Ten Male Figures.
This comic tableau is a representation of a scene which often transpired on board of vessels in passing the line. This time-honored custom of introducing to old Neptune and his suite the persons who, for the first time in their lives, cross the equinoctial line, is now nearly abolished. But until within a quarter of a century, the occasion of crossing the line was one of no little importance. It was a jubilee on board ship which was looked forward to with eagerness by the jolly tars who had already shaken hands with the God of the Ocean, and with fear and trembling by the youths who were about to enter for the first time the favorite dominions of the old god. The ceremonies on these occasions varied according to the character of the crew, of the commander of the vessel, or of the poor fellows about to undergo the unpleasant and dreadful process of an introduction. They were generally of a harmless and amusing character, one of which was to bring them before old Neptune, and put them through the process of shaving. The chin, and the greater part of the face, would be plastered over with a composition made of tar and train oil, laid on thickly with a large tar brush. The razor was often fabricated from a worn-out hoop, notched like a handsaw. This was drawn over the face, not in the most gentle manner. After this operation was completed, a person approached to untie the handkerchief that bandaged the eyes, and at the same moment kicked away the plank on which the victim sat, which precipitated him into the ship's longboat, filled with water for the occasion.—The number of figures in this tableau is ten. Neptune is the principal one, and is costumed in a flesh-colored coat, fitting tightly to the body, and covered with hieroglyphics in bright colors; the face painted to look hideous, and partially covered with a long, shaggy beard; a crown on the head, made of card-board, covered with gilt paper and shells; a spotted fur robe is thrown over the lower portion of the body; his right hand grasps a three-pronged fork, while the left is stretched out to one of the sailors. His throne, on which he is seated, is made of a number of barrels placed in a row at the back of the stage, on which rests a platform, with an anchor on each side. The victim, as well as the rest of the performers, should be costumed in sailors' suits, differing in colors and styles. In the centre of the stage erect a small platform, one foot high and six feet long. On this place the person who is to be shaved. At his left stand two sailors. One holds the speaking trumpet and a ship's bucket; the other is in the act of pouring a bucket of water on the head of the victim; a third sailor holds in his left hand a paint brush, and brandishes the razor in his right; a little sailor boy holds a small tub, which contains the soap. Fronting the victim, kneels a sailor, holding a syringe. The remaining figures are looking on to see the sport. The countenances of all but the victim express mirth. An imitation mast and sail should be arranged at the background of the picture, the sides of the stage painted to represent ports of a vessel, and various articles that are used on board a ship must be scattered about the deck. Light brilliant, and come from the right side of the stage.
THE WEDDING.
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Pass thou on! for the vow is said That may ne'er be broken; The trembling hand hath a blessing laid On snowy forehead and auburn braid, And the word is spoken By lips that never their word betray'd. Pass thou on! for thy human all Is richly given, And the voice that claims its holy thrall Must be sweeter for life than music's fall, And, this side heaven, Thy lip may never that trust recall. Willis. |
One Female and Two Male Figures.
This tableau is a representation of the marriage ceremony, and is arranged with little trouble or expense. For a home entertainment it will be quite appropriate. The scene is a young and beautiful maiden and a fine-looking gentleman kneeling at the foot of an altar, behind which stands a priest, dressed in appropriate costume. He is performing the wedding rites. He holds in his right hand a prayer book; his left is stretched out over the kneeling couple; his eyes are raised upward, the countenance calm. The lady and gentleman kneel at the foot of the altar, partially facing each other, so that a side view is had of the body. The eyes of both are cast down; the lady's costume consists of a white dress, trimmed to suit the taste of the performer. A delicate wreath of silver leaves crowns the head, and a long white veil hangs from the back hair to the floor. The gentleman should be costumed in a black coat and pants, white vest, cravat, and gloves. The priest's costume consists of a black surplice and cowl, white cravat, and a large cross suspended from the neck. For want of a better article, a lady's black dress will answer for the surplice, and a black silk scarf, wound around the head, will answer for a cowl. The altar can be formed out of a small table, with a white cloth thrown over it, with a large Bible on the top. The light for this piece should be mellow, and come from the left side of the stage. Music soft and plaintive.