| Citation |
PC.767.182
2-9 Nov 1767:1651, 1652, 1653 (1/42)
Though it should be granted that the large and liberal
expenses continued on stage-plays, by the inhabitants of
Philadelphia, are as certain a proof of their great opulence
and leisure, as the late introduction of these diversions
into this young province, is a clear indication of the taste
and judgement of many of its principal magistrates and
leading persons, . . . [2 1/2 column "short historical
observations on Theatrical Entertainments in preceding
times, " chiefly within the experience of the ancient
Greeks, including the following:]
The invention of comedies is generally attributed to the
Athenians, who composed plays in honour of Bacchus, the God
of their vineyards; and though some derive the original of
both comedies and tragedies from Homer, yet Horace ascribes
the tragic invention to Thespis, an Athenian, about two
thousand three hundred years ago; . . .
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