I AM MUSIC

I am Music; most ancient of the arts.  I am more than ancient; I am eternal.  Even before life began 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 are the complete perfection of human nature.  Through my influence, human nature has been uplifted, sweetened, and refined.  With the aid of mankind, I have become a Fine Art; I have a myriad of voices and instruments.  I am in the hearts of all people and on their tongues in all lands, among all peoples; the ignorant and unlettered know me, not less than the rich and learned.  For I speak to all people 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 gentleness and peace; and I have led men to heroic deeds.  I comfort the lonely, and I harmonize the discord of crowds.  I am a necessary luxury to all, I am MUSIC.

- Anonymous