SOLOMON'S JUDGMENT.

"A mother's love." If there be one thing pure, Where all beside is sullied, That can endure When all else pass away— If there be aught Surpassing human deed, or word, or thought, "It is a mother's love!" Anon.

Three Male and Two Female Figures.

This Scripture tableau is taken from the third chapter of the Book of Kings. The scene is at the moment when Solomon passes his judgment between the two women. These two women each had a child of the same age, and resided together. The children resembled each other so much that when one of them died, there arose a dispute as to whom the living child belonged; and one woman said, "The living is my son, and the dead is thy son." And the other said, "No; the dead is thy son, and the living is my son." Then said the king, "Bring me a sword." And they brought a sword before the king, and the king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to one and half to the other." Then spoke the woman whose the living child was unto the king, "O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it." But the other woman said, "Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it." Then the king answered and said, "Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it, for she is the mother thereof." The number of figures in this tableau is five. The scenery consists of a platform four feet square and two feet high, covered with red cloth, which should be placed in the background, at equal distances from the sides; on this is placed a large, showy chair, with a canopy over the top. Seated in the chair is Solomon. His costume consists of a dark velvet suit, trimmed with gold and silver fringe; a large cloak, trimmed with ermine, is worn on the shoulders; black hose, reaching to the knee, crossed with crimson ribbon; red sandals, ornamented with gold; a showy crown on the head, and his face covered with a heavy white beard, reaching down on his breast; his right hand is pointed towards the soldier who holds the child; the eyes are also directed that way, while the countenance appears stern and commanding. The soldier's costume consists of a suit of armor such as can be procured at theatres and costumers; but, if preferred, a military suit of any kind will answer. His position is, near the platform, the left hand grasping the child, while the right holds a sword, which is raised above it; his body faces the audience, his head turned towards the king, the countenance stern and forbidding. On the other side of the throne stands the king's guard, a man dressed in a blue frock, trimmed around the skirts, sleeves, and front with red; white hose, reaching to the knee; black knee breeches; low shoes; knee and shoe buckles; lace collar and wristbands; low black Kossuth hat, with gold band and plume. The right hand grasps a long spear. Position is, facing the audience, the body erect, and eyes directed straight forward. At the corner of the platform, near the soldier, kneels the mother of the child, in position so that a side view is had of the face; the hands are clasped and raised in front of her breast, head thrown back, and eyes directed to the king, countenance expressing hope. She is dressed in deep mourning, her hair flowing loosely over her shoulders. On the other side of the throne, opposite the guard, stands the other woman, her arms folded on her breast, eyes directed to the soldier, countenance calm. Her costume consists of a white dress, cut low in the neck, and encircled around the waist with a colored belt; hair arranged in heavy braids, and ornamented with showy hair pins. The lights should be of medium brilliancy, and come from either side of the stage. If desirable, a few paintings and statuary can be arranged in the background. Music soft and plaintive.