Choose, then, nor falter at the start,
O choose the nobler path and part!”
FRANCE (stepping to Britain’s side, continues):
“Be thou the guardian of the weak,
Of the unfriended, thou the friend;
No guerdon for thy valor seek.
No end beyond the avowèd end.
Wouldst thou thy godlike power preserve,
Be godlike in the will to serve.”
(Others join Britain and France in silent supplication. Music softly, first lines of “Star-Spangled Banner.” While music sounds, the American Flag is unfurled from above over stage. Immediately America enters. She is dressed like Columbia and carries a lighted torch. While she stands a moment in the center at the rear, music changes to “Hail Columbia,” while all on stage salute her.)