SPIRIT OF RELIGION.

Religion should our thoughts engage Amidst our youthful bloom; 'Twill fit us for declining years, And for the approaching tomb. Anon.

Six Female and Three Male Figures.

This tableau contains nine figures. The lady who represents Religion stands in the background of the picture, on a pedestal three feet high. She holds a cross on her left shoulder; the right hand grasps her mantle, which she unfolds, revealing herself to mankind. The lady should be of medium height, with light hair, which hangs loosely over the shoulders. The costume consists of a loose white dress, cut high at the top, sleeves fitting tightly to the arms, while over this dress is worn a second, which is open in front, and is made of white tarleton muslin. Position is facing the audience, eyes directed straight forward, expression calm and thoughtful. The second figure is a beautiful young lady, who kneels at the foot of the pedestal, on a small platform one foot high, and represents Hope. One hand rests on a large Bible; the other points up to the cross, and bids the captive, the dying, and broken-hearted, who kneel in the foreground, to look up to Religion. Costume consists of a white dress, cut high at the throat, short sleeves; hair arranged in curls, and wings of gauze fastened to the back of the dress. Position, kneeling at the foot of the pedestal, facing the audience, head turned slightly on one side, one knee resting on the floor, the body erect, the eyes directed to the figure of the captive in the foreground. The third figure is at the right of the pedestal—a young and handsome lady, who represents Faith. She holds a palm branch—the emblem of martyrdom. Her costume consists of a long white dress, over which is thrown a white mantle, which she gathers about her breast. Her hair hangs loosely over her shoulders, and a black band encircles the head. Her position is, standing on a small pedestal two feet high, so that we have a profile view of her form. Her head is raised to the cross, countenance expressing calmness and repose. Charity is represented, on the left of the pedestal, by a young lady who extends her protection to two helpless children. Her costume is a white dress, opening at the bosom; hair done up neatly, over which hangs a white veil. Her position is, seated at the right of the pedestal, on a small platform two feet high, body facing the audience, head bent forward, and turned towards Religion; eyes cast down; each arm embraces a small child, who is dressed in simple costume. The captive is represented by a gentleman wearing a suit made of coarse cloth, long beard and hair, face painted to represent age, arms and waist bound with chains. He kneels at the foot of Charity, on the floor of the stage; his face is turned towards Hope. Both hands are clasped and raised in front of the breast. Kneeling at the foot of Hope are two other figures. One is a female, dressed in deep mourning; the other, an aged man, who is supported by the lady. His costume consists of a loose robe of white cloth, trimmed with purple; his head is covered with white hair, and from his face hangs a long white beard. The hair and beard can be made of flax. The lady is kneeling next to Faith; the right arm is placed around the aged man, and the left points to Religion; the head is turned upward, and the expression of the face denotes grief. The aged man kneels beside the figure in mourning, his head resting on her shoulder, with his clasped hands stretched out in front; the eyes are closed, and the face downcast. The tableau must be formed in the centre of the stage. The light should be quite strong, and come from the right of the stage. Music of a sacred character.