The very fairest ever seen--
Our brave Columbus.
_2d_--Crown him with flowers fresh and fair;
We'll place them by his picture there--
Our brave Columbus.
_3d_--Crown him with the flag of Spain;
Columbus day has come again--
Our brave Columbus.
_4th_--Crown him with red, and white, and blue;
Bring out the drum and banners too--
Our brave Columbus.
_All_--As we stand by his picture here,
Columbus' name we all revere--
Our brave Columbus.
What We Can Do
(Recitation by two small boys, carrying flag)
1. I wish I could do some great deed--
Just find a world or two,
So that the flag might wave for me
As for Columbus true.
It makes a small child very sad
To think all great deeds done.
What is then left for us to do?
What's to be tried and won?
2. My father says--and he knows too,
For he's a grown up man--
That heroes leave some things for us
To carry out their plan.
He says that if we do our best,
Just where we are, you see,
We too shall serve our country's flag;
True patriots we shall be.
_Both._ We'll love our flag, we'll keep its pledge;
We'll honor and obey;
We'll love our fellow brothers all;
And serve our land this way.
Recitation
(By a very small child, carrying a flag)
My beautiful flag,
You are waving today,
To honor a hero true;
Columbus who gave us
Our dear native land,
Our land of the Red, White and Blue.
Recitation
(By a very small child, carrying a flag)
I'll wave my flag for Discovery Day,
And before I get frightened
I'll scamper away.
Columbus Game
The children stand in a circle. They choose one to represent Columbus.
The children all sing the song (given below). As they sing the fifth
line Columbus points to three children, who become the Nina (baby),
the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. These three children come inside the
circle, and wave arms up and down as though sailing. The children now
all repeat the song, marching round in the circle, waving arms up and
down, and the children inside the circle skip round also.
The song is then repeated, children standing in a circle, and the three
chosen as Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria choose three children to take
their places by pointing at any three children in the circle.
Game may continue as long as desired or until all have had a chance to
go inside the circle.[A]
[A] The story of Columbus may be dramatized in connection with this
game.
Song
Columbus was a sailor boy,
Many years ago.
A great ship was the sailor's joy,
Many years ago.
The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria,
Little vessels three,
The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria,
Sailed out across the sea.
_Laura Rountree Smith_
My Little Ship
Once I made a little ship,
Down beside the sea;
And I said, "Come now, dear winds,
And blow it back to me!"
O little ship that sails the sea.
O wind that blows it back to me!
Song
_Tune, Lightly Row_
Wave the flags, wave the flags;
We are sailor boys at play;
Wave the flags, wave the flags,
On Columbus Day.
O'er the waters we will go,
Singing, singing, as we row;
Wave the flags to and fro,
On Columbus Day. (_Children wave flags_)
Cross the flags, cross the flags,
With their pretty colors gay;
Cross the flags, cross the flags,
On Columbus Day.
We would like to sail, 'tis true,
O'er the waters bright and blue,
So we cross the flags for you
On Columbus Day. (_Children cross flags_)
_Laura Rountree Smith_
Recitation for Very Little Boys
_1st_--Columbus was a sailor bold,
At least that's what I have been told.
_2d_--I would also like to sail the sea,
If not too far from mother's knee.
_3d_--He had three ships to sail the sea,
One ship would be enough for me.
_4th_--In the Nina I would go;
But what if stormy winds should blow?
_5th_--In the Pinta I'll set sail;
That ship has weathered many a gale.
_6th_--The Santa Maria waits for me;
O how I love to sail the sea.
_7th_--At night we'll glide across the foam,
But wish ourselves quite safe at home.
_8th_--Kind friends, I hope you understand,
We are really happier far on land.
(_All join hands and run to seats_)
Then come, dear sailors, hand in hand,
We'll run to seek the nearest land!
Play
(_Ferdinand and Isabella on their thrones, chairs with a red drapery
concealing them._)
_Enter Columbus and followers, bowing low_
_Columbus_
O most gracious majesties!
_Ferdinand_
My wise men say your scheme is vain,
So your plan I must disdain;
If as _you_ say this earth is round
No one could stay upon the ground.
(_Bows his head and looks very wise. Columbus looks sadly around and
sighs. Queen Isabella stretches forth her hand._)
_Queen_
I have talked to the Abbot kind,
And he has made me change my mind.
