| Citation |
NYGWPB.767.050
10 Dec 1767:11,12,13 (1301)
The Mirror. (Numb. 5)
. . . [essay addressing issues raised in previous numbers,
including the following in column 2:]
In the play-house all is bustle and confusion; the
scenery, the musick, the audience, all conspire to divert
his attention; his passions are inflamed by the actual
representation of objects introduced for that purpose, his
spirits are in a perpetual flutter, and his judgement either
overwhelmed, or biased by a thousand different emotions. . .
[1/2 column on the history of the theatre.]
For my part I don't know that the stage has any such
tendence, and if it had, I cannot see the propriety of
urging this as an argument in its favour to a people, who
cannot with the least appearance of justice be charged with
ill manners. I am ignorant of any reason that justify such
an insinuation, and am surprized that the gentleman should
think the inhabitants of New-York, so little acquainted with
politeness and good breeding, as to render it necessary to
sent them to a play-house (like little masters and misses to
a dancing-school) to learn to make a bow or a curtsey, and
to treat one another with civility and respect. [signed]
Palaemon.
|