The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-10-10

caDlnS, grouped about the old tort at
Bowling Green, and the pupils of the
Jesuit fathers school were called to
their classes by the ringing Of the bell
of the old Dutch church in the fort
After that period, in 1917, school was
established on a new site, at Fifth
avenue and Fiftieth. street. It was
then called the New York literary in
stitute, aud the present Catholic ca
thedral now occupies portion of the
grounds of the institution
This was followed in the course Of
some years by the present college Of
st. Francis Xavier Thus we see how
closely the Jesuits have been associat-
ed with the growth of classical educa-
ton in this country.
A brief glance at the system of stage
productions in Rome will not be map
propriate here as illustrating the diff
culties to be overcome in selecting for
production a Latin drama in conso-
nance with modern ideas of the play
wright's art.
There was no change of scene, no
startling spectacular effect. All the
interest of the play was centered in
the few personages on the stage,
half dozen or so taking the chief parts,
and successfully assuming different
roles. The poet, therefore, had to re-
sort to other ways Of keeping up the
interest than by mechanical devices
and splendor of costumes.
The beginning of ancient tragedy
and comedy was of religious nature,
as we see mentioned by Virgil and
Horace. 1t was the song of the goat,
tragedia, at the sacrifice of the victim.
Ancient comedy, like early tragedy,
was a simple song. The chorus sang
it around the altar, accompanied by
the flute player, then were successfully
added a single actor. a second and
third. and all the accomplishments.
mask. pallium. buskin and sock.
The new comedy was first introduced
by Lucilius. and treats of the events of
ordinary life, not naming the individ-
uals, but satirizing life in the form of
story The inventor of the old com
edy among the Greeks is not known
like that of tragedy.
The plot of The Two Captiyasr fs-
founded on the confusion OF personal
Identities familiar enough in one form
or another to the modern stage goer
Hegio, a rich 1Etolian, has a son,
Philopolemus, who is made a prisoner
by the Eieans. The father wishing to
ransom his boy. purchases Philocrates
and Tyndarus. noble Elean prisoner,
and his servant. These are the two
captives" of the drama. Hegio wishes
to send Tyndarus to Ellis to arrange
for the ransom OF Philopolemus, while
he retains Philocrates as hostage
But the master and servant exchange
garments, and Philocrates cages
while his servant, Tyndarus. remains
behind. Hegio brings another Elean
prisoner, Aristophontes. to interview
Philocrates, and he discloses to the old
man the trick by which he has been
duped. and Tyndarus is confined to
await punishment In the meantime.
the simon pure Philocrates returns
from Ellis. accompanied by Hegio's son.
Philopolemus. and Stalagmus, a
former slave of Hegio. The latter in
forms Hcgio that Tyndarus. whom ne
is about to punish. is in reality
Paegnius. another son of his, whom
Stalagmus had kidnapped long years
before The two sons are restored to
their sorrowing parents. and all ends
hapnily.
1t is well known tha: great deal OF