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Show T H E COMPOSITION OF BALLETS. 227 Moliere, the father of modern comedy, is the most perfect of comic poets. To the composer of Ballets, he presents an extensive field for study, and his pieces may be turned to great account in the pursuit of this object. The design, conduct, and characters of these excellent comedies should be most carefully examined : they are pictures of nature. The numberless traits of genuine comedy with which the writings of this great man abound cannot be too deeply studied. The author of the Tartuffe and the Misantrope is more delicate, elegant, correct, and even more decorous (at least in his higher comedies) than Goldoni. He is also more universal, learned, and finished than the Italian writer; but the latter seems to surpass him in invention; in Goldoni, there is indeed to be found an astonishing variety of subject and intrigue. He is always true and natural, and appears to paint by inspiration. On whatever subject he is occupied, he treats it with a certain delightful facility ; nothing can embarrass or obstruct his course ; and the fountain of his ideas appears inexhaustible. Several of his pieces, which have deservedly attained a brilliant celebrity, are founded upon very unimportant subjects. It was, perhaps, this great facility of imitation which gave him a disinclination for correcting and perfecting his comedies, which may, therefore, be regarded rather as sketches than finished pictures ; but, it may be added, they are the sketches of a great master. Moliere surpasses his rival of Italy in the composition of his pieces, in what may be termed elevated comedy, particularly in his method of writing, and in the energy of his versification. In this department of his art he is infinitely superior to the Italian poet. Goldoni paints with fire and truth, and his humorous scenes are replete with a sly gaiety. His comedies present perfect pictures of vice |