Father Junipero Serra : a new and original historical drama in four acts

Preface

Dedication, Sonnet, " To California "

Prologue, Sonnet, "The Padres"

Dramatis Personje

PAGE . 5

. 7 . 9 . 10

ACT I 11 II, Scene I 44

III 82

IV, Scene I Ill

SONGS.

The Serenade 22

The Sea 48

St. Joseph's Day 82

SONNETS.

Early Mass at San Carlos del Carmelo. . ,

The Pacific From Cypress Point

Vesper Bells of San Carlos del Carmelo. An Abalone Shell

... 69

Temptation 115

Death 138

Epilogue, Sonnet, " Padre Serra" .

PREFACE.

In California, August 28, 1884, services were held to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the death of Padre Junipero Serra; and the memorable occasion gave to the author at that time the idea of writing an historical-pastoral drama on the life of the saintly man so identified with the early annals of the state. The play was written in Chicago, in 1890, '91, '92, and '93.

While the Franciscan Friars who brought the light of Christianity to the shores cf California were educating her savages, and founding her historical monuments, there grew up in purity and simplicity a matchless existence, referred to as "The Old Mission Days;" the most beautiful picture of pastoral life the world has ever known; now chronicled by a record, a ruin, and a memory. But though unfortunately that time is past, it served to show the worthy influence of the first pioneers, and particularly of their leader, a man whose name shall ever shine pre-eminent in the history of the Western Coast, — The Very Reverend Father Junipero Serra.

C. G. MILLER.

Chicago, III., Oct. 1893.

Dedication

O California, an empire's star, Upon your beauty time has made no raid; Along your shores one finds no flaw to mar The fairest work that Nature ever made. Had I the gift to write a sonnet sweet, To dedicate a eulogy to you, My fourteen lines I fear would scarcely meet The right inscription that I know is due. For eighteen years within your border-lines Showed me some prototypes I would not wron£ Romantic land, the riches of your mines O'er-shadow not your poetry and song.

My recollections I would ne'er dismiss;

In mem'ry then of you inscribed is this.