Collier, Jeremy (1650-1726)

A Short View of the Immorality, and Profaneness of the English Stage

London

Printed for S. Keble, R. Sare, and H. Hindmarsh

1698

"People love to see their Passions painted no less than their Persons: And like Narcissus are apt to dote on their own Image."

This Subject is generally treated Home, and in the most tender and passionate manner imaginable. Tis often the governing Concern: The Incidents make way, and the Plot turns upon't. As matters go, the Company expect it: And it may be the Poets can neither Write, nor Live without it. This is a cunning way enough of stealing upon the Blind Side, and Practising upon the Weakness of humane Nature. People love to see their Passions painted no less than their Persons: And like Narcissus are apt to dote on their own Image. This Bent of self Admiration recommends the Business of Amours, and engages the Inclination. And which is more, these Love-representations oftentimes call up the Spirits, and set them on work. The Play is acted over again in the Scene of Fancy, and the first Imitation becomes a Model. Love has generally a Party Within; And when the Wax is prepared, the Impression is easily made. Thus the Disease of the Stage grows Catching: It throws its own Amours among the Company, and forms these Passions when it does not find them. And when they are born before, they thrive extreamly in this Nursery. Here they seldom fail either of Grouth, or Complexion.
(p. 281)

Visual Arts::Painting

EEBO-TCP

9 entries in ESTC (1698, 1699, 1728, 1730, 1738).

See A Short View of the Immorality, and Profaneness of the English Stage Together With the Sense of Antiquity Upon This Argument (London: Printed for S. Keble, R. Sare, and H. Hindmarsh, 1698). <Link to EEBO-TCP>

10/01/2013