Take these and these (_dropping her bracelets and necklaces into
Columbus' hat_) and may you be,
Successful in your quest at sea.
_Columbus and followers_
Long live, long live Isabella the queen!
Such generous faith has seldom been seen.
Long live, long live Isabella the queen!
_All_ (_except Columbus, who bows as he listens_)
Here's to Columbus, so brave and so true,
Who will soon sail west on the ocean blue
To--find--the--land--of--India.
_Headed by king and queen all march around and off_
_One returns_
Columbus safely made his voyage
And now, though he never knew it,
He discovered this land, the fair land of our birth,
The greatest nation on all the earth.
(_Displays flag_)
_All except Columbus return and sing America_
_Mary R. Campbell_
Recitation
(_By three boys_)
_1st_--Columbus dared to cross the sea
Where none had gone before;
And sailing west from Palos, Spain,
He came to our front door.
_2d_--His men were only prisoners
Queen Isabel set free;
For other men, they did not dare
To cross the unknown sea.
_3d_--He had no friend to share his hope;
No one could understand;
Now all men honor his great name,
Who first saw our dear land.
_All_--If we can only be as true
To our best selves as he,
Speak truth, keep faith, be brave and pure,
True heroes we shall be.
Discovery Day
I wonder what Columbus
Would think of us today,
Just stepping out from '92,
Four centuries on, we'll say.
With aeroplanes and warships,
And submarine affairs,
He'd surely think the mighty sea
Was putting on some airs.
Discovery Day, we greet you;
You're only just begun;
Industry, art, and science now,
Begin their race to run.
But brighter than these wonders,
More beautiful to see,
Democracy's fair smile begins
To dawn o'er land and sea.
Discovery Day! When Freedom
Shall reign in every land,
When nations know their brotherhood,
And naught but good is grand.
America, thy mission
Be this: discover now
A _world_ safe for Democracy.
'Tis ours to teach it how.
The Flag of Spain
_Tune--Long, Long Ago_
There was a flag that waved all over Spain
Long, long ago; long, long ago.
And many sailors had gone forth in vain,
Long, long ago, long ago.
Then came the ships and Columbus set sail;
Proudly the vessels withstood every gale.
Then came the cry, "Blessed land, land we hail,"
Long, long ago, long ago.
Columbus
A dreamer they called him,
And mocked him to scorn,
But O, through this dreamer
A new world was born.
A new land whose watchword
Is ringing afar--
"Democracy! Freedom!"
That none shall dare mar.
A nation whose vision
Is making it be
Humanity's champion
On land and on sea.
America, my land,
A dream gave thee birth;
Through vision thou'st conquered
In all realms of worth.
Thy spirit shall beckon
Till all nations heed,
And follow in wisdom
The path thou dost lead.
CLASS EXERCISE FOR COLUMBUS DAY
The foundation for these exercises should be laid in previous class
recitations and specially prepared class compositions which relate
developing incidents in the life of Columbus. Several periods used in
the preparation of these oral and written exercises will be time well
spent. Select the composition which portrays the life pictures most
clearly and effectively; and as the writer reads his story, let other
members of the class give tableaux or act scenes apropos. The children
should be encouraged to initiate their own ideas and execute their own
mental pictures in costume, arrangement, facial expression, etc.
The following are mentioned _suggestively_:
Acts portraying the life of Columbus
1. Columbus, the boy
Boy of nine to eleven years, seated, intently studying a geography,
_or_
Boy whittling a wooden toy ship.
2. Columbus, the man
Larger boy, posing as a dreamer, gazing at and studying the stars, _or_
Larger boy drawing maps, appearing wise and thoughtful.
(Let others stand aside, smiling and mockingly pointing.)
3. Columbus' appearance before King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella
King and Queen, dressed in royal style, on improvised throne; Columbus
kneeling before them; the queen offering him her jewels.
4. On shipboard
Boys representing mutinous sailors, their faces depicting fear, anger,
dejection--dressed sailor fashion.
Columbus displaying confidence, courage and patience--dressed in short
full trousers, cape over his shoulders thrown back on one side. Let
facial expressions and actions change to show land has been sighted.
5. The landing
Columbus planting the flag of Spain in the New World. Sailors (all
with uncovered heads) kneeling. Indians (let the boys wear Indian
suits) watching from the outskirts, one falling down in worship.
