For the first time—September ninth, tenth and eleventh—our Italian missionaries have met and prayed and eaten and hobnobbed and planned together. Called by our new Americanization department (“foreign missions at home”), to New York from Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and places between, they came, seventeen of our twenty-two Italian clergy in active service. Four others have not yet returned from war service, and only one other could not come.
“Why, I know you, quoth the priest from Gary, Indiana, to the curate of Calvary, New York, “you used to go to school to me in Italy. That was nine years back. This was said on the close of the General Theological Seminary on the first afternoon of the conference, as they were coming in to find the rooms assigned in Dodge Hall.
For three days the seminary was taken charge of by the conference. The dean had kindly invited us and placed at our disposal a dormitory, a lecture room and the chapel. Between sessions and services and late into the nights on the close or gathered on chairs and desks in the dismantled rooms the welkin rang with vociferous Italian and English.
If nothing more had been accomplished than the mere get together, the time and money was most well spent.
But much more was accomplished, which bids fair to be a great new beginning of the grasping of our opportunity to minister to the nearly three millions out of four utterly unchurched men, women and children of our neighbors from sunny Italy. These are a mighty means for the upbuilding of our country, if given a helping hand; or a mighty menace, if let alone to lapse still further into neglected atheism and the prey of the forces of discontent. It depends on the Nation-Wide Campaign what our answer shall be.
The conference began with a session in the Italian language.
At four o’clock Father Huntington, O. H. C., gave the first of the two meditations in the chapel, which were to set the spiritual tone of the conference and crystallize its aim, “The Glory of God, the saving of the lost, the sanctification of the faithful.” Such are the essential roots of true Americanization. Evening Prayer was said in Italian, with English hymns.
The next morning we gathered at the Altar, making our special intention the work in hand.
At ten o’clock came the morning’s session of the conference, held in the Church Mission House. At this were not only the Italian clergy but a goodly number of native-born Americans who have been most active in our Italian mission field at home, coming from Erie, Boston, Philadelphia and nearer places and New York, a bishop, priests and laymen and women. Here are the subjects discussed, each discussion led by a ten-minute paper prepared beforehand:
An Italian Periodical, the Reverend Nicola Accomando; The Second Generation, the Reverend F. I. Urbano; Training of the Clergy, the Reverend T. E. Della-Cioppa; Unification, the Reverend Siste Noce (who came all the way from North Carolina, where he is trying to recover from a breakdown from years of overwork): Social Service, Deaconess Gardner: Neighbors, Miss Skinner; Spread of the Work, the Reverend Oreste Salcini.
The discussions were exceedingly lively at times à la Italienne—not the easiest matter in the world for the presiding officer—and “change of name” and “ceremonial extremities” crept in out of order and had to be referred back to the General Convention.
Nevertheless the spirit was fine and the papers and talk thoroughly worth while. On the stroke of twelve we all went downstairs to the chapel for the usual noonday prayers.
Next, the conference walked way over to the Grace Chapel Settlement House for luncheon, presided over by Dr. Slattery, and served in the building where for many years Italian work has been done with the full equipment it ought to have everywhere. There 1,000 Italians have been confirmed and nearly 20,000 visits a year are received from Italians seeking advice on American life. After the luncheon the conference continued.
That evening was the great service in the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. To be sure the congregation was not as large as hoped for, for all New York had turned out that day to greet General Pershing and had watched for hours the parade of the famous First Division. You could not blame the people for being tired. But the choir was nearly full with some one hundred and fifty choristers, the combined Italian choirs of the city, lifting to God their glorious Italian voices, and the Italian clergy and a number of other clergy.
The service was sung in Italian, except America and The Star Spangled Banner, different Italian priests taking part and Canon Nelson, who has done so much for Italian work, reading the lesson. Addresses were made by Bishop Burch, Mr. Fred C. Butler, Federal Director of Americanization, representing Secretary Lane, of the Department of the Interior: and the senior Italian priest present, the Reverend Carmelo DiSano. This last spoke in Italian, gesticulated dramatically and drew forth and waved at the right place a small silk American flag. Of course our flag and that of Italy were carried in procession and also a beautiful banner of one of our Italian Church societies. It was an inspiring service.
At the seminary dormitory that night we sat around and discussed theology and kindred topics till after midnight.
Next morning, after the Holy Eucharist and breakfast in the little restaurant where we ate together, came the final session. There we summed up the results of our discussions and parted with mutual congratulations.
Here are the resolutions adopted by the final session:
General Missionaries: That two missionaries be appointed by the General Board of Missions for itinerant work among Italian missions, and to survey and establish new missions.
Uniform Control: It is the opinion of this conference that the Italian work and missionaries should be taken under the authority of the General Board, and the salaries paid by the same.
Hymnal: It is the opinion of this conference that, although it is advisable to use the English Hymnal, an Italian Hymnal is necessary. That the Hymnal prepared by the Reverend Della Cioppa be published.
Prayer Book: That this conference of Italian clergymen recommends to the Commission on the Italian Prayer Book, that a new translation be made instead of correcting the old one.
