AT THE FIRE.
"Fire was raging, above and below."
One Female and Thirteen Male Figures.
This tableau is a representation of a dwelling house on fire, with the heroic firemen engaged in their various duties in their attempts to extinguish the flames. A front view of the building is exhibited, from which smoke and flames are seen issuing. At the window of the second story, a fireman stands, with an infant in his arms. A ladder is placed against the outside of the window, and a fireman is ascending it. The engineer stands on the steps of the mansion, giving his orders. A fireman is breaking in one of the lower windows with an axe. At the left of the tableau is seen part of the engine. Space will not allow the showing of more than one third of the machine; but by manufacturing a temporary frame, on which the front wheels, brakes, bell, and buckets can be attached, and placing it at the edge of the stage, with the firemen at the brakes, the effect will be quite sufficient. The men on the front brakes should be in a stooping position, those behind standing erect. Two pipe-men are seen in the foreground, with pipes, which they point to the burning building; others are passing out articles of furniture from the windows. The men must be costumed in showy fire suits. Alarm bells should be sounded behind the scenes, and a representation of fire made by burning a red fire at the side of the stage, behind the scenery of the burning house. This scenery can be formed of light slats of wood, covered with cloth, and painted in imitation of a brick house, with mouldings, window frames, and doors. It must extend across the stage, and rise from the floor to the ceiling. The windows should be filled with sashes containing genuine glass, while smoke and flames can be painted on various parts of the building; and, if desirable, a small quantity of wet gunpowder, touched off at the proper moment, will add to the effect.
ETHAN ALLEN AT TICONDEROGA.
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Nor com'st thou but by Heaven, nor com'st alone. Some god impels with courage not thy own. No human hand the weighty gates unbarred, Nor could the boldest of our youth have dared To pass our outworks, or elude the guard. Pope's Homer. |