ehold the Singer now appearing in Publick, from the Effects of his Application to the Study of the foregoing Lessons. But to what Purpose does he appear? Whoever, in the great Theatre of the World, does not distinguish himself, makes but a very insignificant Figure.
§ 2. From the cold Indifference perceived in many Singers, one would believe that the Science of Musick implored their Favour, to be received by them as their most humble Servant.
§ 3. If too many did not persuade themselves that they had studied sufficiently, there would not be such a Scarcity of the Best, nor such a Swarm of the Worst. These, because they can sing by Heart three or four Kyrie's[91], think they are arrived at the Non plus ultra; but if you give them a Cantata to sing, that is even easy, and fairly written, they, instead of complying as they ought, will tell you with an impudent Face, that Persons of their Degree are not obliged to sing in the vulgar Tongue at Sight. And who can forbear laughing? For a Musician knowing that the Words, let them be either Latin or Italian, do not change the Form of the Notes, must immediately conclude, that this pert Answer of the great Man proceeds from his not being able to sing at Sight, or from his not knowing how to read; and he judges right.
§ 4. There are an infinite Number[92] of others, who wish and sigh for the Moment that eases them from the painful Fatigue of their first Studies, hoping to have a Chance to make one in the Crowd of the second Rate; and stumbling by good Luck on something that gives them Bread, they immediately make a Legg to Musick and its Study, not caring whether the World knows they are, or are not among the Living. These do not consider that Mediocrity in a Singer means Ignorance.
§ 5. There are also several who study nothing but the Defects, and are endow'd with a marvelous Aptness to learn them all, having so happy a Memory as never to forget them. Their Genius is so inclined to the Bad, that if by Gift of Nature they had the best of Voices, they would be discontented if they could not find some Means to make it the worst.
§ 6. One of a better Spirit will endeavour to keep better Company. He will be sensible of the Necessity of farther Discoveries, of farther Instructions, and even of another Master, of whom, besides the Art of Singing, he would be glad to learn how to behave himself with good Breeding. This, added to the Merit acquired by his Singing, may give him Hopes of the Favour of Princes, and of an universal Esteem.
§ 7. If he aims at the Character of a young Man of Wit and Judgment, let him not be vulgar or too bold.
§ 8. Let him shun low and disreputable Company, but, above all, such as abandon themselves to scandalous Liberties.
§ 9. That Professor ought not to be frequented, though excellent in this Art, whose behaviour is vulgar and discreditable, and who cares not, provided he makes his Fortune, whether it be at the Expence of his Reputation.
§ 10. The best School is the Nobility, from whom every thing that is genteel is to be learned; but when a Musician finds that his Company is not proper, let him retire without repining, and his Modesty will be to his Commendation.