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324 Prose 1668—1691 Epistle Dedicatory for The Vocal and Instrumental Musick of the Prophetess OUR Grace has been pleasd, so particularly to favour the Composition of the Musique In Diocletian, that from thence I have been incouragd to this presumption of Dedicating not onely it, but also the unworthy Authour of it, to your protection. All arts and Sciences have receivd their first encouragement from great persons; and owe their propagation and successe to their esteeme: like some sort of fruit trees, which being of a tender constitution, and delicate in their nature, require the shadow of the Cedar to shield their Infancy, 10 from blites and Stormes. Musick and poetry, have ever been acknowledgd Sisters, which walking hand in hand, support each other: As poetry is the harmony of words, so musick is that of notes: and as poetry is a rise above prose and oratory, so is Musick the exaltation of poetry. Both of them may excell apart, but sure they are most excellent when they are joind; because nothing is then wanting to either of their perfections: for thus they appeare like wit & beauty in the same person. [Painting is, indeed, another Sister, being like them, an Imitation of Nature: but I may venture to say she is a dumb Lady, 20 whose charmes are onely to the eye: a Mute actour upon the Stage, who can neither be heard there nor read afterwards. Besides, that she is a single piece; to be seen onely in one place, at once: but the other two, can propagate their species; and as many printed or written copyes as there are of a poem or a composition of Musick, in so many severall places, at the same time the poem & the Musick, may be read, & practisd and admir'd. Thus painting is a confind, & solitary Art, the other two are as it were in consort, & diffus'd through the world; 5 receivd] F; had M. 7 esteeme:] F; ~ . M (inserted above deleted favour.). 10 blites and Stormes] F; originally Stormes and Tempests M (Stormes was crossed out and blites inserted above a following caret). Y Dedication for Purcell's Prophetess 325 partakeing somewhat of the Nature of the Deity, which at once is in all places. This is not sayd in disparagement of that noble Art; but onely to give the due precedence to the others, which are more noble; & which are of nearer kindred to the soule; have less of the matter, & more of the forme; less of the manuall operation, & more of the spiritual! part, in humane nature. Yet let it allwayes be acknowledgd, that painting and Statuary can express both our actions & our passions: that if they neither speake nor move, they 10 seem to do both: and if they impose on the eye, yet they deceive nobly: when they make Shadows pass for Substances, and even animate the brass fc Marble.] Poetry and painting have arriv'd to their perfection in our own Country: Musick is yet but in its Nonage: a forward child which gives hope of what it may be heerafter in England, when the masters of it shall find more encouragement. Tis now learning Italian which is its best Master, and studying a little of the French ayre, to give it somewhat more of gayety and fashion. Thus being farther from the Sun, we are of later growth, than our Neigh20 bour Countryes; and must be content to shake off our barbarity by degrees; The present age seemes already disposd to be refind; and to distinguish betwixt wild fancy, and a just, numerous composition. So far the Genius of your Grace, has already prevaild on us: Many of the Nobility and Gentry, have followd your Illustrious Example, in the patronage of Musick. Nay, even our Poets begin to grow ashamd, of their harsh & broken Numbers: and promise to file our uncouth Language, into smoother words. [By their pardon, I may be bold to say that hetherto they have not enough considerd, the so sweetness & Majesty of Sound: and that the little paines which they have employd on their ragged verses, has been the occasion of our great labour 8c trouble in the composition of them. And therefore I will presume to tell them, that he who has not naturally a good eare, is not over fit for his own trade, 12 Poetry] F; poetry M. 25 the patronage] F; this protection M (protection above a caret after deleted encouragement). [18.188.44.223] Project MUSE (2024-04...

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