ure in its proper Dignity_.

TATLER, No. 198.

It is not to be imagined how great an effect well-disposed lights, with
proper forms, and orders in assemblies, have upon some tempers, I am
sure I feel it in so extraordinary a manner, that I cannot in a day or
two get out of my imagination any very beautiful or disagreeable
impression which I receive on such occasions. For this reason I
frequently look in at the play-house, in order to enlarge my thoughts,
and warm my mind with some new ideas, that may be serviceable to me in
my lucubrations.

1. In this disposition I entered the theatre the other day, and placed
myself in a corner of it, very convenient for seeing, without being
myself observed. I found the audience hushed in a very deep attention,
and did not question but some noble tragedy was just then in its crisis,
or that an incident was to be unravelled which would determine the fate
of an hero. While I was in this suspense, expecting every moment to see
my old friend Mr. _Bitterton_ appear in all the majesty of distress, to
my unspeakable amazement, there came up a monster with a face between
his feet; and, as I was looking on, he raised himself on one leg in such
a perpendicular posture, that the other grew in a direct line above his
head.

2. It afterwards twisted itself into the motions and wreathings of
several different animals, and, after great variety of shapes and
transformations, went off the stage in the figure of a human creature.
The admiration, the applause, the satisfaction of the audience, during
this strange entertainment, is not to be expressed. I was very much out
of countenance for my dear countrymen, and looked about with some
apprehension, for fear any foreigner should be present.

3. Is it possible, thought I, that human nature can rejoice in its
disgrace, and take pleasure in seeing its own figure turned into
ridicule, and distorted into forms that raise horror and aversion? There
is something disingenuous and immoral in the being able to bear such a
sight. Men of elegant and noble minds are shocked at the seeing
characters of persons who deserve esteem for their virtue, knowledge, or
services to their country, placed in wrong lights, and by
misrepresentations made the subject of buffoonery.

4. Such a nice abhorrence is not, indeed, to be found among the vulgar;
but methinks it is wonderful, that those, who have nothing but the
outward figure to distinguish them as men, should delig