THE SLEEPING MAIDEN.
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Witness this primrose bank whereon I lie; These forceless flowers like sturdy trees support me, Two strengthless doves will draw me through the sky, From morn to night, even where I list, to sport me. Shakspeare. |
One Female Figure.
This exquisite tableau represents a magnificent garden, filled with beautiful flowers, trellised vines, vases, statuary, and sparkling fountains. On a grassy mound, in the centre of this lovely scene, reclines a beautiful maiden, wrapped in profound sleep. The right hand supports her head, the elbow resting on the grass; the left is thrown carelessly over the top of the head; the expression of the face calm and dreamy. Her costume consists of a long white dress, cut low at the top, open in front, displaying a pink under-skirt of silk. The edges of the dress on each side of the under-skirt should be trimmed with gold paper, covered with white lace. A belt of the same encircles the waist. The waist must be open in front, exposing a white lace under-robe, which is crossed with golden cords. Short sleeves, open below, and closed by little cords of gold, terminated by tassels of the same material, which fall down upon the arms. The hair arranged in heavy braids, done up low in the neck, and ornamented with a head dress, formed of silver gauze, adorned with slight bands of gold thread falling on the shoulder. Position is, facing the audience, the body extended on a line with the front and back corners of the stage. The floor of the stage must be formed to represent a number of terraced banks. There should be five, each being one foot in height. A few boxes and stout boards will be needed to form the banks, over which place green bocking. If a piece of scenery cannot be procured for the background, it can be covered with light-green cambric, and festooned with dark evergreens and bright flowers. At each of the inner corners of the stage place a white pedestal, two feet in height. A box of the above dimensions, covered with white cloth, will answer. On these place pieces of large statuary, and between the two place a large vase of flowers, and intersperse smaller vases, containing bouquets. Ornament the second terrace with pots of house plants, and at each end place a showy cage of birds. Decorate the third terrace with rich vases of artificial flowers, with a statue of the fisher boy at each end. In the centre of this terrace, the mound on which the maiden reclines is placed. It should be five feet in diameter, and one foot high. Cover the surface with light-green cambric, and decorate the outer edge with large sea shells. On the fourth terrace arrange small pots of house plants that are in bloom, and at each end place large vases of fruit. On the fifth and last terrace place a row of deep glass dishes, filled with flowers, with a plaster figure of Flora at the ends. Festoon the sides of the scenery and the ceiling with spruce and flowers. The scenery in the background, if it can be easily painted, should represent figures similar to those on the stage, interspersed with fountains. If there is sufficient room for the accommodation and preservation of large mirrors, they can be used to advantage by placing them at the background of the stage, which will give a fine effect to the scene. This tableau must be lighted from the left side of the stage; the light being very brilliant, both at the top and bottom. A green fire burned just as the curtain falls, will add much to the beauty of the picture. Music accompanying the piece, soft, and of a lively order.
NIGHT AND DAY.
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Heaven opened wide Her ever-during gates—harmonious sound— On golden hinges morning to let forth, The king of glory, in his powerful word And spirit, coming to create new worlds. God saw the light was good, And light from darkness, by the hemisphere, Divided; light the day, and darkness night He named. Thus was the first day, even and morn. Milton. |