s now time that we speak of the _Dragging_, that, if the
_Pathetick_ should once return again into the World, a Singer might be
able to understand it. The Explanation would be easier understood by
Notes of Musick than by Words, if the Printer was not under great
Difficulty to print a few Notes; notwithstanding which, I'll endeavour,
the best I can, to make myself understood.

Sec. 28. When on an even and regular Movement of a Bass, which proceeds
slowly, a Singer begins with a high Note, dragging it gently down to a
low one, with the _Forte_ and _Piano_, almost gradually, with
Inequality of Motion, that is to say, stopping a little more on some
Notes in the Middle, than on those that begin or end the _Strascino_ or
_Dragg_.[109] Every good musician takes it for granted, that in the Art
of Singing there is no Invention superior, or Execution more apt to
touch the Heart than this, provided however it be done with Judgment,
and with putting forth of the Voice in a just _Time_ on the Bass.
Whosoever has most Notes at Command, has the greater Advantage; because
this pleasing Ornament is so much the more to be admired, by how much
the greater the Fall is. Perform'd by an excellent _Soprano_, that makes
use of it but seldom, it becomes a Prodigy; but as much as it pleases
descending, no less would it displease ascending.

Sec. 29. Mind this, O my beloved Singers! For it is to You only, who are
inclined to study, that I have addressed myself. This was the Doctrine
of the School of those Professors, whom, by way of Reproach, some
mistaken Persons call _Ancients_. Observe carefully its Rules, examine
strictly its Precepts, and, if not blinded by Prejudice, you will see
that this School ought to sing in Tune, to put forth the Voice, to make
the Words understood, to express, to use proper Gesture, to perform in
_Time_, to vary on its Movement, to compose, and to study the
_Pathetick_, in which alone Taste and Judgment triumph. Confront this
School with yours, and if its Precepts should not be sufficient to
instruct you, learn what's wanting from the _Modern_.

Sec. 30. But if these my Exhortations, proceeding from my Zeal, have no
Weight with you, as the Advice of Inferiors is seldom regarded, allow at
least, that whoever has the Faculty of Thinking, may once in sixty Years
think right. And if you think, that I have been too partial to the Times
past, then would I persuade you, (if you have not a shaking Hand) to
weigh in a just