Then Columbus took the egg and struck its small end gently upon the table so as to break the shell a little. After that there was no trouble in making it stand upright. "Gentlemen," said he, "what is easier than to do this which you said was impossible? It is the simplest thing in the world. Anybody can do it--after he has been shown how!" COLUMBUS DAY (_Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Normal School_) This entertainment is simply an attempt to give a few of the most dramatic incidents in the life of Columbus as connected with his discovery of the New World. Other scenes could be readily added, although it would require some care to avoid an anti-climax. A. In Spain at the Council of Salamanca Before this scene is presented give a brief explanation and description of the early life of Columbus and his attempts to obtain aid. _Characters_: Churchmen and counselors at the court of Spain (seven to ten) and Columbus. _Costumes_: The _churchmen_ are dressed in long black garments, except two, who have black capes with white underneath. Columbus wears a long, black garment or coat, which plainly shows the poverty of its owner. _Tableau I--Columbus before the Council at Salamanca_ The characters are arranged somewhat as in a picture of this scene found in the Perry pictures. A picture of this scene is also found in Lossing's History of the United States, volume I. Only the chief characters are shown in this tableau. Three churchmen or counselors are in center near Columbus; two at left, one pointing mockingly, or making fun of Columbus; two stand haughtily in the back, and there may also be two or three at right. Columbus has a partly open roll of parchment in one hand and is pointing with the other. One of the churchmen in the center has an open Bible in his hand, and another has a book which he is holding out to Columbus. B. On Shipboard _Characters_: Columbus, the mate, other sailors. _Costumes_: Columbus, red cape; sailors, sweaters and sailor caps. _Tableau II--Nearing Land; Columbus and the Mate_ The conversation in Joaquin Miller's "Columbus" takes place between Columbus and mate. The sailors are in the background, one holding a lantern. Between the different parts of his conversation with Columbus, the mate goes to consult with the sailors. The last stanza of the poem is given by some one from the wings. When the reader reaches the line, "A light! A light!" Columbus and the mate change their position. Columbus points and the mate raises his arm, peering forward. (Picture in "Leading Facts of American History," by Montgomery, revised edition. Also in "Stepping Stones of American History.") C. In the new world _Characters_: Columbus, three noblemen, eight sailors, six Indians.