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Show 236 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. on observing where the fillet binds their hair behind, it may be seen that their charming faces are but masks; from this aperture, visages of the most hideous description can be discovered. This deceptive troop hasten to meet the traveller; they smile on him, carress him, and take his hand, " Lovely pilgrim," say they, " behold the way to pleasure ; so come with us." H e follows. Wretched youth ! they are the Vices. Very little alteration would be required to transfer the action of this piece to the theatre, in the Ballet form ; the allegory has already been well dramatized in a lyrical tragedy, by Metastasio.-(See Alcide al Biviow.) The Ballet-master should know how to adapt such subjects to the theatre, and to bend them, as it were, to his purpose. A poetical description, also, can furnish a composer with ideas, and aid him in the selection of characteristic scenery. The objects of representation should be chosen with taste, and constructed with art. The author should study the peculiar taste of that public for which he labours, and which it is his duty to please. The natives of certain countries think slightly of their own national productions, and laboriously search for whatever is foreign ; others, on the contrary, despise every thing that is not of " home manufacture." Certain characters and events have, however, invariably been received with universal respect. Such as those illustrious men, and celebrated deeds, which are enshrined in the works of the best and most accredited historians ; they are of all times and all countries. From these the composers may select with great advantage ; for in them spectators of all nations may be interested. |