WINTHROP. Boy, is this the truth? How do you know?
SAMUEL. Indeed, Your Excellency, it is nothing but the truth! I was down on the shore, when I looked across the bay, and saw a great ship entering the harbor. And as I ran up to bring you word, I heard a man saying that Captain Pierce was even now being rowed ashore.
[_Before any one can speak, there is a loud knock on the door, and as the_ SERVANT _hastily opens it_, CAPTAIN PIERCE _appears on the threshold._ WINTHROP _rushes to meet him, and seizes him by both hands._]
WINTHROP. Never was man, or ship, more welcome! William Pierce! Thank Heaven!
[_The others crowd around_ PIERCE, _and greet him with joyous and grateful exclamations._]
PIERCE. [_To_ WINTHROP.] Your Excellency, I have the honor to report the safe arrival of the _Lyon_!
WINTHROP. An hour ago we had well-nigh given you up!
PIERCE. We have met with many unforeseen delays on our voyage.
PIERCE. Many of them, one so severe that one of our sailors was washed overboard. But our greatest delay was caused by our meeting a dismasted bark, which we must needs tow back to Bristol. We could only imagine what you must suffer in our absence. I, too, thank Heaven we have arrived!
PIERCE. Yes, verily, a goodly store. We have wheat, peas, and oatmeal; we have beef and pork and cheese and butter! [_Great relief and thankfulness shown by the company._]
[_To_ WINTHROP.] If Your Excellency will ask a few men to volunteer to go down to the _Lyon_ and help us unlade her, we shall have everybody fed within the hour.
[_All laugh._ PIERCE _pats him on the shoulder._]
PIERCE. You shall come down to the ship with me. There is plenty for smart lads to do as well as men.
WINTHROP. Friends, I will now proclaim not a day of fasting and prayer, but one of praise and thanksgiving for our deliverance. However great the destiny that may await our colony, struggling here in the wilderness, this day must never be forgotten!
How Everychild sought for a companion on her quest for Goodness and Beauty, and having at length chosen, received also certain treasures.
EVERYCHILD. JOY. MATHEMATICS. LATIN. IDLENESS. SERVICE. GAIETY. DISCIPLINE. A Page (if necessary). No stage setting except a chair.
EVERYCHILD. Were there not voices here? I came to see If this could be my chosen company. For I am growing now, and seek to come Where Goodness, and where Beauty, have their home. I am alone; but Everychild, they say, May choose what friends she’ll have upon her way. [_Thinks._] I’ll call for Idleness, she is so soft! She will not make me climb, nor scold me oft. Idleness! Idleness! come!