THE Art of Pronunciation, Digested into two parts. Vox audienda, & Vox videnda.  
In the first of which are set forth the Elements and several parts of the voice: In the second are described divers Characters, by which every part of the voice may be aptly known and severally distinguished.  
Very necessary as well thereby to know the natural structure of the voice, as speedily to learn the Exact touch of pronunciation of any foreign language whatsoever.  
Newly invented by ROBERT ROBINSON Londoner.  Organa naturae tribuit Deus, are docet usus. 
London printed by Nicholas Okes. 1617.   

To his Book.  

If that thou chance to come to Zoilus view,  
Fear not my book, though thy inuention's new:  
Tell them, whose want of skill shall thee deride,  
To judge things they not know, 'tis foolish pride:  
But if men skilled in thee a fault espy,  
Crave their best help, bear not thyself too high.    

A Preface declaring the great benefit of Speech and writing, and the order of this Treatise.  
GOD (who hath so well disposed and ordered the course of nature in all his creatures,) as he hath made man his chiefest and set him over all the rest of his creatures of the earth, having endued him with many graces above the rest, as wisdom, knowledge, reason, understanding, and the like; even as so many springs and rivers issuing from the Ocean of his infinite wisdom: So also that nothing might be wanting, nothing superfluous in such a worthy creature, hath given him divers outward means and senses so excellent, meet and convenient, not only for the nourishment and preservation of his own body (as they are likewise to other creatures) but also as well for the maintenance and increase of those inward graces wherewith he is so adorned, as for the employment of them and showing and setting them forth to other men to whom he hath not given the same measure; whereby he may be glorified of all men as their gracious and glorious Creator, all men may be glorified in him as his chiefest creatures: And to that end as he hath given man a reasonable soul to judge and discern, so also that all his knowledge, all his graces might not lie hid and smothered in his own breast, he hath given him a voice composed with more rareness then in any other of his creatures, whereby he may express the thoughts of his heart, may praise and pray to his God, may teach and instruct others in that which he knoweth above other men, may ask advise & council of others in that he knoweth not, and generally all may communicate and confer together, as well touching spiritual matters fit for the soul, as concerning all other things necessary in our worldly affairs: yet although the voice of man be of such needful use, that without it man's mind were but as in a dungeon, and in perpetual thraldom of the body for the time of its being in this earthly habitation, if there were no other help then that voice to express the mind: man could not be the better for any thing that should be taught or spoken of no longer than the very words were speaking, or at the longest, but whilst our weak memories could retain the very matter spoken of, and so it might easily be foreseen how soon all the labours of us and our forefathers would perish, how quickly the wise councils, witty and grave sayings of the learned would be forgotten. The Princes in every age (though in one and the same kingdom) would have a different kind of ruling, the subjects a different course of living, both the Princes and people a different and new course of religion. All our doings, all our sayings, all our customs, and all our manners would be buried in oblivion.  
Then how uncertain our estates would be, how uncomfortable ourselves, how dangerous and pernicious it would be for the state of every commonwealth, all men may easily judge, yet God to prevent these inconveniences, for the further benefit of mankind, as he hath given us a voice to express the mind unto the ear, so he hath given us hands to frame letters or marks for the voice to express the mind unto the eyes. So that the eyes and ears are as it were the receivers of message sent unto the heart, the hands and voice as deliverers of message sent from the heart: And though the voice be a more lively kind of speech, yet in respect it is but only a sleight accident made of so light a substance as the air, it is no sooner uttered but it is dissolved, every simple sound doth expel and extinguish the sound going before it, so that the ear can have but one touch of the air beating upon it to declare the speech unto the mind: but the hand though it give a dumb and a more dull kind of speech, yet it gives a more durable. A letter is a grosser substance, and therefore is of more continuance than a sound: what is once written still continueth though the hand ceaseth. If the eyes have not satisfied the mind at one view, they may look on it again, yea till they have satisfied its desire: And by this means of noting and charactering of the voice, all things worthy of memory are defended from the injury of forgetfulness; whereby is left unto us from most ancient times of our forefathers the most holy will of God, besides many necessary doctrines of godly and religious men, many excellent sayings both divine and moral, many human policies, counsels, and instructions, written by wise and learned men, together with divers behoveful arts and worthy sciences, which are hereby as in a sure treasury preserved, maintained and daily increased to the glory of almighty God, and continual benefit and comfort of us and our posterity. Of these two excellent benefits the first being natural, is by nature of every man with a little use easily pronounced, the other being artificial cannot be perfectly framed until the true reason, order, and distinct parts of the former be first found out and known; the want of knowledge whereof, hath caused both in speech and writing, many imperfections and errors, as sometimes taking one simple sound of man's voice to be two, at other times taking two, three, or four simple sounds to be but one, and according to that mistaken order fitting letters for them, whereby writing is thereby in some part made defective, beside by many other errors used therein, as by misplacing of letters, contrary to the order wherein they are pronounced, inserting of superfluous letters, where there is no need, nor any sound at all expressed for them, making one letter serve for two different sounds, sometimes for one and sometimes for another; and chose, using for one and the same sound at sometimes one letter, at other times another letter, not proper thereunto, but to some other different sound in man's voice: by which confused order the speech is so darkly set down, that our words in speaking seem as a different kind of language to the same in writing. So that though by a common use and beaten practice every particular nation can explain themselves and pronounce their own proper speech by their own manner of writing, yet it is so intricate to a stranger of another country, that he can neither pronounce their speech by their writing, nor write their speech according to their manner by hearing of it spoken, whereby no perfect Dictionary or Grammar hath hitherto been made, that the true order of pronunciation might be taught, either to such as are desirous of the skill of languages, or to children, or such as are altogether ignorant in reading and writing of their own mother tongue. Besides a great inconvenience which by some I have understood (and doubtless it is likely) to have happened in the ancient learned tongues, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, which though they are written and imprinted