ion, the first to be taken
Notice of, is the Manner in which all _Airs_ divided into three Parts
are to be sung. In the first they require nothing but the simplest
Ornaments, of a good Taste and few, that the Composition may remain
simple, plain, and pure; in the second they expect, that to this Purity
some artful Graces[58] be added, by which the Judicious may hear, that
the Ability of the Singer is greater; and, in, repeating the _Air_, he
that does not vary it for the better, is no great Master.

Sec. 5. Let a Student therefore accustom himself to repeat them always
differently, for, if I mistake not, one that abounds in Invention,
though a moderate Singer, deserves much more Esteem, than a better who
is barren of it; for this last pleases the Connoisseurs but for once,
whereas the other, if he does not surprise by the Rareness of his
Productions, will at least gratify your Attention with Variety.[59]

Sec. 6. The most celebrated among the _Ancients_ piqued themselves in
varying every Night their Songs in the Opera's, not only the
_Pathetick_, but also the _Allegro_. The Student, who is not well
grounded, cannot undertake this important Task.

Sec. 7. Without varying the _Airs_, the Knowledge of the Singers could
never be discovered; but from the Nature and Quality of the Variations,
it will be easily discerned in two of the greatest Singers which is the
best.

Sec. 8. Returning from this Digression to the abovementioned, repeating the
first Part of the _Air_ with Variation, the Scholar will therein find
out the Rules for Gracing, and introducing Beauties of his own
Invention: These will teach him, that Time, Taste, and Skill, are
sometimes of but small Advantage to one who is not ready at _extempore_
Embellishments; but they should not allow, that a Superfluity of them
should prejudice the Composition, and confound the Ear.[60]

Sec. 9. Let a Scholar provide himself with a Variety of Graces and
Embellishments, and then let him make use of them with Judgment; for if
he observes, he will find that the most celebrated Singers never make a
Parade of their Talent in a few Songs; well knowing, that if Singers
expose to the Publick all they have in their Shops, they are near
becoming Bankrupts.

Sec. 10. In the Study of _Airs_, as I have before said, one cannot take
Pains enough; for, though certain Things of small Effect may be omitted,
yet how can the Art be called perfect if the Finishing is wanted.

Sec. 11. In