| Citation |
BEP(P.781.025
15 Dec 1781:31,32 (1/9)
The Abbot Sylvester. A Russian Tale.
. . . [Czar of Russia encouraging English styles] therefore
instituted festivals, in commemoration of victories
obtained, and glorious events which had happened in his
empire. At these, all persons of character and decency were
to be present, while those of loose manners were as strictly
forbidden. He procured musicians, and caused his subjects
to be taught to move gracefully, and in exact measure to the
notes of harmony. And soon with a rapturous satisfaction,
beheld in the dance, the strong features of dignified
virtue, and a heavenly combination of beauty and innocence,
sparkling in each Assembly. The men, who before had beheld
the woman with no other sensation than what is common with
brutes, now became the ambitious protectors of their fame
and virtue. Sciences glowed through the nation, the arts
flourished, the court grew splendidly superb, the subjects
grew sentimental, polite, rich and happy. . .
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