Inglis Collection of printed music > Printed text > Introduction to the skill of musick

the Skill of Mufick. 37
ufe them in every fort of Mufic, not difcerning
whether the words require it : Whereas thofe that
well underftand the conceit and the meaning of the
Words , know our defects, and can diftinguifh
where the Paflion is more or lefs required. Which
fort of people we fhould endeavour to pleafe with
all diligence, and more to efteem their praife,
than the applaufe of the ignorant Vulgar.
Thus Art admitteth no Mediocrity , and how
much the more curiofities are in it, by reafon of the
excellence thereof, with fomuch the more labour
and love ought we , the Profeflbrs thereof , to find
them out : Which love hath moved me (confidering
that from Writings we receive the light of all
Science, and of all Art ) to leave behind me this
little light in the enfuing Notes and Difcourfes *, it
being my intention to (how fo much as appertaineth
to him who maketh profeflion of Singing alone ,
to the Harmony of the Theorbo , or other Stringed
Inftrument , fo that he be already entred into the
Theorie of Mufc , and Play fufficiently. Not that
this cannot alfo be attain'd by long pra&ife , as it
is feen that many , both Men and Women , have
done , and yet this they attain is but unto a certain
degree : But becaufe the Theorie of the Writings
conduceth unto the attaining of that degree } and
becaufe in the profeflion of a Singer ( in regard of
tke excellence thereof) not only particular things
are of ufe, but they all together do better it •, there-
fore to proceed in order, thus will I fay r
D 3 That