The dancing master, or, Plain and easie rules for the dancing of country dances with the tune to each dance to be playd on the treble violin.

To the Ingenious Reader.

THe 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 Fa∣mous Philosopher thought it meet, that yong Ingenious Children be taught to Dance. It is a Qua∣lity 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 Athenaus, Julius Pollux, Caelius Rhodiginus, and others, and much commend it to be Excellent for Recreation, af∣ter more serious Studies, making the body active and strong, gracefull in deportment, and a qua••ity very much beseeming a Gentleman. Yet all this should not have been an Incitement to me for Publication of th•• Work (knowing these Times, and the Nature of it do not agree,) But that there was then a false and surrupti∣cious Copy at the Printing Presse, which if it had been published, would have been a disparagement to the ••••••¦lity, and the Professors thereof, and a hinderance to the Learner: Therefore for prevention of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 having at that time an Excellent Copy by me, and the assistance of a knowing Friend; I did venture th•••• e••¦suing Work to the publick view, and gentle censure of all ingenious Gentlemen, lovers of this Quality; wh••se favourable acceptance, has moved me to a second Edition, in which I have indeavoured to expunge those m••∣ny gross Errors, which were by oversight committed in the former. Craving your favourable acceptance, I rest ever,

Your servant to command, J. P.