Zodzetrick enters.
Zodzetrick to Monisha:
I want to sell to you dis bag o'luck,
Yo' enemies it will keep away.
Over yo' front do' you can hang it,
An' good luck will come each day.
Monisha:
Will it drive away de blues?
An' stop Ned from drinkin' booze?
Zodzetrick:
It will drive de blues, I'm thinkin',
An' will stop Ned from booze-drinkin'.
Monisha Reaching for bag:
Well!
Ned Angrily:
No, dat bag you'se not gwine to buy,
'Cause I know de price is high.
Zodzetrick:
I mus' tell you plain an' bold,
It is worth its weight in gold.
Ned:
It may be worth its weight in diamonds rare,
Or worth the earth to you.
But to me, it ain't worth a possum's hair,
Or persimmons when they're new.
Drinkin' gin I would not stop,
If dat bag was on my chin.
I'm goin' to drink an' work my crop,
'Cause I think it is no sin.
Monisha:
Dis here bag will heaps o'luck bring,
An' we need here jes dis kind o' thing.
Ned:
You shall not buy dat bag,
'Cause I don't want it here.
'Nough o' dat thing we've had.
'Twill do us harm, I fear.
To Zodzetrick:
Say ole man, you won't do,
You's a stranger to me.
Tell me, who are you?
Zodzetrick:
Zodzetrick --
I am de Goofer dus' man
An' I's king of Goofer dus' lan'.
Strange things appear when I says "Hee hoo!"
Strange things appear when I says "Hee hoo!"
Zodzetrick starts away. Exit Ned. Monisha goes into the
cabin.
Treemonisha To Zodzetrick:
Wait, sir, for a few moments stay,
You should listen to what I have to say.
Please come closer to me, come along,
And I'll tell you of your great wrong.
Zodzetrick marks a cross on the ground, spits on it and turns
back.
Zodzetrick:
I've come back, my dear child, to hear what you say,
Go on with your story, I can't stay all day.
Treemonisha:
You have lived without working for many years.
All by your tricks of conjury.
You have caused superstition and many sad tears.
You should stop, you are doing great injury.
Zodzetrick:
You 'cuse me wrong
For injury I'se not done,
An' it won't be long
'Fore I'll make you from me run.
I has dese bags o' luck, 'tis true,
So take care, gal, I'll send bad luck to you.
Remus:
Shut up old man, enough you've said;
You can't fool Treemonisha -- she has a level head.
She is the only educated person of our race,
For many long miles far away from this place.
She'll break the spell of superstition in the neighborhood,
And all you foolish conjurors will have to be good.
To read and write she has taught me,
And I am very grateful,
I have more sense now, you can see,
And to her I'm very thankful.
You'd better quit your foolish ways
And all this useless strife,
You'd better change your ways today
And live a better life.
Zodzetrick:
I don't care what you say,
I will never change my way.
Starts to leave
I'm going now, but I'll be back soon,
Long 'fore another new moon.
D'y'all hear?
Treemonisha and Remus:
Yes, and we are glad you are going.
They stand looking at Zodzetrick as he walks slowly away.
Hope he'll stay away from here always, always.
No. 3: The Corn Huskers 
Chorus of Corn-Huskers In distance:
Very fine day.
Treemonisha:
The folks are coming to husk our corn,
I hear them singing a very sweet song.
See, there they are now, almost here,
I'm glad the day is clear.
Enter Corn-Huskers.
Corn-Huskers:
Hello!
Treemonisha and Remus:
Hello!
Corn-Huskers:
We've come to husk de corn.
Treemonisha:
Shall we have a Ring-play before we work today?
Corn-Huskers:
Yes, and we'll stay the whole day long.
No. 4: We're Goin' Around
All form a ring by joining hands, including Lucy, Andy's partner;
Andy stands in the center of the ring.
Andy All begin circling:
Dere was a man befo' de war,
Chorus:
O, we're goin' around.
Andy:
Said he didn't like his moth'n-law,
Chorus:
O, we're goin' around.
Andy:
I know we'll have a jolly good time,
Chorus:
O, we're goin' around.
Andy:
Because de weather's very fine,
Chorus:
O, we're goin' around.
Stop circling
Any swings his partner, Lucy, they next lady to her, swinging Lucy
each time before swinging each succeeding lady. Every time Andy
swings his partner, the other gentlemen swing their partners.
Andy:
Swing dat lady,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Swing dat lady,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Swing her gently,
Chorus:
Goin' around,
Keep on goin' around, 'round
Swing
Andy:
Swing dat gent'mun,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Swing dat gent'mun,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Swing, swing, goin' around,
Keep on agoin' around, keep agoin' 'round.
Andy is in circle; Lucy, in center, swings Andy, then next
gentleman to him, swinging Andy again before swinging another
gentleman.
