The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-09-29
NERO

to the Fall ot Babylon," last sum- mer, l thought nothing would pre- vent my seeing its successor, "Nero, or the Fall of Rome," as soon as the season opened, but the summer passed and the early September days came before circumstances would permit of my making the visit. At last, in the midst of the protracted easterly storm and the predicted cyclone, we found an evening as mild as June, and far more pleasant than any could have been earlier in the season, and the de- sire of my heart was realized by a visit to that greatest spectacular pro- duction of modern times, Kiralfy's great historical drama of "Nero."
 We reached the island early, and were among the first to enter the am- phitheatre, thereby avoiding the rush and crush, and secured good seats in the middle of the front row on the grand stand.
 The immense enclosure seemed larger than ever before, with it's stage of over five hundred feet in length and seats tor ten thousand spectators talk ing up scarcely one-half of the space.
 It was some time before the opening of the play, and beyond us, across the wide lawn arose in the dim light the temples and palaces of the Eternal City. Fitting here and there were workmen putting the last touches to the preparations, or members of the orchestra, in ancient Roman costume, hurrying to their seats.
 Suddenly the lights flash up and there appears the representation of an aquatic festival, in celebration of the draining of the Fucine lake, one of the grandest events in the history of ancient Rome.
 Crowds of eager citizens pour upon the stage, dressed in the various old Roman costumes. Nobles, senators, knights and tribunes swell the num- bers. The whole city seems to have given itself up to day of excitement and pleasure.
 Splendid barges come sailing by in one, more magnificent than any of the others, whose sides seem set with jewels that flash and sparkle in the light, sits Claudius, the emperor, and Agrtppina, his empress. the scheming mother of Nero.
 Down through the crowd, on 6 splendidly -caparisoned horse and in gorgeous attire, rides Nero, while the children strew flowers before him and the people cheer.
 At a given signal the naval battle begins. Galleys appear manned with crews of convicts, prisoners of war and slaves, whom it Is considered just and right should be compelled to kill each other for the amusement of the emperor and his people. The battle is short and sharp, the few remaining survivors are set at liberty, and gre warmly welcomed and embraced as they return to their friends on shore. Among the survivors is .SoIsnus, who is joyfully greeted by his sister, TRirzo, beautiful young Christian maiden.
 Slowly the scene shifts and the streets of Rome appear, with splendid palaces, fine temples and statues. From the left comes grand triumphal pro- cession, with Nero, whose scheming mother has made him emperor by murdering her husband.
 Eoldiers-borsernen ard Ectmen-- in glittering armor, with gleaming spears and haxhing helmets; richly csparisoned bOrses dragging spIepdid chariots; elephants with superb tsap- pings; huge golden idols on triumphsl can; gladiators and dancing girls in costumes of brilliant coIors and fapci- ful devices; stately standArd- -bearers, carryfng aloft the imperial golden eagles, march slowly by-s proossion of over thoussnd persoaas, and in tho midst Nero appears, mounted high In la magnificent golden chariot, and is