Note 307 — No. 99. [Steele.
Reading edition
In the "Touchstone," 1728, attributed to James Ralph, we are told that rope-dancing was then still in great esteem with the generality of people, though it had for some years been held in contempt in the refined neighbourhood of St James's. See Prologue to Steele's "Funeral":
"Old Shakespeare's days could not thus far advance; But what's his buskin to our ladder-dance? In the mid region a silk youth to stand, With that unwieldy engine at command."