Fulk Greville, a descendant of The Friend of Sir Philip Sydney, and afterwards author of Characters,
[Pg 25]
Maxims4, and Reflections, was then generally looked up to as the finest gentleman about town. His person, tall and well-proportioned, was commanding; his face, features, and complexion5, were striking for masculine beauty; and his air and carriage were noble with conscious dignity.
He was then in the towering pride of healthy manhood and athletic6 strength. He excelled in all the fashionable exercises, riding, fencing, hunting, shooting at a mark, dancing, tennis, &c.; and worked at every one of them with a fury for pre-eminence, not equalled, perhaps, in ardour for superiority in personal accomplishments7, since the days of the chivalrous8 Lord Herbert of Cherbury.
His high birth, and higher expectation—for a coronet at that time, from some uncertain right of heritage, hung almost suspended over his head—with a splendid fortune, wholly unfettered, already in his hands, gave to him a consequence in the circles of modish9 dissipation that, at the clubs of St. James’s-street, and on the race ground at Newmarket, nearly crowned him as chief. For though there were many competitors of more titled importance, and more powerful wealth, neither the blaze of their heraldry,
[Pg 26]
nor the weight of their gold, could preponderate10, in the buckish scales of the day, over the elegance11 of equipment, the grandeur12, yet attraction of demeanour, the supercilious13 brow, and the resplendent smile, that marked the lofty yet graceful14 descendant of Sir Philip Sydney.
This gentleman one morning, while trying a new instrument at the house of Kirkman, the first harpsichord15 maker16 of the times, expressed a wish to receive musical instruction from some one who had mind and cultivation17, as well as finger and ear; lamenting18, with strong contempt, that, in the musical tribe, the two latter were generally dislocated from the two former; and gravely asking Kirkman whether he knew any young musician who was fit company for a gentleman.
Kirkman, with honest zeal19 to stand up for the credit of the art by which he prospered20, and which he held to be insulted by this question, warmly answered that he knew many; but, very particularly, one member of the harmonic corps21, who had as much music in his tongue as in his hands, and who was as fit company for a prince as for an orchestra.
Mr. Greville, with much surprise, made sundry22
[Pg 27]
and formal inquiries23 into the existence, situation, and character of what he called so great a phenomenon; protesting there was nothing he so much desired as the extraordinary circumstance of finding any union of sense with sound.
The replies of the good German were so exciting, as well as satisfactory, that Mr. Greville became eager to see the youth thus extolled24; but charged Mr. Kirkman not to betray a word of what had passed, that the interview might be free from restraint, and seem to be arranged merely for shewing off the several instruments that were ready for sale, to a gentleman who was disposed to purchase one of the most costly25.
To this injunction Mr. Kirkman agreed, and conscientiously26 adhered.
A day was appointed, and the meeting took place.
Young Burney, with no other idea than that of serving Kirkman, immediately seated himself at an instrument, and played various pieces of Geminiani, Corelli, and Tartini, whose compositions were then most in fashion. But Mr. Greville, secretly suspicious of some connivance28, coldly and proudly walked about the room; took snuff from a finely
[Pg 28]
enamelled snuff-box, and looked at some prints, as if wholly without noticing the performance.
He had, however, too much penetration29 not to perceive his mistake, when he remarked the incautious carelessness with which his inattention was returned; for soon, conceiving himself to be playing to very obtuse30 ears, young Burney left off all attempt at soliciting31 their favour; and only sought his own amusement by trying favourite passages, or practising difficult ones, with a vivacity33 which shewed that his passion for his art rewarded him in itself for his exertions34. But coming, at length, to keys of which the touch, light and springing, invited his stay, he fired away in a sonata35 of Scarlatti’s, with an alternate excellence36 of execution and expression, so perfectly37 in accord with the fanciful flights of that wild but masterly composer, that Mr. Greville, satisfied no scheme was at work to surprise or to win him; but, on the contrary, that the energy of genius was let loose upon itself, and enjoying, without premeditation, its own lively sports and vagaries38; softly drew a chair to the harpsichord, and listened, with unaffected earnestness, to every note.
