by Lilian Baker and Claire Gallant
- all rights reserved
for Mr. Soloman's Island History Class ~ April 7, 1975

Act 1-Scene 1

In 1843 near the village of East Point
There was a slight disturbance there to see.
Cunard wanted someone to survey his land
The people of the area, it seems, did not agree.

Samuel Cunard was a proprietor in his day,
The lots of 44 and 45 were his.
Proprietors were not well liked in this time
Cunard was made well aware of this.

A man was appointed to survey the land.
He came from P.E.I. and Peters was his name.
He tried to do his job as best he could,
But the people showed they weren't playing games.

They pulled up the stakes of the hard work he had done,
They showed him what they could really do.
Peters went to the law to plead his worthy case,
His pleas was lost, he left without adieu.

In his place came MacQuire to the scene
His trade a woodranger, you could say.
MacQuire knew his business, and what he was to do
He was a skilful man for the period, and the day.

MacQuire tried to collect the dues the people could not pay.
He decided he would show a firm and strict hand.
He picked John MacPhee as an example of his strength.
He made him and his family leave their home, and their land.

(Home of Josh MacPhee. A modest dwelling. In the middle of the kitchen a table with 4 wooden chairs and on the window had tattered curtains. There is an old stove near the back of the kitchen, and a wood box is beside it. A crucifix hangs on the wall.)

Characters:

Josh MacPhee
Dan MacQuire
Sarah MacPhee (wife)
Angus MacPhee (son)
Two small daughters and one son are also present in the room, but do not speak.

(The scene opens in the middle of an argument between MacPhee and MacQuire. Both men are very angry, and a settlement does not seem near at hand.)

Act 1 – Scene 1

MacQuire: - MacPhee I'm warning you once and for all, if you don't pay those 3 shillings, 6 you're through, you're finished (MacPhee interrupts) understand?

MacPhee: - Ye listen here MacQuire. I've paid me dues as much as I kin. The plantin' season here, and I ain't got no extra money to give ye for land I nearly broke me back on. (pauses for a moment) I want ye out o' me home, and nary ye show agin, or I'll kill ye, I honestly will.

Sarah: - Josh! Calm down. Can't ye two men talk about this, and come to some peace? Must ye be tarin at each other's throats?

(Angus) MacPhee: - Hush Mother! Ye know that obstinate ol' swine won't listen to reason. (Grabs a knife from the kitchen table, and gives it to his father.) Here Father, show him what this is for.

MacPhee: -(Points the knife at MacQuire) Get out o' here before I'm tempted to listen to me son.

MacQuire: - O.K. MacPhee, I'm leaving, but don't think this is the end.

Act 1 – Scene 2

Characters:
Dan MacQuire
Jake Barlow (Sheriff)
Sarah MacPhee (wife of Josh MacPhee)
Deputies of Sheriff Barlow (two)
Anne and Colleen MacPhee (daughters of Josh MacPhee)
Angus MacPhee (son of Josh and Sarah MacPhee)

(MacQuire, Barlow and deputies arrive at Josh MacPhee's house. Josh and son Angus are in the field labouring. Sarah and two small daughters are at home. Sarah is baking loaf bread, while the two girls are sewing (darning socks, mending shirts). A loud knock sounds at the door. Sarah stops her work, children lookup. MacQuire and company burst into the house. Children run to Sarah for protection.)

Sarah: - Anne, Colleen, go to yer room, quickly! (The two girls obey their mother, and enter a room near the back of the house. Sarah then addresses MacQuire and the Sheriff). My husband is not at home, and I have nothing to discuss with ye gentlemen. (Speaks sarcastically) Please leave my home directly. (She returns to the table where she had been baking.)

Sheriff: - Mrs. MacPhee, (looking at her with coldness) your husband is in very serious trouble. (MacQuire laughs indignantly in the background). He has refused to pays his dues. Mr. MacQuire demands to be given the lease that rightfully belongs to his employer, Mr. Cunard.

