il giving Delight; but the
_Moderns_ are so pre-possessed with Taste in _Mode_, that, rather than
comply with the former, they are contented to lose the greatest Part of
its Beauty. The Study of the _Pathetick_ was the Darling of the former;
and Application to the most difficult Divisions is the only Drift of the
latter. _Those_ perform'd with more Judgment; and _These_ execute with
greater Boldness. But since I have presum'd to compare the most
celebrated Singers in both Stiles, pardon me if I conclude with saying,
that the _Moderns_ are arrived at the highest Degree of Perfection in
singing to the _Ear_; and that the _Ancients_ are inimitable in singing
to the _Heart_.

Sec. 23. However, it ought not to be denied, but that the best Singers of
these times have in some Particulars refined the preceding Taste, with
some Productions worthy to be imitated; and as an evident Mark of
Esteem, we must publicly own, that if they were but a little more
Friends to the _Pathetick_ and the _Expressive_, and a little less to
the _Divisions_, they might boast of having brought the Art to the
highest Degree of Perfection.

Sec. 24. It may also possibly be, that the extravagant Ideas in the present
Compositions, have deprived the abovementioned Singers of the
Opportunity of shewing their Ability in the _Cantabile_; in as much as
the _Airs_ at present in vogue go Whip and Spur with such violent
Motions, as take away their Breath, far from giving them an Opportunity
of shewing the Exquisiteness of their Taste. But, good God! since there
are so many _modern_ Composers, among whom are some of Genius equal, and
perhaps greater than the best _Ancients_, for what Reason or Motive do
they always exclude from their Compositions, the so-much-longed-for
_Adagio_? Can its gentle Nature ever be guilty of a Crime? If it cannot
gallop with the _Airs_ that are always running Post, why not reserve it
for those that require Repose, or at least for a compassionate one,
which is to assist an unfortunate Hero, when he is to shed Tears, or die
on the Stage?----No, Sir, No; the grand _Mode_ demands that he be quick,
and ready to burst himself in his Lamentations, and weep with
Liveliness. But what can one say? The Resentment of the _modern_ Taste
is not appeased with the Sacrifice of the _Pathetick_ and the _Adagio_
only, two inseparable Friends, but goes so far, as to prescribe those
_Airs_, as Confederates, that have not the _Sharp_ third. Can any thing