| Citation |
PC.769.056
15-22 May 1769:1421, 1422 (123)
The desire of pleasing is so firmly implanted in the breast
of man, that we scarcely find one but is possessed of it in
some degree or other, . . . [14 lines] But the most
preposterous method of gratifying this passion, so
predominant in the human heart, is that of serenading. This
custom, silly and ridiculous as it is in itself, is however
of very antient standing. . . . [8 lines]
It is something very astonishing that a youth should spend
both his health and his money, merely to gratify a restless
ambition; and sure I am, that the fair who would encourage
such practices, must be totally devoid of prudence and
humanity. For whatever respect they may have for their
persons, yet they cannot, consistent with common modesty,
canonize such customs. But should they be so far divested
of sense, as to applaud such follies, it must remind us of
the observation of the inspired Shakespeare, "Frailty thy
name is woman!"
But for my own part, I ingeniously confess, I cannot
conceive the reason why music should be made use of on such
occasions. The obvious intention of serenading is to
inspire the dear objects with the delightful sensations of
love, and to break in upon their peaceful slumbers, that
they may thereby remind them how diligently they strive to
gain their affections. But I have always apprehended, that
music was allowed to sooth the turbulence of the passions,
and I am confirmed in this consideration by the observation
of the poet:
By music, minds an equal temper know,
Nor swell too high, nor sink too low,
If in our breasts tumultuous joys arise,
Music her soft assuasive voice applies.
Indeed, had they the lyre of Orpheus, which drew the
listning rocks after it; or the art of Timotheus, who could
tie down the passions of the great Alexander, who could
bring that magnanimous conquerer from the rage of anger down
to the transports of love, their most sanguine wishes might
then be accomplished. But while the lyre of Orpheus is not
to be found; and that invaluable art is intirely lost, I
cannot see any advantage that can arise from such whimsical
methods of testifying esteem. --But what is very observable,
these serenades are never begun till the performers are
intoxicated. When reason is dethroned, and giddy passion
bears the sway, then, and not till then, they sally out on
their adventures, and were we to behold these nocturnal sons
of riot, in these their midnight enterprizes, we should be
fully convinced that the Centaur was no imaginary but a real
being; and that there is an animal existing, which is half
of the human, and half of the bestial kind. [signed] Anti-
Serenader.
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