MacQuire: - I would advise you to hand it over, Mrs. MacPhee, or things could get unpleasant(MacQuire speaks in a harsh and cold manner.)

Sarah: - I will give you nothing!! (Holding her ground)

Sheriff: - (Speaking to Sarah in a cruel voice) Mrs. MacPhee, which is more important a lease or -------------(Barlow looks at the deputy, and nods at the bedroom door where the two girls are.)

Sarah: - No! Wait, I'll give you the lease, but leave the children alone.

Sheriff: - We will not harm them ma'am if you cooperate.

(Sarah goes to her bedroom. She can be heard opening the drawer. She re-enters the kitchen after a few minutes have elapsed. )

Sarah: - Here it is! Now go ye've got what ye come for.

MacQuire: - (Cynically) No, ma'am, we're going to stay around for a while. We'd like to talk to your husband. We'll see now who's got the longest end of the rope.

(45 minutes later Josh and his son, Angus, can be heard speaking outside. Josh enters the kitchen first, and sees his wife surrounded by the men. Sheriff speaks to MacPhee)

Sheriff: - Sit down Josh! Mr. MacQuire would like to speak to you about those dues you owe.

MacPhee: - (Speaking angrily to MacQuire) Mr. MacQuire you were told to never set foot in this house again.

MacQuire: - (Shows the leases to MacPhee) Ah, MacPhee I think you'd better listen to what we've got to say.

MacPhee: - I've told ye how I feel, MacQuire and I haven't changed me mind. (Speaks angrily)

MacQuire: - (With rage he tears the lease into many pieces, and throws it towards the floor.) That's fine with me, MacPhee. But I'm telling you this, you've got one week to get off this land, and you'd better be gone, you'd better be gone.

(MacQuire then leaves the house, followed by Sheriff Barlow, and the two deputies.)

Act 1 – Scene 3

The people of St. Margaret's when they heard of Josh's plight.
Were enraged at the trouble MacQuire had made.
They knew they must help, for Josh was their friend.
They went to MacQuire, they seemed unafraid.

With little thought, and few worthy weapons,
They went in anger to show MacQuire their hand.
He was waiting, feeling they would come;
Knowing they wouldn't allow a friend to lose his land.

It was early morn when they met MacQuire at his home.
He came and stood before them with support from his son.
Their courage, and wrath soon did they lose,
All were turned away by the sight of his gun.

(Arrive at MacQuire's home a group of twenty people, neighbours of Josh MacPhee. These people are tenants like MacPhee. The group stand outside MacQuire's house discussing, in angry voice, what they are going to do.)

Characters:

Josh MacPhee
Hubert Bryan
Bernard MacIsaac
Roderick (Roddie) MacCormack
Ronnie MacPhee
Sandy MacKinnon
Alexander MacIntyre
Dan MacQuire
Joseph MacQuire (Dan MacQuire's son)

(Ronnie MacPhee picks up a large rock, and hurls it through MacQuire's kitchen window)

(Ronnie)MacPhee: - We'll show that ugly rogue who's boss.

Bryan: - (Shouting angrily to MacQuire) Ye black cur come out here, and show yere face.

(MacQuire and his son come out of the house each carrying a long gun with a bayonet on the end.)

MacQuire: - How dare you come here looking for trouble? Every one of you owe dues, you damn bunch of leeches, you took everything off the land, and not one of you have paid all you owe. Mr. Cunard owns the land, and you'll damn well pay for it, or I'll kick the bunch of you off, and don't think that I can't. Let MacPhee there tell you how easy it is to become a knight if the road. Now, get off my land. (Son fires a shot) The one I fire won't miss; I'll make sure it goes through someone's heart.

(Fearing bloodshed, the people saunter away. MacQuire remains outside until he loses sight of the crowd. On the road to St. Margarets there is loud bellowing amongst the people, as to what they plan to do next. )

Josh MacPhee: - That devil ain't gonna git away with this, he's not gonna push us around anymore. We've gotta show him what pain really feels like.

