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Written for the Victoria League of Victoria by ENID DERHAM
[Stamped in purple ink:] 2397
[Stamped in purple ink:] LITERARY COPYRIGHT
Melbourne
1912
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
[Page 2.]
THIS little allegorical play was written for the Victoria League of Victoria with the intention of providing State and other Schools with a suitable entertainment for Empire Day. The songs have been set to music by Mrs. Ewart in such a manner as to be suited either to an elaborate performance with an orchestra and a large choir or to the requirements of the smallest country school. Suggestions for simple costumes are included. Copies of this book may be obtained from the leading booksellers, or from the Hon. Secretary of the Victoria League of Victoria, 527 Collins Street, Melbourne. The proceeds of the sale will be devoted to the funds of the League.
[Page 3.]
[Header:] EMPIRE [Page] 3
[Heading:] DRAMATIS PERSONAE.
Time.
Britannia.
War.
France.
Joan of Arc.
America.
Discovery.
Newfoundland.
Taxation.
Canada.
Love.
New Zealand.
Justice.
Australia.
Peace.
India.
South Africa.
Soldiers, Sailors, etc.
SCENE – a wide stage, with a throne at the back, raised on steps, and suitably decorated.
[dividing line.]
[Heading:] COSTUMES OF CHARACTERS:
Time:-- A white wig and beard; if practicable, a bald head and forelock, a black or brown plain garment, sandals, with scythe and hour-glass.
Britannia:-- A white robe and a long blue cloak.
War:-- As a savage warrior, in red, with a long spear; Viking fashion if possible.
France:-- A white robe decorated with golden fleur-de-lys.
Joan of Arc:-- Armour, if possible; at least, page’s doublet, with shield, sword, and long fair hair.
Discovery:-- As an Elizabethan sea-rover; full breeches, tied at the knee with ribbon, short cloak and ruff, small round hat with a feather.
America:-- As a Red Indian squaw; dressed in brown fringed stuff to represent skins; ornaments of scarlet seeds.
Newfoundland:-- As a fisher-girl; with basket, a kerchief round her neck, and her skirt turned up over a bright petticoat.
Canada:-- In furs; with woollen mits [sic], and round woollen cap; she carries skates.
Taxation:-- A lean figure in shabby black, carrying in one hand a bag of money, which he jingles; in the other, white and blue legal papers, tied with pink tape.
Australia:-- In a blue Greek dress, with a crown of six stars; a wand tipped with a nugget of gold.
New Zealand:-- As a shepherdess; in a wide hat, with a sheepskin round her shoulders, and a crook.
Love:-- In white, with a wreath of red roses.
Justice:-- White robe and red cloak, a helmet, a shield, and a large cross-handled sword.
India:-- As an Indian woman; in a muslin sari, with large ear-rings [sic] and bangles.
Peace:-- A companion figure to Love, in white, with a crown of olive and a white dove on her hand.
South Africa:-- A dress of dull green, glittering with jewels.
[Page 4.]
[Heading:] Empire
[Subheading:] A Morality Play for Children
[dividing line.]
[Stage direction:] Enter Time, with his scythe and hour-glass, as Prologue:
Time:-- Mortals, take heed, for Father Time am I,
Who watch your fleeting millions spring and die.
Men like the grass and maidens like the flower
I mow at my inevitable hour,
And when I turn my hour-glass in my hands
Your haughty cities sink in desert sands,
Your galleons vanish from their busy quays
To lie forgotten in unfathomed seas,
His chains the slave, his crown the conqueror leaves,