Periodical: This conference commends that an Italian periodical be published for use by all Italians in this country for their Americanization and religious instruction. That it be published by the Department of Christian Americanization, with the co-operation of a committee of Italian priests, selected by the secretary of said department.
Bi-lingual Publications: It is the desire of this conference that the publication of condensed service books or pamphlets be made in Italian-English in parallel columns.
English Language: Although in many cases the use of the Italian language is absolutely necessary, this conference commends the wide-spread practice of using the English language as much as possible in the services and instructions.
Thanks: Vote of thanks to the Secretary.
—The Spirit of Missions (New York), October, 1919, Vol. LXXXIV, No. 10, pp. 661-662.
Six generations of descendants of Stefano Mammana and Rosolia Fioretta of Valledolmo, Palermo, Sicily, Italy, compiled by Richard J. Mammana 2019-2022. Almost all births after 1960 are omitted for privacy. Please contact me with any corrections, additions, or any other changes.
H.M.S. Pinafore oder Das Maedle and Ihr Sailor Kerl: ‘N translation fun dem bekannte Opera
Scene.—Deck of H.M.S. Pinafore. View of Portsmouth in the distance. Sailors led by Boatswain discovered cleaning brasswork, splicing rope, etc.
Opening Chorus
Mir fahren auf der meer, Unser schiff iss shay und shteady; M’r drinken nix oss beer, Und m’r sinn aw immer ready Wo’s fechterei iss sinn mir sphry, Und mach’t der feind es fiehle; Und wan’s ferbei iss, tzimlich glei Gebt’s zeit genunk f’r shpiela.
Enter Little Buttercup with basket.
Recit
Buttercup—Hello! ihr shiffleit—kennen ‘r nimmie hara? Sailors—Rushing towards her. Hello! glaene Buttercup. Buttercup—waving them back. Nun, sagen mir: hen ihr betzawlsdawg kerzlich kotta? Sailors—Airsht geshta. Buttercupadvancing Sell suit mich gude. So kummen g’schwind dohaer, Do kennen ‘r hendlich all euer geld fetzahra.
GESANG (Little Buttercup)
Sie haysen mich Buttercup—shay glaene Buttercup— Und ich waiss gaw net warrum; Doch bin ich die Buttercup—orum glay Buttercup, Zu euer Buttercup kum. Had duwok und shpella, und shayna korrella, Und messer und watcha und sheer; Und hingle und brilla, und zucker und pilla, Das kennet ihr oll koffa fun mir. Hab matches und taffy, bolognies und koffe, Un naegel und frische pork chops, Hab shnitz und kaduffla, und cigar und ruffla, Und nummer ains peppermint drops. Dann kofft fun euer Buttercup—shay glaene Buttercup, Zu euer Buttercup kum.
Bos’n Vell, little Buttercup, bisht du ols noch leddich? Du gukst yust so yung shmart und shay os wie olfort.
Buttercup Yaw, aber kannst du mir sawga wass ess iss dos es hertz im kopf drawgt?
Bos’n Well, nay, ich muss sawga ich hob noch net an so ebbes gedenkt.
Dick Well—ich kann.
Sailorsrecoiling Du?
Dick Yaw—’N graut-kup.
Sailors Um-m-m-m-m.
Buttercup Wass fehlt sella kerl? Iss er net g’sunt?
Bos’n Du musht ‘n net minda, er is olfort so—Er iss bissel drei-eckich.
Buttercup Well, ich set sheer denka. Aber wer kumt do?
Bos’n Sell iss der Relf Reckstraw, der besht kerl uff ‘m shiff.
Buttercup Relf!—that name!—remorse—remorse.
Enter Ralph.
MADRIGAL
The Nightingales’ Song (Ralph)
Ez tsipchia peift Und der boppagoi greisht zurick Der hawhna graeht Und der blo-fogle fresst der mick— Doch lieb ich sie.
Chorus Doch lieb ich sie.
Ralph Es maedchen weint, Ihr lieben schatz kumt nicht mehr, Der shonshtay shmokt, Und der brunne iss sheer gaw lehr—
Chorus Doch lieb ich sie.
Recit. Ralph
Ich glaub wohl buwa os ihr’s recht, Doch my undankbarkeit ‘r misst net ferdenka Wann lieb und leida bol des herz verbrecht! Ich lieb, yaw wohl, ich lieb der Cap sei tochd’r.
Buttercup Er liebt—yaw wohl, er liebt der Cap sei tochd’r.
Sailors Er liebt—yaw wohl, etc.
BALLAD A Maiden Fair to See (Ralph)
Sie iss’n maedle shay, Demuethig, gude und glay, Der shensht zu mei’m gewissa; Und ich ‘n or’mer drup, Mit net fiel in der kup, Und gar ken gelt im kossa.
Sailors Er hut ken gelt im kossa
Ralph Doch habe ich’s uff mich genomma, kreftiglich Die Liebe in mei herz zu plantza: Weiss wohl es bot mich nix, My lieb iss in ‘ra fix— Ich kann ken horn pipe danza.
Sailors Er kann ken horn pipe danza. Icnh bin net awrig g’scheit. Mei larnung geht net weit.— (Die Liebe war schumayshter) Sie herschet mir in’s herz. Mit sorga und mit schmerz, Der Cap sei shayne tochd’r.
