84 On RYTHMICAL MEASURES. 



make larger combinations, and more milnute and diverfified di- 

 vifions. We go throiigh a fimilar procefs, when we liften to 

 fuch a fucceffion of founds, and perceive their proportional du- 

 rations. As the exercife of every power, which we poflefs, 

 conveys a certain degree of pleafure, we obtain a gratification, 

 when we hear a fuccelTion of founds juftly proportioned in du- 

 ration to one another, and are able, at the fame time, to go 

 along with, or to feel the feveral proportions which they bear. 

 This then is undoubtedly one foundation of the fatisfacftion 

 which we derive from every kind of rythm. It can be no juft 

 objedion to this, that we frequently are not confcious, upon 

 hearing a fucceflion of rythmical founds, of perceiving the va- 

 rious proportions which they bear to one another. Our being 

 pleafed with the proportions, our acquiefcing in them, is a fure 

 indication that we feel them. If the unit were varied, or if di- 

 vifions were attempted, to which we have not been accuftomed, 

 and with which we cannot go along, we fliould inftantly feel 

 the difference. Our pleafure would be fenfibly diminifhed or 

 altogether deflroyed. 



To form then a regular and agreeable rythm, it is neceflary 

 that all the units in fucceffion be equal intervals of time, and 

 that their divifions be fimple and obvious. This, however, is 

 not all. I have already obferved, that when we hear fuch a 

 fucceffion of intervals, we are always difpofed to form them in- 

 to equal parcels. As, however, there feems to be nothing to 

 lead us to count off thefe parcels by any one number in pre- 

 ference to another, and as we can do it by a few of the fmaller 

 and fimpler numbers with almofl equal eafe, we naturally wifh 

 to have fomething that may determine our choice. If we are 

 not led eafily and readily to one particular number, or if, after 

 we have fixed upon a number, we find ourfelves obliged to give 

 it up, and to adopt another number, we are uneafy and diffatis- 

 fied. For this reafon, a rythm that may be perfedlly agreeable 

 and fatisfadory, mufl be conflruded according to fome mear 



fure > 



