The Author answers his Friend, who blames him for not Singing when desir'd: He contradicts the Third Satyr of Horace, beginning with Omnibus hoc vitium est Cantoribus, &c. He defends Tigellius, and proves that Horace had no actual Skill in Vocal MUSICK.
IF this strange Vice in all good Singers were,
As the admir'd Horace does declare;
That if, when ask'd[1] tho' blest with Health and Ease,
Their choicest Friends, they still deny to Please:
And yet unask'd, will rudely Sing so long,
To tire each Friend, with each repeated Song:
I strongly then, should take his Satyr's part,
Lash the Performers, and despise their Art;
But having studied long enough to be
A small Proficient in that Faculty:
I found, when I that rigid Version met,
'Twas more from Prejudice, than Judgment writ;
And Horace was in his Reproof more free,
Because Tigellius was his Enemy:
Whose frequent Vices caus'd that fierce Assault,
And all the rest are lash'd for one Man's fault;
Satyr should never take from Malice Aid,
For, with due Reverence to Horace paid;
Who rails at Faults, through Pers'nal Prejudice,
Shews more his own, than shame another's Vice:
Tigellius, as his Character is plain, }
Was of a Humour most absurd and vain, }
Fantastick in his Garb, unsettled in his Brain: }
And if (as once great Cæsar he deny'd)
When ask'd to Sing, 'twere the effect of Pride;
- ↑ Horace's own Words.
