Twelve Male Figures.
This thrilling tableau represents a death struggle between an Arab
standard-bearer and a French soldier. The Arab grasps the standard
with the left hand, while the right holds a short cimeter at arm's
length; his body is bent forward, right arm extended thirty inches
front of the left, and eyes directed to those of the soldier, the
countenance expressing firmness and excitement. Costume consists of a
long white coat without sleeves, trimmed about the bottom with buff,
open at the top, displaying the neck and chest; a heavy red sash wound
around the waist; pants of light-blue, cut quite loose, and gathered
in with a string at the ankle; shoes covered with red cloth; a turban
on the head, the top of which is white, and around the bottom is wound
a band of red and black cloth, with the ends falling over the
shoulders; a belt and scabbard are fastened to the waist. The sword
should be two feet long, four inches wide, and curve from hilt to
point. This can be made of tin or wood, the scabbard of card-board or
leather, and painted red. The French soldier's costume consists of
blue coat, trimmed and faced with buff, gold epaulets, large gilt
buttons, white pants with stripe of red, red belt and long scabbard,
hat with plume and long, straight visor. He holds in his right hand a
long, straight sword, while the left grasps the standard. His body is
bent forward, and faces the audience, the right foot extended front of
the left thirty inches, the eyes fixed on those of the Arab,
countenance expressing determination and rage. The staff on which the
flag is fastened is seven feet long, with a gilt ball, crescent, and
tassels at the top. The flag is made of three stripes, one of light
yellow, and two of light red, with a black oval, with red trimmings,
in the centre. The flag should be unfolded so as to show the design,
but gathered in at the centre by the hand of the soldier. Between
these two figures are a French soldier and an Arab lying dead on the
ground. Five feet behind this group, and at the right of the stage,
are four Arabs, with long spears, charging on the same number of
French soldiers opposite, who are holding their muskets in position,
ready to repel the charge, their countenances expressing sternness,
their eyes fixed on each other. Costumes are similar to those
described. Spears can be made of wood, with gilt spear-heads. The skin
of the Arabs must be stained light brown. The French soldiers should
wear large mustaches. A slight quantity of smoke is seen floating in
the background; the booming of cannon heard in the distance. The scene
is illuminated by a red fire at the side of the stage. Music of a
martial style.