THE

GOLDFINCH,

OR NEW

Modern Songster.

BEING ASELECT COLLECTION

of the most admired and favourite! Scots

AND

ENGLISH SONGS,
Cantatas, &cl

Here the composer has employ'd his care
To chase, what best might entertain the Fair;
Each ravishd ear extols the heavenly art,
Which sooths our care, and elevates the heart.

.D.Lizars

Scalp

GLASGOW. Printed by J. & M.ROBERTSON Saltmarket.

01934

PREFACE.

M

USIC appears to have been one of the most ancient arts; and, of all others, vocal mufic muft undoubtedly have been the firft kind. Plutarch afcribes the first invention of mufic to the god Apollo. It has always been in great esteem among all nations, not only for the innocent entertainment it affords, but for the powerful effects and agreeable influences it has over the mind; it raises a variety of fublime. pleasures; it pacifies wrath, calms the paffions, and fills the mind with a love of virtuous actions. The favourable reception of the first edition of this book, and the frequent demands for it, fince it became fcarce, encouraged the Editors to offer the prefent Collection, greatly enlarged, and adapted to every fpecies of fingers. The Editors have had recourfe to most of the fong-books published in the three kingdoms. Such of the old fongs as have firmly stood the test of approbation are retained, while those that would rank better in

a