ROGER WILLIAMS PREACHING TO THE INDIANS.
Reading edition
"Gitche Manito the Mighty, The Great Spirit, the Creator, Sends them hither on his errand, Sends them to us with his message. Let us welcome, then, the strangers, Hail them as our friends and brothers, And the heart's right hand of friendship Give them when they come to see us." Longfellow.
Two Female and Eight Male Figures.
Roger Williams was the first white man that settled in Rhode Island. He was a clergyman, and lived in Boston; but he did not think exactly as the other clergymen of Boston, and was therefore banished from Massachusetts. He emigrated with his family to the woods. After travelling a considerable time, he selected a beautiful spot, and built him a house. Other settlers soon came that way, and founded homes. This was the first settlement of Providence. Williams was kindly treated by the Indians, who seemed pleased at his arrival among them. Every Sabbath he would go into the village and preach to them. The scene in this tableau represents him standing before a wigwam with his Bible in hand, explaining the Holy Scriptures to a group of savages who are gathered about him. A few spruce trees should be placed in the background of the picture, a fire kindled in the centre of the stage, which can be placed in an iron furnace, and surrounded with stones. The floor must be covered with white cloth. Logs and branches of trees should be scattered around the stage. At the left of the stage is the wigwam, formed with rough poles, covered with light-brown cloth, and ornamented with red hieroglyphics. In the background, and at each side of the stage, are seated Indians. The floor of the stage in the background should be raised one foot, on which are placed the trees; in front of the wigwam stands Roger Williams; he partially faces the audience; his left hand holds a Bible, while his right is raised upward, his eyes directed towards the Indians—countenance expressing animation. Costume consists of black coat of ancient style, black breeches, black vest, white hose, ruffled bosom, and white cravat, knee and shoe buckles, and a long white wig, ending in a cue, and tied with a black ribbon. Costume of the Indians is a short frock, made of and trimmed with a bright-colored cambric, pants of dark buff cloth, fitting tightly so as to develop the form of the leg, moccasins of red flannel, decorated with beads; a strip of card-board, covered with red flannel, and ornamented with feathers of any kind, should be worn around the head. A belt about the waist, containing tomahawk and knife, both of which can be made of wood, and painted in bright colors. A few squaws are interspersed in the scene. Their costumes are similar to those of the men, with the addition of a bright-colored blanket thrown over the shoulders, and hair loosely flowing about the neck. The exposed portions of the bodies of the Indians are stained of the same color as the pants. The position of the figures must be varied, while all look with attention to Williams. The scene should be lighted by a red fire, burned at the front side of the stage. Music soft and of a sacred character.
