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Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins

      CAST
    • SAM , [Lucas] a peculiar fellow (1st Tenor)
    • JIM , overseer (2nd Tenor)
    • CAESAR , station master (Baritone)
    • PETE, POMP , friends to Sam (Tenor, Bass)
    • VIRGINIA , the plantation nightingale (Soprano)
    • JUNO , sister to Sam (Alto)
    • MAMMY , mother to Sam (2nd Soprano)

(Scene, interior of an old cabin. Entrance at back, usual furniture. Time, evening. Unseen chorus sings as curtain rises. At close of chorus, enter SAM, followed by JIM, CAESAR, PETE, and POMP, dressed as field hands . POMP with banjo)
SAM:

Note: Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 114 chars.

PETE:

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 134 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 53 words in 2 sentences using 233 chars.

PETE:

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars.

( POMP strikes up lively dance, each takes a turn . SAM beats time and grows more and more excited)
SAM:
(unable to restrain himself longer)

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars.

(Rest cease dancing, mark time until he drops, exhausted, into a seat)
SAM:

Note: Contains 23 words in 1 sentence using 113 chars.

POMP:
(rising)

Note: Contains 39 words in 3 sentences using 170 chars.

ALL:

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 78 chars.

PETE:

Note: Contains 43 words in 2 sentences using 197 chars.

SAM:
(answers PETE with solo)

Note: Contains 69 words in 3 sentences using 369 chars.

CHORUS:
( JIM, CAESAR, PETE, and POMP sing)
SAM:

Note: Contains 41 words in 2 sentences using 185 chars.

ALL:

Note: Contains 3 words in 3 sentences using 17 chars.

PETE:

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars.

(Exit JIM, CAESAR, PETE, and POMP )
SAM:

Note: Contains 38 words in 2 sentences using 184 chars.

(Enter MAMMY, excited)
MAMMY:
(breathing hard)

Note: Contains 40 words in 2 sentences using 171 chars.

SAM:
(excited, grasps her arm)

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 67 chars.

MAMMY:
(astonished)

Note: Contains 68 words in 4 sentences using 298 chars.

SAM:
(dejected)

Note: Contains 61 words in 4 sentences using 291 chars.

MAMMY:
(lays hand on his arm)

Note: Contains 72 words in 5 sentences using 337 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 30 words in 1 sentence using 136 chars.

SAM:
(sorrowfully)

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars.

Note: Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 253 chars.

CHORUS:
(mixed quartet, unseen, sings)
SAM:

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 131 chars.

Note: Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 246 chars.

CHORUS:
(sings)
SAM:

Note: Contains 54 words in 3 sentences using 268 chars.

CHORUS:
(sings)
SAM:

Note: Contains 52 words in 3 sentences using 261 chars.

CHORUS:
(sings)
(At close, enter VIRGINIA and JUNO, and JIM with bundle)
JUNO:

Note: Contains 33 words in 2 sentences using 158 chars.

( SAM takes VIRGINIA by one hand , MAMMY takes the other , JUNO makes circuit around them)
VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 47 words in 2 sentences using 218 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 68 words in 6 sentences using 332 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 60 words in 3 sentences using 279 chars.

MAMMY:
(astonished)

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 60 words in 5 sentences using 276 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 90 chars.

SAM:
(looks carefully around)

Note: Contains 88 words in 5 sentences using 424 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 129 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 141 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 47 words in 2 sentences using 211 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 26 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 77 words in 4 sentences using 318 chars.

SAM:
(shudders with anger)

Note: Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 121 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 46 words in 5 sentences using 223 chars.

MAMMY:
(rocking herself to and fro)

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 77 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars.

SAM:
(leaps upon him, seizes whip)

Note: Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 145 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 36 chars.

SAM:
(contemptuously)

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 122 chars.

(They spar with their fists. Two or three times JIM butts at SAM, but misses him , SAM passing over his head in careless manner. Make this set-to as comical as possible)
JIM:
(glaring at him)

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

SAM:
(edging up to JIM )

Note: Contains 76 words in 4 sentences using 360 chars.

(They stand and glare at each other . JIM is off guard, and SAM rushes at him head first, strikes him in the stomach , JIM staggers across room, doubles up)
JIM:
(howls)

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

SAM:
(rubs his head)

Note: Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars.

(Enter POMP and PETE. PETE with banjo . JIM rises, groaning, limps to door)
JIM:
(to SAM )

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 96 chars.

PETE AND POMP:

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars.

VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 66 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars.

PETE:

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars.

POMP:

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 110 chars.

( MAMMY and JUNO pack up bundles . JUNO ties plain handkerchief on her head)
VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 144 chars.

(She sings solo, others join in quartet. I should think "Home, Sweet Home" well sung by the soprano might be a decided hit. Reenter SAM at close, dressed as gentleman overseer)
JUNO:
(not knowing him)

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars.

