The Democratic advocate., 1878-03-16
VOL. XIII.-NO. 18.

PalIas; Mercury, flying through the air ON
message for Jove, sees the virgin sisters
and falls in love with Herse; he has the
cadueeus in hand; he addresses Aglauros,
the eldest sister, avowing his love; the
jealous maid opposes the god and is trans
formed into marble statue, dyed with the
stain of envy.
The Golden Fleece was the subject of
the next scene. The sacred field of Ma
vors is seen, where Jason performs the
labors imposed by King Rtes; Jason in
gorgeous armor, Medea by his side, in the
shadow of the red crested dragon, guardian
of the golden fleece In front, fiery bulls
with brazen feet, and warriors sprung from
the dragons teeth, waging war among
themselves.
The orgies of Bacchus were next repre-
sented. The god of wine in a grape
stained car is making towards Cipparon,
the Beotian mount, to hold revel there.
Yellow tigers draw the car, harnessed with
grapevines, festooned with flowers. Around
the caz Bacchantes dancing in loose parti-
eolored robes, their hair streaming in the
wind, clashing cymbals, striking tambou-
rlnes, tYirling thyrsi. Fawns and -Satvrs-
behind, with grotesque features. SiIvanus,
iu crimson garb, carrying Amphora with
wine
The Sacrifice of Apius was beautifully
depicted. "After the capture of Troy
Eneas escapes with his father and his SON
and goes to Delos. Anius, the priest of
Apollo, relates to him how his daughters
have been transformed into doves, and, at
parting, they exchange presents" View
of the Temple of Apollo at Delos-altars
smoking with frankincense and wine. In
midst of altars Anius in priestly robes,
temples bound with white fillets, knife in
hand, about to sacrifice an OK decked with
garlands. In foreground, group of Eneas
and followers.
The story of 0rpheus and Eurydice was
next told. Eurydice, wife of Orpheus,
while sporting in the fields with other
nymphs, is bitten by serpent, which
causes her death. After having mourned
for her, he goes to the internal regions in
quest Of her. Pluto and the Fates con-
sent to her return on condition that Or
pheus shall not look on her till he is be-
yond their dominions. But curiosity pre-
walls. He negiects the condition, on which
she Immediately lapses back to hell with
out the possibility of recovery" The
dusky realms of the shades of the lower
regions were reproduced with great skill.
On throne Pluto, dark and sombre; Pro
serpine, Queen of He'll, in imperial robes;
on a rocky ground Sisyphus resting from
his labors, and Tantalus and Tityus; Ixion
standing motionless beside his wheel; Ger
berus squatting on the glowing stones;
Orpheus, pleading for Eurydice, thrusts
back his azure mantle and touches his Tyre,
and Eurydice advances from the Shades.
The next tableau was of Cadmus and
Hermione. "The misfortunes Of his fam
lily oblige Cadmus to leave Thebes and TO
retire with his wife, Hermione, to Illyria,
where they are changed into serpents."
Hermione, embraced by the voluminous
folds of crested serpent (Cadmus meta
morphosed,) } black body, azure spots, field
garnished with flowers; close by, two at
tendants Of Cadmus overcome with alarm
and astonishment.
The Ears of Midas was the title of the
next. "Pan is so elated with the praise
of some nymphs who hear the music Of
his pipe that he presumes to challenge
Apollo. The mountain god, Tymolus, is
umpire. He decides in favor Of Apollo,
and all approve except Midas, to whom,
for his stupidity, pair of asses ears is
given. He conceals them till they are
discovered by his barber, who publishes
the wondrous fact in a very singular man
ner." Tynolus in white and green, sitting
in Judgment on the contest between Pan
Apollo. Azure-colored hair, covered with
oak acorns around his hollow temples.
Apollo in purple robes, yellow hair wreath
ed with laurel. Nearby, Pan with his
syrinx and Pan with asses ears. The bar
Der in foreground listening to the murmur-
ing reeds repeating the story which he had
whispered to them.
Esculapius was shown seated in grand
temple, and Apollo, with bow and arrow,
on pedestal at his side.
Juno was discovered in Hades, clothed
in brilliant azure robes under gold tissue,
bearing sceptre; descends from the shely-
ing path which leads to the internal abodes
Scene of desolation and horror. "The
Shades, bloodless aud bOneless, stand about
these dismal regions" In the path Of the
goddess the dreadful Furies, with snaky
hair and blood dripping eyes and mouths.
At the corners, flaming affairs, with red
pediment. Priests in white robes sacri6c-
l.
priests. Floor of red and black marble.
An Ambassador in armor, who has to get
Esculapius from Epidorus. Three citi-
zens. In front "The Plague" figure
with wings, sword, black cuirass and
shield, hideous features, and allegorical
figures at the side.
This was the concluding tableau. The
whole, it will be seen, is founded on Ovid's
delightful poem, the 'Metamorphoses."
1t was the grandest of all the magnificent
displays that Comus has made in this city,
and was viewed by tens of thousands of
delighted spectators.
After the pageant had passed through
the prescribed route the streets became
crowded with people hurrying off in all
directions to prepare for some one Of tho
many balls with which the Carnival sea-
son always ends. Besides the regular
Mystick Krewe ball, preceded by tableaux
on the stage of the scenes exhibited on
floats in the street professions, there
were balls at nearly every hall in the city,
and the festivities were continued up to
the very beginning of Lent, and, candor
eompels me to state, in some cases several
hours after the Lenten season had begun
The Mardi Gras festivities concluded
tonight with a grand Rex reception and
ball at the Exposition Hall, and masked
balls throughout the city.
The DERIVATION OF THE NAME OF
BALTIMoRE.-0n June 10th occurred
the 10th anniversary Of the sack of Bal
timore, little town in county Cork. The
sackers were Algerine pirates, and they
plundered, burned and massacred in a
manner that could be surpassed only by