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Show 190 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. CHAPTER XVI. ON DECORATIONS. '.' Loin les ornemens froids, les details superflus, Tout ce qu 'on peint de trop pese sur le tissus." LEMIERRE. ARISTOTLE recommends embellishment, and, indeed, productions of importance stand in need of such an addition. A theatrical representation, to be complete, requires decorations, properties, and costume ; for though acting and declamation may be fine, and singing charming, they still stand in need of these powerful and palpable illusions. D'Alembert justly remarks, h o w small and faint is the dramatic charm that is exhibited at the performance of French tragedies. Those productions, though of a noble nature, can never produce the effect intended, unassisted as they are by theatrical embellishment. It is an easy matter to dazzle the multitude by too great a display of machinery and ornament ; and when these are not required by the subject, I feel justified in treating them with contempt; with respect to the Ballet, it is rather on pantomimic expression, and on dancing, that I would rest m y claim to approbation; and from the proper application of these two arts I dare augur entire success. I should not seek merely to satisfy the eye, I would attempt also to touch the heart, and good Panto- |