On the contrary, it
gives me a just indignation to see a person whose action gives new
majesty to kings, resolution to heroes, and softness to lovers, thus
sinking from the greatness of his behaviour, and degraded into the
character of the London Prentice. I have often wished that our
tragedians would copy after this great master in action. Could they
make the same use of their arms and legs, and inform their faces
with as significant looks and passions, how glorious would an
English tragedy appear with that action which is capable of giving a
dignity to the forced thoughts, cold conceits, and unnatural
expressions of an Italian opera! In the meantime, I have related
this combat of the lion to show what are at present the reigning
entertainments of the politer part of Great Britain.
Audiences have often been reproached by writers for the coarseness
of their taste; but our present grievance does not seem to be the
want of a good taste, but of common sense.
WOMEN AND WIVES.
Parva leves capiunt animos. -
OVID, Ars Am., i. 159.
Light minds are pleased with trifles.
When I was in France, I used to gaze with great astonishment at the
splendid equipages, and party-coloured habits of that fantastic
nation. I was one day in particular contemplating a lady that sat
in a coach adorned with gilded Cupids, and finely painted with the
Loves of Venus and Adonis.
Pages:
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39