B00830:41
A brief treatise, concerning the use and abuse of dancing. Collected out of the…A briefe treatise, concerning the vse and abuse of dauncing. Collected oute of the…
A brief treatise, concerning the use and abuse of dancing. Collected out of the learned works of the most excellent dean doctor, Peter Martyr, by paister Rob Massonius: and translated into English by I.K.A briefe treatise, concerning the vse and abuse of dauncing. Collected oute of the learned workes of the most excellent deaine doctour, Peter Martyr, by paister Rob Massonius: and translated into English by I.K.
London: printed by John Jugge, 1580London: printed by Iohn Iugge, 1580
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The unclean and filthy kind I omit to speak of, because it is manifestly condemned by the laws. The exercise in harness and that which was showed by signs, may serve to some use in the common wealth: but to our purpose they pertain not. Wherefore of the peaceable and placable sort, shall somewhat be said in this place, how far forth it may be lawful, when for rejoicing sake it is used.
The vncleane and filthy kinde I omit to speake of, because it is manefestslye condemned by the lawes. The exercise in harnes and that which was shewed by signes, maye serue to some vse in the common wealth: but to our purpose they perteine not. Wherefore of the peceable and placable sorte, shall somewhat be sayde in thys place, howe farre foorth it maye be lawefull, when for reioycinge sake it is vsed.
This kind of exercise seemeth to me of it own nature neither vicious nor to be prohibited, forasmuch as agility and nimbleness of the body, is the gift of God: and if there be added some art, that the body be moved with decency, just pace, & comeliness, I see not why it ought to be reprehended, so it be done in due season, moderately and without offence. For as it is lawful to singe, & use singing to give thanks to god, & celebrate his praises: ⟨image 24⟩So likewise moderate dancing to testify our joy and gladness.1 David doubtless danced openly before the Ark.
This kinde of exercise séemeth to me of it owne nature neither vitiouse nor to be prohibited, for asmuche as agillitye and nimblenesse of the boddye, is the gifte of God: and if there be added some arte, that the boddye be mooued with decencye, iust pace, & comlines, I see not why it ought to be reprehended, so it be done in due season, moderatly and without offence. For as it is lawfull to singe, & vse singinge to giue thanks to god, & celebrat his praises: ⟨image 24⟩