HYARIMA

AND THE SAINTS

A MIRACLE PLAY

AND

PAGEANT

OF

SANTA ROSA



By





F. E. M. HOSEIN

B.A. (Oxon) LLB (Lincoln)

Former Mayor of Arima, Trinidad

Former Member of the Legislative Council





1931





PRODUCED FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION 

By the CARIBBEAN AMERINDIAN CENTRELINK 

as a project to preserve rare and limited edition local texts of relevance

URL: http://www.centrelink.org

2002











BY KIND PERMISSION

DEDICATED

WITH HIGHEST GRATIFICATION AND RESPECT

TO

HIS EXCELLENCY

SIR ALFRED CLAUD HOLLIS, K.C.M.G., C.B.E.

GOVERNOR

OF

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

AND TO

HIS MOST AMIABLE SPOUSE

LADY HOLLIS









F O R E W O R D



The Hon. Dr. K. S. Wise, M.D., Surgeon General



The Mayor and Borough Council of Arima introduce this Miracle Play which rightly 

enshrines the very essence of the history of the Town of Arima.



The old historical records still in existence give full sanction for the existence of the 

great Nepuyo Chieftain, Hyarima, for his failure to obtain armed assistance from the 

Dutch at Tobago in 1636, for the deep desire to rid Trinidad of the hated Spaniards 

and for placing his village on the site now occupied by the Town of Arima.



Similarly there is ample historic sanction for the presence of the Mission at San 

Francisco de los Arenales some six miles south of the Town of Arima and also for 

the vicious and savage murder of Father Esteven de San Felix, Father Marcos de 

Vique, Brother Raymundo de Figuerola and the Ensign Thomas de Luna, in December, 

1699, with a few hours afterwards, the ambush and murder of the Governor, Jose de 

Leon y Echales, his Contador and Escribano.



So also the historical records attest that the Nepuyo Indians were collected in 1784 from 

Tacarigua, Caura and Arouca and added to the Mission at Arima under their own 

Corregidors, that this Mission became the principal one in the north where the devotion 

and un-ceasing labours of the Fathers brought to these Carib Indians the spiritual 

advantages of divine origin.



This is a Miracle Play and as the well known OberAmmergau Passion Play in Bavaria 

is a votive offering produced every ten years in recognition of divine deliverance 

from the great plague of the seventeenth century, so also the Miracle Play of Santa 

Rosa is a votive offering in recognition of the divine privileges bestowed by the self 

sacrificing courage and devotion of the Missionary Fathers upon the people and their 

Town of Arima.









THE AUTHOR'S APOLOGY



In writing what Dr. Wise has been pleased to call a Miracle Play, I was actuated by the 

sole desire to preserve whatever there was of historical interest in the Town which I so 

deeply love. Whence comes that love, I cannot say. It may have come through Santa Rosa 

and all that that term implies. It may have come from something deeper. But whatever its 

source, it is there. I will not trouble, therefore, either to explain or to investigate.



The story of the Cross will increasingly fascinate Mankind. And if around an ancient silver 

cross, the antiquity and history of which are both shrouded in alluring mystery, I have woven 

a Miracle Play, I have done no less than what by inclination, temperament and circumstances, 

I was led to do. I do not say that what I have done is well done. I challenge no comparisons. 

I have done the highest justice I was capable of to such a lofty theme. My inspiration could not carry me higher.



There may, however, be some discussion both as regards the merits of my writing and the 

sentiments I have put in the mouth of my characters. I will seek to justify neither the one 

nor the other. Without mock-modesty I can say I am skilled neither in the art of Versification 

nor the science of dogmatic Theology, I have written what I feel, and I hope that in so doing 

I have done no harm.



I have not written with any pretensions to strict historical accuracy. No one knows that better 

than Dr. Wise to whom I am entirely indebted for whatever of Carib History appears in my Play. 

That History, it is true, was meagre. But it was the most that could be had. And from that little 

I feel that I am justified in placing Hyarima in the lime-light. That little revealed that he was 

altogether too big to be lost. "The great Nepuyo Chieftain" is undoubtedly our national Hero. 

At least, such is my conception of him.



Finally, on a very personal note. Lady Hollis graciously dubbed me a poet after hearing me 

speak on the occasion of His Excellency's first official visit to Arima. I confided to her my 

desire to preserve what I had then said, and what she had been pleased to admire, in the form 

of a pageant to save perhaps future Mayors of Arima from the necessity of having to make a like 

speech on a similar occasion! She was charmed. I therefore prayed her assistance in the composition 

of the pageant. She gave it me in full measure; but in a manner not entirely expected. She was graciously 

pleased to say that none could write it better than myself. Chivalry forbade the declining of an honour so 

burdensome yet so handsomely bestowed. Under such influence and high encouragement I have, it 

seems, performed a miracle. I did not know that I had written a Miracle Play until Dr. Wise informed me 

of the fact. He has not told me this in confidence. He has said it in his very kindly and eloquent "Foreword", 

for all of which I thank him immensely.







Arima  26/ 7/ 1931.  F.E.M. HOSEIN









((((((((((((((((((





THE PERSONS





Columbus-Navigator

Hyarima-Chief of Caribs

Anacaona-Daughter of Hyarima

Oropuna-Daughter of Hyarima

Anapuya-Daughter of Hyarima



Guayama-Friend and Adviser of Hyarima

Canaruma-Friend and Adviser of Hyarima



Alferez-Thomas de Luna-Standard Bearer



A Priest



The Saint



Caribs



Sailors



((((((((((((((((((





SANTA ROSA



A PAGEANT



Part 1.

Scene 1.



