MUSIC, 



of this sort, to withdraw for a while the dull and the sensual, 

 from the grosser existence in which they may be sunk, and 

 to give them some glimpses, at least, of a state of purer en- 

 joyment, than that which is to be derived from the sordid 

 gains, and sordid luxuries of common life. Of the influence, 

 which music has upon the general character, when cultivated 

 to great refinement, there are different opinions. But of its 

 temporary influence, as a source of tranquillii^ing delight, 

 there can be no doubt. 



Who ne'er has felt her hand assuasive steal 



Along his heart — that heart will never feel. 



'Tis hers to chain the passions, sooth the soul. 



To snatch the dagger, and to dash the bowl 



From Murder's hand ; to smooth the couch of Care, 



Extract the thorns, and scatter roses there. 



To her, Religion owes her holiest flame : 



Her eye looks heaven-ward, for from heaven she came. 



And when Religion's mild and genial ray. 



Around the frozen heart begins to play, 



Music's soft breath falls on the quivering light ; 



The fire is kindled, and the flame is bright ; 



And that cold mass, by either power assail'd, 



Is warm'd — made liquid — and to heaven exhal'd, 



PlERPONT. 



The phenomena of music, in addition to their general in-» 

 terest, are truly worthy of our astonishment, from that 

 striking diversity of organic power in the perception of 

 melody and still more of harmony which they exhibit in dif^ 

 ferent individuals, in whom all other circumstances are ap- 

 parently the same. This diversity has often attracted the 

 attention of philosophers, and has led even those who have 

 no great tendency to speculation of any kind, to wonder at 

 least, which is the first step of all philosophizing. In the 

 present instance, however unfortunately, this first step is the 

 only step which philosophers have been able to take. If 

 the want of a musical ear had involved either a general de- 

 fect of hearing, or a general slowness of discrimination in 

 other cases of nice diversity, the wonder would not have 

 been great. But those who are without ear for music per- 

 ^ive as readily as others the faintest whisper ; — they dis- 

 tinguish like them, the faintest shades of difference in the 



