| Citation |
WR.731.002
11 Oct 1731:11,12 (3)
Sir, If you would allow the following performance a place in
your paper . . . [2 lines, signed:] W.X.
Having a long while consider'd the circumstances of man, I
have been able to discover but two things that can
reasonably employ the cares of a wise man. The first is the
study of virtue, which makes the man of honour; and the
second the management of life, which renders him contented,
if possible; or less unhappy, if he can't absolutely
disengage himself from misfortunes. . . . [30 lines in 2
paras.]
Neither the conversation of a gentleman, and a man of
honour, which is my first satisfaction, neither the
delicacys of an entertainment, nor the charms of music,
which make the most sensible delights, have ever yielded me
the pleasures my imagination promis'd . . . [4 lines].
The divertisement of drammatic pieces which the whole
world runs after, has it ever imparted any real delights to
their open & profess'd admirers? For my own part, I have
seen an infinity of them, but not without uneasiness. And
the most fine, which seem'd to ravish every body, have had
no other influence upon my mind, than to make me pensive for
the misfortune of some heroine, whose sufferings were at an
end; a thing that disturb'd me; or for those of some
imaginary hero whose fictitious griefs extorted real tears;
a thing that fill'd me with indignation against my self.
Neither the beauty of our Tuilleries, that enchant every
eye, neither the grandeur of a court, shining with the most
superb equipage, nor the most brilliant assemblys of the
finest personages ; nor show, nor balls, nor art, nor
luxury, nor riches can yield content to any man acquainted
with the world.
They who are seldom present at shows, are astonish'd with
'em, and can't beat the power of those great diversions.
Those that frequent 'em, are insensible of them: and all
together, whether with transport of dulness, are incapable
of relishing their charms with any tranquility. They that in
the abundance of every thing flatter their senses, with what
they can find most exquisite, don't they give proofs of
uneasiness in their very pleasures, complaining that the
multitude of delights renders them [ ]ocious.
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