on must be light; its dimensions, four feet in
diameter, with a square cavity in the centre, in which to place the
shaft; cover the exterior with white cloth; around the top paint a
wreath of large flowers, and from the centre to the rim paint other
festoons of smaller flowers four inches apart; around the cavity where
the shaft enters, place three pieces of wood, made and painted to
resemble large leaves, the size of which should be seven inches in
length by five in width. The vase can be made in one piece, if there
is sufficient room for the accommodation of so large a piece of
furniture. But for a small stage it will be better to have it in
three parts. The ladies stand on the base of the vase, with their
backs against the shaft, the top of the head just touching the bottom
of the large leaves, the head and body perfectly erect, the hands of
the three clasped at the side, and holding the ends of festoons of
colored flowers, eyes slightly raised, countenance calm and pleasant.
The festoons must run from the hands of the statues to the shaft,
fastened there, and pass down to the other hand, and so on around the
three figures. The vase should revolve quite slowly, and be put in
motion while the curtain is rising. Gauze before this piece will add
to the effect. The light must come from the left side of the stage,
and be of medium brilliancy. Music soft and plaintive.

PORTRAIT OF THE MADONNA.

They haunt me still--those calm, pure, holy eyes;
Their piercing sweetness wanders through my dreams:
The soul of music that within them lies,
Comes o'er my soul in soft and sudden gleams.

Are there not deep, sad oracles to read
In the calm stillness of that radiant face?
Yes, even like thee must gifted spirits bleed,
Thrown on a world, for heavenly things no place.

One Female Figure.

This portrait tableau is produced in the same manner as that of
"Gabrielle." The lady who personates the Madonna should be of good
figure, fine, regular features, eyes large and expressive, a full face
and dark hair. Costume consists of white dress open slightly in front,
sleeves long and flowing, a velvet cape thrown negligently over the
shoulders, a large cross suspended from the neck by a necklace of wax
beads, the hair puffed slightly at the side, and arranged in a neat
coil at the back, and a large braid passed across the top of the head.
She should partially face the audience, the