Bos’n Ah! du or’mer drup, du groddelsht zu hoch; si hiaert dich net
Dick Nay, des dut sie net.
Sailors Shem dich doch!
Ralph Deadeye, du bisht’n bopplemoul.
Dick Relf, wos felt dew naws.
Enter Captain.
Captain My gallant crew—good morning.
Sailors Guda morryea.
Captain I hope you are all quite well.
Sailors All g’sunt—und du Cap?
Captain I am in reasonable health and happy To meet you all once more.
Sailors Unser ganze achtung.
SONG (Captain)
Captain I am the captain of the Pinafore!
All Und ‘n nummer ains Cap bisht du.
Captain You’re very, very good, And be it understood, I command a right good crew.
All Danke shoen, dabei. Muss es gude fershtana sei Oss er hut’n first rate crew.
Captain Though related to a peer, I can hand, reef and steer, And ship a salvagee; I am never known to quail At the fury of a gale, And I’m never, never sick at sea.
All Was; gar net!
Captain Nay; gar net.
All Was; gar NET?
Captain Well, sheer gar net.
All He’s hardly ever sick at sea! Then give three cheers, and one cheer more For the hardy captain of the Pinafore!
Captain I do my best to please you all—
All Und mir sin mit dir content.
Captain You’re exceedingly polite, And I think it only right To return the compliment.
All Mir sin ivveraus polite Und er meent es wer yust right, Wen er uns aw compliment.
Captain Bad language or abuse, I never, never use, Whatever the emergency; Though “bother it,” I may Occasionally say, I never use a big, big D—
All Was, gar net?
Captain Nay.
All Was, gar net?
Captain Well, sheer gar net.
All Hardly ever swears a big big D— Then give three cheers, and one cheer more For the well bred captain of the Pinafore!
Exit all but Captain.
Captain (solus) Es blogt mich der ganza dawg ‘n nagel im shoo. ‘Mol sehna ep ich ‘n net rous griega kann.
BALLAD (Josephine)
Thraenen und leid sin so der Liebe, Schwer iss es herz oss hoft ohn hoffnung, Krisslich die seiftzer shteigen auf, Tief fum dem Herz der Lieb betruebef, Tieff iss das elend und heftig die noth Won Liebe erwecket und hoffnung iss tod.
Kald iss der tag won’s scheint ken sun, Dunkel die nacht wo’s blickt ken mond; Feicht iss die erd wen die wolke weinen, Und shay die shtund die sterna scheinen. Tief iss das elend, etc.
Captain Tochd’r, wass iss letz? Du husht mir so awrig fun der Liebe g’sunga, es iss mir bang du denksht shun an die buwa.
Josephine Oh, wass sul ich sawga!
Captain Now, ‘s iss net d’wart oss du in a hurry bisht dot d’wega. Ich will dir shun ‘n mon rous picka won’s tzeit kummt.
Ueber das grosse wasser Kummt der Josef Borter, K.C.B. Doch mawg er geh wohie er will, Krachen die grosse flinte shtill. Greish ueber das grosse wasser For der Josef Borter, K.C.B.
During this the crew have entered on tiptoe, listening attentively to the song.
Do kumt der old Sir Jo, Mit ‘n boat-load harlich weibsleid. Nun laszt uns danzen so, Und singen wie net recht g’scheit. Mir fahren auf der say, Unser shiff iss shay und shteady, Mir trinken nix oss TAY Und mir sin aw immer ready.
Captain My child, I grieve to see that you are a prey to melancholy. You should look your best today, for Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B. will be here this afternoon to claim your promised hand.
Enter Sir Joseph’s Female Relatives. They dance.
Relatives Gayly tripping, lightly skipping, flock the maidens to the shipping
Sailors Flieg der lumpa fum der fenshter Laszt uns froehlich sei im ernster.
Relatives Sailors sprightly, always rightly, welcome ladies so politely.
Sailors Weibsleid oss so haerlich singen, Werden lusht und freude bringen.
Enter Sir Joseph.
Captain Do kumt der Jo; now geb drei cheers.
Hurray! hurray! hurray!
SONG (Sir Joseph)
(spoken) Ich hab so’n holve notion—das Ich bin der kaynich fum der meer, Das grosse shiff ich steer, Die ganze welt iss mich bekannt.
Hebe Und mir sin sei shwester und sei cousins und sei aunts
Relatives Und mir sin, etc.
Sir Joseph Ven at enker here I ride My bozzum swells mit bpride; Und I snep my fingers on der foeman’s taunts.
Hebe Und so could sel schweshter und sei cousins Oss er tzahla kann bei dutzens, und sei aunts.
Sir Joseph Die buwa guken tzimlich sowa d’moyra.
Salors(saluting) Danke shoen.
Sir Joseph Sie sin feina kerls.
Sailors(salute) Unser ganze achtung.
Sir Joseph Dusht sie gude treat?
Sailors(singing) “M’r drinken nix oss tay.”
Sir Joseph Was; gar net?
Sailors(emphatically) Nay—
Sir Joseph You’ve a remarkably fine crew, Captain Corcoran.