MacCormack: - Let's burn him out. Everything! Leave him nothing, just like he did to Josh.

Crowd: - Yeah let's give him a taste o' what it's like to be in hell on earth.

Act 1- Scene 4

(A few days later, approximately the same group of people advance once more to MacQuire's home. The scene happens in mid-afternoon. MacQuire and his eldest son are not at home. They are at the home of Sheriff Barlow discussing the problem obtaining the dues of the tenants. The crowd arrive at MacQuire's home. The people are very upset, and are prepared to carry out the threat they had decided upon after their last visit to MacQuire's residence.)

Characters:

Hubert Bryan
Ronnie MacPhee
Bernard MacIsaac
Jane MacQuire
Dan MacQuire
Sheriff Barlow

Bryan: - Whosever in that house better get out, now! (Shouting fiercely, and with great force) Ye come here to do a job, and we're gonna do it.

Jane: - What's the meaning of this? You've no right here. Get off this land! My. Husband is not at home, and I've nothing to say to you people. Go away!

MacPhee: - Mrs. MacQuire, we're real sorry yere husband ain't home (speaking cynically). We would have liked him to see what we're gonn do, but that don't make no difference. Mrs. MacQuire, if ya and yere family want to keep yere lives. I think it would be best if ye got out o' that house o' yeres, cause when we've finished with it, there ain't gonna be much left.

Jane: - I'm not moving, and you people better get out of here, because if my husband comes home there's no telling what he'll do.

MacIsaac: - We've told ye what we're gonna do. We're gonna burn yere damn house to the ground. We're warnin ye to get out, while ye have the chance.

Jane: - (still not believing their threats, she stands her ground) You wouldn't dare do such a thing. I'm not moving from my home.

Bryan: - We warned her people. It's time we done what we come here for. Light the torches. When I give the signal, throw them with all yere might. (Waits a few minutes until all the torches are lit) Now! (He shouts in a loud, angry voice.)

(Mrs. MacQuire, realizing at last that they meant what they said grabs her two young boys (8, and10) and runs from the house, narrowly escaping death from the blazing inferno. She takes the wagon, and rides to Sheriff Barlow's home. The people stand watching the blaze feeling astonished at what they had done. They have at last shown MacQuire that they have taken as much as they could possible stand.)

(Home of Sheriff Barlow, approximately 1 hour after the initial incident of the burning of MacQuire's home. Jane MacQuire arrives at Sheriff Barlow's home relating to all present the news of what happened.)

MacQuire: - (after comforting his wife, speaks to the Sheriff) Sheriff, do you realize what they have done? They've destroyed our home, and almost killed my family. They must be punished, and if you don't do it, I'll kill every one of them with my bare hand. (MacQuire looks at Barlow angrily, and speaks with fierceness in his voice.)

Sheriff: - Yes Dan, I know we must do something. (Thinking aloud of what could be done.) These people must be dealt with immediately. I shall send a dispatch to Lieutenant Tanner, he will send a posse of troops. They will be able to control the situation. I am sure of this. (Sheriff Barlow sits down to begin writing the dispatch. MacQuire goes once again to comfort his wife and children.)

Act 1 -Scene 5

The posse came to St. Margarets to try and restore peace,
This purpose was accomplished without the use of arms.
When the troops left, the people showed that –
They felt Fr. MacDonald was the man who set off the alarm.

Fr. John as he was known at this time
Came to St. Margarets to guide the people in God's Creed.
He was a goodly priest, or so the people felt
Until they saw how he did the troops and worthy deed.

The troops, it seems, had found shelter in his home.
The hostilities towards the priest then began to grow.
Fr. MacDonald was favouring those of his kind,
They could not understand why this should be so.

They knew that Fr, MacDonald was a proprietor of the day,
Knowledge of this was given to all people of the land.
None of these reasons were enough to justify the cause,
That he should go against them, and show his hand.

