found in the humble cottage or in the magnificent palace.

A perfect picture will be recognized and appreciated whenever
displayed, or by whomsoever produced. In fine, nature is still nature,
and the germ of poetical feeling is similar in its manifestation
wherever it may chance to be shown.

The delineation of the natural and poetical, its realization upon
canvas, or upon paper, or in the living picture, tends to improve the
mind, assimilates the real with the ideal, conforms taste to the
noblest standard, overflows the heart with pure and holy thoughts, and
adorns the exterior form with graces surpassing those of the Muses.
The producing and forming of _tableaux vivants_ have been the author's
study for the past ten years. The choicest gems which adorn this
volume are mostly imaginary scenes; others are selected from the
poets; and a few are suggested by rare engravings.

The author, in his endeavors to impart and explain many things, has
been obliged to sacrifice show and style upon the altar of simplicity;
at least, such has been his constant aim. For all imperfections and
defects he invokes the charity of a candid public. If this volume
should in any degree satisfy a want that has been long felt, or add
one devotee to the shrine of beauty, the author will consider his
endeavors amply repaid.

JAMES H. HEAD.

PORTSMOUTH, September 2, 1859.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

INTRODUCTION, 13
The Wreath of Beauty, 25
The Marble Maiden, 27
Venus rising from the Sea, 31
Reception of Queen Victoria at Cherbourg, 32
Scene from the Opera of "Sappho," 38
Flora and the Fairies, 42
The Spectre Bride, 45
Music, Painting, and Sculpture, 52
Bust of Proserpine, 53
Napoleon and his Old Guard at Waterloo, 56
The Dancing Girl in Repose, 60
Washington's Entrance into Portsmouth, 62
Fame, 67
Faith, 70
Spirit of Religion, 72
The Poet and the Goddess of Poetry, 74
Death of Edith,