Three Male and Two Female Figures.
This Scripture tableau is taken from the third chapter of the Book of
Kings. The scene is at the moment when Solomon passes his judgment
between the two women. These two women each had a child of the same
age, and resided together. The children resembled each other so much
that when one of them died, there arose a dispute as to whom the
living child belonged; and one woman said, "The living is my son, and
the dead is thy son." And the other said, "No; the dead is thy son,
and the living is my son." Then said the king, "Bring me a sword." And
they brought a sword before the king, and the king said, "Divide the
living child in two, and give half to one and half to the other." Then
spoke the woman whose the living child was unto the king, "O my lord,
give her the living child, and in no wise slay it." But the other
woman said, "Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it." Then
the king answered and said, "Give her the living child, and in no wise
slay it, for she is the mother thereof." The number of figures in this
tableau is five. The scenery consists of a platform four feet square
and two feet high, covered with red cloth, which should be placed in
the background, at equal distances from the sides; on this is placed a
large, showy chair, with a canopy over the top. Seated in the chair is
Solomon. His costume consists of a dark velvet suit, trimmed with gold
and silver fringe; a large cloak, trimmed with ermine, is worn on the
shoulders; black hose, reaching to the knee, crossed with crimson
ribbon; red sandals, ornamented with gold; a showy crown on the head,
and his face covered with a heavy white beard, reaching down on his
breast; his right hand is pointed towards the soldier who holds the
child; the eyes are also directed that way, while the countenance
appears stern and commanding. The soldier's costume consists of a suit
of armor such as can be procured at theatres and costumers; but, if
preferred, a military suit of any kind will answer. His position is,
near the platform, the left hand grasping the child, while the right
holds a sword, which is raised above it; his body faces the audience,
his head turned towards the king, the countenance stern and
forbidding. On the other side of the throne stands the king's guard, a
man dressed in a blue frock, trimmed around the skirts, sleeves, and
front with red; white hose, reaching to the knee; black knee breeches;
low shoes; knee and shoe buckles; lace collar and wristbands; low
black Kossuth hat, with gold band and plume. The right hand grasps a
long spear. Position is, facing the audience, the body erect, and eyes
directed straight forward. At the corner of the platform, near the
soldier, kneels the mother of the child, in position so that a side
view is had of the face; the hands are clasped and raised in front of
her breast, head thrown back, and eyes directed to the king,
countenance expressing hope. She is dressed in deep mourning, her hair
flowing loosely over her shoulders. On the other side of the throne,
opposite the guard, stands the other woman, her arms folded on her
breast, eyes directed to the soldier, countenance calm. Her costume
consists of a white dress, cut low in the neck, and encircled around
the waist with a colored belt; hair arranged in heavy braids, and
ornamented with showy hair pins. The lights should be of medium
brilliancy, and come from either side of the stage. If desirable, a
few paintings and statuary can be arranged in the background. Music
soft and plaintive.