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TOC
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ed and rendered worthless by extreme
indigence and the rigour of government;
but were they less so under their Gothic
tyrants, when arts and sciences were
not only neglected but extirpated from
among them? Perhaps the cultivation
of the peaceful arts may contribute as
much to the happiness of the present
inhabitants of Italy, and, indeed, to those
of other parts of the world, as the conquer-
ing kingdoms did to that of their martial
ancestors; who, when they were not
busied in cutting the throats of each other,
employed all their time and talents in
plundering and enslaving mankind.
But music is now thought necessary in
every country in Europe; and if it must
be had, why should it not be excellent?
The superior refinement of the Italian
music cannot be fairly attributed to the
great number of artificial voices with
which Italy, to its dishonour, abounds; for
vocal music seems at present in its high-
est state of perfection in the conservatorios
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