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Show 112 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. Ballets, which, however, are continually performed at theatres of the first rank. Gesture is the earliest sort of language which man acquires from nature. Children and savages make use of it, for the purpose of supplying their wants. It is a means of communicating the ideas and the sentiments of those who talk different languages, and is, in fact, a resource for such unfortunate beings as are deprived of the faculties of hearing and speaking. What a subject then, for exciting an interest in this imitative art, and for its cultivation ! " Pantomime," says a great master of the fine arts, " expresses with rapidity the movements of the soul-it is the language of all nations-of all ages-and of all occasions ; it portrays, more perfectly even than speech itself, extreme grief, or excessive joy." The ardent mind of Diderot knew how to appreciate this natural expression, and he lavished upon it all due eulogium. The following beautiful lines will perhaps convey a still clearer idea of the importance of our subject:- " Negli occhi, ove il sembiante piu si ficca." DANTE. " E cio che lingua esprimer ben non puote, Muta eloquenza ne' suoi gesti espresse.'' L E TASSE. " Words (when the poet would your soul engage) Are the mere garnish of an idle stage. When passion rages, eloquence is mean ; Gestures and looks best speak the moving scene." Prologue to Busiris.-YOI:NG. " His rude expression and untutoi'd airs, Beyond the pow'r of language, will unfold The form of beauty, smiling at his heart; H o w lovely ! how commanding! AKENSIDE. Independently of the natural gestures, it is known that the figurative and symbolical language of motions, com- |