NIGHT AND DAY.
Reading edition
Heaven opened wide Her ever-during gates—harmonious sound— On golden hinges morning to let forth, The king of glory, in his powerful word And spirit, coming to create new worlds. God saw the light was good, And light from darkness, by the hemisphere, Divided; light the day, and darkness night He named. Thus was the first day, even and morn. Milton.
Two Female Figures.
This simple tableau is represented by two females: one personates Day, and is costumed in a long white robe. The other represents Night, and is dressed in black. Two arches should be made in the centre of the stage, one covered with black cloth, the other with white. They must be five feet in height, three feet in width, and three feet deep; the back, sides, and top covered with cloth. They are to be placed on a platform one foot high and six feet square. The lady who personates Night should be of good figure and features, black hair, and dark complexion. She kneels under the arch covered with black cloth, and faces the audience; the right knee touches the platform, hands placed together and raised front of the breast, head slightly inclined back, eyes raised upward, the countenance in repose. Her costume consists of a black silk dress, low neck, and trimmed with wide black lace and bugles; a scarf of black crape, sprinkled with small silver stars, is draped across the breast, a black cross suspended from the neck by a velvet ribbon; black bracelets ornament the arms; and a wreath of black bugles and beads encircles the head, on the front of which is placed a small silver moon. The hair is arranged in wide, heavy bands, at the side and back of the head. The lady who personates Day should be of good figure and features, clear light complexion, and light hair. Her position is, kneeling under the white arch, hands crossed on her breast, eyes slightly cast upward, and a smile on the countenance. Costume consists of a pure white dress, cut low at the neck, short sleeves; waist and bottom of sleeves trimmed with wide lace and silver spangles; a scarf of white tarleton muslin draped across the breast; the waist encircled with a satin sash, and the head crowned with a wreath of pearls, in the front of which place a small gold sun. The hair can be arranged in ringlets, or brushed back from the forehead, and confined in a silk net. The light for this piece must come from the front of the stage, and should be of medium brilliancy. Music soft and plaintive.
