Popular Pastimes for Field and Fireside, or Amusements for young and old

by Caroline L. Smith

There is not necessarily anything awkward in having the books in hand. Such little pamphlets can be easily rolled up, and will scarcely be noticed. Under these rules they became familiar with the best plays, without wearying of them; and each member had an opportunity of consulting his own taste.

I sincerely recommend this as an amusement. Persons who read French and German will find this an admirable way of learning to converse with ease in either of those languages.

Sheridan Knowles’ plays and Shakspeare are among the best to select from. “Love’s Sacrifice,” “Ion,” “Hunchback,” and “William Tell,” are excellent plays to be read in this way.

CHARADES.

There is no game that can afford so much amusement to a circle of friends as that of acting charades. It affords a scope for the exercise of both wit and ingenuity.

A word must be chosen, in which the syllables may be rendered into some kind of a lively performance, and the whole word must be capable of similar representation. Then the plan of action must be agreed upon. Old-fashioned garments, gay shawls, scarfs, old coats, hats, aprons, gowns, &c., must be looked up for the occasion, and speedily converted into various and grotesque costumes, suited to the representation to be made. By exercising a little ingenuity, very fine charades can be acted “impromptu.” Speed, in all preparations, is quite necessary to success, as an audience is always impatient. If it is determined to have charades at a party, the lady of the house should arrange dresses, plan of action and subjects, beforehand. She can generally tell who can assist her best. If all the arrangements can be made without the knowledge of her guests, the effect will be greatly increased. This is also an improving game for a family of children. Write the plot and a simple dialogue, and let them learn it; it will be a good exercise for the memory, and teach them ease of manner; but let them only act before a home circle.

A few directions for acting certain words, and a short list of words easy to be acted may be of service to my readers. If a word or syllable can be represented by action, it should be seldom spoken, but syllables must be spoken in some cases to give an idea of the word:

Penitent.—“Penny” sufficiently expresses the first division of the word. It can be represented by dressing in old clothes, torn hats, bonnets, &c., to appear as street hawkers, common in cities. One can sell “Lucifer matches—penny a bunch!” another, “Apples, fine red apples—penny apiece!” another, “Oranges, fine fresh oranges—penny apiece!” and so on. In this way a motley group can be contrived. A policeman, rushing in and dispersing the group, may close the scene. “Tent” can be represented by throwing a sheet or table-cloth over two chairs (high-backed chairs would be preferable), in the style of a gypsy tent. In front should be grouped some gypsies, in gay shawls, handkerchiefs, looped dresses, &c. A lady and gentleman can approach and ask to have their fortunes told, &c. Some one of the gypsies singing, “In the days when we went gypsying,” would close this act well. “Penitent” can be easily represented in a variety of ways. If it is not guessed, the charade could be repeated and acted differently.

Bridewell.—“Bride” is usually represented by a wedding, which can be arranged to suit the tastes of the parties acting, and can be either simple or elaborate, as they may please. The common way is to have a dress ceremony; bride in full costume, with bridesmaids, but for a change, one might arrange a justice’s office, and have a couple come in to be married, the bride conspicuous in white bows and ends, and cheap finery. Let her be the chief speaker, the man appearing awkward and shy. After the ceremony, let her drive a sharp bargain in paying the fee. “Well:” Take a large tub and cover it with a gray shawl, so arranged as to look like stone, and if you have any green fleecy mats, arrange them to represent grass. A dark-complexioned gentleman, (any one can stain his face for the occasion,) with a turban, and dressed in shawls skillfully arranged, may represent an Eastern Emir. He should be seen seated Turkish-fashion by the well. A lady, dressed as Rebecca, with a crimson scarf about her waist, having her arms bare, and a handkerchief bound around her head, should come in, holding with one arm a pitcher on her head. Let her seem to fill her pitcher at the well. Then Eliezer must ask her to give him drink. After she has handed him her pitcher (which she must have placed on her head after having appeared to fill it), he must take from his bosom a casket of jewels, and exhibit bracelets and ear-rings. She can feign astonishment and admiration. He must kneel at her feet and present them. She should express surprise and delight. Then Eliezer must fasten on the bracelets, and the scene of Eliezer and Rebecca at the well will be represented.