And the flames in thick wreaths mounted higher and higher;
O God! it is fearful to perish by fire.
Two Female and Eight Male Figures.
This tableau represents a dwelling-house, the interior of which is
enveloped in flames. The front door stands open, displaying a flight
of steps, on which is a heroic fireman descending from the burning
chamber, with a beautiful child clasped in his arms, which he has
rescued from the raging element. Kneeling on the step outside of the
door are the parents of the child; their hands are clasped and raised
upward, their eyes fixed on the doorway, countenance expressing
intense excitement. Two firemen in the foreground are seen holding a
hose pipe and hose; two others, at the extreme end of the stage, are
screwing the other end of the hose to a hydrant; another stands ready
with an axe to break in the windows. The captain's position is on the
step of the house; he holds a trumpet in his hand, and is giving
orders to his men. The firemen should be dressed in full uniform, the
mother in white, and hair hanging loose over the shoulders; the
father's costume should be dark, and the child dressed in a long white
robe. The scenery of this piece consists of a frame the width of the
stage, and rising from the floor to the ceiling, painted to represent
brick, with mouldings, frame, cornice, &c. A door may be placed in the
centre, and a window on each side. The stairs should be as wide as the
door, and run up five feet, and covered with carpeting; fire and smoke
must be painted as coming from the windows. A red fire burned behind
the back scene will light it up with fine effect. The light for the
front of the picture should be of medium brightness, and come from the
side of the stage. Fire bells can be imitated in the ante-rooms.