The ancient "Capitula" were much inflected. The Cantus Evangelii and Epistolarum admitted likewise of a great and wearisome licence of inflection. Now it would have been absurd to inflect a long English lesson. The Rubric, therefore, ordered that the Lessons should be said to _un_inflected song. "In such places where they do sing, then shall the Lesson be _sung_ in a _plain tune_ after the manner of _distinct_ reading" (_i.e._ recitation); in other words, the "Lessons, Epistle, and Gospel," were to be all alike said in _monotone_. You are aware, of course, that it was not till the last Revision in 1662 that this rubric was removed. The Divines at the Savoy Conference at first objected, and, in their published answer, stated that the reasons urged by the Puritan party for its removal were groundless. However, the rubric disappeared; and, I think, happily and providentially. For certainly (except the reader chances to have a _very_ beautiful voice) it would be painful to hear a Lesson--perhaps a chapter of fifty or sixty verses--said all in monotone. Moreover, while in solemn addresses (whether of Prayer or Praise to GOD), the solemn musical Recitation seems most fitting and reverential, in lections or addresses delivered primarily for the edification of _man_, a freer mode of utterance appears desirable and rational. Merbecke's book (I should have added) does not contain the music for the Litany--as that had been already published--nor for the whole Psalter. It simply gives a few specimens of adaptation of the old Chants to English Psalms or Canticles, and leaves it to individual choirs to adapt and select for themselves. The _intention_ of the English Church to retain a musical service is further confirmed by the often quoted injunction of Queen Elizabeth, 1559 (c. 49), which gives licence for an anthem. It first orders that "there shall be a modest and distinct _song_," (_i.e._ the ordinary plain song) "used in _all parts_ of the Common Prayers of the Church;" while, for the comfort of such as delight in music, it permits, at the beginning or end of the services, "a hymn or song in the best melody and music that can be devised, having respect to the sense of the words."