[The Company comes to attention in absolute silence. The line extends almost across the stage. The backs of the Minute Men cut the scene diagonally. Parker stands down stage at the lower or right end of the line. Parker and the Parson are always visible to the audience. A silence is broken only by drum taps; and by the footfalls (off stage) of marching men.
Clark lifts his hands to heaven a moment in silent prayer.]
Parker
(To the Minute Men in a voice of thunder.)
Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless you’re fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here!
[The rising sun blazes upon the British redcoats as they appear on both sides of the Meeting House. First the scarlet figure of Major Pitcairn, riding his horse, then the British column, four abreast, with the lieutenant of each platoon marching in his place.
Pitcairn sees the unwavering line of Minute Men and pulls his horse up sharp.]
Pitcairn
Halt!
[The Britishers halt, the order being repeated down the column. For an instant there is no motion of any kind. No sound except an occasional throb of a kettledrum, defying rhythm now as the shots will do in a moment.