Home Pastimes; or Tableaux Vivants | Page 8

notwithstanding the admonition of the English press, which represented the establishment of these works as a direct menace against Great Britain, and, taken in connection with the constant increase of the French navy, a proof of ultimate hostile designs on the part of the emperor, Queen Victoria had accepted an invitation to be present on this occasion. The day appropriated for the reception of the queen had arrived. The weather was superb; the skies were blue, and the waters of the channel were calm and placid. The shores and buildings, as far as the eye could reach, were covered with cavalry, infantry, artillery, and citizens. Every bosom in this mighty throng was glowing with enthusiasm. The glittering eagles, the waving banners, the gleam of polished helmets and cuirasses, the clash of arms, the soul-stirring music from the martial bands, and the incessant bustle and activity, presented a spectacle of military splendor which has seldom been equalled. It was war's most brilliant pageant, without any aspect of horror. The frigate La Bretagne, on which the banquet was to take place, was decorated with signals and flags, and most prominent were the national ensigns of France and England. A triumphal throne was erected on the deck of the vessel, on which sat Louis Napoleon, the empress, the officers and great dignitaries of the country, interspersed with the ladies of honor. Salutes from the surrounding forts and ships of war announced the arrival of the barge containing the Queen of England, Prince Albert, and suite. They were received on board the frigate by Napoleon, amid the salvos of artillery and strains of martial music. "God save the Queen," and French national airs, were played by the bands, and the nation's guest was addressed by Napoleon, who, in proposing Victoria's health, said,--
"Facts prove that hostile passions, aided by a few unfortunate incidents, did not succeed in altering either the friendship existing between the two crowns, or the desire of the two nations to remain at peace. He entertained the sincere hope that if attempts were made to stir up the resentments and passions of another epoch, they would break to pieces on common sense. Prince Albert responded, and expressed the most friendly sentiments on behalf of the queen. He said she was happy at having an opportunity, by her presence at Cherbourg, of joining and endeavoring to strengthen as much as possible the bonds of friendship between the nations--a friendship based on mutual prosperity; and the blessing of Heaven would not be denied. He concluded by proposing a toast--The emperor and empress."
The above scene is the one we propose to represent in tableau; and to give a good effect to the piece, it will be necessary to have thirty persons. The number can be increased if there is sufficient room. The four principal characters are Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Louis Napoleon, and the Empress. In selecting the persons for these parts, it will be well to choose those who are as near like the original as possible. They should be persons of good figure, and of graceful and easy manners. The sailors and military should be composed of young lads; the rest of the performers consist of young ladies and gentlemen. The stage should be arranged in the following manner: Two tiers of seats should be arranged in a curved line from the right of the stage, at the front, to the left of the stage, in the background. The front seat is two feet, the second and back tier should be three feet, in height, with a wide platform behind, of the same height, capable of holding twenty persons. These seats should be covered with a crimson cloth, and are intended to be occupied by Napoleon's suite. In the centre of these seats should be placed a platform four feet square and two feet high; on this place the throne chairs, and build a flight of broad steps in front, covered with crimson, and decorated with gold. The throne chairs should be made as showy as possible. Common office chairs can be easily made to answer the purpose by fastening to the backs pieces of boards one foot wide and four feet high, and covering the fronts and top of the arms with pieces of board four inches wide, decorating them with red turkey cloth, and bands of gold paper. Place them close together, and insert a board decorated in the same manner between the two, and ornament the top with a canopy of Turkey cloth, trimmed with gold; on the top place a pointed gilt crown. This kind of throne can be easily put together, and will be easier to handle than one made in a more workmanlike manner. The emperor and empress should be seated in the chairs. The platform is