Languages & literature > Abridgement of lectures on rhetoric

DRAMATIC POETRY.
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and touches the heart. It pleafes not fo much by the
laughter, it excites, as by the tears of affe&ion and joy,
which it draws forth.
This form of comedy was oppofed in France, as an
nnjuftifiable innovation. It was cbje&ed by critics,
that it was not founded on laughter and ridicule. But
it is not neceffary, that all comedies be formed on one
precife model. Some may be gay; fome ferious ; and
fome may partake of both qualities. Serious and ten¬
der comedy has no right to exclude gaiety and ridi¬
cule from the llage. There are materials for both;
and the ftage -is richer for the innovation. In gen¬
eral it may be Confidered, as a mark of increafing po-
litenefs and refinement, when thofe theatrical exhibi¬
tions become fafhionable, which are free from indeli¬
cate fentiment and an immoral tendency.
FINIS.