efore entering on the extensive and difficult Study of the Florid, or figured Song, it is necessary to consult the Scholar's Genius; for if Inclination opposes, it is impossible to force it, and when That incites, the Scholar proceeds with Ease and Pleasure.
§ 2. Supposing, then, that the Scholar is earnestly desirous of becoming a Master in so agreable a Profession, and being fully instructed in these tiresome Rudiments, besides many others that may have slipt my weak Memory; after a strict Care of his Morals, he should give the rest of his Attention to the Study of singing in Perfection, that by this Means he may be so happy as to join the most noble Qualities of the Soul to the Excellencies of his Art.
§ 3. He that studies Singing must consider that Praise or Disgrace depends very much on his Voice which if he has a Mind to preserve he must abstain from all Manner of Disorders, and all violent Diversions.
§ 4. Let him be able to read perfectly, that he may not be put to Shame for so scandalous an Ignorance. Oh, how many are there, who had need to learn the Alphabet!
§ 5. In case the Master knows not how to correct the Faults in Pronunciation, let the Scholar endeavour to learn the best by some other Means; because the not being born[51] in Tuscany, will not excuse the Singer's Imperfection.
§ 6. Let him likewise very carefully endeavour to correct all other Faults that the Negligence of his Master may have passed over.
§ 7. With the Study of Musick, let him learn also at least the Grammar, to understand the Words he is to sing in Churches, and to give the proper Force to the Expression in both Languages. I believe I may be so bold to say, that divers Professors do not even understand their own Tongue, much less the Latin.[52]
§ 8. Let him continually, by himself, use his Voice to a Velocity of Motion, if he thinks to have a Command over it, and that he may not go by the Name of a pathetick Singer.
§ 9. Let him not omit frequently to put forth, and to stop, the Voice, that it may always be at his Command.