in all parts, wherein they are in use, by one and the same order of letters, yet in utterance of them in speech, they are so diversly pronounced, that men of different nations (though therein very learned) cannot one suddenly understand the other in any argument, or conference had between them in any of those languages, every one of them inclining to the manner of pronunciation of their own country speech. Hence also it hath come to pass, that notwithstanding all nations of the earth came from one root, our first father Adam, and that God had given them all the same form of body, the like senses, and for their voice all instruments alike: (howsoever he had dispersed them into sever all parts and habitations) yet the people of one kingdom in their learning of the language of any other nation have not in many years, yea some in the whole course of their life have not attained to such exact and perfect pronunciation therein, nor so framed their mouths in speaking but that they might easily be discerned and discovered to be strangers of another Country: Now therefore seeing in other sciences less useful, the professors of them have set them down in exact propositions; I cannot see (especially considering how necessary a thing true pronunciation is both for the grace of the speech, as for the commodity and advantage it may beget to the commonwealth as well at home, as in commerce and traffic had in foreign parts with other nations by conferring with them in their own languages) how in this it can be accounted unnecessary to seek a means whereby to remedy these manifold abuses and imperfections in speech and writing, which are the grounds by which all other knowledges are taught and maintained, That by some ruled art the true pronunciation of languages might be learned, which hitherto is taught either by rote, or written in such a confused manner as cannot but seem unreasonable to any man's understanding, howsoever allowed of and approved by continuance of custom. But here perchance I may be charged with presumption both in respect of myself, and in respect of my years, in that I profess to be a teacher of a science to others, having as it were but newly learned my letters myself: Whereunto I answer, that I learned not this my art out of the books and works of learned men, neither would my small means afford me to be acquainted with their great volumes, only out of a volume of Gods own gift and making did I take this small Manuscript, even to all men hath he given one of the same impression, whereby the truth hereof may be examined: yet certainly the unripeness of my years, and want of other learning, had wholly withheld me from the publishing thereof, so that it might have died with myself and have benefited no man, had I not considered that every one of what estate, degree, or condition soever, is bound in ducty to reveal whatsoever may be beneficial to his country; assuring myself that God doth not give either knowledge or riches to any private person merely for his own particular use, but employeth those on whom he bestoweth such gifts, as Cisterns and conduits to convey and impart them likewise to others. Yet he therein so provideth that themselves also be never empty. This consideration therefore caused me to think it were far better, though with boldness to set forth that portion of knowledge which God had given me, then with a distard-like fear for the causes afore remembered to conceal the benefit; Having therefore laboured to find out the true ground of the speech, that the manifold errors therein might be made manifest, and so avoided. To the intent I might in such sort as God had enabled me, do somewhat for the common good of my Country, and add something to my profession, I have framed this small treatise of pronunciation, and digested it into two parts. In the first by certain propositions applying myself to set forth the elements and parts of the voice: In the second part appointing for every simple sound in man's voice sundry letters and characters, that the voice being thereunto once committed may by any (who shall know the use of them) without any other expositor or instructor be aptly and truly pronounced upon view of the writing, how strange soever the language be: yet seeing my intent and purpose herein is not, that I would any ways go about, or desire to alter the order of letters, which of so long time hath been used and allowed of, wherein so many worthy works have been imprinted, knowing that could not be brought to pass without much difficulty, and greater prejudice than my simple judgement can discern. I would not therefore that any man should so much look into or respect the characters which I herein use, or the manner of the new placing, disposing, or naming of them, as the mateer and scope whereto I intent them, which is, that I might with the easiest way and meetest order, so paint out every part of man's voice, that every one might be severally discerned from other, and that the pronunciation of every different language which hitherto is chiefly taught by word of mouth, might in a more certain manner be dedeciphered with the pen, whereby any that are desirous that way, may not only the sooner learn the experience of any foreign language, but may also with more ease, and in a shorter time attain to the true pronunciation thereof. For albeit any man in teaching of his own country language, doth by his own speech give the very true and absolute touch of pronunciation, yet by reason of the swiftness of the voice, unwonted composition of the parts thereof and dull apprehension of the ears, the same is not easily and read lie perceived to a stranger: but the simple and distinct parts, and members of the whole voice (which are the grounds of all languages) being once certainly known, and cast into visible letters, (howsoever the order of an unknown language doth diversly disperse and mix them together) the eye by it's quick and sharp sight doth suddenly apprehend them, and thereby teach the mouth of one altogether ignorant, & unacquainted with such language as aptly and truly to pronounce it, as any one to whom the same is naturally the speech, wherein he hath been always trained and instructed, from the very time of his infancy, (this only excepted, that the unaccustomed mixture of the sounds of the voice may at first cause a more slow utterance.) And, for that cause having gathered together divers letters and characters of sundry sorts and forms, I found none so meet (in respect of the accents which are necessarily to be placed over them) as those which were shortest, and of an equal length, and so having myself framed some few, I took the rest to make up my number, and as the best for my purpose out of the Roman and Secretary letters, but have not so used, and placed them in the same sense and order as they were formerly in their own Alphabets; but have diversly disposed of them accordingly as seemed fittest for my use, and the order of the work did best require; And touching such places wherein I have been compelled in respect of the order of the work to speak of matters incident to music, for that they are not much pertinent to this art of pronunciation, I have therefore but lightly and briefly touched them, referring such matters to the teachers and professors of that science.  
And thus having showed the occasion order, and intent of this my treatise, being the fruit of wearied times between other labours, I commit it to the view & practise of those, that shall think it meet for their use or experience, leaving these few verses to plead my excuse, if any errors have happened by reason of my great want of learning.  
ROBERT ROBINSON.   


