Dramatic botchers go mad when they desire to give effect to their work. _Dilettantism in Dramatic Art_ French comedy is, even among amateurs, _obligato_, and a social institution. Italian amateur-comedy is founded on a puppet, or puppet-like, representation. Germany, in former times, Jesuit-schools. In later times: French amateur comedies, for aiding the cultivation of the language, in noble houses. Mixing up of ranks in German amateur-comedy. Conditions, under which, perhaps, a moderate practice in theatrical matters may be harmless and allowable, or even in some measure advantageous: Permanence of the same company. To avoid passionate pieces, and choose such as are reflective and social. To admit no children or very young persons. Greatest possible strictness in outward forms. _Advantages of Dilettantism in General_ It prevents an entire want of cultivation. Dilettantism is a necessary consequence of a general extension of art, and may even be a cause of it. It can, under certain circumstances, help to excite and develop a true artistic talent. Elevates handicraft to a certain resemblance to art. Has a civilizing tendency. In case of crude ignorance, it stimulates a certain taste for art, and extends it to where the artist would not be able to reach. Gives occupation to productive power, and cultivates something serious in man. Appearances are changed into ideas. Teaches to analyze impressions. Aids the appropriation and reproduction of forms. _In Lyrical Poetry_ Cultivation of language in general. More manifold interest “in humanioribus,” in contrast to the crudeness of the ignorant, or the pedantic narrowness of the mere man of business or pedant. Cultivation of the feelings and of the verbal expression of the same. The cultivated man ought to be able to express his feelings with poetic beauty. Idealization of concepts regarding objects of common life. Cultivation of the imagination, especially as an integral part of the culture of the intellect. Awaking and direction of the productive imagination to the highest functions of the mind in the sciences and practical life. Cultivation of the sense of the rhythmical. There being no objective laws, either for the internal or external construction of a poem, the amateur ought to hold fast to acknowledged models much more strongly than the master does, and rather imitate the good that exists than strive after originality; and in the external and metrical parts, follow strictly the well-known general rules. And as the Dilettante can only form himself after models, he ought, in order to avoid one-sidedness, to acquire the most universal knowledge of all models, and survey the field of poetic literature even more perfectly than is required of the artist himself. _In the Dramatic Art_ Opportunity of farther cultivation in declamation. Attention to one’s own representations. Participates in the advantages predicated of Dancing. Exercise of the Memory.