he wrote much; and we know of only three of his poems that are now extant, viz. Christ's Kirk on the Green, Peebles to the Play, and the King's Quair, which was lately discovered by Mr. Warton, and since published by William Tytler of Woodhouselee, Esq.' Henry's Hist.-' He was,' continues Henry, not only the most learned king, but one of the most learned men of the age in which he flourished; and seems to have been born to excel in every art to which he applied his mind.' Independently of his other singular accomplishments, James particularly excelled in music, not only as a performer, but as a composer and it is to his admirable genius, that the musical world is so much indebted for the invention (amidst the gloom of solitude and confinement) of that sweet and plaintive Scotch and Italian melody, which, as the above mentioned author, justly remarks, has given pleasure to millions in every succeeding age.' * Alexandro Tassoni mentions James King of Scotland, having, of himself, invented a new kind of music, plaintive and melancholy, different from all others, in which he was imitated by Carlo Gesualdo, prince of Venosa, who in our age (says Parsoni) has improved music with new and admirable inventions. As the Prince of Venosa imitated king James, the other musicians of Italy imitated the prince of Venosa. The most noble Carlo Gesualdo, the prince of musicians in our age (says Sir John Hawkins, vol. iii. p. 212) introduced such a style of modulation, that other musicians yield the preference to him; and all singers and players on stringed instruments, laying aside that of others, every where embraced his.' Come under my plaidy, & sit down beside me : There's room int, dear lyfsie! believe me for twa. Publih'a as the Act directs by Longman &Bees. 1. June, 1807. |