SAM:
(flourising whip)

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

ALL:

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 41 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars.

(They pick up their bundles. Start for door, turn as they reach it and form tableau in door around VIRGINIA and MAMMY )
MAMMY:
(weeping)

Note: Contains 43 words in 3 sentences using 191 chars.

(Chorus. Curtain)

Scene 1

(Time, night. Front of an old hut in the woods. Enter SAM, VIRGINIA, MAMMY, JUNO, PETE, and POMP. Sing several choruses)
CAESAR:
(opens window as they finish)

Note: Contains 38 words in 3 sentences using 177 chars.

SAM:
(pounds at the door)

Note: Contains 24 words in 1 sentence using 114 chars.

CAESAR:
(opens window slowly)

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 118 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 90 chars.

CAESAR:
(interrupts him)

Note: Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 96 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 81 chars.

CAESAR:
(astonished)

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 63 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 78 chars.

CAESAR:
(excited)

Note: Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 120 chars.

MAMMY:
(peers at CAESAR from, under her hand)

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 103 chars.

CAESAR:

Note: Contains 26 words in 5 sentences using 117 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars.

CAESAR:

Note: Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 111 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 151 chars.

CAESAR:

Note: Contains 44 words in 1 sentence using 215 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 88 words in 2 sentences using 388 chars.

CHORUS:

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars.

CAESAR:
(at close)

Note: Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 106 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 179 chars.

CAESAR:
(dons SAM' S hat and coat)

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars.

SAM:
(calls to VIRGINIA )

Note: Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 122 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 35 words in 5 sentences using 166 chars.

SAM:
(faintly, as if half asleep)

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars.

JIM:
(still pounding)

Note: Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 83 chars.

SAM:
(appears at window with lighted candle, disguised voice)

Note: Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 142 chars.

JIM:
(as SAM turns to go away)

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 94 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 29 words in 1 sentence using 128 chars.

SAM:
(in scolding voice)

Note: Contains 36 words in 3 sentences using 186 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 26 words in 1 sentence using 119 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 47 words in 4 sentences using 216 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 88 chars.

JIM:
(excited)

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 59 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 104 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 90 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 68 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 26 words in 5 sentences using 115 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 99 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 28 words in 1 sentence using 114 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 38 words in 2 sentences using 171 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 66 words in 2 sentences using 305 chars.

JIM:
(ready to start)

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 54 words in 3 sentences using 250 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 90 chars.

SAM:
(chuckles)

Note: Contains 229 words in 21 sentences using 1062 chars.

JIM:
(feebly)

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

( SAM takes out pocket book, opens it disclosing bills. Forgets ghost, sits down on stage floor, begins to count, chuckling to himself)
SAM:

Note: Contains 39 words in 2 sentences using 170 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars.

SAM:
(rising)

Note: Contains 60 words in 3 sentences using 277 chars.

JIM:

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 59 chars.

(Enter CAESAR )
CAESAR:

Note: Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 68 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 149 chars.

CAESAR:
(examines JIM curiously. To SAM )

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars.

CAESAR:

Note: Contains 39 words in 2 sentences using 179 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 109 chars.

CHORUS:

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 15 chars.

( CAESAR disappears and returns with bundle, while SAM strikes up song and is answered by unseen chorus. They take JIM between them and exit)

Scene 2

(Scene 2 changes, disclosing interior of cavern, damp fire, table, three or four rude stools. Some of fugitives sitting, some stretched before fire)
MAMMY:

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 97 chars.

JUNO:
(sorrowfully)

Note: Contains 35 words in 1 sentence using 155 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 61 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 36 words in 3 sentences using 167 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 89 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 88 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars.

VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 118 chars.

CHORUS:

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 88 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars.

VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 97 words in 3 sentences using 474 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 59 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 40 words in 2 sentences using 191 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 97 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars.

SAM:
(gives her the pistol)

Note: Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 175 chars.

JUNO:
(walks around JIM, and plays at shooting him . JIM rolls his eyes in terror)

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 76 chars.

SAM:
(to CAESAR )

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars.

CAESAR:

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 106 chars.

SAM:
(reads slowly, sometimes stopping to spell)

Note: Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 202 chars.

CAESAR:
(admiring SAM )

Note: Contains 66 words in 4 sentences using 287 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars.

CHORUS:

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

JUNO:
(stops singing, points pistol at JIM )

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 86 chars.

(reenter SAM dresssed as old man)
MAMMY:
(stares at him)

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars.

VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars.

SAM:
(in disguised voice)

Note: Contains 23 words in 1 sentence using 109 chars.

