Far, far upon the sea
The good ship speeding free,
Upon the deck we gather, young and old,
And view the flowing sail
Swelling out before the gale,
Full and round, without a wrinkle or a fold.
Ten Male Figures.
This comic tableau is a representation of a scene which often
transpired on board of vessels in passing the line. This time-honored
custom of introducing to old Neptune and his suite the persons who,
for the first time in their lives, cross the equinoctial line, is now
nearly abolished. But until within a quarter of a century, the
occasion of crossing the line was one of no little importance. It was
a jubilee on board ship which was looked forward to with eagerness by
the jolly tars who had already shaken hands with the God of the Ocean,
and with fear and trembling by the youths who were about to enter for
the first time the favorite dominions of the old god. The ceremonies
on these occasions varied according to the character of the crew, of
the commander of the vessel, or of the poor fellows about to undergo
the unpleasant and dreadful process of an introduction. They were
generally of a harmless and amusing character, one of which was to
bring them before old Neptune, and put them through the process of
shaving. The chin, and the greater part of the face, would be
plastered over with a composition made of tar and train oil, laid on
thickly with a large tar brush. The razor was often fabricated from a
worn-out hoop, notched like a handsaw. This was drawn over the face,
not in the most gentle manner. After this operation was completed, a
person approached to untie the handkerchief that bandaged the eyes,
and at the same moment kicked away the plank on which the victim sat,
which precipitated him into the ship's longboat, filled with water for
the occasion.--The number of figures in this tableau is ten. Neptune
is the principal one, and is costumed in a flesh-colored coat, fitting
tightly to the body, and covered with hieroglyphics in bright colors;
the face painted to look hideous, and partially covered with a long,
shaggy beard; a crown on the head, made of card-board, covered with
gilt paper and shells; a spotted fur robe is thrown over the lower
portion of the body; his right hand grasps a three-pronged fork, while
the left is stretched out to one of the sailors. His throne, on which
he is seated, is made of a number of barrels placed in a row at the
back of the stage, on which rests a platform, with an anchor on each
side. The victim, as well as the rest of the performers, should be
costumed in sailors' suits, differing in colors and styles. In the
centre of the stage erect a small platform, one foot high and six feet
long. On this place the person who is to be shaved. At his left stand
two sailors. One holds the speaking trumpet and a ship's bucket; the
other is in the act of pouring a bucket of water on the head of the
victim; a third sailor holds in his left hand a paint brush, and
brandishes the razor in his right; a little sailor boy holds a small
tub, which contains the soap. Fronting the victim, kneels a sailor,
holding a syringe. The remaining figures are looking on to see the
sport. The countenances of all but the victim express mirth. An
imitation mast and sail should be arranged at the background of the
picture, the sides of the stage painted to represent ports of a
vessel, and various articles that are used on board a ship must be
scattered about the deck. Light brilliant, and come from the right
side of the stage.