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Show lb*6 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. It is not possible to atone for the horror and disgust inspired by these monstrous dramas, by any object they may finally tend to, whether useful or pleasing. I can compare such compositions to nothing but those hideous masks among the ancients, known by the name of Mormo-licia, whose very name, according to Esichius and some others, pronounced by nurses and governesses, was sufficient to inspire children with dread. The greater part of these productions, indeed, contain neither solidity nor truth, and are only calculated, like the Mormolicia, to frighten children and women. In searching for subjects, therefore, among historians and poets, we should reject the atrocious deeds recorded in the former, and avoid imitating the reprehensible subjects exhibited by the latter. Exclude every subject, the nature of which will not allow of the introduction of dancing, and in which dancing would seem misplaced and ridiculous. ^Eschylus, who was the father of tragedy, never stained the scene with blood ; a conduct, the wise moderation of which can be never enough admired. This mighty genius, while occupied in creating the drama, knew how to restrain the flights of his imagination. He discovered and tried every means of arriving at theatrical perfection. Horace also, as may be seen by our motto-the great lawgiver of Parnassus-condemns sanguinary deeds; he firmly forbids such an exhibition as Medea murdering her children; or the detestable butcher Atreus, preparing human flesh. One of the commentators on this poet says, that his precept is founded in nature and in reason; for that it is sufficient to excite terror and not horror; the heart is not amended by exhibitions of blood and murder, but by pathetic distress. This is in some measure only a repetition of the principles laid down by Aristotle. Let u* now hear what that great philosopher delivers, who is |