| Citation |
NYWJ.739.002
29 Jan 1739:21 (268)
[From a late Gentlemans Magazine. Address of a late Chinese
nobleman to the emperor on the pride, luxury, and corruption
of the Chinese. In the 3rd column:] . . . Repasts serve no
longer the end of nourishment, but of gluttony and
debauchery. Every day produces new concerts; and music
whose original design was to calm the emotions of the heart,
serves now to kindle up the most shameful passions.
[3 more columns, then:] . . . to imitate the laudable
frugality of some of your ancestors, to cut off two thirds
of the expences of your court in salaries, and
entertainmets; for while many of the officers of your court
are upholding in extravagancy companies of strollers and
singers, to gratify their pleasures, your people are in
misery. . . [25 more lines, then:] In what regards music,
confine yourself to the taste of the great musician let it
be grave, solemn and instructive. . . [16 more lines]
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