e sentence. Belshazzar's costume consists
of a purple velvet coat trimmed with gold, a large cloak trimmed with
ermine, velvet breeches, white hose crossed with red tape, sandals on
the feet, and a velvet and gold crown on the head. His wife should be
dressed in a showy brocade, cut low at the top, short sleeves, a band
of black velvet ornamented with gold placed on the head, and a narrow
mantle worn over the shoulder. The dress must be ornamented with rich
jewelry, gold bands, and a wide belt of red velvet, decorated with
paste pins, around the waist. The three wise men's costume consists of
long, loose coats, reaching six inches below the knee, and gathered in
at the waist with a wide belt. Each coat should vary in color from the
others. They can be made of cambric. Colors, red, purple, and blue,
with the edges trimmed with cloth of some other color. Black hose,
crossed with red, reach to the knees, low shoes, covered with red
Turkey cloth, on the feet, and a turban of bright colors on the head,
the face covered with a long white beard--this can be made of flax.
The ladies at the table must be costumed in silk or satin dresses,
ornamented with spangles, and any kind of jewelry that will look
showy; hair decorated with spar beads, hair pins, and plumes. The
gentlemen's costume consists of rich velvet suits; long beards.
Servants in short white coats, with border on the bottom, red
breeches, white hose, and light felt hats with gold bands.
Belshazzar's position is in the chair near the footlights; body
inclined back, arms thrown up, eyes fixed on the writing, countenance
expressing affright. His wife is seated in the second chair, one arm
resting on the shoulder of her husband, the other raised in front of
the face, eyes directed to the writing. The wise men stand opposite to
the throne, at the extreme end of the stage, near the footlights;
their backs are to the audience; the heads of two are turned to the
king, giving a side view of their faces. One of them points to the
writing. The party at the table must assume a variety of natural
positions; a few look with astonishment, and point at the writing;
others are engaged in eating and drinking. The servants stand in the
background, and are all looking at the writing. A few lean forward and
point to the wall; others take position as if about to flee from the
room; the countenances of all express terror. The scene should be
lighted by a brilliant red fire burned at the sid