6. The return reception
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella on throne, dressed as before, with
guards on either side. Ladies-in-waiting, noblemen, etc., dressed in
15th century style, grouped about. Columbus enters (to music). All
bow low except king and queen, who rise to meet him. Columbus kneels
before them, kisses the queen's hand and rises.
Indians enter (with bow and arrow) and gaze in wonder about. One
Indian plucks Columbus by sleeve and gruntingly interrogates him
concerning some wonder in the room--a picture of the king and queen,
decorated with Spanish flags. The king takes the hand of the Indian,
places it in Columbus' hand and, covering them with his own left
hand, raises the right to signify his blessing upon the newly found
land.
Music gives the signal for the recessional. All fall into line and
march out--guards, king, queen, Columbus, ladies, and courtiers.
The Indians follow irregularly.
THE BOY COLUMBUS
"'Tis a wonderful story," I hear you say,
"How he struggled and worked and plead and prayed,
And faced every danger undismayed,
With a will that would neither break nor bend,
And discovered a new world in the end--
But what does it teach to a boy of today?
All the worlds are discovered, you know, of course,
All the rivers are traced to their utmost source;
There is nothing left for a boy to find,
If he had ever so much a mind
To become a discoverer famous;
And if we'd much rather read a book
About some one else, and the risks he took,
Why nobody, surely, can blame us."
So you think all the worlds are discovered now;
All the lands have been charted and sailed about,
Their mountains climbed, their secrets found out;
All the seas have been sailed and their currents known--
To the uttermost isles the winds have blown
They have carried a venturing prow?
Yet there lie all about us new worlds, everywhere,
That await their discoverer's footfall; spread fair
Are electrical worlds that no eye has yet seen,
And mechanical worlds that lie hidden serene
And await their Columbus securely.
There are new worlds in Science and new worlds in Art,
And the boy who will work with his head and his heart
Will discover his new world surely.
COLUMBUS AND THE EGG
One day Columbus was at a dinner which a Spanish gentleman had given
in his honor, and several persons were present who were jealous of the
great Admiral's success. They were proud, conceited fellows, and they
very soon began to try to make Columbus uncomfortable.
"You have discovered strange lands beyond the seas," they said, "but
what of that? We do not see why there should be so much said about it.
Anybody can sail across the ocean; and anybody can coast along the
islands on the other side, just as you have done. It is the simplest
thing in the world."
Columbus made no answer; but after a while he took an egg from a dish
and said to the company:
"Who among you, gentlemen, can make this egg stand on end?"
One by one those at the table tried the experiment. When the egg had
gone entirely around and none had succeeded, all said that it could not
be done.
Then Columbus took the egg and struck its small end gently upon the
table so as to break the shell a little. After that there was no
trouble in making it stand upright.
"Gentlemen," said he, "what is easier than to do this which you said
was impossible? It is the simplest thing in the world. Anybody can do
it--after he has been shown how!"
COLUMBUS DAY
(_Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Normal School_)
This entertainment is simply an attempt to give a few of the most
dramatic incidents in the life of Columbus as connected with his
discovery of the New World. Other scenes could be readily added,
although it would require some care to avoid an anti-climax.
A. In Spain at the Council of Salamanca
Before this scene is presented give a brief explanation and description
of the early life of Columbus and his attempts to obtain aid.
_Characters_: Churchmen and counselors at the court of Spain (seven to
ten) and Columbus.
_Costumes_: The _churchmen_ are dressed in long black garments, except
two, who have black capes with white underneath. Columbus wears a long,
black garment or coat, which plainly shows the poverty of its owner.
_Tableau I--Columbus before the Council at Salamanca_
The characters are arranged somewhat as in a picture of this scene
found in the Perry pictures. A picture of this scene is also found
in Lossing's History of the United States, volume I. Only the chief
characters are shown in this tableau. Three churchmen or counselors are
in center near Columbus; two at left, one pointing mockingly, or making
fun of Columbus; two stand haughtily in the back, and there may also be
two or three at right. Columbus has a partly open roll of parchment in
one hand and is pointing with the other. One of the churchmen in the
center has an open Bible in his hand, and another has a book which he
is holding out to Columbus.
B. On Shipboard
_Characters_: Columbus, the mate, other sailors.
_Costumes_: Columbus, red cape; sailors, sweaters and sailor caps.