One of those against the clergy was a politician of the time.
A man named John McIntosh, a person of some renown.
He organized the people in a group against the priest,
And convince them that they musn't back down.

(General gathering of the people of St. Margaret's area. These people are airing their views concerning the situation of the calling in of the troops, and Fr. MacDonald's involvement in it.)

Characters:

John McIntosh
Hubert Bryan
Ronnie MacPhee
Andrew MacIsaac
James MacKinnon
(People are coming and going when they please)

McIntosh: - To think that a priest would do such a thing, call in troops to his own East parish. It;s not right.

Bryan: - He must o'called them in. Why else would they have come? Sidin' in with that skunk of a MacQuire against us. That's what he did.

MacIsaac: - Preachin' goodness, and “come to the Lord” to us, and as soon as our backs are turned betrayin' us to those scoundrels.

(Meanwhile other people in the room are mumbling, creating a feeling of distrust and agitation.)

MacKinnon: - Goin' against the people he knows to help those rats.

McIntosh: - We worked this land, and it's ours. Fr. MacDonald has no right to help them take it from us.

Bryan: - Yea, I agree with John. He ain't no friend o' ours.

McIntosh: - We'll let him know how we think. Ignore him; show him how we distrust him.

MacIsaac: - He don't deserve to be a priest, goin' in with those proprietors.

(The meeting fades out, with the ballad taking over from here to introduce the next scene.)

Act 1- Scene 6

For long months the situation was the same.
There was nothing anyone could do.
Neither side wanted to recede from their right.
The people drifted farther from the priest. Their distrust steadily grew.

Few friends if Fr. MacDonald's remained at his side.
Those he had known for quite a long time --------
Were there to help him when things were pretty hard
The priest still tried to live his life sublime.

Finally in December McIntosh felt it time,
Or so he said to the people he did know;
To reconcile the feelings between priest and people,
To the clergy to discuss the matter lastly he did go.

(Outside St. Margaret's church. The scene takes place before the beginning of Mass, on December 31,1843. John McIntosh approaches Angus MacPhee, and asks if he will go with him to speak to Fr. MacDonald. Angus MacPhee had been an elder in the church for 18 years.)

Characters:

John McIntosh
Angus MacPhee
Fr. John MacDonald

McIntosh: - (Walking over to Angus MacPhee, who is standing talking to some of his friends) Good Morning, everyone. (Looking at Angus) Angus, could I speak with you?

MacPhee: - Of course, John. I'll see you later. (nods farewell to the group, moves over to where McIntosh is standing.)

McIntosh: - Come with me after Mass, would you Angus? I want to see Fr. MacDonald about having a meeting tomorrow.

MacPhee: - Sure, John. I'll meet you after Mass, and we'll go to see him.

McIntosh: - Thank you Angus. I'll see you later.

(The remainder of the scene takes place in Fr. MacDonald's home. McIntosh and MacPhee are just walking in the door, when the scene opens.)

Fr. MacDonald: - Good morning Angus, and Mr McIntosh. (Gives McIntosh an inquiring glance) Won't you take a seat? (Fr. MacDonald is a very cordial, although McIntosh and Fr. MacDonald had not been on good terms since the beginning of the year.)

(McIntosh and MacPhee each take a seat)

Fr. MacDonald: - What can I do for you? (MacDonald looks at McIntosh)

McIntosh: - Fr. MacDonald, I wish we could have a settlement between us. I do not wish to pass the next year as we did the old; I plan to have a meeting on the morrow. Would it be possible for you to attend?

Fr. MacDonald: - I am very glad that you want to settle our differences, but it is not possible for me to attend the meeting, as I have another appointment.

McIntosh: - I am sorry your business will not allow you to attend. The meeting will go on as scheduled, but I would have liked you to be there.

Fr. MacDonald: - I hope things can be worked out at this meeting (Gives McIntosh a questioning look.)

McIntosh: - Well its time that I left. Are you coming Angus?

