PHILIP V. KING OF SPAIN.
Philip V. King of Spain, being seized with a total dejection of spirits, which made him refuse to be shaved, and rendered him incapable of attending council, or transacting affairs of state, the queen, who had, in vain, tried every common expedient, that was likely to contribute to his recovery, determined that an experiment should be made of the effects of music, upon the king, her husband, who was extremely sensible to its charms. The celebrated Farinelli being then at Madrid, of whose extraordinary performance, an account had been transmitted from several parts of Europe, but, particularly from Paris, her majesty contrived that there should be a concert in a room adjoining to the king’s apartment, in which this singer performed one of his most captivating songs. Philip appeared, at first, surprised, then moved; and, at the end of the second air, made the virtuoso enter the royal apartment, loading him with compliments and caresses; asked him how he could sufficiently reward such talents; assuring him, that he could refuse him nothing. Farinelli, previously instructed, only begged that his majesty would permit his attendants to shave and dress him, and that he would endeavour to appear in council as usual. From this time, the king’s disease gave way to medicine; and the singer had all the honour of the cure, and, by singing to his majesty every evening, his favour increased to such a degree, that he was regarded as first minister.
Burney’s History of Music.