_Tableau II--Nearing Land; Columbus and the Mate_
The conversation in Joaquin Miller's "Columbus" takes place between
Columbus and mate. The sailors are in the background, one holding a
lantern. Between the different parts of his conversation with Columbus,
the mate goes to consult with the sailors. The last stanza of the
poem is given by some one from the wings. When the reader reaches the
line, "A light! A light!" Columbus and the mate change their position.
Columbus points and the mate raises his arm, peering forward. (Picture
in "Leading Facts of American History," by Montgomery, revised edition.
Also in "Stepping Stones of American History.")
C. In the new world
_Characters_: Columbus, three noblemen, eight sailors, six Indians.
_Costumes_: Columbus and the noblemen wear the Spanish costume of the
fifteenth century (described later). Sailors wear sweaters and sailor
caps made from blue, red or grey cambric. Indians wear Indian suits
(nearly all boys have or may obtain them from any clothing store). They
carry bows and arrows or tomahawks. The spears and swords for this and
the following scene are made from wood, bronzed to look like silver.
The tall cross is made of wood and stained with shellac. The banner of
the expedition is white, with a green cross. Over the initials F and Y
(Ferdinand and Ysabella) are two gilt crowns.
_Tableau III--The landing of Columbus_
The characters are posed from Vanderlyn's painting of the scene in the
Capitol at Washington. Reproductions are found in many histories and
among the Perry pictures. Columbus holds the banner of the expedition
in one hand, and a drawn sword in the other. One of the men has a tall
staff with the top in form of a cross; two others hold tall spears. The
Indians are peering out at the white men from the sides of the stage;
one of them is down on the stage with his head bowed on his hands,
worshipping the strangers; the others seem to be full of fear and
curiosity.
D. At Barcelona in Spain
Before this scene is presented a description of the reception of
Columbus by the king and queen upon his return to Spain is given. This
scene is more elaborate than any of the others.
_Characters and costumes_: Queen, red robe, purple figured front;
collar and trimmings of ermine. She wears a crown. Ermine is made
of cotton with little pieces of black cloth sewed on it, crown of
cardboard covered with gilt paper. Dress cheesecloth with a front of
silkoline.
King wears purple full, short trousers (trunks), purple doublet, purple
cape and gilt crown. The trousers and cape are trimmed with ermine.
The two guards have black trousers (trunks) and red capes, collars, and
knee pieces made from silver paper; they wear storm hats covered with
silver paper, and carry spears.
The two ladies-in-waiting wear dresses fixed to resemble the dress of
the period. They have high headpieces shaped like cornucopias, made
from cardboard covered with gilt paper, and with long veils draped over
them; this was one style of headpiece worn in the fifteenth century.
The eight churchmen, eight sailors and six Indians are dressed as in
previous scenes.
The little page of Columbus is dressed in his own white suit.
Columbus wears grey and red clothing. The ten noblemen wear
combinations of bright colors.
The general plan in regard to the dress of the Spanish nobility in the
time of Columbus is to have the full, short trousers (trunks) made
of one color and slashed with another; the upper garment or doublet
made of figured silkoline; the cape of one color lined with another,
worn turned back over one shoulder; pointed collars and cuffs of white
glazed or silver paper; and soft felt hats with plumes. Each nobleman
carries a sword.
The gold brought by the sailors may be made by gilding stones.
_Tableau IV--Reception of Columbus by King and Queen_
In center of stage is raised platform or throne with two or three steps
leading up to it: this throne is covered with figured raw silk (yellow
and brown). Chairs are placed on throne for king and queen.
The scene is an attempt to represent the reception of Columbus on
his return to Spain after his first voyage. (See painting by Ricardo
Balaca, the Spanish artist, of Columbus before Ferdinand and Isabella
at Barcelona.)
A march may be played on the piano while the different characters in
the tableau come on the stage and take their proper positions. First
the two royal guards march to the throne, taking positions one on each
side, so that the king and queen may pass between them in mounting
the platform. They are followed by the king and queen, and then the
ladies-in-waiting. The king and queen mount the platform and take
seats; the ladies wait in front of the platform until the king and
queen are seated, then they take positions on each side of the throne.
The guards, after the king and queen are seated, take positions on the
platform in the rear. All these come as one group in the procession,
with only a little space between them.