Fr. MacDonald: - I would like Mr. MacPhee to stay for a short while. I have some matters of the church I would like to discuss with him.

McIntosh: - Until tomorrow, Angus. Good-bye Fr. MacDonald. (McIntosh has not been reconciled with the priest.)

Fr. MacDonald: - (Speaking to MacPhee who has remained in the room with Fr. MacDonald) Angus, do you think McIntosh was sincere about the purpose of this meeting?

MacPhee: - I believe that he was. It seems as if he finally wants to come to a peaceful agreement.

Fr. MacDonald: - I hope what you say is the truth. Now let us talk of something else. Did you know----------------?

Act 1- Scene 7

January 1, 1844, a meeting is in progress at St. Margarets Chapel. This is the meeting which McIntosh had organized, for the purpose of reconciliation with Fr. MacDonald, or so McIntosh had said)

Characters:

John McIntosh
Angus MacPhee
Donald MacDonald (1)
Lauchlin MacKinnon
James MacCormack
Alex MacPhee
James MacDonald (2)
Roderick MacDonald (3)

(McIntosh is down at the back of the Chapel. When the time comes for the meeting to begin McIntosh walks up to the sanctuary of the church to take his place as convener of the meeting. He calls the meeting to order. )

McIntosh: - Could I have your attention? It is time this meeting came to order. (The people now look up towards the sanctuary intent on the purpose for which they were called together.) This disagreement with Priest MacDonald had gone on long enough. We should have ended it 6 months ago.

MacPhee: - John, I have a letter from Fr. MacDonald he gave it to me last night. He is very pleased you want reconciliation, and apologizes for his absence. (MacPhee gives McIntosh the letter, and goes back to his place. McIntosh opens the letter glances over it quickly and begins to read it in a cynical tone.)

McIntosh: My friend;---
I am happy that you propose reconciliation. In the name of God let it take place.
There has been no private or personal enmity between us. It has been on public grounds, and engendered in false reports carrying stories and suspicions. I am truly sorry for all that has taken place. But let it be forgotten and forgiven. There is nothing more unmanly and unchristian to be keeping open old sores. You will ever find me for the future, as void of all bad recollection as the first day I became acquainted with you. I give Mr. John McIntosh credit for having come forward as he has done. Glory be to God on high, and Peace, on earth to men of good will.
Yours truly,
John MacDonald
P.S. Let us act towards one another according to the Spirit of our religion, and the rules of the Church. Let us exchange receipts in full.
J.MacD.

(McIntosh speaking) Well what do you think of that? He thinks we're making a move for reconciliation. Let's show him what we really think of that idea.

MacDonald (1): - (Anxiously) Let's have a vote! All those against Fr. MacDonald hold up your hands. (A large number of people raise their hands) (MacDonald smiles, and then speaks asking). Would those in favour of Priest MacDonald now raise their hands? (A small minority of people raised their hands)

McIntosh: - The verdict is quite clear; you have shown your feelings towards Priest MacDonald. Now let us take action by appointing new elder, who are going to be our choice in this church, not Fr. MacDonald's. (A large cheer comes from the people.)

MacDonald (1): - (shouts in a loud voice—people stop talking, calm down and listen) I propose, that Hubert Bryan be appointed as the first elder. (Crowd gives another cheer)

MacKinnon: - Let's appoint Josh MacPhee, he's had his trouble with those friends of Fr. MacDonald's (Murmur of agreement)

MacCormack: - I think Ronnie MacPhee, and Roddie MacCormack would do their part as elders of this church. Don't ye all agree? (The people shout “we agree” loudly, and in unison.)

McIntosh: - I say Andrew MacIsaac, Alex MacIntyre and Sandy MacKinnon should be chosen to represent us. What do you think of that?

(Alexander MacPhee, James MacDonald, and Roderick MacDonald friends if Fr. MacDonald stands up in protest of what is going on.)

MacPhee: - Ye have no right to do this.

