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Literary
November 17, 1840
Southport Telegraph
Kenosha, Southport, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
What is this article about?
An allegorical essay portraying human life as a dance, where virtues and vices perform various steps, love pairs partners, hope enlivens the scene, and time ends the merriment. Begins with a quote from Abernethy on mirth prolonging life. Published in Bentley's Miscellany.
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OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
THE DANCE OF LIFE
"Mirth and motion prolong life."-Abernethy.
Human life is a mere dance-the nursery of a ball-room! Old maids and bachelors for want of partners, are compelled to exhibit in a pas seul. Knavery practices the shuffle, while pride, prudence, and experience, are professors of the art of cutting. Courage teaches the "en avant," and discretion ("the better part of valor") the "en arriere."
Some are happy in their choice of "partners;" while many are doomed to go through the whole "dance with the dowerless and disagreeable Miss-Fortunes and Miss-Chances. The ambitious and would-be-great are continually struggling to show off in a particular "set;" but, notwithstanding the pains they take in their "steps," frequently experience mortification of a "dos-a-dos," where they are anxiously exerting all their efforts for a smiling "vis-a-vis."
These are the "ups and downs" of the "dance." The "lords of the creation," with few exceptions, are very awkward & ungainly; while "lovely woman" is most generally perfect in the "figure."
Love is generally "master of the ceremonies," but, being rather pur-blind, makes the most ridiculous mistakes in introducing "partners;" and, although Avarice (who officiates in the higher circles) is lynx-eyed, he commits as many errors in "coupling" the company as his coadjutor.
Hope illuminates the "festive scene," and away they bound on the "light fantastic toe,"-hands across-down the middle up again-til Time steps in, and throws a damp upon their merriment-the piper stops for "want of breath," and-the dance ends!
Bentley's Miscellany
"Mirth and motion prolong life."-Abernethy.
Human life is a mere dance-the nursery of a ball-room! Old maids and bachelors for want of partners, are compelled to exhibit in a pas seul. Knavery practices the shuffle, while pride, prudence, and experience, are professors of the art of cutting. Courage teaches the "en avant," and discretion ("the better part of valor") the "en arriere."
Some are happy in their choice of "partners;" while many are doomed to go through the whole "dance with the dowerless and disagreeable Miss-Fortunes and Miss-Chances. The ambitious and would-be-great are continually struggling to show off in a particular "set;" but, notwithstanding the pains they take in their "steps," frequently experience mortification of a "dos-a-dos," where they are anxiously exerting all their efforts for a smiling "vis-a-vis."
These are the "ups and downs" of the "dance." The "lords of the creation," with few exceptions, are very awkward & ungainly; while "lovely woman" is most generally perfect in the "figure."
Love is generally "master of the ceremonies," but, being rather pur-blind, makes the most ridiculous mistakes in introducing "partners;" and, although Avarice (who officiates in the higher circles) is lynx-eyed, he commits as many errors in "coupling" the company as his coadjutor.
Hope illuminates the "festive scene," and away they bound on the "light fantastic toe,"-hands across-down the middle up again-til Time steps in, and throws a damp upon their merriment-the piper stops for "want of breath," and-the dance ends!
Bentley's Miscellany
What sub-type of article is it?
Allegory
Essay
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
Love Romance
Death Mortality
What keywords are associated?
Life Dance
Metaphorical Partners
Love Ceremonies
Hope Time
Social Vices
Literary Details
Title
The Dance Of Life
Subject
"Mirth And Motion Prolong Life." Abernethy.
Key Lines
Human Life Is A Mere Dance The Nursery Of A Ball Room!
Love Is Generally "Master Of The Ceremonies," But, Being Rather Pur Blind, Makes The Most Ridiculous Mistakes In Introducing "Partners;"
Hope Illuminates The "Festive Scene," And Away They Bound On The "Light Fantastic Toe," Hands Across Down The Middle Up Again Til Time Steps In, And Throws A Damp Upon Their Merriment The Piper Stops For "Want Of Breath," And The Dance Ends!