Britain's Happiness :: :: University of Virginia Library

Britain's Happiness

A Musical Interlude

Motteux, Peter Anthony (1660-1718)

Britains Happiness,

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TO THE READER.

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TO THE READER.

This Interlude was long since design'd only for an Introduction to an Opera, which, if ever finish'd, may be call'd, The Loves of Europe, every Act shewing the manner of a different Nation, in their Addresses to the Fair Sex. But some Persons of Quality who did not know that Mr Leveridge, had set this Part of it to Musick, having engag'd Mr Weldon to put Notes to it; I am oblig'd to let it appear without the rest: There is room indeed in this for Great Musick, but much more for Humour, and every Passion in those that were to follow. I could wish they might

have appeared all togeth'r, but is the desire of those Persons, to whom I must submit, that this should be perform'd in the mean time. They will at least have the satisfaction of Hearing fine Music, and observing how the same Words may be admirably set it a different manner, when two Masters exert their Genius, to please and to excel.

This kind of Writing is, as it were, but the Cloath, which the Composer must Embroyder; for the Poet must confine his Fancy to such Words and Measures, as may give the Musician occasion to display his own; a Task that will scarcely get the VVriter any Reputation answerable to the Trouble, except among the few that are sensible of the difficulty. So I am chiefly proud of this Opportunity, as it may show my Respect for those noble Encouragers of the Muses, to whom 'tis humbly submitted, and as it gives a fresh instance of my Zeal for the best Queen and Government in the VVorld.