Picture of Ship with bellying sails making for land. Above the horizon are seen three peaks.



MUSIC

When Music ceases.



Scene II



PICTURE-Background wide and curving beach from which hill covered with dense 

tropical vegetation rises. Columbus bearing Royal Standards of Spain in left, and sword in 

right, lands. His men also land, some bearing casks for water and others hampers for food. 

One bears also a chest which contains sundry presents, cloth, beads, mirrors. Men are grouped 

behind Columbus. Columbus filled with emotion, kneels and utters no sound.



Soft Music - Not to exceed 20 bars

As Music dies out, Columbus, still kneeling, speaks.



Columbus: -

Most Holy, Blessed and Glorious Trinity

One God in Three, and Three in One to thee

Mysterious Unity I render thanks

And humble offerings of a grateful heart

For having brought us all in safety through

The perils of the vast and boundless deep,

'Twere impious thus to probe the secrets, long

From men kept hid of thy Divine unerring

Laws which made this earth a sphere and all

The starry hosts of heaven obedient

To those self same laws, on which relying

To this land I came. Mine eyes were wearied

Watching for the proof of love and wisdom

Which most assuredly is Thine, and here

Most gloriously revealed, and on thy Festal day

Hence forth I am the very humble instrument

Of Grace through whom Mankind shall know more than

Was yet made known of Thine Almighty power

Wisdom, Love, through which this earth is held a sphere

And all this world thus made a vaster field

Where men shall know and worship thee. All praise

To thee Most Holy Trinity. Receive

Our humblest thanks for thine abundant favours,

And this fair land whose sight was like the vision

Of Paradise to those who tread the toil

Some path, to Heaven to Thee we dedicate

And name La Trinidad. May Thy Love

And Mercy shown us to be shown to all

Who dwell herein and who shall henceforth dwell,

May thine abounding Grace fill all the land

Which offers safe asylum and a respite

Hear from toils and perils undergone.

May the joy which present fills our hearts

Forever sweep these friendly, kindly shores

And may the people of this lovely strand

Be ever happy, even as we now are,

In the Mercy, Love and Goodness shown by Thee

To us and all Mankind.



Columbus rises.



TE DEUM SUNG BY SAILORS.



Indians approach, attracted by the singing.

Columbus advances to meet them. They retire.



In form and feature how like what the traveller

Marco Polo told; but how unlike

In all things else! These be the denizens

Of this hospitable shore. Can they

The subjects of the Great Khan be who in

This torrid clime are bronzed, and far removed

From this high capital, show no sign

Of advanced culture such as Marco Polo saw?

But, me seems, they are like those already

Seen by us in former voyages;

Which, if this be so, proclaims my quest

To be not ended. For I do seek the Golden Indies.

Thrice have I braved the perilous deep

In vain to reach those distant shores to find

Thus wise a path to take me there by going

West to meet the East. But what avails!

New lands I have discovered and blazed a trail

Across the Sea of Darkness for those who will

In future follow, and reap a harvest where

They have not sown, while I shall die neglected!

Ah me! What impious thoughts my mind invade!

Absit omen! Thy will, O Lord, be done!

But come! Let us with some friendly gesture

Approach these beings to enquire in what land

We are and who the governor may be.

Come stranger! Will you take my hand?

Thou lookest like the chief, we should be friends

With thee. No! See, I am unarmed;

Set aside thy bow and quiver; I shall

Not harm thee. This I swear upon the cross

Of Him who brought me here, will take me hence.

Will you bear allegiance to this sign?

Not known to you, me thinks, but which their Catholic

Majesties, the King and Queen of Spain

Will spread in all these parts in glorious honour

Of the King of Kings.



Now in the name

Of Ferdinand and Isabella of Castille

Who pledged her crown to set me on my voyage

I plant this flag of Spain as emblem here

Of sovereignty and call you to obey

Come kiss this cross in token of your vow

To bear allegiance to their Catholic Majesties.

Touch it with your lips, that will suffice.



(Columbus kisses hilt of sword and presents same to

Carib who kisses it)



And now that you have shown no hostile sign

But would be friendly to us, I beg thee water

For my thirsty crew and food, if thou

Canst find. There must be streams of crystal water

Near, more welcome truly than the food.

Will you show my men the way? I thank thee much.



(Sailors go off for water and Caribs bring food.)



FOOD AND WATER BROUGHT



In proof of friendship and esteem receive

These garments and these trinkets from my hands.



(Presents offered and accepted)



I thank thee Chief for thy great kindness to us

Which we shall ne'er forget and cherish deep.

Our casks have been replenished, and e'en our stores

We'll now go inland, by your leave, to see

The flowers, fruits and trees, the gaily plumaged

Birds which whirl aloft in flaming colours

Borrow'd from the rainbow's glorious tints,

We'll see, perchance, what else there be of wonder

And delight in this your lovely land

Where spring with summer holds perpetual reign.

Be thou our guide, if you will chief, lead on

And we shall follow.



(EXEUNT OMNES)

End of Part I



-{-





Part II

Scene I



Scenery suggested in opening lines of Hyarima monologue.



Hyarima: -

Ye Mountains, Valleys, Hills and Dales of my

Own native land where I was born and bred

T'enjoy the freedom of a mighty Chief

As heretofore my ancestors have done,

What evil hap is this which brings us all

Thus low to serve as menials to a foreign

King who lives across the ocean wide

And does not come to see and know his people!

Was it ordained, decreed and even settled

That the children of thy woods and forests

Should be extirpated and their names

Forever blotted out and made extinct?

If so by whom or what! Repugnant thought!

