To those in truth I have ever more especially consecrated the thoughts of my whole life. All the rest I consider but the blossoms or rather the leaves those I only esteem as the Fruits of all my labours in this kind. With them I began my first Raptures in this Art, with them I hope calmly and comfortably to finish my days. The composer did not carry out his design, though he lived about eight years after this. A very interesting work, which has only of late {114} years been made known, is a Masque entitled _Venus and Adonis_. Some years ago I noticed it among the music in the Chapter Library at Westminster. It has since been edited by Mr Arkwright, and, quite lately, produced upon the stage at Glastonbury. It is very interesting, as it shows that Blow, like Purcell, had a leaning to dramatic music and this Masque is specially noticeable as it consists of musical dialogue--not spoken--thus coming very near to a little Opera. Blow also contributed to some _Choice Lessons for the Harpsichord_, a collection published by Playford, to which also Henry Purcell contributed. There are also interesting specimens of organ music, among which is a curious arrangement of the _Hundredth Psalm Tune_ "as they are played in Churches and Chapels." I have also a copy of a MS. _Lesson on the Hundredth Psalm_. It would now be called a Choral Prelude for the Organ. After a short introduction, the whole tune appears at intervals in the Bass, with very florid upper counterpoint. It is evidence of Blow's knowledge of organ effects and of his ability as a player.