Next come the churchmen. One of them carries the tall cross. They take
their places at the right of the queen.
The Indians come, shuffling across the stage to the extreme left of
the king and queen. Of course they know nothing of keeping time to the
music or paying homage to royalty.
The sailors march upon the stage, each bringing something from the New
World--gold, a stuffed bird, or some product. Each in turn approaches
the king and queen, kneels, and then places whatever he carries at the
side of the platform, and takes his place on the left.
The noblemen, one by one, come in with great dignity, go to the front
of the throne, kneel and salute with their swords. Then they go to the
right of the stage.
Finally the music sounds a more triumphal note, announcing the approach
of the hero of the occasion. Columbus is preceded by his page, carrying
the banner of the expedition. The page kneels to the king and queen,
then goes to the left, where he is to stand just back of the place
reserved for Columbus.
As Columbus approaches the throne, the king and queen rise and come
forward to do him honor. Columbus kneels, kisses the queen's hand, then
rises and points out to the king and queen the treasures which his
sailors have brought. He also brings forward one of the Indians. The
king and queen regard everything with interest. After this, at a signal
given on the piano, all kneel to give thanks for the discovery of the
New World. The Te Deum Laudamus is chanted or the Doxology is sung.
This is the end of the reception.
* * * * *
This scene may be simplified, if desired, and given in the form of two
tableaux. Columbus kneeling before the queen and king and Columbus
telling his story may be given separately. There need not be as many
characters in the scene. See the picture, "Reception of Columbus"
(adapted from the picture by Ricardo Balaca) in "America's Story for
American Children," by Mara L. Pratt.
It would be easy to give the substance of this entertainment in any
schoolroom and without costumes. Even with these limitations the story
of Columbus would become more real to the children in this way than it
could be made by any description.
A good description of the reception of Columbus in Spain after his
first voyage is given in the "Life of Columbus," by Washington Irving.
A description and picture of the banner of the expedition may be found
in Lossing's "History of the United States," volume I.
Music that may be used: "Columbus Song," taken from "1492"; the "New
Hail Columbia."
THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA
It was on the morning of Friday, 12th of October, 1492, that Columbus
first beheld the New World....
No sooner did he land than he threw himself upon his knees, kissed the
earth, and returned thanks to God with tears of joy. His example was
followed by the rest, whose hearts indeed overflowed with the same
feelings of gratitude.
Columbus then rising drew his sword, displayed the royal standard, and
... took solemn possession in the name of the Castilian sovereigns,
giving the island the name of San Salvador. Having complied with the
requisite forms and ceremonies, he now called upon all present to take
the oath of obedience to him, as admiral and viceroy, representing the
persons of the sovereigns.
The feelings of the crew now burst forth in the most extravagant
transports.... They thronged around the Admiral in their overflowing
zeal. Some embraced him, others kissed his hands. Those who had been
most mutinous and turbulent during the voyage, were now most devoted
and enthusiastic. Some begged favors of him, as of a man who had
already wealth and honors in his gift. Many abject spirits, who had
outraged him by their insolence, now crouched as it were at his feet,
begging pardon for all the trouble they had caused him, and offering
for the future the blindest obedience to his commands.
_Washington Irving_
IMMORTAL MORN
Immortal morn, all hail!
That saw Columbus sail
By Faith alone!
The skies before him bowed,
Back rolled the ocean proud,
And every lifting cloud
With glory shone.
Fair science then was born,
On that celestial morn,
Faith dared the sea;
Triumphant over foes
Then Truth immortal rose,
New heavens to disclose,
And earth to free.
Strong Freedom then came forth,
To liberate the earth
And crown the right;
So walked the pilot bold
Upon the sea of gold,
And darkness backward rolled,
And there was light.
_Hezekiah Butterworth_
All hail, Columbus, discoverer, dreamer, hero, and apostle! We here, of
every race and country, recognize the horizon which bounded his vision,
and the infinite scope of his genius. The voice of gratitude and praise
for all the blessings which have been showered upon mankind by his
adventure is limited to no language, but is uttered in every tongue.
Neither marble nor brass can fitly form his statue. Continents are his
monument, and unnumbered millions, past, present, and to come, who
enjoy in their liberties and their happiness the fruits of his faith,
will reverently guard and preserve, from century to century, his name
and fame.
_Chauncey Mitchell Depew_