Which heats my blood up to the boiling point

Where savage slaughter seems the only vent

For pent-up feelings long and hard repressed!

The freedom of this land in valleys, mountains

Hills and dales was given me by my father

And the tribe of which I'm chief and champion

And must I cringe and bow to strangers

Who have hither come from heaven knows where

With no more right than what a conquering sword

Confers? I would be false to birth and station

Did I not seek by force of arms or guile

To drive the haughty band of torturers

Back to the sea from whence they came unbidden.

This is my firm resolve, to do or die,

And may the spirit of my ancestors

Imbue me with the courage not to yield

Till I have overcome or died in the attempt.



(Friends of Hyarima are seen approaching)



Here come my friends and comrades whom I have summoned

To a conference to discuss our plans.



(Canaruma and Guayama leading)



Welcome Canaruma! Welcome Guayama!

I thank you both for hastening to my call.



(Hyarima seated)



You have some knowledge of what I'd have you speak

How that it's right for us to take such steps.

As would be sure to rid us of our foes.

Speak, Guayama, what may your counsel be.



Guayama-

My Counsel is to muster all the strength

Of Nepuyos and Arawaks and hurl

The same at San José and Arenales.

We are in numbers of sufficient strength

To overcome the hateful Españoles.

We can surround San José with our men

And though our loss may be considerable

In an assault carried out with fierce resolve

Yet success shall crown our effort in the end;

And those of us who're left shall live in peace

And those of us who die shall die in glory.

Let Canaruma now advise. I've spoken.



Canaruma-

Myself I'm not averse to open war

Bloody, cruel, savage, terrible

To bring us joy, or rid us of our pain,

Exterminating one or other side

If every man can be relied upon.

But this I greatly doubt and herein lies

My hesitancy to support the greatly

Daring Guayama. What if the Arawaks

Should fail in courage as they've often done

Just in the final effort to make a victory!

Should Nepuyos alone assault and carry

San José for benefit of all alike?

It must be done with equal sacrifice,

Or not at all. My advice is stratagem

T' achieve our end without the sacrifice

Of many men. This would be surely sound,

For policy to do what force cannot.

My counsel's then to seek out policy,

Match craft with craft to gain the desired end.



Hyarima-

I'm much impressed with thy advice

O Canaruma! which meets my present mood.

I had hoped to get a hundred muskets

From the neighbouring Island of Tobago

To match the hundred muskets of Antonio.

I've been again refused the aid I sought.

So we must make some other effort to

Dislodge the Españoles from Cairi,

The valiant Guayama too has well advised.

Perhaps in our extremity we'll find

The advice she's given to be the only way.

For I do not despise the strength and numbers

Of the Arawaks; for courage soon

May come when men have faith in those who lead.

Give but the assurance of that and men will follow

Into the jaws of death if need arises.

And you Nepuyos! and you Arawaks!

Have you that faith in me to bring you victory?



All: We have: O Hyarima, Chief! We have!



Hyarima-

Tis well! 'tis well! 'tis well!

Friends, Comrades,



Nay Brothers, Nepuyos and Arawaks

Alike! I thank you all exceedingly

And hope the trust and confidence you place

In me will by th' event be justified.

Too well I know how deeply we have suffered;

Our homes destroyed; Our children swept to slavery

And the peace and freedom which once was ours,

And that by right Divine, for ever lost,

If fear of greater suffering now prevents

Us from attempting to recapture what

Is lost and what may n't else be gained.

I applaud the counsel given by Guayama

As the last alternative of sad despair;

But if you counsel craft with Canaruma

Then both I'm fully willing to pursue.

The end will ever justify the means.

We know no higher rule as children of

These forests, woods and purling placid streams!

Who dare usurp our right and take by force

What was decreed to us by right Divine?

We know no higher power than the choice

Of heaven and earth from birth on us bestowed.

'Twere double shame in me to bow and sue

For grace with suppliant knee and accept a rule

Which only force upholds as far as I

Can see. Then force to force must clear the issue

And say who is to rule, who to obey.



Hyarima - 

Seems they have a source of strength, mysterious

Dark, impenetrable, not fully known

To us, yet dimly, vaguely realised.

It was this strength which brought them to this land

And which has kept them here. Their strength, me seems

Is some mysterious knowledge gained by the worship

Of a being hung upon a cross.

They say this being was the son of God

Who left high heaven where he lived in bliss

To come on earth to teach men to be kind!

Sad return me - seems he had for all his pains

Nailed on a cross to die between two thieves!

But these men do believe in him though dead

And say he liveth yet again in heaven

And sitteth at the right of God his father

Whence he will come again to judge us all

To know how kind we have been to each other.

If this be so, why then should those who teach this

Themselves not taken this lesson to their hearts

And treated all men with kindness as their God

Would have them do? They say he is their strength

Their chief support and help in ages past

And ages yet to come! mysterious faith!

Which teaches men to be unkind and kind;

It's hard to follow, and yet it must be true

For proof of it is here displayed to us,

And we should be the very last to doubt it.



Now that I have revealed my only fear

The rest seems to me to be greatly possible.

We know their chief will visit Arenales

And that right soon with his suite and councillors

To see how well the Mission is progressing.

My purpose is to lie in wait just where

He lands, and as the party winds its way

Through the thick woods on the river's bank

We from an ambush suddenly should surround it

And put them all to slaughter to a man

By this one stroke, if it should prove successful,

We shall make the Españoles headless

And the easy capture of their chief-town

A matter of the greatest certainty.

In such a plan there's also guile and force

Which the very wily Canaruma

And the doughty Guayama both should welcome

As the very plan each did advise.

