Eight Male and Twelve Female Figures.
This tableau is an allegorical representation of Peace. The number of
figures necessary to form it is twenty. They are formed in six
separate groups. The centre and principal group is a party of young
ladies and gentlemen engaged in the merry dance. They are costumed in
their holiday suits, and are formed in a circle around a May-pole. On
a green bank in the background is seated a young lady playing the
guitar, and a young gentleman playing the violin. This group is at the
right. At the left is a young and beautiful girl, who represents the
Queen of May; by her side stands a second female, about to place a
crown of flowers upon her head. Between these two groups, and elevated
a foot above them, stands the Goddess of Peace. She holds in her right
hand a sheaf of wheat, and in her left an olive branch. At the corners
of the foreground are two groups, the one at the left representing a
mother surrounded by three children; she holds a large Bible, which
the children are reading. The group at the right represents a
blacksmith standing at the side of an anvil,--a large hammer in his
right hand,--engaged in conversation with a farmer, who holds a rake.
The costume of the village girls should be white dresses, decorated
with flowers, and garlands on their heads. The gentlemen should be
dressed in light pants, white vests, and dark coats. The Goddess of
Peace has on a long white dress, bound around the waist with a green
ribbon; a wreath of dried grasses and wheat encircles the head. She
must stand perfectly straight, and look directly forward, with a
pleasant expression of countenance. The gentleman who plays on the
violin is costumed in a dark coat, red breeches, white hose, low
shoes, knee and shoe buckles, buff vest, a plaid scarf, draped across
the shoulders, and tied at the right side, and a small Scotch cap,
with a white plume, placed jantily on the head. The costume of the
lady at his side consists of a red skirt, over which is worn a white
skirt that is looped up at the side, and ornamented with small bunches
of evergreen and spruce; a velvet waist, open in front, and laced
across with pink ribbons; short sleeves; hair hung in ringlets, and
ornamented with ribbons; the countenances of both expressing pleasure.
The May Queen's costume consists of a white robe, trimmed with
garlands of flowers. Her attendant is also dressed in white, with a
scarf of plaid draped across the breast. The queen is kneeling on a
low cushion, holding a small bouquet, the head turned slightly to the
right, eyes raised to the ceiling. The lady in the foreground has on a
blue silk dress, a white apron, trimmed with green ribbon, and hair
arranged to suit the performer's taste. The children's costumes may be
of various styles, bright colors predominating. The lady should sit
quite low, and hold the Bible with her right hand; the left pointed to
the pages. The children and mother sit facing the audience, and all
look pleasant and happy. The blacksmith's costume consists of dark
pants, blue woollen shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbow, a
low-crowned hat on the head, and leather apron tied around the waist.
He stands facing the audience, and is engaged in conversation with the
farmer, who is dressed in a long blue frock, buff pants, straw hat,
and heavy boots; the right hand holds a rake, the left is placed on
the side of the body. The four groups at the corners should be as
compact as possible, giving the greater portion of the room to the
dancers in the centre. The bank in the background must be three feet
in height, and covered with green bocking, and also the floor of the
stage. Make the May-pole as high as the space will admit, and cover it
with green cambric, decorated with garlands of flowers. The light
should be quite brilliant, and come from the right side of the stage.
Music inspiring.