Page 278 of 2651

There are some very agreeable and beautiful talents, of which the

possession commands a certain sort of admiration, but of which

the exercise, for the sake of gain, is considered, whether from

reason or prejudice, as a sort of public prostitution. The

pecuniary recompence, therefore, of those who exercise them in

this manner, must be sufficient, not only to pay for the time,

labour, and expense of acquiring the talents, but for the

discredit which attends the employment of them as the means of

subsistence. The exorbitant rewards of players, opera-singers,

opera-dancers, etc. are founded upon those two principles; the

rarity and beauty of the talents, and the discredit of employing

them in this manner. It seems absurd at first sight, that we

should despise their persons, and yet reward their talents with

the most profuse liberality.