We'll now retire and consider what must

Be done to bring to a successful end

This vital and this very daring project.



Guayama-

Hail Hyarima, noble chieftain, hail!

We are at one with thee in all these matters

Lead on thou mighty champion of our race

We shall follow, whatso'er betide.



Exeunt Omnes.





ANACAONA-ANACONA



Part II

Scene 2



Scenery - A Wooded Dell



Anapuya and Oropuna discovered gathering flowers etc.

Anacaona seen approaching in the distance.



OROPUNA:-

Anacaona! Anacaona! We have

Been long expecting thee to join us in

Our gambols in this wooded dell, or along

The river's lilied marge, or better still

To sit and listen to those wondrous tales

Of Christ and God and Holy Mother, told

So oft and taught us by the worthy Fathers

Of Arenales. Come Anacaona!

What shall it be! The tales oft told, my Ana

Or a happy frolic through the woods!

We were wearied waiting and our patience

Claims a just reward.



Anacaona-

Peace, Sisters

A tale most surely! Wondrous, terrible!



Oropuna-

Woe is me !

Sister! Sister! What ails thee so?

Why what mischance is this brings tears to our

Dear, Sister's eyes?

Go seek the cause my Puya



(Anapuya makes as if to go)



Anacaona-

Stay! The cause requires no seeking, its here

A horrid tale I have to tell of hate

And blood and massacre and vengeance sure.

May Holy Mary, Mother of Cod our help

And comfort be. For satan 'tis that prompts

Our father to such dark unholy deeds.



Oropuna-

Dark, unholy deeds! blood and massacre!

Host dream, my darling Anacaona!



Anacaona-

Would't were a dream, a horrid vision

Of the night! Then would our gambols be

A cure, and I not so distressed.

But I have heard what pains me so to tell,

How 'tis the aim of Hyarima and all

The Nepuyos and Arawaks to slaughter

Every Spaniard man, woman, child

On an appointed day, and so to rid

The land of their unwelcome and foul presence.



Anapuya-

Hail, Hyarima! noble, bold, courageous

Chieftain! may success crown your bold designs

And daring yet unequalled in this land!

May the combined spirits of the many victims

Of this Spanish tyranny resolve

Themselves into a mighty monster of hate

And blood and cruelty to wreak a vengeance

On these accursed thieves! O joy! Joy!

Joy! For what will soon be done! And this

Fair land of Cairi be made once more

The happy home of her unhappy children.

I will to father in all haste to prompt

Him further to his dark, unholy deeds.

Await me not! I go to gather our women.



(Exit Anapuya)



Oropuna:

Anapuya! Anapuya: Stay

Stay sweet sister, yet a little while:



Think my Ana! think and think in haste:

For Anapuya heeds me not! Think how

We may prevent this dreadful carnage and turn.

Our father from his cruel, awful purpose,



Anacaona:

I too would seek to drive the Españoles

From Cairi, nor wish nor care to know

How it would be achieved. It racks me not.

But that my father should consent to slaughter

Of God's holy priests fills me with horror.

That I would prevent, and ask your help.



Oropuna:

Slaughter of God's holy priest: what madness this!



Anacaona:

A plot is laid to trap the Governor and his

Party in an ambush on their way

To visit dear good Father Esteven

At Arenales where all our people will be

Gathered to pay the Governor homage

And receive from Father Esteven

The blessing sure of holy baptism,

Our people being thus gathered without the least

Suspicion, a part shall slaughter every

Priest, the while another part shall hem

The Governor and his party in and slay

Them all. That done they shall to San José

And carry it by storm, should it resist.



Oropuna:

But how came Hyarima to consent?



Anacaona:

Why, through the wish of getting full support

From all! And with reluctant mind he did

Consent, and O, acquiescence horrible

To think that men can only gain their end

By frightful slaughter of the innocent!

That cannot be! that cannot, cannot be!

But Hyarima much dislikes the venture

In its present form and fain would from the whole

Desist, but that he long had cherished hopes

To drive the cruel Spaniard from Cairi,

And thinks a better season may not offer,

With cruel suffering he did then consent.

He choose twixt policy and higher self.

And may God forgive the choice he's made!

For he has naught against the priests

Who always have been kind to him and gentle.

Them he truly loves and would not harm.

So in this new decision he takes no part,

But leaves it all to those who counsel it

To perpetrate the awful deed of murdering

Those who are sanctified and set apart

For holy service to the King of Kings.

Me miserable! What skill can feeble woman

Use to foil their fell designs and rescue

Hyarima from the sin of sacrilege!

Let us with all haste to Arenales

To warn the Fathers of what is now a foot.

God grant we be not late.



(Exeunt Anacaona and Oropuna)





™|˜





Part III



A Forest - Enter Anacaona and Oropuna



Anacaona:

Too late! Too late! I hear the hideous war cry

Of the Caribs mixed with exulting shouts:

The worst we feared has come. Late! late ! too late!

To give the warning now. Unhappy people!

Into what sin and misery are you now fallen?

Who can protect you from the wrath to come?

The holy priests have brought you naught but good

And often eased the burden of your tasks.

How ill you have requited the good they did!

How have you closed forever the gates of heaven

Against your entrance there! For only good

Doth come from heaven and only good returns.

How deeply do I now lament your lot!

For sure the vengeance both of Man and God

Shall o'ertake you and dire punishments shall be yours.

May God in heaven have mercy on your lost souls.



But hark! I hear the sound of steps approaching

And laboured breathing as of one in pain:

Mine eyes confirm my ears. Behold Alferez:

And bleeding sore. The worst has come to pass,



ENTER EL ALFEREZ



Alferez:

Water! Maidens, Water! In the name of God

The Merciful, the Just, The Compassionate.



