370 The Natural History of Se I borne 



" Praehabebat porrb vocibus humanis, instrumentisque har- 

 monicis musicam illam avium : non quod alia quoque non 

 delectaretur : sed quod ex musica humana relinqueretur in 

 animo continens quaedam, attentionemque et somnum con- 

 turbans agitatio ; dum ascensus, exscensus, tenores, ac muta- 

 tiones illse sonorum et consonantiarum euntque, redeuntque 

 per phantasiam : cum nihil tale relinqui possit ex modula- 

 tionibus avium, quae, quod non sunt perinde a nobis imita- 

 bileSj non possunt perinde internam facultatem commovere." 

 Gassendus in Vita Peireskii. 



This curious quotation strikes me much by so well repre- 

 senting my own case, and by describing what I have so often 

 felt, but never could so well express. When I hear fine music 

 I am haunted with passages therefrom night and day; and 

 especially at first waking, which by their importunity, give me 

 more uneasiness than pleasure; elegant lessons still tease my 

 imagination, and recur irresistibly to my recollection even at 

 seasons when I am desirous of thinking of more serious 

 matters. I am, &c. 



