Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/63

Rh is more dangerous than I imagined. We soon after fell into a new ambuscade.

 Thus in the path which to salvation Leads, devotees meet much temptation; And with the devil oft contend, Before they reach their journey's end. This was a concert given by a gentleman of the long robe, infatuated with music, which he never learned, and chiefly with the Italian music, which he had no knowledge of, but from some indifferent airs which were never heard at Rome, and which are very badly sung in France by some girls belonging to the opera.

He then caused a long French recitative, set to music by an Italian, who did not understand our language, to be performed. It was to no purpose to remonstrate to him, that as this sort of music is nothing more than noted declamation, it is of consequence, subjected to the genius of the language; and that nothing can be as ridiculous as French scenes sung in the Italian taste, except Italian ones sung in the French taste.

 Nature ingenious, fertile, wise, Earth with gifts various beautifies; She speaks to all in language fit, They differ both in tongue and wit; Their tone, their voices suit; each note Is by the hand of nature wrote; And every difference must appear To a refined, judicious ear. Music to charm in France, the tone Of France must imitate alone.