss Lucy.
[Illustration:
PL. XXVIII.—CAROLINE CHESTER
_b._ January 26, 1801. _m._ June 2, 1825. _d._ April 20, 1869
]
_Dec. 1st._ Spent the evening at Miss Wood’s upon condition that I
would not visit again for a week. Saturday was spent as usual in
studying, sewing and hearing instruction. Mr. Beecher visited the
school. I was very much pleased, his doctrine is plain and easy to
understand.
_Dec. 19th._ It is one of Miss Pierce’s rules to have her scholars
rise before sunrise and Dr. Swift observes “That he never knew any man
come to greatness and eminence who lay in bed of a morning.” It is
known that in the 14th century in England and France, people rose much
earlier than they do now, and I read yesterday that Buffon said that
he was indebted to one of his domestics for ten or a dozen of his
works, because he had promised him a crown whenever he would wake him
at six and he succeeded in his attempts. Czar Peter a famous
philosopher used to rise to see the morning break, and used to say
that “he wondered how man could be so stupid as not to rise to see the
most glorious sight in the universe; that they took delight in looking
at a beautiful picture, the trifling work of a mortal, but neglected
one painted by the hand of the Deity.” Dr. Doddridge says that the
difference it would make if a person should rise at five or seven for
the space of forty years, supposing him to go to bed at the same hour
of night, is nearly equivalent to the addition of ten years.