The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

When the parson's voice is sounding,
If he preaches, reads or prays,
I stand or sit like others round him,
And attend to what he says.
When some lines to sing are mentioned.
And the priest has read them through :
Then, I turn my warm attention
To the rising singing few :
If each part does its proportion,
And the tune and words agree,
Then, my heart is all in motion,
Ravish'd with the harmony.
Some there be of strange persuasions ;
And they make this crude pretence,
That lively tunes on sad occasions
Don't agree with common sense.
Give such persons information,
Tell them of the different airs.
Tis not quick or low vibration
That must guide in those affairs.
If the tune moves something briskly.
And the words are grave and sad,
Then, some people judge directly
That the singers all are mad.
Tis not said they never miss it,
For perfection is not theirs :
But the man who does but guess it,
He perhaps as often errs.
Let such persons know forever,
If the tune's on a flat key.
Though the notes are semi-quavers,
They with solemn words agree.
If the tune be sharp and cheerful.
And the words express no joy ;
Then the singers are not careful,
Though 'tis slow as old Savoy.
I'll appeal to Knapp or Billings,
To defend what I assert ;
And I'll venture twenty shillings
They'll not fail to take my part :
Read their several books of music.
Study well their different keys ;
Read more authors (if you choose it)
Then determine as you please :
But methinks you will relinquish.
And will seldom need to cry.
That the singers can't distinguish
January from July.
C. D.
* Two eminent authors on Music.