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.

Sec. 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_.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 7. If he aims at the Character of a young Man of Wit and Judgment, let
him not be vulgar or too bold.

Sec. 8. Let him shun low and disreputable Company, but, above all, such as
abandon themselves to scandalous Liberties.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 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.

Sec. 11. If he should not meet with a Gratification from the Great, let him
never complain