To the Ingenious Reader.
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he Art of Dancing called by the Ancient Greeks Orcheſtice, and Orcheſtis, is a commendable and rare Quality fit for yong Gentlemen, if opportunely and civilly uſed. And Plato, that Famous Philoſopher thought it meet, that yong Ingenious Children be taught to dance. It is a quality that has been formerly honoured in the Courts of Princes, when performed by the moſt Noble Heroes of the Times! The Gentlemen of the Innes of Court, whoſe ſweet and ayry Activity has crowned their Grand Solemnities with Admiration to all Spectators. This Art has been Anciently handled by Athenæus, Julius Pollux, Cælius Rhodiginus, and others, and much commend it to be Excellent for Recreation, after more ſerious Studies, making the body active and ſtrong, gracefull in deportment, and a quality very much beſeeming a Gentleman. Yet all this ſhould not have been an Incitement to me for Publication of this Worke (knowing theſe Times and the Nature of it do not agree,) But that there was a falſe and ſurrepticious Copy at the Printing Preſſe, which if it had been publiſhed, would have been a diſparagement to the quality and the Profeſſors thereof, and a hinderance to the Learner: Therefore for prevention of all which, having an Excellent Copy by me, and the aſſiſtance of a knowing Friend; I have ventured to put forth this enſuing Worke to the view, and gentle cenſure of all ingenious Gentlemen lovers of this Quallity; not doubting but their goodnes will pardeon what may be amiſſe, and accept of the honeſt Intention of him that is a faithfull honourer of your Virtues, and Your ſervant to command,
J. P.
