ON EXERCISES. 363 



other equivalent terms , and finding themfelves 

 cmbarrafled by the indigence of modern lan- 

 guages, and the diverfity of our cuftoms, have 

 expreilcd them by the words dance and danc- 

 ing , though thefe convey an idea far more con- 

 lined. \Ve may, moreover, very eafily con- 

 ceive, that the theatric declamation, as well for 

 the voice as the geiture, might be exprefied by 

 notes on a fcale, and that after the manner of 

 mufic they might prcfcribe the elevation of the 

 voice, or the motion of the hands, by the placing 

 of thele notes, and determine their duration by 

 proper marks. Our modern chorographies (of 

 which we (hall prefently fpeak) moreover con- 

 firm this idea. 



VI. But without making further inquiry after 

 matters that are now quite out of ufe, and con- 

 fequcntly objects of mere curiofity, let us exa- 

 mine the nature of modern dancing, by which 

 we underftand " the art of exprefling the fen- 

 timents of the mind, or the paflions, by mea- 

 furcd (leps or bounds that are made in cadence, 

 by regulated motions of the body, and by grace- 

 ful geftures ; all performed to the found of mu- 

 fical inftruments, or of the voice :" and which 

 forms at once an exercifc agreeable to the per- 

 former, and pleafing to the Ipe&ator. For we 

 mud not imagine with the vulgar, that dancing 

 confifts of a jumble of freaks and gambols. 

 The dances of people of education always ex- 

 prefs fome idea : and it was laid of Mile. Sail"-, 



with 



