if a Person was always to be accustomed to soft, effeminate Music, we agree that it might render his Constitution effeminate likewise; but as there are such great Variety of different Movements, which are adapted to different Songs, all which raise different Passions in the Mind, it is very absurd to tax all Music in the Lump with Softness and Effeminacy.
Any one may perceive the Difference of these two Songs, both of which have their Effect when they are well sung.
Gently touch the warbling Lyre,
Cloe seems inclin'd to rest;
Fill her Soul with fond Desire,
Softest Notes will please her best.
These Words, which are sung to an Air of Geminiani's, cause a very different Sensation, from these which follow, and are set to a suitable Air:
Come cheer up my Lads, 'tis to Glory we steer &c.
Whatever the first Song may do, this last is not likely to make any Body effeminate.
I mention these two common Songs, because they are what every Reader is capable of digesting, and on that Account are more proper for the Purpose than any of those Songs out of Operas, which are not generally known.