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Show 216 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. amusement; they were rather masters in morality, and the first instructors of mankind. This consideration will, doubtless, separate from the romantic school every person of credit, that otherwise, perhaps, would not have perceived its fatal and lamentable consequences. The above cited author says elsewhere, " It (the romantic) certainly affords specimens of charming compositions, and I could wish to applaud them ; but they are always inferior to the great classic productions. The strain of the Syrens is not equal to the song of the Muses." The romantic class is of a mixed nature, it embraces almost every style, for every object in nature becomes the property of the poet of romance. Taste or art is rarely employed in the choice or embellishment of subjects of this description. If, however, this medley were generally treated as it is by certain authors, it would have an effect infinitely more agreeable and interesting, considering its great variety and striking contrasts. A fruitful imagination should ever place before it the image of the beau ideal, without which, as it has been shown, the descent into the absurd and ridiculous is easy and immediate. As models, I would rather propose certain works of its followers, than the system itself. They should be followed with taste and discretion. It is impossible that a production truly romantic can be a model in all its parts ; it ever presents a great disparily of objects ; notwithstanding, parts maybe found of great utility to the artist. There are many critics and innovators who give the preference to this style above all other kind of dramatic composition; accusing classic authors, who keep within the bounds of reason, of being sterile, flat and cold. May it not be said that these critics resemble Demonatus, who, being opposed to the laws of a certain state, first declared them useless, and then, by consequence, superfluous ? |