Nor were his ears alone curiously39 awakened40; his eyes were equally occupied to mark the peculiar41
[Pg 29]
performance of intricate difficulties; for the young musician had invented a mode of adding neatness to brilliancy, by curving the fingers, and rounding the hand, in a manner that gave them a grace upon the keys quite new at that time, and entirely42 of his own devising.
To be easily pleased, however, or to make acknowledgment of being pleased at all, seems derogatory to strong self-importance; Mr. Greville, therefore, merely said, “You are fond, Sir, it seems, of Italian music?”
The reply to this was striking up, with all the varying undulations of the crescendo43, the diminuendo, the pealing44 swell45, and the “dying, dying fall,” belonging to the powers of the pedal, that most popular masterpiece of Handel’s, the Coronation Anthem47.
This quickness of comprehension, in turning from Italian to German, joined to the grandeur of the composition, and the talents of the performer, now irresistibly48 vanquished49 Mr. Greville; who, convinced of Kirkman’s truth with regard to the harmonic powers of this son of Apollo, desired next to sift50 it with regard to the wit.
Casting off, therefore, his high reserve, with his
[Pg 30]
jealous surmises51, he ceased to listen to the music, and started some theme that was meant to lead to conversation.
But as this essay, from not knowing to what the youth might be equal, consisted of such inquiries as, “Have you been in town long, Sir?” or, “Does your taste call you back to the country, Sir?” &c. &c., his young hearer, by no means preferring this inquisitorial style to the fancy of Scarlatti, or the skill and depth of Handel, slightly answered, “Yes, Sir,” or “No, Sir;” and, perceiving an instrument not yet tried, darted52 to it precipitately53, and seated himself to play a voluntary.
The charm of genuine simplicity54 is nowhere more powerful than with the practised and hackneyed man of the world; for it induces what, of all things, he most rarely experiences, a belief in sincerity55.
Mr. Greville, therefore, though thwarted56, was not displeased57; for in a votary58 of the art he was pursuing, he saw a character full of talents, yet without guile59; and conceived, from that moment, an idea that it was one he might personally attach. He remitted60, therefore, to some other opportunity, a further internal investigation61.
Mr. Kirkman now came forward to announce,
[Pg 31]
that in the following week he should have a new harpsichord, with double keys, and a deepened bass62, ready for examination.
They then parted, without any explanation on the side of Mr. Greville; or any idea on that of the subject of these memoirs63, that he and his acquirements were objects of so peculiar a speculation64.
At the second interview, young Burney innocently and eagerly flew at once to the harpsichord, and tried it with various recollections from his favourite composers.
Mr. Greville listened complacently65 and approvingly; but, at the end of every strain, made a speech that he intended should lead to some discussion.
Young Burney, however, more alive to the graces of melody than to the subtleties66 of argument, gave answers that always finished with full-toned chords, which as constantly modulated67 into another movement; till Mr. Greville, tired and impatient, suddenly proposed changing places, and trying the instrument himself.
He could not have devised a more infallible expedient68 to provoke conversation; for he thrummed his own chosen bits by memory with so little skill or taste, yet with a pertinacity69 so wearisome, that
[Pg 32]
young Burney, who could neither hearken to such playing, nor turn aside from such a player, caught with alacrity70 at every opening to discourse71, as an acquittal from the fatigue72 of mock attention.
This eagerness gave a piquancy73 to what he said, that stole from him the diffidence that might otherwise have hung upon his inexperience; and endued74 him with a courage for uttering his opinions, that might else have faded away under the trammels of distant respect.
Mr. Greville, however, was really superior to the mawkish75 parade of unnecessary etiquette76 in private circles, where no dignity can be offended, and no grandeur be let down by suffering nature, wit, or accident to take their bent77, and run their race, unfettered by punctilio.
