In vigi (lia), natiuitatis dnī. The book is printed on vellum in red and black; the columns of music have faint red bounding lines ruled by hand (not shown in the figure).
The red stave is very effective, and it was commonly used in early MSS. and printed books. There appears to be some doubt, however, as to its practical value, and I have been advised that it is not so legible as the black line stave, and also that, in Church Service Books (see p. [345]), in order to make an absolutely clear distinction, red should be reserved entirely for the rubrics.
The “plain-song” chant, with its four-line stave, has a simpler and finer appearance than the more modern and elaborate five-lined stave and tailed notes. The latter, however, may yet be treated very effectively.
Note 1.—The mark
and the capitals
,
