THE GYPSY FORTUNE TELLER.
Reading edition
Seek not to know the future; be happy while you may, Nor cloud with dark foreknowledge the sunshine of to-day. I see that you are hopeful, I read it in your eyes, And I can learn no more from the stars that gem the skies. Trust not the outward seeming of all who speak you fair; What has been, maiden, may be—be watchful and beware. I will not cheat you, maiden; my gypsy skill you seek; This only of the future the gypsy girl can speak: When flippant worldlings flatter, let then your doubts begin; Take, maiden, for your counsel the "still small voice within." If weak the heart of woman, her stronghold too is there; Guard then the fortress, conscience! be watchful and beware. Charles Jeffery.
Two Female Figures.
This tableau is a representation of a gypsy fortune teller, in a rude tent, in front of which is burning a small fire. She is seated on the ground, and holds a pack of cards in her right hand; her left is pointed upward. Her head is turned towards a young and beautiful girl, who is stooping at her side, gazing with earnestness on the cards. The tent should be five feet high, four feet wide at the bottom, and terminating in a point at the top. It can be made of light strips of wood, covered over with cloth. An open space in front, two feet wide, will answer for the door. The fire can be placed in an iron furnace, around which arrange stones or brushwood. Ignite the fire just as the curtain rises. Fill up the background of the stage with scenery representing a forest, or place a few spruce trees behind the tent. The gypsy's costume consists of a bright crimson dress, velvet waist, laced across with pink ribbon in front, displaying a white robe beneath; rows of gilt buttons on each side of the opening and around the bottom of the sleeves. The hair, which should be long and black, is allowed to hang carelessly over the shoulders; the face and other exposed parts of the body stained a light brown. The young lady must be of small figure, good form and features, and attired in a white dress, cut low at the top, a red sash around the waist, and a small straw hat placed jantily on the side of the head. The scene should be illuminated by a red fire, burned in small quantities at the side of the stage, and made to reflect on the group. Music soft.
