| Citation |
PC.767.072
13-20 Apr 1767:491 (1/13)
[Continuation of "The Absolute Unlawfulness of the Stage-
Entertainment Fully Demonstrated. . . ]
I shall now make a reflection or two upon the present
celebrated entertainment of the state, which is so much to
the taste of this Christian country, that it has been acted
almost every night for a whole season, I mean Apollo and
Daphne. . . [1 column complaining of sensual character,
description of song by Venus and Diana.]
Now if a common prostitute was to come drunk out of a
brandy-shop singing these words, she would act like herself.
No one could say that she had forgot her character, or was
singing one way, and living another. . . [1/2 column]
No; they [the "pagans"] paid her [Venus] such a devotion,
as the stage now does; they call'd upon her in lewd songs,
and prais'd her, in praising the pleasures of lust and
impurity, in rejoicing in her mighty power, and celebrated
her pleasures, as the true sweets which life improve.
These women go on thus:
Dian. Still to languish
Ven. With sweet anguish,
Softly sighing,
Murm'ring, dying,
Are th' immortal gifts of love.
Here music and voices, as wanton as the words, are
employ'd to make a deeper impression on the hearts of the
audience. Here enter Bacchus, Pan and Silenus, attended
with Satyrs, Fawns and Sylvans. . .
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