creasing
in size as they recede from the centre; the arms and hands profusely
ornamented with jewelry; the hair arranged in long braids, and allowed
to fall over the shoulders. A large diamond or a brilliant stone
should be attached to a black velvet band, and placed on the brow.
Turkish trousers, made of white and blue stripes, two inches wide, of
flowing shape, fastened around the ankle with a gilt band. The shoes
can be made of card-board or leather; they should turn up at the toe
three inches; cover them with red cloth, and ornament with gold and
silver paper and spangles. The costume of the attendants should be of
a similar style, but differing in colors, and without decorations. The
lady who personates the princess must be small, and of good form,
fine, regular features, and quite pretty. Her position is facing the
audience, head turned slightly to the left, eyes upturned to her
attendant, who is standing at her side, holding in her left hand a
fan; the expression of the face pleasant. The attendant who is
kneeling, shows a side view of the body, while the one standing, faces
the audience, with the body bent slightly forward, her attention
directed to the string of pearls which she is arranging in the hair of
the princess. The floor of the stage should be covered with a rich
Brussels carpet, and the walls draped with showy damask curtains. The
room may be furnished with small ottomans, two small marble top
tables, one of which should be placed near the group of ladies, and
contain stands of cologne, perfumes, mirrors, combs, brushes,
pin-cushions, and cases of jewelry. On the other table, which is to be
placed in the background, is a large, showy lamp, with colored globe,
surrounded by ornamental articles; showy pictures adapted to the
subject, in rich gilt frames, adorn the walls; cages containing
singing birds should be suspended from the ceilings; large globes,
containing gold fish, rest on the carpet, near the foreground; richly
ornamented vases, of various sizes, containing magnificent bouquets,
can be arranged in various parts of the room, while the inner corners
are filled up with marble or plaster pedestals, supporting pieces of
statuary; the divan on which the princess is seated must be double the
size of those scattered about the room, and covered with striped pink
and blue cloth. The scene should be illuminated by a purple fire
burned at the right hand side of the stage. A lively serenade would be
appro