THE SOLDIER'S RETURN.
Reading edition
O that 'twere possible, After long grief and pain, To find the arms of my true love Round me once again. * * * * * We stood tranced in long embraces Mixed with kisses sweeter, sweeter Than any thing on earth. Maud.
Three Female and Four Male Figures.
This interesting tableau is designed to appear in connection with the soldier's farewell, and is represented by seven persons. The cottage and other scenery described in the "Soldier's Farewell" is used in this piece, and is to be placed in the same position. At the left of the stage, near the front, stands a young gentleman dressed as a hackman. He carries a trunk on his shoulder, and a valise in his left hand; his position is such that a side view is had of the features; his eyes cast down to the floor, body slightly bent forward; a few paces in front of him stands the young soldier, with arms outstretched to receive his wife, who is standing in front of the doorstep, in the act of running towards him. The soldier shows a side view of his form, his feet extended apart, body bent forward, eyes fixed on his wife, countenance smiling. The wife faces the audience; her arms are raised, eyes directed to those of her husband, countenance pleasant. The father and mother of the soldier are seated in large chairs at the sides of the door. A young man is seen climbing over the fence. He holds a rake in his hand, and is looking at the soldier. A young lady is on the doorstep in the position of one running, her eyes fixed on the group at the front of the stage, countenance expressing surprise. Costume similar to the one described in the Farewell. The boy's costume consists of blue overalls, white shirt, and straw hat. The old lady and gentleman wear the suits described in the first scene. The old gentleman has a pair of crutches by his side, and is smoking a pipe. The old lady wears spectacles, and holds a newspaper in the left hand, and points to the soldier with the right; her eyes are turned to her husband, countenance expressing surprise. The soldier's wife has on a white dress with a velvet waist. The soldier is costumed in the suit that we described in the Farewell, with the addition of a red sash about the waist, gold epaulets on the shoulders, and a showy plume in his hat. The hackman's costume consists of a rubber coat and cap, long boots, and light pants. The scene requires a medium light, which should come from the side opposite the soldier. Music of a cheerful and lively style.
