s convenient, besides those
on[41] Cadences, and where they are improper and forbid, is a Lesson
reserv'd for those who have Practice, Taste, and Knowledge.

CHAP. IV.

_On_ Divisions.

Tho' _Divisions_ have not Power sufficient to touch the Soul, but the
most they can do is to raise our Admiration of the Singer for the happy
Flexibility of his Voice; it is, however, of very great Moment, that the
Master instruct the Scholar in them, that he may be Master of them with
an easy Velocity and true Intonation; for when they are well executed in
their proper Place, they deserve Applause, and make a Singer more
universal; that is to say, capable to sing in any Stile.

Sec. 2. By accustoming the Voice of a Learner to be lazy and dragging, he
is rendered incapable of any considerable Progress in his Profession.
Whosoever has not the Agility of Voice, in Compositions of a quick or
lively Movement, becomes odiously tiresome; and at last retards the Time
so much, that every thing he sings appears to be out of Tune.

Sec. 3. _Division_, according to the general Opinion, is of two Kinds, the
Mark'd, and the Gliding; which last, from its Slowness and Dragging,
ought rather to be called a Passage or Grace, than a _Division_.

Sec. 4. In regard to the first, the Master ought to teach the Scholar that
light Motion of the Voice, in which the Notes that constitute the
Division be all articulate in equal Proportion, and moderately distinct,
that they be not too much join'd, nor too much mark'd.[42]

Sec. 5. The second is perform'd in such a Manner that the first Note is a
Guide to all that follow, closely united, gradual, and with such
Evenness of Motion, that in Singing it imitates a certain Gliding, by
the Masters called a _Slur_; the Effect of which is truly agreeable when
used sparingly.[43]

Sec. 6. The _mark'd Divisions_, being more frequently used than the others,
require more Practice.

Sec. 7. The Use of the _Slur_ is pretty much limited in Singing, and is
confined within such few Notes ascending or descending, that it cannot
go beyond a fourth without displeasing. It seems to me to be more
grateful to the Ear descending, than in the contrary Motion.

Sec. 8. The _Dragg_ consists in a Succession of divers Notes, artfully
mixed with the _Forte_ and _Piano_. The Beauty of which I shall speak of
in another Place.

Sec. 9. If the Master hastens insensibly the Time when the Scholar sings
the _Divisions_, he will fin