Captain(suppressing them) Sh-sh-h…! (leads Sir Joseph to front and whispers)— Ols a’ mol.
Sir Joseph So-o-o-o. Sawg seller kal sol mohl do raus kumma (pointing a general way to the sailors)
Captain(puzzled, imitates his motion and says) Sawg, du, kum mol do rous; der Jo will mit dir schwetza.
Sailors(not knowing which one is meant, they all file up and surrounding Sir Joseph, salute)— Ich bin do.
Sir Joseph(furiously) Zurick.
Sailors(retreat) Ich bin zurick.
Sir Joseph Ich hab sella kerl DAT gemehnt (pointing to Ralph)
Captain Du grumnasicher; feesel die foula karper do funna.
Ralph Was husht g’sawt?
Captain Wie mensht? Ich glaub ich fershtay dich net.
Ralph Wann ich so gude sei will.
Captain(angrily) Was, du—
Sir Joseph(rebuking) Tut-tut-tut. Er hut recht. Wann er so gude sei will.
Captain Hum-m-m! Wann du so gude sei wit (Ralph comes forward)
Sir Joseph For I hold dot on dem seas Dot expression “off you blease” A particularly gentlemanly tone implants.
Cousin Hebe Und so thun sei schwester und sei cousins und sei aunts.
All Sei schwester und sei cousins Oss er tzahla kann bei dutzend, Und sei aunts.
Sir Joseph Captain, es war mir geshta g’sawt du hetsht so’n shaene tochd’r. Iss es waar?
Captain Oh, hibsch, hibsch, sehr hibsch.
Sir Joseph Gukt sie wie ihre Papaw?
Captain Nay, gar net.
Sir Joseph(relieved) Ah! dann kannsht du sie officially informa das ich sie sehne will im kabin und won sie mich suit du ich sie hiara naksht Sontag.
Exit Sir Joseph and Captain.
GLEE
A British tar is a soaring soul As free as a mountain bird; His energetic fist Should be ready to resist A dictatorial word. (Etc.)
Exit all excepting Ralph.
Ralph Mei mind iss uff g’macht. Ich frag die Josephine der naksht mohl oss ich sie sehn. Ich bin yusht so gude oss anicha mann except der Jo—der Jo secht yo selvet im des shtick oss er uff g’macht hut, und s’iss aw die wahrheit. Ah! sie kumt!—Herz, mei herz, laszt no die ew’ge unruh (retires backstage as Josephine enters).
Josephine ‘S iss gar net d’wart, ich kan der Joe net gleicha. Der Pap het’s of course awrig gern oss mir hiara det’n, und ich det sheer ainich ebbes f’r der Dawdy zu obliga aber DASS kann ich net; mei herz iss net mehr mein eigenes. ‘S iss yusht a nawme oss mich tsitter macht, und dass is—Ralph. (Ralph approaches tenderly and deferentially, and overcome at her confession, takes her hand and says:)
Ralph Josephine, ich liebe dich! (Josephine looks startled a moment, but recovers herself and sternly repulses him)
Duett (Josephine and Ralph)
Josephine Geh wek, du wieshta ding, Du husht ken recht do; Fergess net wer ich bin, Und wem du schwetsht zu (aside) Doch lieb ich ihn fum herz und darf es gar net sawga, Mei leida und mei schmerz muss ich alanich drawga— Es iss mir bang das alend macht mich mawga, Sei gruma naws dut mich so awrig plawga.
Ralph Stolz lady, wie du’s husht—hard-herzig beauty. Du sawgst, also ich muss—es iss mei duty; Und du mei maedle bisht der Cap. sei tochd’r. (aside) Doch, kennt sie mich yusht gleicha waer ich ganz zufrida. Sie shput und lacht, doch muss ich sie mei lieb owbida— Fum noth und elend det ich sie b’heeta, Und wie en airlich mensch ich det sie treata.
Josephine Die naws, die naws iss grum.
Ralph Mei herz, mei herz iss grawt.
Ralph (recit.) Can I survive this overbearing Or live a life of mad despairing, My proffered love despised, rejected? No, no; it’s not to be expected! (calling of) Messmates, ahoy! Come here! Come here! (Enter sailors, Hebe and relatives)
Chorus Ya, mir sinn do, Sinn do, sinn do. Now sawg uns g’schwind Was hut sie g’sawt?
Ralph(to cousin Hebe) Es maedel secht sie wot mich net, Sie kann mich gar net leida, lady; Mei gruma naws gukt sie deruff, Und shickt mich der Sals Rever nuff.
All Oh, cruel one!
Dick Sie will dich net, Oho! Oho! Ich hab dir g’sawt es genkt dir so.
Chorus Mir shtanden’s net. ‘S iss yo’n shond. Lieb kumt zugleich zu niedrig und stolz/ Mir sinn all sowa, sober sailor leid, Und missen mir es shtanda? Nay!
Dick Ihr missen’s shtanda, eb ihr wollen Oder net, Oho! Oho! ‘N lady sie—ich hab yo g’sawt Es genkt euch so.
