354 The Natural History of Selborne 



quod ex musica humana relinqueretur in animo continens quasdam, 

 attentionemque et somnum conturbans agitatio ; dum ascensus, 

 exscensus, tenores, ac mutationes illas sonorum et consonantiarum 

 euntque, redeuntque per phantasiam : cum nihil tale relinqui possit 

 ex modulationibus avium, quae, quod non sunt perinde a nobis 

 imitabiles, non possunt perinde internam facultatem commovere." 

 Gassendus in TJitd Peireskii. 



This curious quotation strikes me much by so well representing 

 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. 



