| Citation |
BPB.739.007
26 Feb 1739:11,12,21 (228)
From a later magazine, caution recommended in the choice of
our diversions. . . The first winter Farinelli adorn'd the
British stage, there was not a Mercer's wife, from Charing
Cross to the top of [New]gate Hill, who did not run to the
Hay Market with the profits of the day in order to yaun over
musick they had [no] relish for and to listen to language
they do not understand. But the desire of seeming to be
diverted carried them there so often that, without any real
liking for operas, several of them were an[gry] if they did
not spend at least one evening in the week there. But
thanks to fashion, which reduced this ridiculous diversion,
in complaisance to a very few who were really delighted with
musick, there is no longer need of doing pennance there, in
order to be thought a [] of pleasure; that exotick taste is
grown again out of V[] and a lady may now confess, that she
prefers a good English play to an Italian opera, without
raising the indignation of the [tea]
. . . [3 columns] He knew when to take advantage. The
novelty of the entertainment, the gaiety of the place, the
dancing, the masque, all equally conspired to assist him. .
.
the contrast between the instrumental musick in the middle
of the grove, and the natural harmony of the woods, in the
more retired parts, render the whole a very agreeable
amusement. . .
As for the honest citizens, who carry their wive and
families there for an evening's entertainment, I would by no
means stint in their diversions; upon condition, that the
good lady promises not to fall too much in love with musick,
nor teaze her husband next winter to carry her to the opera.
. .
Under these restraints I can admit it for a passa tempo, and
am glad fashion has introduced one so reasonable. [signed]
A.Z.
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