Ralph(drawing a pistol) Mein freund der Tod sei Hand mir rechet, Fur oh! mei herz—mei herz verbrechet; Won ich kabud bin, oh! sawgen sie Wie ich g’liebet hat—nur sie Wich ich g’liebet hat—nur sie
During chorus he has loaded pistol.
Nem warnung, kumraade all, Und bleiben immer leddich, Fur Josephine ich fall!
Puts pistol to his head. Chorus stop their ears. Josephine enters.
Josephine Sheese net—sheese net—ich lieb dich.
Chorus Sheese net—sheese net—sie liebt dich.
Ralph(incredulously) Liebt mich?
Josephine Liebt dich.
Chorus Ya, ya, ya, ya, sie liebt dich.
Dick Deadeye Er meent er het sei Josephine, Doch sinn sie all erbarmlich green. Es kummt ‘n donnerschlag Und reist die Liebe all zu nix. Der Captain hut ‘n wort zu sawga— Sie missen airsht der Dawdy fraga Und wann sie dun—ich sawg’s gewiss Das ganz unewa liebe kumt ins ew’ge Finsternis.
Josephine, Hebe, Ralph(alternating) This very night with bated breath and muffled oar Without a light as still as death we steal ashore. A clergyman shall make us one at half past ten, And then we can return, for none can part us then!
Dick Forbear, nor carry out the scheme you’ve planned. She is a lady—you a foremast hand! Remember, she’s your gallant captain’s daughter, And you the meanest slave that crawls the water!
All Back, vermin, back, nor mock us! Back, vermin, back, you shock us! Let’s give three cheers for the sailor’s bride Who casts all thought of rank aside— Who gives up home and fortune too For the honest love of a sailor true! For a British tar is a soaring soul As free as a mountain bird; His energetic fist should be ready to resist A dictatorial word! His foot should stamp and his throat should growl, His hair should twirl and his face should scowl, His eyes should flash and his breast protrude, And this should be his customary attitude.
CURTAIN
ACT II
Scene. Deck of H.M.S. Pinafore. Night. Captain discovered singing and accompanying himself on a mandolin. Little Buttercup seated on quarter deck, gazing sentimentally at him.
SONG (Captain)
Zu du, du gude mond Will ich en solo singa.— Ich glaub ich geh nous Vest, Zu de Incha and onra sotta dinga.
Captain Ah! Little Buttercup, still on board? That is not quite right, little one. It would have been more respectable to have gone on shore at dusk.
Buttercup True, dear Captain—but the recollection of your sad, pale face seemed to chain me to the ship. I would fain see you smile before I go.
DUET (Little Buttercup and Captain)
Buttercup Mein freund, Sache sinn net alfort grawt wie sie guken, Dick millich gukt wie rohm aber es iss net; Und shay g’blackda shtuywel gucken wie patent-leather, aber sie sinn aw net: Und ‘n micke-ware kann pohawna federa drawga.
Captain(puzzled) Very true, so they do.
Buttercup All trup shoaf huts schwatza dabei, Alles was glaenzed iss net brass, Der shoensht kerl im class kann shmaert oss’n bluck sei, Und ‘s iss net alford de grest grut oss es weidsht jumpa kann.
Captain Ich glaub es wohl alle mohl. Ich denk dahinter steht was shrecklich, Ueberaus, und ganz unglicklich —’S iss nich waar.
Buttercup Es iss waar.
Captain Well, Ich hais mich net so ueberaus g’scheit, Aber so kennt ich shwetza fum now bis naksht Grischdawg; Es war mohl ‘n katz hut die gichdera kotta. Wo’s feier hut, hut’s aw shmoke.
Buttercup Frequentlee I agree.
Captain M’r kann oft guka was m’r net gern sawga det. Es liderlich kind set’s briggle shpeera, ‘N tayleffle molossich iss besser oss gar ken zuker im koffe. Der geitzich hund shloaft ols noch im geilsdroag.
Buttercup Ich glaub es wohl alle mohl.
Captain Paw of cat the chestnut snatches, Worn out garments show new patches, Only count the chick that hatches; Men are grown up catchy catches.
Buttercup Yes, I know that is so Aside Though to catch my drift he’s striving, I’ll dissemble—I’ll dissemble; When he sees at what I’m driving Let him tremble—let him tremble.
Captain Ich denk dahinter shteht was schrecklich, Ueberaus und ganz unglicklich; Doch ich glaub sie schnitzled hesslich, Es iss waar, ganz und gar. Doch ich glaub sie schnitzled hesslich, Was sie sawgt iss ungewisslich; Ihr gedanken sinn unmesslich, Ess iss waar.
Buttercup ‘S iss nicht waar.
Exit Little Buttercup melodramatically.
Captain Incomprehensible as her utterances are, I nevertheless feel that they are dictated by sincere regard for me. But to what new misery is she referring? Time alone can tell!
Enter Sir Joseph
Sir Joseph Captain Korkoran, I was very much disappointed mit your daughter. I don’t dink she vil do.
Captain She won’t do, Sir Joseph?
Sir Joseph Dot vos it. Der fact vos, dot although I have urge my suit mit as much eloquence as vos inconsistent for an official utterance, I don’t vos successful. How you make dot oud?
