splay of beauty and artificial
decoration than almost any other recreation; for nothing can be more
splendid than a brilliantly illuminated and well-filled ball-room.
Dancing among the middle classes of society is equally mirthful though
not of so ostentatious a character, and it is a question whether the
latter, being free from the alloy of fashionable follies, are not more
exhilarated by sweet sounds than their wealthy superiors. But the
mushroom aristocracy and pride of purse often operate as checks to the
enjoyment of both these classes; and splendid dancing accommodations
sometimes put an end to the amusement. At Dorking, in Surrey, attached
to one of the inns is a ball-room, which cost the builder L12,000, and
here is one, or at most three balls during the year, while at scores
of places within our recollection, of less consequence, there are
monthly and even weekly balls; and we are inclined to think these
periodical recreations of great importance to the happiness of country
towns. But there is a species of intoxication sometimes arising
from them--that of dancing all night, to suffer from exhaustion and
rheumatism on the following day--an evil easy of remedy, by such
amusements being more frequent and less protracted. The influence
on the character of the people would probably be that of rendering
it more even, from the admixture or reciprocation of pleasure and
business being more proportional. This plan would get rid of much of
the ostentation and expense of a country ball, and would ultimately
prove the best antidote to the sins of scandal.

As we have spoken of public dancing in the time of Henry VII., we will
show that the enormous sums paid to _artists_ have nourished their
conceit to an alarming height. Pitrot, the Vestris of his day, was a
consummate specimen of this effrontery. At Vienna, he chose to appear
only in the last act of the ballet. The emperor desired him to come
forth at the end of the first; Pitrot refused; the court left the
opera, and then Pitrot told the dancers they would have a hop by
themselves, which they did. However, this was forgiven; and, at his
departure, he was presented with the emperor's picture, set with
brilliants. Pitrot received it with _sang froid_, pressed his thumb
upon the crystal, crushed the picture to pieces, adding, "Thus I treat
men not worthy of my friendship." This fellow behaved equally ill
in France, Prussia, and Russia; but, at length, scouted by all his
p