| Citation |
BEP(F.752.020
13 Jul 1752:11,12 (882)
From the Reflector. Of Decency and Fashion. Men commonly
call that decent, which agrees with the mode, or custom
prevailing in their own country; and that indecent which
disagrees with the mode. The Lacedemonians discountenanced
some of the sciences, particularly music, which the rest of
Greece held in esteem. Epaminondas was a great performer in
music; but when an instrument was offered to
[Adocn]istocles, at a feast, requesting him to play; he
either being unable or unwilling refused; whence the company
took him for very unaccomplished, or highly uncivil. . .
[4th para.]
Cicero's judgment is, that "men may use recreations and
diversions, provided it be done with moderation." The great
Scipio was not ashamed to dance. Sempronia indeed was
censure, not for dancing, but for dancing too well. And in
this view it was, that Philip of Macedon said to his son,
"Are you not ashamed to sing so well ?" not thereby
condemning singing, but the too great pains which Alexander
had bestowed upon music. Doubtless it is as absurd to
forbid the use of innocent things, as to command it: yet
this has been done; particularly under James the First:
for, the King observing the Puritans stiffly condemned
pastimes, ordered all his subjects at certain hours of the
Sunday, should sport and play; with a penalty annexed, that
those who did not, should be looked upon as bad Christians.
. . [5 more paras.]
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