Sing on the march, with every banner waving,
Sing, brothers; 'tis the Rhine!
Home, home! thy glad wave hath a tone of greeting,
Thy path is by my home;
Even now my children count the hours, till meeting;
O, ransomed ones, I come.
MRS. HEMANS.
One Female and Four Male Figures.
This picture represents four laborers returning from the vintage,
bearing on their shoulders a large tub of grapes, seated on the top of
which is a young girl, and by her side a small child. As they near the
shores of the imperial river, they sing one of their national songs,
the girl accompanying with a tambourine, and the child with a flute.
The costume of the four vintagers consists of colored or check shirts,
breeches, long hose, low shoes, knee and shoe buckles, single-breasted
vest of bright colors, left open, handkerchief tied carelessly about
the neck, and low felt hat with a sprig of grape leaves in front, the
face colored slightly with red. The lady's costume consists of a red
dress, blue waist, open in front, and laced across with pink ribbon,
and a small straw hat trimmed with green ribbon on the head. The boy's
costume consists of a velvet jacket, white pants, and small fancy cap.
The four vintagers stand in a circle, on a round or square pedestal
four feet in diameter, covered with green bocking; they face outward,
and support the tub on their shoulders; one hand is raised, and grasps
the top of the tub, while the other hangs carelessly at the side. A
tall box should be placed under the tub, which will relieve the
laborers from the weight. The vintagers look up to the lady, the
countenance expressing pleasure. The young lady who is seated on the
tub holds the tambourine in her left hand, which is raised above her
head; the right hand is raised as high as the face, the head thrown
back slightly, eyes lifted, body facing the audience. The boy has the
end of the flute or trumpet placed in his mouth; both hands grasp the
flute; eyes directed forward. The tub should be three feet wide, and
the outside and rim painted in imitation of grapes and leaves. Light
will be needed in front and at the left side. Music of an inspiring
order.
LOVERS GOING TO THE WELL.
How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood,
When fond recollection presents them to view;
The orchard, the meadow, the deep-tangled wildwood,
And every loved spot which my infancy knew;
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