COSTUME.

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minster Abbey, the figures of which are represented
in classical costume, we sometimes see the deceased
represented as if swaddled up in heavy folds of dra-
pery, such as no ancient ever wore, or certainly such
as no ancient artist would ever indicate ; and at other
times the poor man appears half denuded, and his
very look inspires pity. It cannot be classical costume
of such a character which we would recommend;
nor indeed would classical costume under all cir-
cumstances be equally appropriate. Who would wish
to alter the costume of Milton ? His flowing locks
and religious aspect would ill become a Roman
toga. So with Shakspere : every one would grieve
to see a change of costume ; not merely because it
is the costume of the day, but because such costume
becomes him. Much therefore depends upon the
subject, as to the style of costume which should be
, employed : otherwise, if the head, by the arrange-
ment of hair and general character, be modern, it
will appear not to belong to the body to which it is
attached. Thus we have two rival principles, each
of which is attended with its disadvantages. The
modern costume is ugly and soon becomes anti-
quated; the ancient costume is foreign and often
inappropriate. But a mean between these is open
to us, and this is often the most pleasing: it is
idealization, approaching sometimes nearer to the
one, and sometimes to the other. If ancient cos-
tume be selected, its peculiarities which stamp it