July 1822

. . . The grand object of the Drama is to claim the aiFections by awakening . . . sympathy. ; It represents an accumulation of human wo with gorgeous pomp to move the pity and indignation of a susceptible audience. Its triumph is com- plete, when the passions of the multitude, which naturally move in unison, at last aid each other to some general utterance, and consent to the weakness of feelings, which in an individual would be ridiculous. From the Theatre, then, drive out the buyers and sellers of corruption who have made it a den of vice, and make it an Oracle of those opinions and sentiments which multiply and strengthen the bonds of society.