I AM MUSIC

I am music, most ancient of the arts.

I am more than ancient: I 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 humanity came, I at once became the most delicate, most subtle, and

most powerful medium for the expression of their emotions. When they were

little better than beasts, I influenced them for their good.

In all ages I have inspired humanity 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 humanity's nature.

Through my influence human nature has been uplifted, sweetened and refined.

A long line of the brightest minds have devoted themselves to the perfection

of instruments through which they may utilize my powers and enjoy my charms.

I have myriads of voices and instruments. I am in the hearts of all peoples

and on their tongues, in all lands and among all cultures: the ignorant and

unlettered know me, not less than the rich and learned. For I speak to all

peoples, 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 humanity 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 music.            - Allen Inman