Anacaona runs forward to support him while

Oropuna runs to fetch him water. Water brought.

Alferez drinks.



Alferez:

God's benediction rest on you dear maidens.

For I was thirsty and ye gave me drink,

The promise surely is of God not mine

That He'll reward all those who to the thirsty

In His name a cup of water give.

Let me rest awhile and be prepared

To meet my Saviour face to face.



Oropuna:

But what of Fathers Esteven and Marcos

And Brother Raymundo: How fares it with them?



Alferez:

They all are dead, and I will haste to join them.



Be not grieved, daughters of Hyarima.





Part III

Scene 1



Alferez:-

They all have met the glorious Martyr's death

Bather rejoice they've joined the noble army.



Hold thou this crucifix before my eyes

While with remaining strength I tell the manner

Of their death, their glorious martyrdom.



Maidens, the horrors of that scene oppress

My soul, and hateful thoughts within me rise

But as I look upon the cross and view

The sufferings and the sorrows of the Son of God

My soul is humbled and I fain would say

E'en as He said, Father forgive them for

They know not what they do.

It was so sudden, swift and terrible.

The men were friends incarnate,

In a moment transformed.

A stream of lurid blasphemy burst forth

From lips which had been taught to pray to God:

And Father Esteven was struck down by the

Arch-blasphemer.

Pandemonium reigned.

The savage horde pursued and found the Father at the

Holy Altar where he had taken refuge.

Unmindful of the presence of the Sacred Host they

Pierced his body through with a flight of arrows,

The while he did but pray and ask forgiveness for his sins and theirs.

There at the foot of God's own Altar at which he had

So faithfully served and in the very presence of the

Sacred Host good Father Esteven was killed.

Martyred like the Saint after whom he was named,

Dying like Thomas a Becket who England's King had dared.

On consecrated ground, in such Holy Presence, for

Such Holy cause did Father Esteven give up his

Life, his Soul, his all. May he, O Heavenly Father

Rest in Peace!

Emboldened by their impious acts

They to the body offer fresh indignities

A rope is found.

They tie the body by both feet;

The while another with an axe sever the body from the head

And with a wild halloo they drag the headless trunk round in

Fiendish triumph and cast it in a shallow trench.

Glorious end to life of willing sacrifice and true devotion

In his Master's service!



Full maddened now, the same they did to Father Marcos

Him they found in his house engaged in his devotions:

It being the hour of Primes.



The next they sought was Brother Raymundo.

Him they met before his door kneeling;

With crucifix in both hands high upraised,

With countenance calm and soul uplift to God who gave it

He never flinched; but met their murderous onslaught

With the quiet resignation of his Lord and Master Christ.

And as the crucifix fell from his grasp I darted forward and seized it.

That is the crucifix which you are holding,

The crucifix oft used in our procession, which was in his care

You shall keep it daughters as the sad yet happy memory

Of eternal sacrifice.

Another drink of water to ease the passage of my soul.

My eternal thanks and blessing such as I can give to you

Both



Draw nearer! let me hold the cross once more.

Mine eyes grow dim. And I would sleep.



End of Part III



š›





Part IV

Scene 1



A wooded rise, Mortally wounded in the attack on the Spanish

Governor and his party Hyarima, supported by Guayama and

Canaruma, enters.



Hyarima: -

Enough! dear friends, enough! I can no more!

I've reached my journey's end. Now leave me here

To die. I thank you both and bid you farewell!

In my last moments I would be alone.

Nay be not hurt at this my last request.

'Tis strange; 'tis true; but it is my dying wish

I would be all alone, to die in peace.

I have no time to make you understand,

Go! my brothers! leave me here alone.



Guayama and Canaruma retire.



Hyarima continuing seated.



I feel a numbness steal upon my limbs,

A soothing quiet numbness without pain

An inward fluttering as of a caged bird,

Mine eyes are growing slowly very dim.

I'm being filled with a mysterious light!

I seem to be all eyes, all ears, all mouth

All mind, all where; to occupy all space;

To see and hear all things. It's all mysterious,

Puzzling, strange, and makes me feel that there

Is more than this Earth-life, and that a power,

Superior to brute-force on which alone

I did rely, doth sway and govern all.

It was this Power in blindness I opposed

And see how futile now th' opposition.

It is this power on which these strangers build

It is the source whence they derive their Strength,

And I must seek that Source to equal them.



A dark impenetrable gloom encircles

Me, though I am filed with bright interior light.

I am a Centre of Light and yet I feel

There is a greater dazzling light somewhere

Which now I'm urged to seek. Whence comes this light

In me I do not know and cannot tell.

Methinks it comes from some great Central light

Beyond the darkness which envelops me.

I see a radiant point of Light shine through

The gloom and points me upwards. This Light I'll seek,

And in its greatest radiance Ill find

That Source whence man drive their Strength Invincible.



Me seems the radiance now intenser grown

And I can see more than I saw before,

Behold! amazing sight! A cross of wood

Set high upon a hill and on that Cross

With arms outstretched and drooping Head is One

From whom all this effulgent light proceeds.

The Light of all the World resplendent bright,

All other Lights Eclipsing, the Source Supreme,

The Central Light of Wisdom, Power, and Love.



It surely is the Cross whence comes the strength

'Gainst which I fought in vain! Mysterious Force

Which draws me merely with, the wish, not else;

To thy almighty influence I surrender.

The Cross! The Cross! The Flaming Mystic Cross

The Power of Light and Strength! Bathed in thy rays

My vision wider grows.



