One Female and Six Male Figures.
This tableau contains seven figures, and represents Prince Charles
Edward asleep in one of his hiding-places after the battle of
Culloden, protected by Flora Macdonald and Highland outlaws, who are
alarmed on their watch. Here rests, in fitful and affrighted slumbers,
the recent victor, Prince Charles Edward, a broken and despairing
fugitive, his gallant spirit dissipated, and his well-knit limbs
stained, and bruised, and soiled by urgent journeys and perilous
encounters. Beside him sits a sleepless guardian, the brave, the
beautiful, the heroic Flora Macdonald. A deer-hound, who had crouched
at her feet, has given an alarm of coming danger. The peril is
imminent, but the foe is invisible. What shall be done? Shall the
sleeper be awakened? His devoted protector, prompt as the occasion,
and wise beyond the emergency, counsels on the instant, silence,
caution, self-possession. Thereupon the Highlanders draw together,
and, restraining the frenzy of their first emotions, wait, with
desperate resolution, the first manifestation of coming danger.
The scenery accompanying this piece represents a cave in the rocks; in
the centre of the back wall is an opening, through which the Highland
outlaws are looking. The rocks can be imitated by covering wooden
frames with coarse brown paper, fastened on in a rumpled manner, and
shaded with light and dark brown paint, sprinkled over with small
particles of isinglass. These frames should reach to the ceiling of
the stage, and be constructed in sections four feet wide; they must be
arranged in the background in the form of a half circle, the floor and
sides of the stage covered with the same kind of scenery; a box six
feet long and two feet wide, covered with a robe, should be placed in
the centre of the cave, for the prince to recline upon. Spears,
shields and battle axes may be strewn about, and a small fire made to
smoulder in the foreground. This can be built in an iron furnace,
surrounded by rocks. The prince is costumed in a rich Highland suit.
The coat, which reaches to the knee, is made of Scotch plaid, trimmed
at the bottom of the skirt, sleeves, and on the front with black
velvet ornamented with gold; plaid breeches and hose, worn so as to
leave a naked space of five inches between the top of the hose and
bottom of the breeches; short-legged boots, with red tops, spurs; a
heavy plaid scarf, decorated with gold, worn across the shoulders; and
a flat Highland cap, with plume in front, which lies on the couch at
his side. The prince is lying on his side, lengthwise of the cave, in
position so that his face can be seen, his head resting on his left
arm, while his right hangs down to the floor of the cave, touching
his sword and pistols. Flora Macdonald is seated near the head of
Prince Charles. Her costume consists of a Highland frock reaching
below the knees, hose of scarlet plaid, a scarf about the breast made
of black cloth, and fringed on the side with buff, and across the
shoulders is worn a blue cape trimmed with velvet and gold; her hair
hangs loosely on the shoulders; the left hand gathers the cloak about
the breast, while the right is raised in front of the face, the
fingers extended, the head turned around to the group of Highlanders
at the back of the cave, to whom she is in the act of speaking. Fear
and caution are expressed on her countenance. The group of Highlanders
are at the right of the cave, in the extreme background, near the
opening. Their costume is similar to that of the prince, but of
cheaper material, and without decorations. Each has a sword and
musket. The first outlaw is looking out of the opening; he holds his
musket in front of him; at his side stoops another, with musket
trailing. Behind these two stands a third, with a long spear. Back of
him is one with a sword in his hand. He is in the act of speaking to
Flora Macdonald; his countenance denotes affright; his left hand
points to the opening in the cave; his body inclined backward
slightly. The fifth figure is kneeling in the foreground, holding a
hound by the collar. The countenances of the first three outlaws
should express caution. The faces of the gentlemen can be disguised by
false beards. The scene must be illuminated by a small quantity of
red fire burned at the front part of the ante-room, opposite the
group of outlaws. Thunder and the falling of rain imitated in the
ante-rooms will add to the effect. No music will be required.