A marshy place by a river. If a little scenery is desired, take an old window-shade, sketch upon it reeds and cat-tails, and cut it so that when the little sister hides behind it she may appear to be looking through the reeds. The Prologue may unfold this as she speaks, and then hold it up so as to conceal herself.
THE PROPERTIES
- A curtain of reeds (if desired).
- An ark (a basket bound with reeds or raffia).
- A piece of gold.
- Two fans.
- Spears for soldiers.
MOSES IN THE BULRUSHES
(The Prologue advances. She unfolds the curtain of reeds as she speaks.)
Prologue: This is Egypt. The wicked Pharaoh holds the children of Israel in bondage; but they are grown so many that he fears them. Therefore he has commanded that all boy babies be taken from their mothers' arms and put to death.
But the mothers seek to hide their babies.
Look and behold the marshy waters of the River Nile; tall reeds grow here; it is the hiding place one mother has chosen. See, she and the sister of the babe come now to hide him from the soldiers of Pharaoh. (She raises the curtain of reeds above her head, or passes out.)
(Enter the little Sister bearing the ark of bulrushes. She looks this way and that way; then she calls softly.)