I see myself

Now as a grain of sand upon the shores

Of an immense and everlasting sea

And peoples too seem like the mounds of sand

To be now fashioned and now swept aside

By the ceaseless flow and ebb of changing circumstance

I see it all and do not now

Bewail my lot, since all alike are subject

To impartial Fate. My people had

Their day of Life and must be swept aside.

It is their Fate, sad though it seems to be,

To bow to overwhelming circumstance;

They unreservedly must yield and find

A solace in Eternal Truth. For wrong

Is wrong and never can be Right and Right

It is that triumphs in the end. And Right

Is Truth and Truth is Right. And Truth

Comes from the Cross which Lights my vision.

And Truth is Strength! Those then are they who're strong

Who journey always in the Light of Truth,

However dim. Oh, that my people should

Behold that Light before they are no more!



I see the remnants of my people scattered

Far, in numbers few, in strength diminished,

Living on the grace and bounty of

Their conquerers, remote, unfriended save

By those whose duty is to show the glory

Of the flaming Cross to all Mankind.

I see the now oppressors of my race

In turn themselves subdued and driven forth

From blessed Cairi and from all other lands

Which they did first behold and seize as prey

All for the wrong which they have ever done

By murder, pillage, violence and greed.



I see their places taken by a race

'Mongst whom the light proceeding from the Flaming

Cross shines forth in greater brilliance.



And two such men I clearly see. The one

Shall gather what remains of all my people

Under his protecting arms here in

This place where I was the Chief, and through

His love and pity and by favours shown

Shall gently lead them on to reconcilment

And assuage the pain of being conquered.

The other coming next shall rescue all

My people from a dark oblivion.

And He by gracious acts of courtesy

And Love and Sympathy for a fallen

And a broken race shall then create

An interest in my unhappy people

Not felt before, a people who

Were always here, and met Columbus when

He landed on their hospitable and kindly shores.



Hail potent, glorious Chiefs from foreign climes!

The radiant rays of love which flow unmeasured

From the Flaming Cross shall guide you both;

And you shall live forever in the hearts

Of all my meek and humble people.

For all your acts of kindnesses to them.

Hail Shining ones, all hail! And Hyarima

Ere he now dies Salutes you both.



Hyarima falls dead.



Enter Guayama, Canaruma and other Indians,

Guayama, addressing body of Hyarima lying prone.



Guayama-

We heard thy urgent call O Hyarima,

And are quickly come at thy behest

But thou are dead! It was the call! the call

The dying call of Nepuyos and of

The Arawaks! For now that thou art dead

They too are dead and all their ancient glory

Peace and happiness are gone with you:

O Hyarima, we truly, sadly mourn

Your loss as someone, something not to be

Replaced. But thou didst nobly die to save

Us from a galling servitude, alas!

And worthy act of noble sepulture.

With thee shall our hopes lie also buried.

And Nepuyos and Arawaks shall henceforth

Scattered lie in sheltering woods and glades

Without a guide, a friend, a comforter!

Deep woe is me! Deep woe is me! and deep

Unutterable woe for all our race!

Lost! Lost! forever and forever lost

Lost! Lost! to roam at large the affrighted wilds.

Gracious Heaven! Ease the burden of

Our heavy grief if so it can be eased!



Attend, all ye: Bring forward now the bier,

And let him lie on it; let us clothe

Him with the flowers of his own native-land

Let others go prepare his place of burial

There on that spot where oft he used to sit

And muse upon the down-fall of his race.



Take up the body of our gallant Chief,

Let all the remnant of our people follow,

In sad and orderly array. Forward

Brothers to the grave of all our hopes

Farewell! Farewell! Hyarima,

Hyarima fare thee well!



Anapuya-

And this El Pueblo

Shall be henceforth named Arima

In everlasting mem'ry of our last

And Noblest Chief: Hail Arima!

Land where Hyarima lived and died!





Scene 2



Body of Hyarima on bier covered with flowers, borne on shoulders of 

six of his followers. Rest follow in orderly army. Funeral March

played, to accompaniment of booming of Cannon.



End of Part IV



œ�



Part V

Scene 1.



Scenery, Part III



Enter Indians led by Anacaona. Anacaona seated addresses them:-



Anacaona-

Friends and Brothers who are hither come

Upon my urgent summons sent to all,

I thank you for the love you bear towards

The mem'ry and the kin of Hyarima,

Whose name more than my own ensured your due

Attendance in such numbers here today.

Three years it is since Hyarima died

Fighting to drive the haughty Spaniards

From the pleasant land which God had given us

You know how greatly we've been punished since

Till only now a few of us remain

We cannot now oppose the Españoles .

T'were best than to surrender and accept

What Fate decrees. And this I counsel, not

Through any love I bear the Spaniards.

It is because I have been so advised

By Hyarima in a vision

The day was Sultry, still and past the hour

Of noon. The sun shone brightly from a sky

Where high appeared thin clouds like scarves of lawn

No breath of air was seen to stir the dark

Green foliage of the shady trees which grow

Beside my door. No sound of bird or beast

Or insect broke the silence of that hour.

My duties done, I sought the shade to rest.

And as I sat, I fell to musing on

The sad unhappy lot of those who called

My Father, Hyarima, Chief, My heart

Was torn with anguish at the loss we still

So deeply feel, that in my agony

I cried aloud, O Hyarima come

Again! Come to a people whom you loved

And tended! Come to a people who demand

Your care; O Come once more to counsel and

Advise us! Come soon, before we are no more

And as I sat with thus heavy-laden

I felt a very cool and gentle breeze

Sweet with the odours of the forest deep

Sweep o'er me. Soothing, strengthening and caressing.