(Sings old man character songs, "Old Man Jake." At close they divide into two parties , VIRGINIA goes with CAESAR and PETE; SAM with MAMMY, JUNO, and POMP. They leave JIM, and exit singing)
JUNO:

Note: Contains 51 words in 3 sentences using 222 chars.

MAMMY:
(outside)

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 110 chars.

(Curtain)

(Time, night. Banks of a river. River at back. Trees and shrubbery along banks. Enter party led by SAM )
SAM:
(looks around)

Note: Contains 33 words in 1 sentence using 156 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 121 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 142 chars.

MAMMY:
(holds up her hands in astonishment)

Note: Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 64 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 58 words in 3 sentences using 259 chars.

MAMMY:
(more surprised)

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 51 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 30 words in 1 sentence using 140 chars.

JUNO:
(has been looking anxiously up the road)

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars.

(All rush to look up road . VIRGINIA sings solo, all join in chorus. At close enter CAESAR, VINGINIA, and PETE, throw down bundles, embrace)
CAESAR:

Note: Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 113 chars.

CHORUS:

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars.

SAM:
(as they close picks up bundle)

Note: Contains 64 words in 6 sentences using 315 chars.

(All join in song, shake hands, laugh and shout, exit. Singing grows fainter, but louder as raft shoots into sight . JIM rushes panting on the stage, peers after raft. Tableau, music growing fainter)
(Curtain)

(The time is after the war in Canada. The place is an old fashioned kitchen with a fireplace. There is a door at back and a window at the right with closed inside blinds. Mammy sits at table knitting, Caesar, her husband now, sits before fireplace .
CAESAR:

Note: Contains 69 words in 3 sentences using 338 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 72 words in 3 sentences using 344 chars.

CAESAR:

Note: Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 130 chars.

MAMMY:
(at close)

Note: Contains 101 words in 3 sentences using 495 chars.

CAESAR:
(wiping his eyes)

Note: Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 93 chars.

(Clocks strikes seven. Enter VIRGINIA and JUNO )
VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 131 chars.

MAMMY:
(interrupts her)

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars.

CAESAR:

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 96 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 42 words in 3 sentences using 188 chars.

VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 74 chars.

MAMMY:
(listens)

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars.

(All listen. Tableau. Sleigh bells outside)
SAM:
(outside)

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars.

ALL:

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 10 chars.

SAM:
(throws off wraps , JUNO carries them off, returns immediately)

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars.

PETE:

Note: Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 72 chars.

VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 114 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars.

PETE:
(he and POMP shake hands with SAM in congratulation)

Note: Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 90 chars.

CAESAR:
(goes up to SAM )

Note: Contains 35 words in 3 sentences using 159 chars.

(Reenter PETE. Company seat themselves)
JUNO:

Note: Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 152 chars.

SAM:
(to VIRGINIA )

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars.

VIRGINIA:

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars.

(Solos, quartets, and chorus. Mr. [Sam] Lucas introduces any of his songs that have not been sung elsewhere. At close loud knocking at door)
MAMMY:

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars.

SAM:
(hurries to door, opens it . JIM rushes past him into room)

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars.

CAESAR:
(aside)

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars.

JIM:
(looks smilingly around)

Note: Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 87 chars.

SAM:
(reads)

Note: Contains 20 words in 6 sentences using 125 chars.

JIM:
(bows profoundly)

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 27 words in 1 sentence using 116 chars.

JUNO:
(reenters on a run, with pistol; rushes at JIM )

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars.

JIM:
(frightened, stumbles over two or three chairs. Groans)

Note: Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 106 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars.

JIM:
(goes toward VIRGINIA followed by SAM )

Note: Contains 68 words in 4 sentences using 301 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars.

JIM:
(strutting up and down)

Note: Contains 52 words in 5 sentences using 242 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 65 chars.

(all gather around JIM )
JIM:

Note: Contains 110 words in 4 sentences using 564 chars.

SAM:

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 150 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 164 chars.

CAESAR:

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars.

( SAM and VIRGINIA talk at one side)
JUNO:

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 142 chars.

CAESAR:
(rising)

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 112 chars.

MAMMY:

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars.

JUNO:

Note: Contains 44 words in 4 sentences using 216 chars.

Stage cleared. Lively music. Each one selects partner , PETE with JUNO, JIM with POMP. SAM as caller. Go through three or four figures lively , JUNO, MAMMY, and CAESAR begin to get happy. Suddenly SAM stops calling, rushes to footlights)
SAM:

Note: Contains 36 words in 3 sentences using 189 chars.

(Plantation chorus , SAM dancing to "Golden Slippers," remainder happy)
(Curtain)
CC-BY-4.0
Lizenzvertrag
Holder of rights
Mathias Göbel
Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2024). American Drama. Peculiar Sam. Peculiar Sam. American Drama Corpus. Mathias Göbel. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0014-A724-5