SECOND SCENE OF PAGANISM AND CHRISTIANITY.
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Upon the gospel's sacred page The gathered beams of ages shine; And as it hastens, every age But makes its brightness more divine. On mightier wing, in loftier flight, From year to year does knowledge soar, And as it soars, the gospel light Adds to its influence more and more. Bowring. |
One Male and Two Female Figures.
The Tableau of Christianity.—On the side of the platform which is covered with white cloth there should be erected a small pulpit. Make it of boards, cover it with cloth, and paint it in imitation of mahogany. A small red cushion should be placed on the top, supporting a large Bible, and on each side place lamps, with glass shades. In the pulpit stands a young man dressed to represent a minister of the gospel; one hand resting on the Bible, the other raised upward. In front of the pulpit place a small table, covered with a white cloth, on which set four silver goblets. By the side of the table place a plaster pedestal, with a white urn on the top, to represent a font; on each side of the pulpit, and at the extreme ends of the platform, are two female figures; both are kneeling by the side of small pedestals; these can be made of small boxes, covered with white cloth, and ornamented with myrtle. The female figures should face the audience. One holds a large Bible with the right hand, and points to the pages with the left. The eyes are cast upward; the face expresses meekness and serenity. The second figure, at the other end of the platform, holds a cross in the left hand, and points to it with the right; the eyes are raised upward, the face expressing pleasure. Their costume consists of white dresses, cut low at the top, sleeves quite long and flowing, and ornamented with white muslin; the waist is encircled with a band of satin ribbon; a wreath of white flowers adorns the head, and gauze wings are fastened to the back of the waist. The hair should be dressed closely to the head, and a few curls allowed to hang on the shoulders. The length of the cross is three feet; color, light blue. On small pedestals, between the pulpit and the female figures, place models of the steam engine, steamboat, printing press, and telegraph. The tableau of Paganism must be first produced, after which the machinery should slowly revolve, bringing into the view the tableau of Christianity. The curtain must be kept up until both are exhibited. The light for these tableaux should be quite brilliant, and issue from the left side of the stage. Music of a sacred character.
THE FAIRIES' DANCE.
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The moon is full, the stars are bright, The monks are all asleep; Now gayly come the Fays to-night, Their revelry to keep. They love the abbeys old and gray, Whence the vesper song is heard, And the matin hymn at break of day Awakes the singing bird. With waving torch and tiny shout, The nimble foot they ply, And Fairy laughs are ringing out Beneath the midnight sky;— Then mortals hear the merry peals, And wonder at the sound, So like the chiming of harebells, When light winds steal around. Anon. |
Ten Female and Eight Male Figures.
This beautiful tableau is represented by eight small misses, eight small lads, and two young and pretty ladies. The stage should be formed so as to rise gradually from the footlights to the background, which can be done by using boxes of various sizes, and covering them with green bocking. Twelve of the children should form a circle, the front of which must be two feet from the footlights, the back extending to the other end of the stage. They should clasp each other by the hand, and take the position of the Highland fling; the right hand raised above the head, the left placed on the hip; the attitudes should be as graceful as possible. The expression of the faces denoting pleasure and mirth. Near the footlights, two of the children should be seated, looking at the others; and standing on pedestals at each side of the stage, near the front, are the young ladies. The pedestals are two feet high, covered with pink cambric, and bordered with green leaves and flowers. The position of the female figures must be graceful and easy. They stand so as to show a profile view of the body; each holds a golden wand, which she extends out over the heads of the dancers. Their eyes are fixed on the movements of the children, the left hand clasps a stout cord, to which is fastened a large crimson tassel, that will help sustain the body in position. The costume of the misses consists of a short white dress, with short sleeves, the waist studded with small stars and spangles; the bottom of the skirt bound with light green ribbon, three inches wide, with gold paper fastened to each edge, and small pink roses placed between. The sleeves are bound with gold and pink ribbon in alternate bands, three inches wide; a small scarf of white gauze, covered with spangles and fringed at the ends with gold, encircles the waist. Flesh-colored hose, white slippers, a wreath of silver leaves about the head. The hair arranged in short curls, and small gauze wings, ornamented with spangles, fastened to the back of the waist.