Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/64

46  Lulli could to our taste descend, Not strive to alter but amend. No sooner were these judicious remarks made, but the pretended connoisseur, shaking his head, cried, "Come, come, you shall soon see something new." We could not refuse to enter, and immediately after, the concert began.  The rivals then of Lully's fame, Their taste and skill in art the same, French verse most dissonantly played With the Italian music's aid: A lady, with distorted eyes, Acted a thousand ecstasies. A coxcomb, of his dress quite vain, Quavered and thrilled a frantic strain, And beat time false, which made them soon All equally play out of tune. We left the place as rapidly as we could, and we did not arrive at the Temple of Taste, until after we had met with many adventures of this kind.  On basis firm, in ancient days, Greece did this famous temple raise: The building, with revolving years Increased, to menace heaven appears. The world, upon its altars laid, Incense and adoration paid: To own the power Rome long delayed, At length to taste she homage paid. The Turk, a more inveterate foe, In dust the edifice laid low. The ruins, by the Goths neglected, Were all in Italy collected,