The Music, or Melody and Rhythmus of the English Language

Excerpt from The Music, or Melody and Rhythmus of the English Language: In Which Are Explained, and Applied to Their Proper Purposes, on Principles New in This Country, the Five Accidents of Speech, Viz; Accent, Quantity, Emphasis, Pause, and Force, or Quality of Sound, Illustrated With Symbolic Marks, and a Musical Notation

I have explained this system, as laid down in the follow ing synopsis, to none who were not immediately convinced both of its truth and utility. But perhaps some of: the Amousoi, though in other respects persons of genius and learning, may feel dissatisfied with the system, and attempt? To cry it down, by endeavouring to show its inutility. How ever inconsistent this conduct may he, should it happen, I will neither be surprised nor discouraged for we know by other instances among men, that it is not unnatural; for, do we not see many who are less ashamed to expose their vices, than to acknowledge their poverty - But, while such are totally unqualified to judge of the cadence, melody, and rhythmus of music, they will not be very ready, it may be supposed, to obtrude their opinion with regard to the same accidents, when applied to language, where an equal degree of accuracy of ear is indispensable.

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