Scan 503
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1884
25 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 407. See the scan on archive.org.
1day, yet let me tell you, I would not willingly pass one day of my life without comforting a sad soul, or showing mercy; and I praise God for this occasion; and now let us tune our instruments."
3Herbert's love of imagery was often curious and startling. In singing of "Easter" he said—
5"Awake my lute and struggle for thy part
6 With all thy art.
7The Cross taught all wood to resound his name,
8 Who bore the same.
9His stretched sinews taught all strings, what key
10Is best to celebrate this most high day,
11Consort both heart and lute, and twist a song
12 Pleasant and long:
13Or since all music is but three parts vied
14 And multiplied,*
15O let thy blessed Spirit bear a part,
16And make up our defects with his sweet art."
18The Sunday before the death of "Holy George Herbert," Izaak Walton says, "he rose suddenly from his bed, or couch, called for one of his instruments, took it into his hand and said—
20"My God, my God, my music shall find Thee;
21 And every string
22Shall have his attribute to sing."
24* The author's remark as to all music being but three-parts contending, reminds us of Christopher Simpson's comparison of a single note with its three sounds to the Trinity. Thomas Mace also speaks of it as "a kind of trinity in unity."
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