The Washington herald., 1910-05-24

Society turned out in force yesterday
late afternoon found the beautiful lawns
OF THE Oaks" Col Blount's fine old
Georgetown estate. dotted with the elab-
crate toilets Of fashionable women.
These gave modern touch TO a scene
that was otherwise devised 20 represent
the Grove Of Daphne.
The ancient and the modern costumes
were contrasted and mingled during the
brief period before the Daphnephoria be-
gan. when the performers greeted their
friends and assembled on the lawns and
in the cool green alleys and walks lined
with grand old trees and luxuriant shrub
berry
A Grecfan ReVel.
Just beyond the railing which separated
the onlookers from the dancers. Mrs.
Barney and Mrs. Lucia Barber had
turned the greensward into a place for
Grecian revels.
phitheater the stage" being as level as
any made by man. and it was on this
carpet Of Natures velvet that the dances
were performed.
1t was an ideal spot and an ideal en-
tertainment
Description of DaphnephOria.
The Daphnephoria." as explained by
the programme. was one of the great
days Of ancient Greece. and was cele-
brated once in nine years in honor Of
apollo.
The day was Of Astronomical signifi-
canoe. celebrating the return Of the sun
in the spring from it's winter pilgrimage.
and an olive tree. decorated with laurel.
purple wells, and brazen globes, typify-
ing the sun and planets. was carried at
the head OF the procession.
Daphnephorus, the priest of Apollo"
walked at the head Of the procession,
preceded by his nearest kinsman. who
carried the decorated tree. The priest
was always a young man, chosen from
one OF the most distinguished families Of
TheBes.
After the rite OF placing the laurel
upon the altar the Thebans gave the
day TO festivities Of various kinds. but
especially TO those which directly related
10 the myths and legends Of Apollo. tAe
youthful priest acting the part OF Apollo
in these festivities.
A Beautiful Scene.
Ben Greet. in Grecian costume, read the
prologue in his. clear voice and forceful
dramatic manner.
The beautiful "Galatea" was again the
dancer who led the revels. With Mr.
Stiles as Apollo, Galatea as Daphne gave
the myth OF Daphne and Apollo.
The god pursues Daphne. who fees and
turns into a laurel tree to escape him.
Those who have seen both these graceful
young dancers in Mrs. Barney's studio
found them amid the Sylvan surroundings
on yesterday. even more attractive and
Greek-like.
The grand procession Of all the priest
esses. the incense bearers. the youths and
maidens. and the little children, all faith
fully attired I'm the costumes Of the period
was a pretty and inspiring sight, as II
wound down the hillside into the fuller
view Of the audience.
An altar TO the gods had been erected
and statues peeped here and there among
the foliage. Musicians concealed from
view furnished the strains of a majestic
march. and the evolutions Of the actors
in their flowing robes. bearing their
branches Of green on high and their Of
ferings TO Apollo, were most interesting.
The picturesqueness Of the scene made
one sorry when it was all over. but the
lengthening shadows from the oaks and
the willows gave warning that the sun
was setting and that the revels must
come TO an end
Worthy of Praise
Much praise is due all concerned in this
Greek festival. To Mrs Barney whose
conception IL was, and 20 Mrs. Barber
and those who helped 70 adorn the face
of nature TO just the right extent, and
not one whit too much. Mrs. Barney.
who danced the Narcissus dance. in
which she has not before appeared in
public. was much applauded.
All the dancers, the young ladies and
gentlemen. the boys and girls, and the
little tots. displayed a commendable zeal
TO keep within the picture. as though
they fully realized it's beauty and import
Neighborhood House. which benefited
by this performance. is a lucky institu-