hed bolts, bars, and heavy
locks. This scenery can be made in sections of about four by eight
feet in size. One section should represent the door of the cell; on it
paint the bolts, bars, and locks. At the right of the stage is placed
a table of ancient style; on which is a crucifix, two feet in height,
a large Bible, and an old-fashioned candlestick, containing a lighted
candle. A chair of ancient manufacture should be placed near the
table. Louis XVI. is seated in it, and is costumed in a velvet coat
and breeches, white silk hose, low shoes, buff vest, white cravat,
ruffled bosom, white wig, knee and shoe buckles. The queen is costumed
in a moire antique dress, of a showy color, hair hanging loosely over
the shoulder. Madame Elizabeth has on a silk robe, differing in color
from the queen's; her hair is loosely fastened behind. The daughter
has on a long white dress, with velvet waist. The dauphin is dressed
in velvet jacket, blue breeches, white hose, knee and shoe buckles,
low slippers, lace collar, ruffled bosom and wristbands, and a pink
scarf is fastened about his waist. The _gens d'armes_ have blue coats
trimmed with buff, buff vest, crimson breeches, white hose, long wigs,
low shoes, knee and shoe buckles, and chapeaux. Each must be furnished
with a musket, sword, and belt, and one should hold a bunch of large
keys. Louis XVI. encircles his daughter's waist with his right hand;
his left is clasped by his son. He sits facing the audience; his head
is partially turned towards the crucifix, the eyes cast down, and a
melancholy look upon the countenance. The queen stands behind the
king, between the chair and table; her left hand is placed upon her
waist, her right raised to her forehead; her head is thrown back, the
eyes partially closed, and cast upwards, while intense anguish is
expressed upon her countenance. Madame Elizabeth is kneeling at the
left of the king, her hands clasped and raised upwards, head thrown
back, and eyes partially closed. The daughter is seated on the right
knee of the king; her right hand is placed across her breast, the left
hangs carelessly at her side; her head reclines on the shoulder of her
father. The dauphin is kneeling between the king and Madame Elizabeth,
and grasping the hand of the king; his eyes are fixed on the face of
his father, while the countenance expresses grief and sadness. The
_gens d'armes_ stand just inside the door, resting on their guns;
their eyes are fixed upon t
|