One example will sufficiently illustrate the manner proverbs are acted. We will now give a list of some proverbs adapted for action.
- Ill weeds grow apace.
- Little pitchers have large ears.
- Fine feathers make fine birds.
- Union is strength.
- Time unveils truth.
- Black cats have black kittens.
- Necessity is the mother of invention.
- All is not gold that glitters.
- Slow and sure.
9.—TABLEAUX VIVANTS.
Tableaux vivants, as commonly represented, are so well understood that no directions are necessary; but some of our readers may not have heard of the illustration of poems, &c., by a series of living pictures. This is far more interesting than simply to personify some one picture. Still another way is to represent the different verses and scenes in a song in pantomime, while at the same time some one who is a good musician sings the verses of the song, as they are represented. For instance, “The Mistletoe Bough;” first represent a room decorated with green, a company assembled, gayly dressed and dancing, while a lady or gentleman behind the scene sings the verse represented in distinct tones, and so on through the whole song; the last scene, representing children in a lumber-room opening an old chest, and exposing a skeleton, old flowers, &c. “Auld Robin Grey,” “The Three Fishers,” “O, they marched through the Town,” “She wore a wreath of Roses,” “The Minstrel’s Return from the War,” are all excellent ballads to represent.
10.—TABLEAUX OF STATUARY.
This is a new form of tableaux, and if well done, exceedingly beautiful.
To prepare and arrange groups of statuary requires artistic skill, patience, and steady nerves; the two last qualities are necessary for those acting as statues.
A lady who excels in preparing groups of statues, as we can testify, has kindly permitted us to give to the public her manner of preparing them.