nophon tells us of some
wonderful effects of the Grecian dances, and how they moved
and expressed the passions. We have now lost the perfection
of that art; all that remains, is only what is necessary to
give a handsome action and airs to a young gentleman. This
ought not to be neglected, because upon the external figure
and appearance, depends often the regard we have to the
internal qualities of the mind. A graceful behaviour, in the
house of Lords or Commons, commands the attention of a whole
assembly."

And most certainly in this last allegation of advantage to be
obtained by a competent skill, or at least tincture of the art,
the Chevalier Ramsay, has not exagerated its utility. Quintilian
has recommended it, especially in early years, when the limbs
are the most pliable, for procuring that so necessary
accomplishment, in the formation of orators gesture: observing
withall, that where that is not becoming, nothing else hardly
pleases.

But even independent of that consideration, nothing is more
generally confessed, than that this branch of breeding qualifies
persons for presenting themselves with a good grace. To whom can
it be unknown that a favorable prepossession at the first sight
is often of the highest advantage; and that the power of first
impressions is not easily surmountable?

In assemblies or places of public resort, when we see a person
of a genteel carriage or presence, he attracts our regard and
liking, whether he be a foreigner or one of this country. At
court, even a graceful address, and an air of ease, will more
distinguish a man from the croud, than the richest cloaths that
money may purchase; but can never give that air to be acquired
only by education.

There are indeed who, from indolence or self-sufficiency, affect
a sort of carelessness in their gait, as disdaining to be
obliged to any part of their education, for their external
appearance, which they abandon to itself under the notion of its
being natural, free, and easy.

But while they avoid, as they imagine, the affectation of
over-nicety, they run into that of a vicious extreme of
negligence, which proves nothing but either a deficiency of
breeding, or if not that, a high opinion of themselves, with
what is not at all unconsequential to that, a contempt of
others.

Such are certainly much mistaken, if they imagine that an art,
which is principally designed to correct defects, should leave
so capital an one