Captain Really, Sir Joseph, I hardly know. Josephine is of course sensible of your condescension.
Sir Joseph Yaw, dot vos drue.
Captain But perhaps your exalted rank dazzles her.
Sir Joseph You dink it vould?
Captain I can hardly say; but she is a modest girl; and her social position is far below your own. It may be that she feels she is not worthy of you.
Sir Joseph Dot vos really a very sensible suggestion of human nature as I had given you credit fo.
Captain See, she comes. If your lordship would kindly reason with her, and assure her officially that it is a standing rule at the Admiralty that love levels all ranks, her respect for an official utterance might influence her to look upon your offer in its proper light.
Sir Joseph Dot vos not unlikely. I vill took your suggestion. But hush! I hear feetsteps!
Josephine The hours creep on apace, My guilty heart is quaking! Oh, that I might retrace The step that I am taking. It’s folly it were easy to be showing, What I am giving up and whither going. A simple sailor, lowly born, Unlettered and unknown, Who toils for bread from early morn Till half the night has flown!
Sir Joseph(coming down) Josephine, it has been represented to me dot you vas oxcited by my exalted rank. I vould like to told you officially dot off your hesitation vos attributed to dat circumstance it vos uncalled for.
Josephine Oh! then your lordship is of opinion that married happiness is NOT inconsistent with discrepancy in rank.
Sir Joseph I vos offically mit dot opinion.
Josephine That the high and lowly may be truly happy together, provided that they truly love one another?
Sir Joseph Josephine, I vould like to told you OFFICIALLY—dot vos it.
Josephine I thank you, Sir Joseph. I DID hesitate, but I will hesitate no longer. (Aside) He little thinks how eloquently he has pleaded his rival’s cause. (Captain has entered, during this speech he comes down.)
TRIO (First Lord, Captain and Josephine)
Josephine Never mind the why and wherefore. Love can level ranks and therefore I admit its jurisdiction! Ably have you played your part, You have carried firm conviction To my hesitating heart.
All Laszt die glocken jubeltoenen, Reisst die luft mit lust gesang, etc.
Sir Joseph Frag uns net f’r explanation, Sei zufrida wann mir sawgen Dass es kann ken dif’rence mache Eb du gelt husht oder net, Es kennt mich net besser pleasa Wann der Dawdy millyona het.
Captain Sir Joseph, I cannot express to you my delight at the happy result of your eloquence. Your argument was unanswerable.
Sir Joseph Captain Korkoran, dot vos one of ther habbiest karackteristics of dis happy guntry, dot official utterances could invariably be regarded as unanswerable.
Captain At last my fond hopes are to be crowned. My only daughter is to be the bride of a cabinet minister. (During this speech Dick Deadeye has entered.)
Dick(Mysteriously) I’m come to give you warning.
Captain Indeed Do you propose to leave the navy then?
Dick No, no; you misunderstand me; listen! Gude Cap, ich det dir gern mohl eppes sawga, Singt hey tra la, gude Captain oss du bisht; Doch ‘s iss mir bang es wird dir wenning plaga. Singt hey tra la, gude Captain oss du bisht. Tra la mei guda Captain.—
Captain Tra la, du narrish sailor.
Dick Gude Cap. dei glaene tochd’r hut ‘n plawn gesetzt, Tra la, mei guda Captain oss du bisht. Auf diese nacht mit Ralf zu heiarawden yetzt, Tra la, mei guda Captain oss du bisht— Tra la, mei guda Captain.—
Captain Dick Deadeye, I thank you for your warning. I will at once take means to arrest their flight. This boat cloak will afford me ample disguise. So! (Envelopes himself in a mysterious cloak, holding it before his face.)
Dick Aha! Sie sinn g’fixed! sie sinn g’fixed! (Enter crew on tiptoe, with Ralph and Boatswain, meeting Josephine, who enters from cabin on tiptoe with bundle of necessaries, and accompanied by Little Buttercup. The captain, shrouded in his boat cloak, takes the stage unnoticed.)
(Captain stamps.)
All(much alarmed) Was der dausig war dann dass?
Dick Sei’n doch shtill, es war die katz! Pull ashore, in fashion steady, Hymen will defray the fare, For a clergyman is ready To unite the happy pair.
(Stamps as before)
All Was der dausig—war shon wider dass?
Dick Se’in doch shtill, es war die katz!
All Shon wieder war’s die katz!
Captain Sie hen recht—es war die katz.
(throwing off cloak) Hullup! Shoen tochd’r fun mei’m, Sei so gude mir zu sawga, Wohie oss du geh wit Mit die salors vun mei’m. Sinn first rate-a kerls und kennten Anich ebba dresha. Doch sinn sie net gude company Mei lady, fur dich.
Ralph Proud officer, that haughty lip uncurl! Vain main, suppress that supercilious sneer. For I have dared to love your matchless girl— A fact well known to all my messmates here!
Captain Oh, horror!
Ralph and Joseph I (he) humble, poor and lowly born. The meanest in the port division— The butt of epauletted scorn— The mark of quarter-deck derision— Have (has) dared to raise my (his) wormy eyes Above the dust to which you’d mould me (him), In manhood’s glorious pride to rise. I am (he is) an Englishman.