Candide des veniam, placidun nec contrahe frontem,  
Inficiat chartas, si qua litura meas:  
Nec mihi sollucem, nec praebuit aura calorem  
Me tenebris cinctum frigida zona premit:  
Sin redeat mihi fausta dies, si denique Phoebus  
Lumine, percutiat lumina nostra, suo:  
Tum nitar meliora sequi, tum menda vicissim  
Tota mihi lux a biget, quot mihi lux aperit.    

Vox Audienda, Or THE ELEMENTS OF MAN'S Voice.  

What the Voice is.  
THE Voice is a composition of divers simple sounds intermixed together.   

What a simple sound is?  
A simple sound is the least part or member of the voice, framed in one only place, and by one only manner proper to itself.   

What a sound is, and of the efficient thereof.  
A sound is an accident effected by the opposition of these two contraries, namely motion and restraint: motion of the air out of the inward parts of the body, and restraint of it in its motion.   

Of the efficient causes of this motion and restraint.  
The causes of this motion and restraint are primary and secondary: the primary is spiritual, the secondary is instrumental, the spiritual cause is alike to both: the instrumental causes are different, some proper to motion, and others proper to restraint.   

Of the primary and spiritual cause of this motion and restraint.  
The spiritual cause is the mind, which God having made it most like to his glorious image, hath placed in this Microcosmos of man's body, as a principal ruler thereof under him, giving it such power over all the parts of the body, that as God himself is the first mover of the whole universal world, who only by his infinite power appointeth both an orderly course and limitation in the motion of all his works, so himself hath granted and ordained: that the mind of man should be the first mover of this little world of the body, wherein it is enclosed, and of every member and particle of it made fit for motion, and hath given it a liberty, to be accounted for to order, restrain, and limit those motions as itself listeth.   

