I consider it as an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life, by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them to his holy keeping. Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theater of action; and, bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life. (_The Continental Congress, standing and shouting in concert, "Long live General George Washington! First in war! First in peace! And First in the hearts of his countrymen!"_) CURTAIN Footnotes: [1] In small schools where there are not enough large boys to represent all the characters, those who represent members of the Continental Congress can become members of Washington's army, etc., for the other scenes. [2] This speech is adapted from Paine's "Separation of Britain and America." [3] Adapted from Wirt's supposed speech of Lee. [4] This dialogue between Adams and Jefferson is taken from Adams's letter to Timothy Pickering. [5] If this is properly staged it will be very effective. National Guard members will be glad to take part as members of Washington's army, with their tents and uniforms and arms, if there are no school cadets to play this part. The bugler sounds the call to arms. The soldiers fall into line ready for the fight. Just before marching orders are given, Washington delivers the following address, after which the curtain goes down on this scene and the sound of battle is heard in the distance. [6] This is a part of Webster's "Supposed Speech of John Adams." [7] John Hancock. [8] Samuel Adams. [9] From Webster's "Supposed Speech of Opposition to Independence." [10] From Webster's "Supposed Speech of John Adams." [11] From Webster's "Supposed Speech of Opposition to Independence." [12] From Webster's "Supposed Speech of John Adams." [13] Adapted from the "Corner Stone" speech of Alexander H. Stephens, and arranged by William R. Hood, Bureau of Education, Washington, D. C. [14] From Wirt's "Supposed Speech of Patrick Henry." [15] Robert Morris later signed the Declaration of Independence and through his influence the American Revolution was financed. This speech is adapted from Sumner's "True Grandeur of Nations" and other sources. [16] From Wirt's "Supposed Speech of Patrick Henry." [17] A monument was recently erected at Dover in his honor. [18] On July 9, 1776, New York instructed her delegates to sign. AMERICAN PATRIOTISM [Illustration: GEORGE WASHINGTON] WHAT IS PATRIOTISM