Chorus Guk’n mohl aw! Er iss ‘n Englisher.
Boatswain Oss er iss ‘n Englisher, Und er hut’s yo selvet g’sawt
Chorus Oss er iss ‘n Englisher.
Captain(trying to repress his anger) In uttering a reprobation To any British tar, I try to speak with moderation, But you have gone too far. I am sorry to disparage A humble foremast lad, But to seek your captain’s child in marriage, Fadultzei, ‘s iss zu awrig.
All(shocked) Oh!
Captain Yaw, fadultzei, ‘s iss zu awrig. (During this Sir Joseph has appeared on deck. He is horrified at the bad language.)
Sir Joseph My pain und my distress I found it was not easy to express May amazement, my surprise You may found out by looking on my eyes.
Captain My lord, one word: the facts are not yet before you: The word was injudicious, I avow! But hear my explanation, I implore you, And you will be indignant, I avow!
Sir Joseph I vill hear of no defence. Attempt none, vos you sensible. Dot vord of evil sense Vos wholly indefensible. Go, ribald, got you hence To your kaeben mit celerity. Dis vos der gaonsequence Of ill-advised asperity!
(Exit Captain, disgraced, followed by Josephine.)
Sir Joseph Now, you told me how it vos dot your Captain swear at you. It vasn’t your fault, vos it?
Ralph Please, your honor, it was thus wise. You see I was only a topman—a mere foremast hand—
Sir Joseph Don’t be ashamed of dot. Your position as topman vos a very oxalted one.
Ralph Well, your honor, love burns as brightly in the foksle as it does on the quarter deck, and Josephine is the fairest bud that ever blossomed upon the tree of a poor fellow’s wildest hopes.
Enter Josephine; she rushes to Ralph’s arms. Sir Joseph is horrified.
All Ah-h-h-h!
Sir Joseph Insolent sailor, you shall repent dis outrage. Seize him!
The marine seizes him and handcuffs him.
Josephine Oh, Sir Joseph, spare him, for I love him tenderly.
Sir Joseph Got oud!—I teach dot presumptuous marine to discipline his affections. Haf you got such a ding as a penitentiary on board?
Amnes(lugubriously) Um-m-m.—Yaw.
Sir Joseph So-o-o! Vell, you tie a chain on him and take him righd avay pooty qwick oud.
At the end Ralph is led off in custody.
Sir Joseph My pain and my distress I found itw as not easy to oxpress. My amazement, my surprise, you may found out by looking on my eyes. Josephine, I would like to told you officially dot I vos hurt. You! a daughter of a Captain in der Royal Navy—
Buttercupadvancing Hullup! Ich hab eppes zu sell zu sawga.
All Du!
Buttercup Yaw, ich! Ralph, kumm haer. (Ralph comes forward and kneels on her left.) Captain, do rous mit dir. (Captain comes from Cabin and kneels at her right.) Jo, mach die awga zu. (Joseph obediently shuts his eyes. Marine brings tray to Buttercup and transformation begins.)
SONG
Buttercup Bout fertzich yahr zurick— Un ‘s iss aw net geluga— Wie ich noch yung und shay war, Hab bavies uff getzuga.
Chorus Now this is most alarming, When she was young and charming, She practiced baby farming A many years ago.
Buttercup Zwee war’n mir mohl gebracht, Der ain’d war wiesht und orrum: Der onner reich und shmart— ‘N rechter hoch geborner.
All(explaining to each other) Now this is the position: One was of low condition, The other a patrician, A many years ago.
Buttercup O, schwer iss meiner kreuz, Wie hab ich’s dann du kenner? Ich hab sie uff gemixt— Die orrum glaener kinner.
All How could you do it? Some day, no doubt, you’ll rue it. Although no creature knew it So many years ago.
Buttercup Dann kumt amohl ‘n zeit, Die bavies mich verlossen. Der wieshter war der Cap, Der onner Ralph ihr cousin.
All They left their foster mother, The one was Ralph our brother, Our captain was the other A many years ago.
Transformation takes place during this song, and at the end Ralph rises as Captain, and Captain as Ralph.
Sir Joseph Hm-m-m! Now dot vos a very singular circumstance (pointing to Captain). Sawg sella Kerl set mohl do do’rous kum.
Ralph (as Captain) Sawg, du grumnaisicher; feesel dei foula karper do funna.
Captain Was husht g’sawt?
Ralph Wie mensht? Ich glaub ich versteh dich net.
Captain Wann ich so gude sei will.
Sir Joseph Er hut recht! “Wann er so gude sei will.”
Ralph Why certainly. Wann du so gude sei wid. (Captain steps forward.)
Sir Josephto Captain Du bisht ‘n first rate-a kerl, gella?
Captain Falluss dich druf.
Sir Joseph So it seems dot you vos Ralph and Ralph vos you.
Captain So it seems, your honor.
Sir Joseph Vell, I need not told you dot on top of dis I don’t marry Josephine.
Captain Don’t say dot, your honor; love levels all ranks.
Sir Joseph Yes, he do pooty much, but he don’t lefel ‘m gvite so much as all dot. (Hands Josephine over to Ralph and calls Hebe to himself.)
