The Preface.
ſame Influence on France, it is becauſe the French Muſick is by no means ſo meltingly moving as the Italian, and that the effect of the Charm has been in ſome meaſure retarded by the whole Nation’s having been in Arms for ſo many Years together.
There is one Obſervation which naturally occurs here, and with which we ſhall conclude this Preface; and that is, that the Alterations which have been made in the Entertainment of the Stage for theſe laſt Ten Years, ſeem to have had ſome influence ev’n upon Common Society. For as Senſe upon the Stage ſeems to have given place to Sound, the ſame thing appears to have happen’d in familiar Converſation, which is reduc’d to ſuch a Level among all ſorts of People, as perhaps never was known in the World before. For go where you will, either among Citts or Courtiers, among Men of Senſe or Blockheads, the Converſation rolls moſt upon Two Points, which are News and Toaſting. Now this is Certain, that a very ſolmen dull Fool makes a very pretty Newsmonger; and a very empty, errant Coxcomb, a very accompliſh’d Toaſter.
Eſſay
