CORONATION OF QUEEN VICTORIA.
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Within that rich pavilion, High on a glittering throne, A woman's form sat silently, 'Midst the glare of light alone. Her jewell'd robes fell strangely still— The drapery on her breast Seem'd with no pulse beneath to thrill, So stone-like was its rest! But a peal of lordly music Shook e'en the dust below, When the burning gold of the diadem Was set on her pallid brow! Then died away that haughty sound, And from the encircling band Step Prince and Chief, 'midst the hush profound, With homage to her hand. Mrs. Hemans. |
Twenty Male and Ten Female Figures.
This magnificent tableau contains thirty figures, and, when exhibited with proper scenery and wardrobe, is one of the best of this collection. It should be used as a grand finale scene, and is arranged in the following manner: A number of gentlemen's costumes must be procured at a costumer's or a theatre. Ladies' costumes can be easily prepared.
At the back of the stage, at equal distances between the sides, erect a throne. First build a platform five feet long, three feet wide, and three feet high, with steps in front, all of which must be covered with crimson cloth and gold paper. Over the platform place a canopy made of purple cloth, and decorated with gold paper, cut to represent fringe. Cover the wall back of the platform with the same material, and in the centre place a large gold V; a large chair, trimmed with scarlet and gold, should be placed on the platform, and tiers of seats arranged on each side of the throne; these must form half circles, reaching to the centre of the stage at the sides. Seated and standing on the seats and platforms are the ambassadors, dukes, earls, and officers, in their full dress. The queen dowager and other royal female personages are intermingled among them. The lord steward, and chamberlain stand near the side scenes in the foreground, while the extreme background is filled up by the queen's guards. Standing on the step in front of the throne is the archbishop, holding the crown. A little to the left stands Victoria, her body facing the audience, and bent forward slightly, head bowed, ready to receive the crown. At the other side of the throne stands Prince Albert, dressed in rich uniform. The ladies' costumes consist of rich silks and brocades, ornamented with gold lace, paste pins, brooches, &c.; the hair arranged to suit the taste of the performers, and encircled with a band of gold, to which fasten a colored plume. The attention of all should be directed to the queen. The archbishop's costume consists of a black robe, large white sleeves, white handkerchief, with square ends, hanging on the breast, and white wig. Queen Victoria's costume, if not procured at a costumer's, consists of a white satin or silk dress, with a long trail, and four flounces on the skirt, each flounce ornamented with a band of gold paper three inches wide, covered with open lace. The top of the waist and bottom of the sleeves decorated in the same manner. A belt of crimson velvet, covered with spangles and small paste pins, encircles the waist; the sleeves should be open, and fastened across with gilt cord, terminating in tassels, which fall on the arms; white kid gloves, bound around the top with a band of silver, ornamented with wax beads and spangles; a long ermine scarf should be thrown gracefully over the shoulders, and trail to the floor. The ermine can be imitated by inserting small pieces of black shag in white cotton flannel. The hair may be done up in a neat coil, and ornamented with wax beads and gilt pins. A long white veil of lace is fastened to the back of the head, and allowed to trail to the feet. The crown can be made of card-board, covered with gold paper and brilliant paste pins. The steward and chamberlain each holds a staff with a large gilt spear-head and tassels at the top. Costume consists of showy suits, similar in style, head covered with low-crowned Kossuth hat, ornamented with a gold band and white lace. The guards must be placed in the extreme background, on high platforms; they stand perfectly erect, and face the audience. The scene should be brilliantly lighted by lamps at the front and left side of the stage. The booming of cannon is heard in the distance. Music of a majestic style.