The song is then repeated, children standing in a circle, and the three chosen as Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria choose three children to take their places by pointing at any three children in the circle. Game may continue as long as desired or until all have had a chance to go inside the circle.[A] [A] The story of Columbus may be dramatized in connection with this game. Song Columbus was a sailor boy, Many years ago. A great ship was the sailor's joy, Many years ago. The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria, Little vessels three, The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria, Sailed out across the sea. _Laura Rountree Smith_ My Little Ship Once I made a little ship, Down beside the sea; And I said, "Come now, dear winds, And blow it back to me!" O little ship that sails the sea. O wind that blows it back to me! Song _Tune, Lightly Row_ Wave the flags, wave the flags; We are sailor boys at play; Wave the flags, wave the flags, On Columbus Day. O'er the waters we will go, Singing, singing, as we row; Wave the flags to and fro, On Columbus Day. (_Children wave flags_) Cross the flags, cross the flags, With their pretty colors gay; Cross the flags, cross the flags, On Columbus Day. We would like to sail, 'tis true, O'er the waters bright and blue, So we cross the flags for you On Columbus Day. (_Children cross flags_) _Laura Rountree Smith_ Recitation for Very Little Boys _1st_--Columbus was a sailor bold, At least that's what I have been told. _2d_--I would also like to sail the sea, If not too far from mother's knee. _3d_--He had three ships to sail the sea, One ship would be enough for me. _4th_--In the Nina I would go; But what if stormy winds should blow? _5th_--In the Pinta I'll set sail; That ship has weathered many a gale. _6th_--The Santa Maria waits for me; O how I love to sail the sea. _7th_--At night we'll glide across the foam, But wish ourselves quite safe at home. _8th_--Kind friends, I hope you understand, We are really happier far on land. (_All join hands and run to seats_) Then come, dear sailors, hand in hand, We'll run to seek the nearest land! Play (_Ferdinand and Isabella on their thrones, chairs with a red drapery concealing them._) _Enter Columbus and followers, bowing low_ _Columbus_ O most gracious majesties! _Ferdinand_ My wise men say your scheme is vain, So your plan I must disdain; If as _you_ say this earth is round No one could stay upon the ground. (_Bows his head and looks very wise. Columbus looks sadly around and sighs. Queen Isabella stretches forth her hand._) _Queen_