Then the rout is scattered by the sound of cannon and all the gay folk run screaming and darkness gathers except for a single ray of light which strikes across the stage. Into this a horseman gallops frantically.]
The Horseman
(Shouting.)
Yorktown! Yorktown is taken!
[At the same time, Freedom and Washington and his army have been revealed. Cannon boom and flash over their joyous faces and the army breaks into frenzied cheering. The Chronicler leaps to his feet.]
The Chronicler
Yorktown! The first goal is won!
[Light spreads once more over the scene and, to the old English tune of “The World is Upside Down,” Cornwallis’ army marches out of Yorktown and surrenders. Freedom dominates the whole scene in her exultation. “The World is Upside Down” becomes a triumphal march and all the multitude of the people prance into the scene. Then dissonance creeps into the music and discord into the movement of the crowd. The Chronicler rises.]
The Chronicler
Chaos succeeds revolt and triumph gives way to greed and hatred and what was harmony in war becomes jealousy and faction, for the faith of the people is dead and the united colonies break asunder, each one for itself.