Me-thought I fell into a dreamlike state

Of rapture, peace and happiness profound.

And so I slept and in my sleep, behold!

I saw my father Hyarima come

And seat himself beside me where I sat.

My heart did thrill with joy Ethereal

To see my father seated at my side

And for fear of losing him again

I kept my peace and even held my breath.

And with a voice which showed how very deeply

He was moved he thus began to speak.



"Last and fairest of my daughters whom

Rightly I have Anacaona named

I heard thy piercing cry for help there in

The forest deep where I had gone to muse

And rest. The piteous cry disturbed me,

And strong desire to be with thee to help

To comfort and console came over me.

And so I've come to wipe away your tears,

To ease the burden of unending grief,

By teaching that which I have lately learned.

Your grief is noble, natural and proud

As well becomes a daughter of my loins.

But grieve not daughter for the petty things

Of Earth, the pride of power, possessions, race,

Grieve for the lack of wisdom which doth make

These things so very dear to Man and hold

Him in perpetual bondage all his days

Our people are as babes just born compared

With those who've reached an age where they can walk

And talk and even moderately run and leap,

What hope has any helpless infant then

T'oppose the will of those of riper years?

We, therefore, must be patient and must grow

E'en as the puny, helpless infants do.

This growth to which we must attain is not

The growth of body only but of some

Thing else which I now dimly, faintly see.

It chanced while I was seated by a deep,

Mysterious pool which caught the darkened shadow

Of umbrageous trees, I fixed my gaze

To pierce the depth to see what creatures there

Were lying hid. The while I had been musing

On the why and wherefore of our Fate.

When lo! the surface of the water 'gan

To Sparkle with a bright mysterious light

I marvelled much to see this light upon

The placid surface of the shadow'd pool

Then from the depths of that same shadow'd pool

There rose the sound of music such as ne'er

I'd heard, divinely sweet, enthralling, grand.

And from those depths the Music soared and spread

Among the trees, the clouds, and rose sublime

In diapason full and mighty through

The quivering air e'en unto the skies.

The Heavenly Melody on all sides compassed me.

Then when it seemed to faint and die away

I heard in accents sweet and tender, this:-



"The Being that is in the clouds and air

"That is in the green leaves among the trees

"Maintains a deep and reverential care

"Of the unoffending Creature whom He loves."



The Sweet and tender accents of that voice

Filled me with the deepest ecstasy.

Nor words nor Music could I comprehend,

But felt myself in perfect rhythm with

The deep pulsating music of the Song

Of Life. I was like a drop of ocean

Pulsing rhythmic in a boundless, endless

And infinite Sea of harmonies sublime.

In this delicious and exalted mood

I saw a Being as of another world,

A Woman clothed in garments of a Nun

Bearing a Cross and on her head a Crown

Of plaited Thorns. She stood by me and said:-



O Hyarima! I have been sent to thee

I am Rose of Lima of the Order

Of the Sainted Dominic, come to

Bring you such assistance as you need

The knowledge you would have of what you've heard?

The meaning of the Music and the words?

All these you will receive just as you grow

The Words did but explain the Music of

The Spheres which all who've conquered pain may hear.

Tis but a fragment of the Song of Life.

Store in your memory the melody you hear

And from it learn the lesson of Harmony,

And of the meaning of the Mystery

Which surrounds you. But more of this anon.

The Being who maintains a care for all

His creatures is almighty God who loves

The whole creation with divine surpassing Love .

It is His Love which has created all things,

And it's in His all embracing love we live

And move and have our being. For you, therefore

Tis well to know that God through love controls

And guides the destinies of all. Let that

Suffice. Put but your trust in Him and you'll

See the wisdom of His wondrous ways.

And as I teach you of the Love of God

So do I also teach that God is Love .

For the love then of that Love Divine

Which to attain must be the soul's endeavour

Let us cast of all baser feelings of hate

Revenge, possessions, power, pomp and pride,

Control the instincts of the brute in us.

So shall we then be purified of all

Encumb'ring passions which forbid approach

To that great sea of love-and that is God.

Do this and you will hear a grander volume

"Of that Song divine than you've yet heard."



(Anacaona:)

My father spoke no more; for there appeared

A glorious being covered head to foot

Wearing what seemed a crown of plaited thorns.

She was the Rose of which my father spoke

And all round her was a radiant splendour

Whom seeing, my father rose, and bowing low

The two departed and I then awoke.



And so I've summoned you to say, that knowledge

Of that Being of whom my father spoke

And which his radiant guide did teach henceforth

Must be our care. He is the source of all

Our strength, our peace, our joy, our happiness.

Let us then in all humility

Seek that knowledge for our future good.

Who can advise may speak.



Guayama-

Wisely Spoken Anacaona. Resistance now

Were useless, vain, absurd. How can we hope

To win where mighty Hyarima failed?

We must find out the knowledge which consoles,

Which breeds an even temper in the oppressed

Which causes one to render good for evil

Since by so doing evil is suppressed

Through lack of necessary nourishment.

But if, dear Anacaona, God is Love

And cares for all his creatures here on Earth,

How came he to permit such injuries on us?

Is it because we do not know Him, or

Have not cared to know Him as He is?

Perchance it may be even so. Then my

Advice will be that we do hasten hence

To those who can impart such knowledge as

Will lead us safe into the presence of God.

And then we shall see face to face what now

Is only dimly, darkly visioned.

Perhaps the Fathers who have lately come

In place of Fathers Esteven and Marcos

Will be happy to receive us and

Explain what is the mystery which surrounds us.

Omnes; And so we all advise.



Anacaona:

Here come a Holy Priest such as we seek.

