SINGLE BLESSEDNESS.
Reading edition
Close by his lonely hearth he sate, While shadows of a welcome dream Passed o'er his heart; disconsolate His home did seem; Comfort in vain was spread around, For something still was wanting found. Anon.
One Male Figure.
This tableau is a representation of a young bachelor seated alone in his chamber. He has around him all the luxuries that wealth will purchase, and is reclining on a low sofa, quietly smoking his meerschaum. Rich furniture, soft carpets, fine pictures, and gorgeous curtains decorate the apartment. Books, statuary, boxing gloves, fencing swords, fowling pieces, pipes of various patterns, and a countless multitude of other articles, are scattered about the room. On the marble table at his side is a bunch of cigars, a paper of Ma'am Miller's fine-cut tobacco, a decanter of wine, and a pair of goblets, one of which is partially filled with wine. He holds in his left hand his meerschaum; his right hangs carelessly at his side, and grasps a novelette. The gentleman who personates the bachelor must be of good figure and features, and is costumed in the following manner: A rich dressing-gown should be worn, which is thrown back from the breast, showing a vest of bright colors, to which is attached a heavy gold chain and seals; light fancy pants, embroidered slippers, white hose, blue cravat, smoking cap, ruffled bosom and wristbands. Countenance sober, eyes raised to one of the engravings on the wall. Light of medium brightness, which may come from either side of the stage. Music of operatic style.
