perfectly
understood; that the _Recitatives_ be expressed with Strength, and
supported without Affectation; that in the Airs he be not wanting in
Time, and in introducing some Graces of good Taste; and, above all,
that the final Cadences of the _Motets_ be performed with Divisions
distinct, swift, and in Tune. After this he will teach him that Manner,
the Taste of _Cantata's_ requires, in order, by this Exercise, to
discover the Difference between one Stile and another. If, after this,
the Master is satisfied with his Scholar's Improvement, yet let him not
think to make him sing in Publick, before he has the Opinion of such
Persons, who know more of singing than of flattering; because, they not
only will chuse such Compositions proper to do him Honour and Credit,
but also will correct in him those Defects and Errors, which out of
Oversight or Ignorance the Master had not perceived or corrected.

Sec. 16. If Masters did consider, that from our first appearing in the Face
of the World, depends our acquiring Fame and Courage, they would not so
blindly expose their Pupils to the Danger of falling at the first Step.

Sec. 17. But if the Master's Knowledge extends no farther than the
foregoing Rules, then ought he in conscience to desist, and to recommend
the Scholar to better Instructions. However, before the Scholar arrives
at this, it will not be quite unnecessary to discourse with him in the
following Chapters, and if his Age permits him not to understand me,
those, who have the Care of him, may.

CHAP. VI.

_Observations for a Student._

Before entering on the extensive and difficult Study of the _Florid_, or
_figured Song_, it is necessary to consult the Scholar's Genius; for if
Inclination opposes, it is impossible to force it, and when That
incites, the Scholar proceeds with Ease and Pleasure.

Sec. 2. Supposing, then, that the Scholar is earnestly desirous of becoming
a Master in so agreable a Profession, and being fully instructed in
these tiresome Rudiments, besides many others that may have slipt my
weak Memory; after a strict Care of his Morals, he should give the rest
of his Attention to the Study of singing in Perfection, that by this
Means he may be so happy as to join the most noble Qualities of the Soul
to the Excellencies of his Art.

Sec. 3. He that studies Singing must consider that Praise or Disgrace
depends very much on his Voice which if he has a Mind to preserve he
must abstain from al