The next in order were the dramatic entertainments, of which there were three kinds. First; comedy, which was a representation of common life, written in a familiar style, and usually with a happy issue: the design of it was, to expose vice and folly to ridicule.
Second; tragedy, or the representation of some one serious and important action; in which illustrious persons are introduced as heroes, kings, &c. written in an elevated style, and generally with an unhappy issue.
The great end of tragedy was to excite the passions; chiefly pity and horror: to inspire a love of virtue, and an abhorrence of vice.
The Roman tragedy and comedy differed from ours only in the chorus: this was a company of actors who usually remained on the stage singing and conversing on the subject in the intervals of the acts.
Pantomimes, or representations of dumb show, where the actors expressed every thing by their dancing and gestures, without speaking.
Those who were most approved, received crowns, &c. as at other games; at first composed of leaves or flowers, tied round the head with strings, afterwards of thin plates of brass gilt.
The scenery was concealed by a curtain, which, contrary to the modern custom, was drawn down when the play began, and raised when it was over.