| Citation |
VGW(HU.768.104
1 Sep 1768:41 (902)
ON DANCING.
Your cynick sages, dull, unpolish'd fellows,
With formal cant, and rigid satire, tell us
That dancing is an idle wanton fashion.
The vain amusement of as vain a nation;
That women should avoid such tempting schools,
And only move by frozen virtue rules.
I own their sober maxims partly right;
Virtue's a gem with native lustre bright.
But, polish'd, shines with a superiour light.
Let rosy youth embloom the sprightly lair,
And beauty mould her with a lover's care;
If motion to the whole denies its grace,
In vain would beauty recommend a face:
With blunted charms, and unavailing eyes,
Such aukward maids relinquish beauty's prize.
'Tis dancing only heightens every charm,
And gives each feature double power to warm;
Like Goddesses it learns us how to move,
And adds a Juno to the Queen of love.
At balls gay Cupid takes his favourite stand,
And gives the blushing fair to Hymen's hand;
Glad Hymen woos the virgin into wife,
And leads her through the various dance of life;
That partner lost, and age advancing on,
We truly say our dancing days are done.
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