I AM MUSIC, most ancient of the arts. +
I am more than ancient; l am eternal. + Even before life commenced
upon this earth, I was here in the winds and the waves. + When the
first trees and flowers and grasses appeared, I was among them. +
And when Man came, I at once became the most delicate, most subtle,
and most powerful medium for the expression of Man's emotions. When
men were little better than beasts, I influenced them for their
good. +In all ages I have inspired men with hope, kindled their
love, given a voice to their joys, cheered them on to valorous
deeds, and soothed them in times of despair. + I have played a great
part in the drama of Life, whose end and purpose is the complete
perfection of man's nature. + Through my influence human nature has
been uplifted, sweetened and refined. + With the aid of men, I have
become a Fine Art. From Tubalcain to Thomas Edison a long line of
the brightest minds have devoted themselves to the perfection of
instruments through which men may utilize my powers and enjoy my
charms. + I have myriads of voices and instruments. I am in the
hearts of all men and on their tongues, in all lands and among all
peoples; the ignorant and unlettered know me, not less than the rich
and learned. + For I speak to all men, in a language that all
understand. Even the deaf hear me, if they but listen to the voices
of their own souls. + I am the food of love. + I have taught men
gentleness and peace; and I have led them onward to heroic deeds. +
I comfort the lonely, and I harmonize the discord of crowds. + I am
a necessary luxury to all men. + I am MUSIC. -