[Engelbach presents the words of his friend, the musician Don Matteo, as direct speech] 

[Letter XIX]  “My wife shall sing it; you will make an allowance, she knew nothing of music when I married her."

Donna Mariana furnished an example of the possibility of becoming harmonious by wedlock. She sung with taste and expression: conscious of the extent of her power, she had the rare judgment of not attempting what lay beyond it, and even to simplify passages which exceeded the compass of her voice or abilities. Thus she executed several airs so much to the delight of her lord , that he repeatedly expressed his approbation by a nodding smile, "a brava," and a tap on the shoulder […] But to do him justice, I must add, that the music was really sweet and interesting.

 The Italians, as by instinct, possess an intuitive perception of the Beautiful in the fine arts; hence their superiority in painting, and in sculpture; and, as to music, in melody unquestionably; because melody does not depend upon laborious study, upon calculation, or artful contrivance; it is, if I may be allowed to say so, the gift of Heaven.