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Show 168 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. The muses themselves will explain this in the following lines, imitated from Hesiod:- " W h e n we the magic of our art apply, With truth's appearance, we can paint a lie; But by that art we can delight inspire, By showing simple truth in plain attire." If a historical event happens to be so related as to be susceptible of becoming a subject for a poem or a picture, the poet or the painter would employ himself upon the work, each making use of his peculiar powers, inventing certain additional circumstances, contrasts, situations, &c. W h e n Le Brun painted the battles of Alexander, he found in history the action, the actors, and the scene of action; but, at the same time, with what invention, what poetry did he adorn his work ; what design, what attitudes, and what expression ! All these are the creation of his genius; they are indeed models14." T h e Grand Ballet d Action, or serious Ballet, must be principally modelled on tragedy; but must be less gloomy, substituting more cheerful traits for the latter quality. T h e picture should be " Vrai, mais flatted tel qu'il est, mais en beau." BERNARD. Corneille and other French tragedians, with Metasta-sio, were always of a contrary opinion to that which allowed of sanguinary exhibitions. Neither is there any authority for effecting the catastrophe of a tragedy by blood and murder, which can only then be admitted when the subject absolutely requires it. There are excellent tragedies that are quite free from scenes of horror; this exalted department of the drama may, in short, be composed without such assistance. If the critics, who are the guardians of Parnassus, have obliged even men of |