QUARTETTE
Oh joy, oh rapture unforeseen The clouded sky is now serene! The god of day, the orb of love, Has hung his ensign high above, The sky is all ablaze With wooing words and loving song We’ll chase the lagging hours along. And if he finds the maiden coy, We’ll murmur forth decorous joy In dreamy roundelay.
Captain I shall marry with a wife In my humble rank of life! (Turning to Buttercup) And you, my own, are she— I must wander to and fro, But wherever I may go, I shall never be untrue to thee!
Sailors Was, gar net?
Captain Nay, gar net.
Sailors Was, GAR NET
Captain Well, ols amohl.
All Hardly ever be untrue to thee! Then give three cheers and one cheer more for the faithful seaman for the “Pinafore.”
Buttercup Doch gleicht er sei Buttercup, orrum glay Buttercup, Und ich waiss gar net warrum; Doch gleicht er sei Buttercup, shay glaene Buttercup, Zu dei glay Buttercup kim.
Chorus Doch gleicht er sei Buttercup, orrum glay Buttercup, Und mir wissen gar net warrum. Doch gleicht er sei Buttercup, orrum glay Buttercup, Iss er now net hesslich dum!
Sir Joseph Ich bin der kaynich fun der meer, Und ven ich hiar dir (to Hebe) I vos true mit dot devoton vot my lofe implants.
Hebe Then good-bye to his sisters and his cousins and his aunts! Especially his cousins, Who he reckons up by dozens, His sisters and his cousins and his aunts!
Chorus Ols er iss ‘n Englisher, Und er hut’s yo selvet g’sawt. Yaw, er hut’s yo selvet g’sawt, Ols er iss ‘n Englisher.
CURTAIN
This Pennsylvania German version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor was serialized in The Morning Call (Allentown) newspaper on May 16, May 23, and May 1959.
The Pennsylvania German translation of Pinafore was first published in Allentown in 1882 as H.M.S. Pinafore, oder Das Mædle und ihr Sailor Kerl: ‘n Translation fun dem bekannte Opera. That text was presented in parallel Pennsylvania German and the original English libretto, and translated by Alfred C. Moss and Ellwood Newhard. It was revived in 1901 in Allentown, Altoona, Bethlehem, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading, Scranton, and other Pennsylvania towns to great regional acclaim. A second revival focused in eastern Pennsylvania took place in 1910 and was still recalled by scholars and residents of Northampton County and Lehigh County in the 1960s.
The Pennsylvania German text digitized here was edited and corrected by Preston Albert Barba (1883-1971) in 1959 and published in his ‘S Pennsyvaanisch Deitsch Eck (The Pennsylvania German Corner) column with notes and commentary. A third text was prepared in the 1970s or 1980s in typescript for an unknown purpose by the Rev. Dr. Richard Druckenbrod, a German Reformed United Church of Christ pastor and president of the Pennsylvania German Society.
Dr. Barba notes: “The Pennsylvania German version is not in the best Lehigh Countian Pennsylvania German and contains many errors, but it was meant to be burlesque. Joined with the light music of Sullivan and Woody Newhard’s dialect ad libs it proved a roaring success.”
This text was transcribed by Richard Mammana in 2022 for purposes of free use non-commercial language study with no further assertion of copyright.
Where the Italian language is used at all or some of the services.
Connecticut
Hartford, Italian Mission of St. Paul New Haven, Italian Mission of St. Paul
Illinois
Chicago, Church of St. John the Evangelist, Vine Street
Indiana
Gary, Church of San Antonio
Massachusetts
Boston, Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi
New Jersey
Hackensack, Church of St. Anthony of Padua
New York
Bronx, St. Mary’s Mission, White Plains Avenue Brooklyn, La Chiesa dell’ Annunziata New York, Cathedral of St. John the Divine New York, Calvary Chapel, 342 E. 23rd Street New York, Chapel of the Incarnation, 240 E. 31st Street New York, Church of San Salvatore, 359 Broome Street New York, Grace Chapel, 415 E. 13th Street New York, St. Ambrose Mission, 236 E. 111th Street New York, St. Augustine’s Chapel, 105 E. Houston Street New York, St. Mark’s Chapel, 10th Street and Avenue A New York, All Saints Church, Henry and Scammell Streets Oyster Bay, Christ Church Staten Island, Church of the Holy Redeemer, Port Richmond Staten Island, New Dorp Beach Chapel Utica, Holy Cross Church
Ohio
Youngstown, Church of San Rocco
Pennsylvania
Easton, Trinity Church Philadelphia, La Chiesa dell’Emmanuello Philadelphia, Calvary Church, Manheim Street and Pulaski Avenue Philadelphia, Italian Mission, St. George’s, Richmond Wind Gap, St. Mary’s Church
—Adapted by Richard Mammana from Neighbors: Studies in Immigration from the Standpoint of the Episcopal Church (New York: The National Council, 1919).
Auswahl aus dem Allgemee Gebetbuch aus Pennsylvanisch Deitsch = Portions of the Book of Common Prayer in Pennsylvan… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…1 week ago