Page:Reflections upon ancient and modern learning (IA b3032449x).pdf/325

 think, might have been as well improved upon the old Foundations, as upon new ones, since the Grounds of Musick have always been the same: And Guido's Scale, as Dr. Wallis assures us, is the same for Substance with the Diagramma Veterum.

IV. The Ancients had not, in the Opinion of several who are Judges of the Matter, so many Gradations of Half-Notes and Quarter-Notes between the Whole Ones as are now used; which must of necessity introduce an unspeakable Variety into Modern Musick, more than could formerly be had: Because it is in Notes, as it is in Numbers; the more there are of them, the more variously they may be combined together.

V. Excessive Commendations can signifie nothing here, because every Man gives the highest Applauses to the perfectest Thing he ever saw, or heard, of any Kind. And if he is not capable of inventing any Thing further in that Way himself, he can form no Idea of it, beyond what himself was at that Time affected with.

VI. It is very probable that the Ancient Musick had all that which still most affects common Hearers. Most Men are moved with an excellent Voice, are pleased when Time is exactly kept, and love