THE BRIGANDS.

The gray morn Dawns on the scene; the sulphurous smoke Before the wind slow rolls away, And the bright beams of morning dance Along the spangled snow. There scattered arms, And lifeless warriors, whose hard lineaments Death's self could change not, mark the dreadful path Of the outsallying victors. Shelley.

One Female and Five Male Figures.

A scene representing a band of brigands in their mountain fastness, on the watch for plunder and rapine. The scenery in the background should resemble ragged rocks, made by fastening brown paper in a rumpled manner to a frame of wood, and shaded with light and dark-brown paints. This must extend two thirds across the stage, three feet from the extreme background. The sides should be covered with similar scenery. The floor is strown with small boxes, to give it an uneven appearance, and covered with buffalo robes. Two of the brigands are seated at one side of the stage, engaged in playing cards; one is reclining in the foreground asleep; another is leaning against the rocks, resting his arms and body on his carbine, while the chief is standing at the end of the ledge in the background, pointing with his right hand into the open space beyond. Behind him stands his wife, to whom he is in the act of speaking, and directing her attention to the road in the distance. She is stooping forward, endeavoring to see the objects which he points out. The costume of the brigands consists of a frock coat ornamented with large gilt buttons, and trimmed around the bottom with colored cloth; bright-colored vest bound around the front and bottom with fancy ribbon; black handkerchief tied loosely in the neck; knee breeches and hose, with a band of showy cloth around the top, fastened with a brilliant paste pin or silver buckle; low shoes; red or blue sash about the waist; high-crowned black felt hat, ornamented with red binding, wound in a spiral manner from the rim to the top of the hat, and a colored feather at the side. The coat can be decorated in a more profuse manner, if desired; each must be furnished with musket and pistols. The chief's dress should be of richer material, and more profusely decorated than the other characters. The wife's costume consists of a scarlet skirt, black velvet waist open in front and laced across with pink ribbon, a showy scarf tied about the head, the ends falling on the shoulders; the neck and arms ornamented with brilliant jewelry; a morocco belt encircles the waist, to which is attached a small dirk. The two card-players are looking at their cards, countenances expressing deep thought. The one who stands facing the audience looks to the floor. The one that is asleep should lie in a position so that the countenance can be seen, the head resting on the hand, eyes closed. The wife's position is, standing so that a side view of the countenance is had. The chief stands in front of her, and in the same position, but the head is turned around so as to face the audience; the countenances of both expressing curiosity and excitement. The face and other exposed parts of the persons of all the figures must be colored light-brown, and the men wear heavy beards. The light for this scene should come from a red fire, burned in small quantities at the front side of the stage. No music will be required for the piece.