Andy:
Gals all smilin',
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Gals all smilin',
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Smilin' sweetly,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Keep on goin' around, 'round.
Boys
Andy:
Boys all smilin',
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Boys all smilin',
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Swing, swing, goin' around,
Keep on agoin' around, around.
Lucy in circle; first gentleman to the right of Andy goes center.
Andy Begin circling:
All join hands an circle once mo',
Chorus:
O, we're goin' around.
Andy:
Don't go fast, an' don't go slow,
Chorus:
O, we're goin' around.
Andy:
Let yo' steps be light an' neat,
Chorus:
O, we're goin' around.
Andy:
Be careful how you shake yo' feet,
Chorus:
O, we're goin' around.
Stop circling
Gentleman in center swings his partner, etc.
Andy:
Swing dat lady,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Swing dat lady,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Swing her gently,
Chorus:
Goin' around,
Keep on goin' around, 'round
Swing
Andy:
Swing dat gent'mun,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Swing dat gent'mun,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Swing, swing, goin' around,
Keep on agoin' around, keep agoin' 'round,
Gentleman in center goes back to the circle and his partner goes to
center.
Andy:
Gals all smilin',
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Gals all smilin',
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Smilin' sweetly,
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Keep on goin' around, 'round.
Boys
Andy:
Boys all smilin',
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Andy:
Boys all smilin',
Chorus:
Goin' around.
Swing, swing, goin' around,
Keep on agoin' around,
They sit around the corn and begin husking slowly.
'Round, 'round, 'round.
No. 5: The Wreath
Treemonisha:
You girls are wearing wreaths on your heads,
Monisha opens the cabin door and stands, listening.
And I am wearing a bonnet instead.
Lucy:
You should wear a wreath made of pretty leaves.
Treemonisha:
Now to make my wreath, I see,
I must have leaves from that tree.
Monisha:
No! Not a leaf from dat tree take,
Leave 'em there, child, for my sake,
Take 'em from another tree,
An' very fine yo' wreath will be.
Treemonisha:
There are pretty leaves on this tree so near,
But, to please you, I'll to another tree go.
Tell me why this tree is, to you, so dear?
Chorus:
Please tell us, we would all like to know.
No. 6: The Sacred Tree
Monisha:
One Autumn night I was in bed lying,
Just eighteen years ago,
I heard a dear little baby crying,
While loudly Ned did snore.
And the baby's crying seemed to be
Somewhere near that sacred tree.
And the baby's crying seemed to be
Somewhere near that sacred tree.
I called to Ned and said, "Wake up,
A baby is crying outside the door."
But Ned said, "You have dreamed enough,"
And went to sleep once more;
Yet the baby's crying seemed to be
Somewhere near that sacred tree.
Yet the baby's crying seemed to be
Somewhere near that sacred tree.
It was twelve o'clock, or just before,
When the rain fell hard and fast,
The baby's cries I heard no more,
It had gone to sleep at last.
And very quiet it seemed to be,
Somewhere near that sacred tree.
And very quiet it seemed to be,
Somewhere near that sacred tree.
Ten o'clock next morning,
The hot sun was shining,
And the darling little baby,
I really had not forgotten;
But I could hear the humming bee,
Somewhere near that sacred tree.
And as I listened it seemed to be,
Somewhere near that sacred tree.
I came out in the yard to see,
And find out where the child could be;
And there, in rags, the baby laid,
Sheltered by that tree's cool shade.
I found it where I thought 'twould be,
There besides that sacred tree,
I found it where I thought 'twould be,
There besides that sacred tree.
I took the child into our home,
And now the darling girl is grown,
All I've said to you is true,
The child I've told you of is you.
Take not a leaf but leave them be,
On that dear old sacred tree;
Take not a leaf but leave them be,
On that dear old sacred tree.
The rain or the burning sun, you see,
Would have sent you to your grave,
But the sheltering leaves of that old tree,
Your precious life did save.
So now with me you must agree,
Not to harm that sacred tree;
So now with me you must agree,
Not to harm that sacred tree.
No. 7: Surprised
Treemonisha:
I am greatly surprised to know
that you are not my mother.
Corn-Huskers:
We are all surprised.
No. 8: Treemonisha's Bringing Up
Monisha:
We brought you up to believe that we were your real parents.
We saw nothing wrong in doing so.
On a dark still night,
Ned hitched up the old mules, and taking you,
We were soon driving along the road,
And the next day were twenty miles away.
Calling on some friends,
We told them that you were our first-born and that I intended to stay at
their house for eight weeks for the benefit of my health.
The neighbors were much surprised as what we told them,
But of course believed us,
And so you have never learned the secret of your birth until now.
When you were seven years old,
There being no school in the neighborhood,
A white lady undertook your education.
She points to the trunk of the sacred tree.
