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Show 206 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. with the measure of the air, and being obliged also to fly over the stage in diverse directions,his steps must absolutely become pas dansans, that is to say, pas de bour4e, des chass4s, des contre-tems, des glissades, fyc. It is easy to imagine what would be the laughable effect of Pantomime thus executed. What would be more ridiculous than to see the most important characters, such as heroes and divinities, dancing with rapidity at a time when interest should be raised by gentler and pathetic action ? Composers who would exhibit Pantomime in this style, are defective even in those gestures and positions they pretend to execute by extravagance of method. H o w widely different is this affectation from a true imitation of nature ! It is impossible that an actor, constrained to observe the rules of such a system, can express himself with grace or ease ; nor can he find any opportunity to give vent to the feelings that agitate him. His spirits receive a damp, and his gesture partakes of the same quality, and he performs his part ineffectually. This new method, indeed, considered in its most advantageous light, and even when sustained by talent, must ever appear paltry and insignificant, producing only the effect of a puppet set in motion by wires. To such a pass must a performer come, who falls into the hands of a composer of this class, that would bind him to observe the rules of this school, in order that he might, as it were, sacrifice him to this extravagant idol of innovation.-Follow rather the rules of truth and beauty : " i' vo' credere a' sembianti, Che soglion effere testimon del core.'' DANTE*7. |