MacDonald (2): - We are the elders of this church, and those ye are appointing will not be recognized by Fr. MacDonald.

MacDonald (3) - Ye're never gonna-----------------------------(McIntosh does not give him a chance to finish what he is trying to say.)

McIntosh: - Does anybody agree on the choice of these new elders? (People shout their agreement drowning out the voices of the objectors)

McIntosh: - It is your job as elders to so to Priest MacDonald and tell him to quit the parish within a fort night as he is no longer wanted. It is time now to go home; we have at last settled our minds.

(

Act 2-Scene 1

(The new elders go to Fr. MacDonald on Wednesday, January 3, 1844 and present to him the ultimatum that was decided upon at the meeting.)

Characters:

Fr. MacDonald
Hubert Bryan
Ronnie MacPhee
Josh MacPhee
Roddie MacCormack

Bryan: - Good afternoon Fr. May we come in? We would like to talk with ye. (Fr. MacDonald invites the 7 men into his home.)

Fr. MacDonald: - What can I do for you? Have you come on business or perhaps to discuss the meeting of Jan. 1? I trust that everything went as planned?

Angus MacPhee: - Fr. MacDonald there have been some changes which ye should know about.

MacCormack: - We have been chosen as the new elders of this parish, and it is our duty to tell ye that ye have a fortnight to quit the parish.

Fr. MacDonald: - I see the meeting has not turned out the way it was put forth to me. As to leaving the parish, I can assure you that I have no intention of doing so.

(Ronnie) MacPhee: - We are the elders of this parish and it is our decision that ye should leave here.

Fr. MacDonald: - You are not appointed by me as elders of this parish; therefore I do not recognize you as such. I would be grateful if you would leave this house as I have nothing further to discuss.

Bryan: - Ye have lost the support o' the people. It would be best for ye to heed our wishes.

Fr. MacDonald: - I have told you how I felt on the matter. I have not changed my mind, and I do not intend to do so. Leave this house immediately.

(Ronnie) MacPhee: - Ye have not heard the last of this Fr. MacDonald. We will go, but remember what we have said, one fortnight.

Act 2 – Scene 2

(After leaving Fr. MacDonald's house, the seven new elders go directly to McIntosh. He is waiting anxious to hear the outcome of their meeting with Fr. MacDonald)

Characters:

John McIntosh
Hubert Bryan
Alex MacIntyre

McIntosh: - (answering the knock at the door) Hello Hubert, everyone. (nods to them all) Come in. Let me hear what happened at the meeting with Priest MacDonald. (The men came in looking annoyed.)

Bryan: - Well John, I am afraid Priest MacDonald isn't gonna give up without a fight. He refused to even have us as his elders.

McIntosh: - Just let him try opposing all of us! (bangs his fist on the table, and speaks in a loud and angry voice.)

MacIntyre: - He has no intention of leavin' the parish. What do we do now?

McIntosh: - Leave it to me. I'll think of something.

(The men decide that it is time they left, and went back to their homes. They leave McIntosh alone to think of something to alleviate their problems.)

Act 2- Scene 3

McIntosh began to think of how he was to act. He was afraid of what Priest MacDonald might say. McIntosh knew he had the support of the people. He was confident they would help in any way. Jan. 7, 1844, St. Margarets Chapel. Latter part of Mass is being celebrated when the scene opens)

Characters:

Fr. MacDonald
John McIntosh
Fr. MacDonald: There are some matters which we should discuss here today. I understand there has been some new elders appointed. These people were improperly chosen in my absence, and I will not recognize them, as the former elders are the proper ones.

McIntosh: - (rises from his seat, and stands about twenty feet from the altar. He says in a moderate tone.) I wish to be heard.

Fr. MacDonald: - Hold your tongue.

McIntosh: - I wish to be heard. (in a louder voice)

Fr. MacDonald: - I said hold your tongue

McIntosh: - I want to be heard (in a much louder tone)

Fr. MacDonald: - Hold your tongue, McIntosh

McIntosh: - You've had this Chapel for seven years. I will have only one day.