Yet was he the last of men to have borne any designed infringement78 upon the long established claims of birth, rank, or situation; which, in fact, is rarely practised but to lead to a succession of changes, that circulate, like the names written in a round robin79, to end just where they began;—
“Such chaos80, where degree is suffocate81,
Follows the choaking.”[8]
[Pg 33]
In the subject of these memoirs, this effervescence of freedom was clearly that of juvenile82 artlessness and overflowing83 vivacity; and Mr. Greville desired too sincerely to gather the youth’s notions and fathom84 his understanding, for permitting himself to check such amusing spirits, by proudly wrapping himself up, as at less favourable85 moments he was wont86 to do, in his own consequence. He grew, therefore, so lively and entertaining, that young Burney became as much charmed with his company as he had been wearied by his music; and an interchange of ideas took place, as frankly87 rapid, equal, and undaunted, as if the descendant of the friend of Sir Philip Sydney had encountered a descendant of Sir Philip Sydney himself.
This meeting concluded the investigation; music, singing her gay triumph, took her stand at the helm; and a similar victory for capacity and information awaited but a few intellectual skirmishes, on poetry, politics, morals, and literature,—in the midst of which Mr. Greville, suddenly and gracefully88 holding out his hand, fairly acknowledged his scheme, proclaimed its success, and invited the unconscious victor to accompany him to Wilbury House.
The amazement89 of young Burney was boundless90;
[Pg 34]
but his modesty91, or rather his ignorance that not to think highly of his own abilities merited that epithet92, was most agreeably surprised by so complicate93 a flattery to his character, his endowments, and his genius.
But his articles with Dr. Arne were in full force; and it was not without a sigh that he made known his confined position.
Unaccustomed to control his inclinations94 himself, or to submit to their control from circumstances, expense, or difficulty, Mr. Greville mocked this puny95 obstacle; and, instantly visiting Dr. Arne in person, demanded his own terms for liberating96 his Cheshire pupil.
Dr. Arne, at first, would listen to no proposition; protesting that a youth of such promise was beyond all equivalent. But no sooner was a round sum mentioned, than the Doctor, who, in common with all the dupes of extravagance, was evermore needy97, could not disguise from himself that he was dolorously98 out of cash; and the dazzling glare of three hundred pounds could not but play most temptingly in his sight, for one of those immediate27, though imaginary wants, that the man of pleasure is always sure to see waving, with decoying allurement99, before his longing46 eyes.
[Pg 35]
The articles, therefore, were cancelled: and young Burney was received in the house of Mr. Greville as a desired inmate100, a talented professor, and a youth of genius: to which appellations101, from his pleasantry, gaiety, reading, and readiness, was soon superadded the title—not of a humble102, but of a chosen and confidential103 companion.
Young Burney now moved in a completely new sphere, and led a completely new life. All his leisure nevertheless was still devoted104 to improvement in his own art, by practice and by composition. But the hours for such sage32 pursuits were soon curtailed105 from half the day to its quarter; and again from that to merely the early morning that preceded any communication with his gay host: for so partial grew Mr. Greville to his new favourite, that, speedily, there was no remission of claim upon his time or his talents, whether for music or discourse.
Nor even here ended the requisition for his presence; his company had a charm that gave a zest106 to whatever went forward: his opinions were so ingenious, his truth was so inviolate107, his spirits were so entertaining, that, shortly, to make him a part
[Pg 36]
of whatever was said or done, seemed necessary to Mr. Greville for either speech or action.
