"O Liberty, can man resign thee
Once having felt thy generous flame?
Can dungeons, bolts, or bars confine thee,
Or whips thy noble spirit tame?
Too long the world has wept, bewailing
That falsehood's dagger tyrants wield;
But freedom is our sword and shield,
And all their arts are unavailing.
To arms, to arms, ye brave!
The avenging sword unsheathe!
March on, march on, all hearts resolved
On victory or death."
Seven Female and Six Male Figures.
This tableau is an ideal representation of Liberty, and is represented
by thirteen persons--seven young ladies and six young gentlemen. In
the background of the picture a platform is raised, on which stands
the Goddess of Liberty. This platform is three feet high and four
feet square. The front is covered with blue cambric, with a border of
red, decorated with gilt stars. In the centre is placed a gilt eagle;
on each end of the platform is a small American shield. The background
is draped with American flags. On each side of the platforms are
placed inclined planes, extending from the corners of the platform to
the front corners of the stage; the height of these at the front
should be six inches, and three feet high at the background. They are
to be covered with white cloth, and ornamented with a border of red
and blue cambric. The lady who personates the Goddess of Liberty
should be of good height, fine figure and features. Costume consists
of a white satin or silk dress, made long enough to trail on the
platform, a waist of crimson velvet, covered with small gilt stars,
sleeves five inches long, hair done up snugly, and covered with a
spiral liberty cap, of blue velvet, decorated with gold bands.
Position is, standing in the centre of the platform, grasping with the
right hand a slender spear seven feet in length. Entwined around this
should be a small American ensign. The left hand hangs carelessly at
the side; the head thrown back slightly, the eyes cast upward. The six
ladies kneel at equal distances on the inclined plane. Their costume
consists of a white dress, blue waist, and red sash; a garland of
flowers should adorn the head, and each holds extended in the right
hand a wreath of myrtle. Their attention should be directed to the
Goddess of Liberty. The six gentlemen take position on the opposite
inclined plane. They kneel at equal distances from the platform to
the corner of the stage, and are costumed in blue or black coats,
white pants, with buff stripe on the side, gold epaulets, side arms,
red sash, flat caps, with gilt bands. The cap should be slightly
raised with the right hand, while the left is placed on the hip. The
eyes are to be directed to the Goddess. The piece should be lighted up
by a red fire burned at the opposite side from the gentlemen, and the
light must be quite brilliant. Music, Star-spangled Banner.