Welcome! Welcome! Father to our tribe.

We have but now agreed to visit you



Priest:

Daughter I have come to thee moved by

The Holy Spirit to ask thee to forget

The past which has been filled with sadness for

Us all alike. The centre of our Mission

Will no longer be at Arenales

But here where Hyarima lived as Chief.

We hope ere long to build a pretty Church.

Where we expect you'll come to hear the Mass

And make your peace with God and live content,

For I am truly sorry for what is past

And with His help would wipe away your tears,

And soothe and strengthen your oppressed and bleeding

Hearts. Both sides have suffered very deeply

Both sides should then be willing to forgive

And to forget. For the sake of HIM

Whose Gospel I have come thus far to spread

I must forgive even as He forgave,

Will you too then forgive, to be forgiven?

I only truly seek to save your souls

Your souls as precious in the sight of God

As mine. How precious 'tis to Him you've yet

To learn, and learning you'll be reconciled.



Anacaona:

Father, in my grief I've learnt a little

More than you suppose. Tell me, Father,

Who is Rose of Lima. What is She?



Priest:

Daughter, who has told thee of the Blessed Saint?

No priest. I'm sure, for none have come this way.



Anacaona:

No one, Father; I saw her in a dream

With Hyarima to whom she is appointed

Guide to lead him on God who made us.



Priest:

Happy omen of assured success,

The name and person of Santa Rosa known

What better than to dedicate these people

To her care and make her patron Saint

Of all the Caribs in this sunny isle!

Happy, happy thought by Heaven inspired!

Know then my child who Santa Rosa is,

And all ye people, come listen to her story!

She was the daughter of Castilian parents,

Born in Lima capital of Peru.

From earliest years she sought to conquer pain

And all the lower appetites of brutes.

In which she well succeeded and so brought

Her body quite subservient to her will

And made it a fitting temple of her Lord.

And thus became a worthy Bride of Christ.

Grief for the earthly suffering of the Son

Of God was so intense with her that she

Did of her own accord inflict upon

Herself all the bodily tortures which

Her Lord had borne in his short life on Earth

And she did it all for love of Christ,

Whose true, pure and virgin bride she was.

For He the Son of God and Very God

Renounced His Throne in Heaven to visit Earth

All for the love of Erring humanity.

Greater Love no man can show than this-

To give His Life for those he dearly loves,

And sacrifice his deep eternal Peace,

To be with Men to cheer them on their upward

Toilsome, weary march to God and Heaven.

And endless, fadeless and unchanging bliss.

Daughter, let this Saint, I pray surround you

And your tribes with her saintly influence,

She will be your ready intercessor

With Mary and her Son, and Son with God

So will a golden chain link highest Heav'n

With the lowest Earth and bind us all

To God; to God from whom we all have sprung

And unto whom we shall ere long return.

And it is further meet and right for you

T' accept this Saint, She was born in the country

Of the mighty Incas, people of your

Race, but more advanced in culture, skill and arts.

Them she naturally loved and cared for

As children of this Western World who must

Be brought to God and knowledge of His Son.

She is the first of those who fast saw light

Of day in this New World t'attain the mark

Of Sainthood. And the sweet remembrance of her,

And the self inflicted tortures she endured

All for the love and imitation of Christ

Must draw men to that source of Love undying

Which is the certain cure of all our sorrow

Of all our weeping and of all our pain.

O ye people of this Western World!

Receive the new-made Saint of whom I speak

As your patron Saint and Intercessor.

Love her as she merits being loved,

Make your humble humble offerings at Her Shrine

And you will always prosper and will thrive

Because the thought of Her will make you good.

Omnes

Do this for her sake ye people of this lovely

Land! You have no surer strength to raise

You to the Cross of Him she did adore

Than this Blessed Saint of this New World!

Do this I fervently and humbly pray!

And God will bless you and protect you always

For the glorious Intercessor you have

Found, and the vow you make to honour her.

Do this! Do this! and live! . . . . . . . . . . . .

And shall we then in gladness dedicate

Our new-built Church to Santa Rosa?



All-

We shall! We shall! We shall! O Holy Priest

Hail, Santa Rosa Blessed Saint!

We are thy children henceforth and forever! !



Anacaona-

The Vision! The Vision! Of the Blessed Saint.





Scene III



Procession. (Saint, Caribs, Principal and Minor Characters)







(((((((((((((((((((



SANTA ROSA

Excerpt From Caribbean Circuit

by Sir Harry Luke

(1949)



The 30th August is the day of Saint Rose of Lima, the first Saint of the New World and 

according to her seventeenth-century biographer, Friar Juan de Melendez, "one of the

 most extraordinary women the New or Old World has ever seen". Among the many places 

of which the Peruvian mystic is the patron saint is the inland borough of Arima in Trinidad, 

situated at the foot of that Colony's northern range of mountains some 16 miles due east of 

Port-of-Spain. On Santa Rosa's day or the nearest Sunday Arima is the scene of much liveliness 

and activity. A well attended race-meeting is held to celebrate the occasion.



On Santa Rosa's day all the Carib participants communicate at the Low Mass with the 

exception of the Queen and her consort, who, after leading the procession to the church, 

have alone the privilege of receiving the sacrament at the High Mass. The right to fire the 

6 a.m. rocket, regarded by the Caribs as symbolizing the voice of Hyarima, was secured for 

their race by a former Mayor of Arima, the Hon. F.E.M. Hosein, who, although by race an 

East Indian, took a fatherly interest in his Amerindian charges. Mr. Hosein also wrote a 

very sympathetic pageant or miracle play for performance on Santa Rosa's day.