Fr. MacDonald: - (He kneels before the altar, and offers a prayer for peace. Congregation kneel at the same time.) Inomi, Patri, Fele, et Speritus Sancto. Oh Holy Father, deliver us from these trials. Let there be peace among us. It is not right that we are like this towards each other. Give us the strength to settle our differences. We ask this in the name of your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

(Congregation rise, and move towards the door. Priest moves toward the door, and lifts the double bar which holds the door. The crowd are pushing one another. McIntosh pushes his way through. Priest goes outside, and hastily down the steps.

McIntosh: - (Calling after the Priest) You sneak! You ungentlemanly man! (Priest walks on) You coward! Why don't you come now and inspire is with the Holy Ghost? (Priest walks away and McIntosh mumbles. The people all disperse.)

Act 3 - Scene 1

MacDonald did much thinking on what had happened there.
He knew that McIntosh must be punished for his sin.
It took him many hours to decide what he was to do.
He would oppose McIntosh, and he would surely win.

He decided McIntosh should be taken to the law.
To McIntosh he went to tell him of his plight.
McIntosh was astounded what he had to say,
He promised he would the Priest hardly fight.

(It is early morning, and McIntosh is eating breakfast, eggs, cornbread and a small cup of tea. A knock sounds at the door. Mrs. McIntosh goes to answer it. Fr. MacDonald is standing there.

Characters:

Fr. MacDonald
John McIntosh
Margaret McIntosh

Margaret: - Good mornin'. Would ye come in Fr.? (speaks in a polite, cold manner)

Fr. MacDonald: - (He walks in and nods to Margaret and her husband, but doesn't smile) I've come here on business, McIntosh, which I'm sure you are quite aware of.

McIntosh: - I've no idea what you are talking about. Would you please get on with what you have to say. I'm a working man and I haven't got all day to listen to you. (Talks in an indifferent manner.)

Fr. MacDonald: - What I have to say won't take long. Your conduct at the Holy Service on Sunday was altogether out of order, and I'm telling you that I was completely takin' back, however, that does not excuse your behaviour. I have pondered for three days or more on your actions, and I see no alternative but to bring this matter before the court.

Margaret: - Oh, but you can't!

McIntosh: - What in hell are the charges you got against me?

Fr. MacDonald: - You know well enough what charges I've got against you, and I aim to prove them. No one is going to get away with sacrilege while I'm Priest.

Margaret: - Sacrilege!

McIntosh: - You take me to court MacDonald, I'm not afraid of you (emphasis on YOU). Now get out of my house.

(Fr. MacDonald leaves without saying another word, creating an atmosphere of tension in McIntosh's home. John slumps into the nearest chair, and rubs his hand across his brow. Margaret and John continue to talk about the situation.)

Margaret: - Ye're gonna fight this, John (reassuring). He's not goin' to ruin our lives.

McIntosh: - Yes, we're going to fight, Margaret, we've got to.

(Margaret puts loving arms around her husband's neck)

Act 3- Scene 2

McIntosh and MacDonald than to a trail they went.
To Georgetown they did go to debate the issue there.
Hearing the evidence for the prosecution, and the crime,
And to the jury, the facts they were made aware.

For McIntosh, Binns and Little stood strong.
They proved to be good lawyers, steadfast and sure.
The prosecutors Hodgson and Palmer also showed their might,
But the opposition was too much to endure.

