THE VALENTINE.
Reading edition
"I smile at Love and all his arts," The charming Cynthia cried; "Take heed, for Love has piercing darts," A wounded swain replied. "Once free and blessed, as you are now, I trifled with his charms, I pointed at his little bow, And sported with his arms; Till, urged too far, 'Revenge!' he cries; A fatal shaft he drew; It took its passage through your eyes, And to my heart it flew." J. Vanburgh.
Two Female and Two Male Figures.
This tableau is represented by four persons—two young ladies, and two small lads. One of the young ladies is seated on a sofa, which is placed in the centre of the stage. She holds a valentine in the left hand, and points at it with her right. Her head is turned around to a young lady who stands behind the sofa. The countenance expresses mirth. The lady standing behind the sofa rests her right arm on the shoulder of her friend, and is looking to the valentine, her body inclined forward slightly, face beaming with smiles. Costume consists of a white dress, pink apron trimmed with green, hair done up in wide braids at the side of the head, and ornamented with a few flowers. The costume of the lady seated, consists of a white dress, buff apron trimmed with purple, hair hanging in ringlets, and ornamented with blue ribbon. On each side of the stage, within one foot of the curtain, place pedestals; they should be three feet high, two feet square, with cap and base, and covered with white marble paper or cloth, and decorated with a wreath of flowers on the front. On those stand the young lads, dressed to represent Cupids. Position is, facing the group in the centre of the stage, attitude of one running; one of them holds on high a large sealed letter. The other holds a small tablet in one hand, and a quill in the right; these must be extended towards the centre of the stage. Their costume consists of a short gauze dress, cut low at the top and decorated with spangles, pants of flesh-colored cloth, reaching to the ankles and fitting tightly to the legs, flesh-colored hose, white slippers, gauze wings fastened to the back of the body, and decorated with spangles and silver stars. A small quiver, formed of card-board, covered with blue and gold paper, filled with arrows and bow, suspended from the neck; a low-crowned hat, with a wide brim, covered with pink cambric, and decorated with a wreath of flowers, covers the head; the eyes directed to the group on the sofa, countenance expressing pleasure. The background may be ornamented with pictures and statuary. The light for this piece must be of medium brilliancy, and come from the right side of the stage. Music soft.