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1
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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attainments
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| 成就，造诣； 获得( attainment的名词复数 )； 达到； 造诣； 成就 | |
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maxims
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| n.格言，座右铭( maxim的名词复数 ) | |
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5
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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athletic
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| adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的 | |
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accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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8
chivalrous
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| adj.武士精神的；对女人彬彬有礼的 | |
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modish
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| adj.流行的，时髦的 | |
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10
preponderate
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| v.数目超过；占优势 | |
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elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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12
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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supercilious
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| adj.目中无人的，高傲的；adv.高傲地；n.高傲 | |
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14
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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harpsichord
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| n.键琴（钢琴前身） | |
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maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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cultivation
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| n.耕作，培养，栽培（法），养成 | |
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18
lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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prospered
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| 成功，兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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22
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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23
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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24
extolled
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| v.赞颂，赞扬，赞美( extol的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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25
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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conscientiously
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| adv.凭良心地；认真地，负责尽职地；老老实实 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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connivance
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| n.纵容；默许 | |
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penetration
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| n.穿透，穿人，渗透 | |
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obtuse
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| adj.钝的；愚钝的 | |
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31
soliciting
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| v.恳求( solicit的现在分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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32
sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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33
vivacity
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| n.快活，活泼，精神充沛 | |
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34
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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35
sonata
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| n.奏鸣曲 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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vagaries
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| n.奇想( vagary的名词复数 )；异想天开；异常行为；难以预测的情况 | |
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39
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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40
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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41
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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42
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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43
crescendo
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| n.(音乐)渐强，高潮 | |
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44
pealing
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| v.（使）（钟等）鸣响，（雷等）发出隆隆声( peal的现在分词 ) | |
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45
swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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47
anthem
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| n.圣歌，赞美诗，颂歌 | |
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48
irresistibly
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| adv.无法抵抗地，不能自持地；极为诱惑人地 | |
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49
vanquished
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| v.征服( vanquish的过去式和过去分词 )；战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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50
sift
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| v.筛撒，纷落，详察 | |
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51
surmises
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| v.臆测，推断( surmise的第三人称单数 )；揣测；猜想 | |
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darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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53
precipitately
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| adv.猛进地 | |
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54
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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55
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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56
thwarted
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| 阻挠( thwart的过去式和过去分词 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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57
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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58
votary
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| n.崇拜者；爱好者；adj.誓约的，立誓任圣职的 | |
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59
guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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60
remitted
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| v.免除（债务），宽恕( remit的过去式和过去分词 )；使某事缓和；寄回，传送 | |
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61
investigation
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| n.调查，调查研究 | |
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62
bass
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| n.男低音(歌手)；低音乐器；低音大提琴 | |
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63
memoirs
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| n.回忆录；回忆录传( mem,自oir的名词复数) | |
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64
speculation
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| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
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65
complacently
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| adv. 满足地, 自满地, 沾沾自喜地 | |
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66
subtleties
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| 细微( subtlety的名词复数 )； 精细； 巧妙； 细微的差别等 | |
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67
modulated
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| 已调整[制]的，被调的 | |
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68
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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69
pertinacity
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| n.执拗，顽固 | |
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70
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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71
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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72
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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73
piquancy
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| n.辛辣，辣味，痛快 | |
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74
endued
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| v.授予，赋予（特性、才能等）( endue的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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75
mawkish
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| adj.多愁善感的的；无味的 | |
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76
etiquette
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| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
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77
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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78
infringement
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| n.违反；侵权 | |
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79
robin
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| n.知更鸟，红襟鸟 | |
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80
chaos
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| n.混乱，无秩序 | |
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suffocate
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| vt.使窒息，使缺氧，阻碍；vi.窒息，窒息而亡，阻碍发展 | |
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juvenile
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| n.青少年，少年读物；adj.青少年的，幼稚的 | |
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overflowing
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| n. 溢出物,溢流 adj. 充沛的，充满的 动词overflow的现在分词形式 | |
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fathom
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| v.领悟，彻底了解 | |
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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boundless
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| adj.无限的；无边无际的；巨大的 | |
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modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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epithet
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| n.（用于褒贬人物等的）表述形容词，修饰语 | |
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complicate
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| vt.使复杂化，使混乱，使难懂 | |
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inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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puny
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| adj.微不足道的，弱小的 | |
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liberating
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| 解放，释放( liberate的现在分词 ) | |
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needy
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| adj.贫穷的，贫困的，生活艰苦的 | |
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dolorously
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| adj. 悲伤的；痛苦的；悲哀的；阴沉的 | |
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allurement
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| n.诱惑物 | |
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inmate
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| n.被收容者；(房屋等的)居住人；住院人 | |
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appellations
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| n.名称，称号( appellation的名词复数 ) | |
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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confidential
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| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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curtailed
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| v.截断，缩短( curtail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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zest
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| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
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inviolate
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| adj.未亵渎的，未受侵犯的 | |
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