(The last day of the court session between McIntosh and MacDonald. The date is July 19, 1844)

Characters:

Hon. Edward Palmer (prosecution)
Hon. Robert Hodgson (prosecution)
Charles Binns Esq. (defendant)
John Little Esq. (defendant)
Mr. MacIntyre
Chief Justice
John McIntosh
Fr. MacDonald

(Palmer opens the scene by giving his deliberation to the jury)

Palmer: - Gentleman of the jury. It is my duty as this trail comes to an end to present to you a summary of the evidence brought forth against John McIntosh. The evidence presented by the prosecution has clearly shown that McIntosh is guilty of sacrilege in the Catholic Church at St. Margarets. His conduct on January 7, last was a blatant show of disrespect for the church, and its pastor. He wilfully and with malice in his heart insulted and belittles Fr. MacDonald in a derogatory manner. He interrupted the Sunday Mass to present his feelings in the church, God's Holy House. The verdict of this trial is the choice of the jury, but I beg you to look at the facts closely, and I'm sure you will agree the verdict should be “guilty” as charged.

(There is discussion amongst the jury after they hear Palmer's deliberation, and await that of Charles Binns Esq., lawyer for the defendant)

Binns: - Gentlemen of the jury. It is my pleasure to enlighten you as to the true facts concerning this case. The evidence presented at this trial has not, to my mind, substantiated the charge of sacrilege against Mr. John McIntosh. Can you honestly believe Mt. McIntosh would wilfully commit such a crime against the Church? It was only his intention to present to Fr. MacDonald the feelings of the people of St. Margarets. For this he has been humiliated and scorned, this in itself being unjust punishment. As Mr. Palmer stated the verdict of this case of the choice of the jury but there is no doubt the Mr. John McIntosh should be acquitted of the charge of sacrilege laid against him. I rest my case.

Mr. MacIntyre: - The jury will discuss the facts of this case. Please remain in the courtroom until the verdict has been decided. (he looks around the courtroom as he speaks)

(The jury members leave and enter a back room. They re-enter the courtroom about half an hour later, with the verdict. Mr. MacIntyre hands it to the Chief Justice.)

Chief Justice: (looking at paper) A verdict has been reached. The facts considered and examined by the jury, and the decision made as they saw fit. John McIntosh has been found (pause) not guilty of sacrilege in the Roman Catholic Church at St. Margarets. (People come up to congratulating McIntosh. Judge calls for order) .This trial is adjourned.

(Fr. MacDonald is dejected looking, and he leaves the courtroom sullenly. McIntosh and friends leave the courtroom in a joyous mood.)

MacDonald felt dejected at the loss he had sustained.
It was not the verdict he had hoped for.
The defeat came as an insult to his power.
It proved he shouldn't take much more.

He didn't leave; he knew it wasn't just,
He had come to the parish to preach the Word of the Lord.
Because of the land and the way the feeling went,
Some people did not want to listen to his guiding word.

After much persuasion from the Bishop, he decided to go.
He was going to live again in his home town.
The people waited outside to watch him go,
They saw him leave; most did not say a word.

(Fr. MacDonald is preparing to leave the parish of St. Margarets. Peter Cassidy, the man who lived with Fr. MacDonald, is helping him to get ready. John McIntosh and other people of the parish wait for the Priest outside.)

Characters:

Fr. MacDonald
Peter Cassidy
John McIntosh

Cassidy: - Well Fr. I am sorry that ye be leavin' here. I feel ye were a good Priest, and I'm sorry ye had so much trouble with the people.

Fr. MacDonald: You were a faithful friend. Peter and I thank you for your kindness towards me. (Fr. MacDonald and Peter Cassidy clasp in a warm handshake.) I hope everything goes well for you. It is time I go now. (He speaks forlornly) The carriage is waiting.

(Peter Cassidy and Fr. MacDonald go outside. Fr. MacDonald takes one last look at the house and church before turning around to face the people.)

McIntosh: - We have come to bid farewell, Father. Things may not have turned out to your liking, but we'd like you to understand that we did what we felt was right.

Fr. MacDonald: - The matter is over and done with. I am leaving here to begin a new life. (Fr. MacDonald speaks indifferently, not committing himself one way or the other.)

Fr. MacDonald: - Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go.

(The people back away and give him room to go to the carriage. He leaves without another word. The people look at the carriage as it fades into the distance. Then they disperse, to go their separate ways.

div align="center">THE END

Copyright
Waldron H. Leard