I found you on that spot,
And your parents I know not;
Ned and I love you true;
You have been a faithful daughter.
Treemonisha:
I love you and Ned too,
And your bidding I will do.
To me you have been a mother,
And Ned has been a father.
Monisha:
When you were a little child of years only three,
You were the most contented while playing near that tree.
Monisha first I named you,
The honor was for me.
Treemonisha next I named you,
Because you loved that tree.
Treemonisha:
I will take leaves from another tree,
And very fine my wreath will be.
Corn-Huskers:
Take them from another tree,
And very fine your wreath will be.
Treemonisha and Lucy go among the trees.
No. 9: Good Advice
Parson Alltalk enters.
Parson Alltalk:
Lis'en friends,
Do not tell lies an' steal, because it ain't right.
Remember all I say to you,
Because it's good advice.
All kneel in silent prayer.
All rise.
Parson Alltalk:
Does yer feel lak you've been redeemed?
Chorus:
O yes, ah feel lak I've been redeemed.
Parson Alltalk:
Ain't yer glad yer have been redeemed?
Chorus:
O yes, om glad ah have been redeemed.
Parson Alltalk:
Does yer always aim ter speak de truth?
Chorus:
O yes, ah always aim ter speak de truth.
Parson Alltalk:
Does yer love all yo' neighbors too?
Chorus:
O yes, ah love all ma neighbors too.
Parson Alltalk:
Lis'en friends,
Always live lak brothers an' sisters,
Because it is right.
Remember all I say to you,
Because it's good advice.
Don't harm yo' brother,
Don't harm yo' sister;
O, my neighbors, you must be good.
Chorus With closed lips:
Un . . .
Parson Alltalk:
Remember, each day,
Yo' debts you should pay;
O, my neighbors, you must be good.
Chorus With closed lips:
Un . . .
Parson Alltalk:
Does yer feel lak you've been redeemed?
Chorus:
O yes, ah feel lak I've been redeemed.
Parson Alltalk:
Ain't yer glad yer have been redeemed?
Chorus:
O yes, om glad ah have been redeemed.
Parson Alltalk:
Does yer always aim ter speak de truth?
Chorus:
O yes, ah always aim ter speak de truth.
Parson Alltalk:
Does yer love all yo' neighbors too?
Chorus:
O yes, ah love all ma neighbors too.
Exit Parson Alltalk.
No. 10: Confusion
Monisha:
Look! Lucy is comin' back,
I don't see Treemonisha.
I hope there's nothing wrong;
Lucy has something over her mouth,
An' her hands are tired behind her.
Chorus:
What is de trouble, Lucy?
What's wrong, Lucy?
Lucy enters and falls to the ground exhausted.
All gather around Lucy. Monisha unties Lucy's hands and takes the
handkerchief from over her mouth. Lucy then sits up.
Chorus:
Speak! Lucy, Speak! Speak!
Where is Treemonisha?
Speak to me, please speak to me!
Speak, Speak, Speak, Speak,
Speak to me!
Lucy:
Zodzetrick an' Luddud have tied a han'kerchief over Treemonisha's mouth,
An' have tied her han's behind her jes' lak dey tied mine.
Chorus:
Tell it quick, quick! Tell it quick!
Lucy:
An' Zodzetrick got on his mule's back
An' lifted Treemonisha on after him,
Den galloped away into de woods.
Women:
Oh!
Crying
O!
Lucy rises and begins to cry.
Women Spoken in crying tones:
Go an' bring her back, boys.
Men Speaking in crying tones:
We will bring her back.
The corn-husking boys run down the road after the conjurors. Remus
goes to the corn-field, gets the scarecrow suit and disguises himself
to follow and frighten the conjurors.
Women in crying tones:
O! O! O! O!
Ned comes running from the field.
Ned:
Hey! Monisha, speak!
Where is Treemonisha an' de boys?
Monisha:
Among the trees to gather leaves
Treemonisha and Lucy went,
They thought not of the conjurous thieves,
While on their pleasure bent.
But Zodzetrick and Luddud made haste while they could,
They have captured Treemonisha, and their threats they have made good.
The boys went to rescue her and bring her back to me,
She is our only daughter, and with us she ought to be.
Ned:
I'll beat dat trifling Zodzetrick,
Until he runs lak a big cur dog,
And I'll kill dat scoundrel Luddud,
Enter Remus
Jus' lak I would kill a hog.
Remus:
I'll wear dis ugly scarecrow,
He puts on the scarecrow suit.
While through the woods I roam,
'Twill scare away the conjurors,
And I'll bring Treemonisha home.
He goes running down the road.
Ned, Monisha, and the girls look at Remus as he runs down the road.
Chorus:
Run faster, Remus, Remus,
Keep straight ahead.
Run faster, Remus, Remus,
Keep straight ahead.
End Act I
