The Ladies Dictionary being a General Entertainment for the Fair Sex 1694

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

202

text excerpt

[The Ladies Dictionary is presented as a Q&A among women on various subjects of interest to women. Original spellings and punctuation retained.]

Quest. 6. How far may Singing and Musick be proper in making Love?

 Ansur: There’s nothing which Charms the Soul more than fine Musick. Osborn says unluckily, after his manner, of a fine Woman who Sings well, that she’s a Trap doubly baited; and why is not the same true of a Man? There being indeed something so ravishing in Musick, whether in Man or Woman; that ‘tis almost impossible for any thing that’s humane to resist it; tho’ in Vocal still more than Instrumental: It Smoothes all the rugged Passions of the Soul, and like Beauty bewitches into Love, almost before Persons know where they are. But even here, as well as in other Cases, Extreams are to be avoided, nothing being more ridiculous than an eternal Fa-la of a Lover; and a Lady of Sense and worth, wou’d as soon make choice of a Singing Master as one who is always tiring her with hard Names and doleful Ditties. He must then Sing very rarely or never, unless the Lady desires him; he must be neither too forward or averse, and must not be of the Humour of most Songsters, who neither know when to begin, nor make an end. His Performances must be natural and easie, and carry something of a free and genteel Air; and he must never himself appear too well pleas’d with ‘em, but Order it so, that he may seem to Oblige the Lady, not himself, by his Melody: at least let it appear accidential only, as if by chance, not knowing any hears him, and for his own private diversion.

excerpt from 'The Ladies Dictionary being a General Entertainment for the Fair Sex 1694' pp. 202 (303 words)

1513264193612:

1513264193612