Of the instrumental causes of this motion.  
They are the lungs and hollow parts of the body, wherein the air is contained, which being drawn together by the motion, or rather the will of the mind, do thereby expel the air, and cause it to be moved through divers passages, as the throat, mouth, and nostrils.   

Of the instrumental causes of the restraint of this motion.  
They are the breast, throat, palate, gums, tongue, lips and nostrils, stopping or hindering the free passage of the air in its motion.   

How the diversity of sounds used in man's voice happen.  
They happen upon these three occasions.  

First by the diversity of the instruments of restraint.  
Secondly, by reason of the divers places of restraint.  
And thirdly in respect of the different manner of restraint, both by the several instruments, and in the several places.    

Of the general parts of the sounds in man's voice so occasioned.  
There are two general parts, some different only in quantity, and are most pertinent to Music, others only in quality, which are most necessary for speech.   

Of the number of sounds of different quantity.  
They are in number uncertain, to wit, in some men more, and in some men less.   

Of two several orders wherein these sounds are different in quantity.  
The sounds of different quantity are twofold: first, in respect of their different height of sound, secondly by reason of their different measure of time, wherein they are sounded.   

Of the place of framing of the sounds, different in quantity, and the cause of their different heights.  
They are caused by the instrument of the throat, which according to the greater or lesser restraining of the air, passing through in one and the same place, doth cause sometimes a more shrill and loud noise, sometimes a more base and deep sound, but never differeth the quality more or less.   

Of the reason of their different measure of time.  
It is because they are sounded by a different continuance of the motion of the breath, sometimes being finished in a shorter time, and sometimes continued to a longer.   

Of the number of sounds of different quality whereof the speech is framed.  
They are in number certain, to wit five and twenty, and by their several instruments and places are diversly framed in such sort as afterwards shall be spoken of.   

Of the framing of the speech by the said sounds of different quality.  
Of the simple sounds aforesaid, of different quality are framed syllables, of syllables, words, and of words the whole order of speech.   

What a syllable is.  
A syllable is the pronouncing of one of the simple sounds of different quality by itself alone, or of two or more of them orderly framed and knit together, without any intermission of time put between them.   

What a word is.  
A word is either one syllable alone, or else two or more syllables having a very small intermission of time and stay of the breath between every of them, by which any one thing conceived in the mind, or perceived through the senses is distinctly named and known from others.   

What the speech is.  
The speech is an orderly knitting together of divers words, whereby any thing forethought of in the mind is sensibly expressed to the ear.   

Of the general division of the simple sounds of different quality.  
They are of three general kinds, which for distinction sake I have named by several names, one of which in respect of its office I call a vital sound, the others in respect of their several natures, some vowels, and some consonants, as they have been anciently termed: of which in order shall be spoken.   

Of the nature, place and office of the vital sound.  
The vital sound is that which was spoken of before, whereof all the sounds of different quantity do arise, and it is framed in the passage of the throat, and it is to be noted, that this sound is only used in composition, with the others of different qualities to express them more lively to the ears of the auditors: for without the help of this vital sound all the other parts of the voice would be but as a soft whispering, and as this sound is so helpful to the others of different quality, so are they of different quality also no less excellent and helpful to the sounds of different quantities, which are so framed of that vital sound bred in the throat, so that by the composition of both sorts together, the one is made a lively helper to the other, whereby that part of the voice appertaining to speech is made most apt for the same, and the other appertaining to melody is made most pleasing, and thereby it cometh to pass, that the voice of man is worthily accounted more excellent, than any artificial music hitherto invented.   

Of vowels, what they are and of their nature.  
The vowels in respect of the restraint of the motion of the air, are the least extreme of all the other sounds, they having a more freer passage of the air than the rest, so that in them the breath is most lightly hindered, and their nature is such that they cannot be joined in a syllable with themselves, but with consonants they may, so that if two or more vowels come together, they of necessity are all different syllables, except only certain syllables arising of them, which are called diphthongs, and are caused by a continuance of the breath from any of the former, until it finish it motion in the place of the last long vowel, and not otherwise.   

Of the number of vowels.  
They are in number ten, and are every one of different quality, both in respect of their different manner of framing, and of their divers places wherein they are so framed.   

Of their different manner of framing.  
They are framed in two sorts, which are distinguished by short and long vowels, both in respect of the difference of the time wherein they are uttered, as also because of the different organs through which they pass, being in some shorter and in some longer.   

Of the general framing of the short vowels.  
The short vowels have their passage through certain short organs, framed by the placing of the tongue in sundry parts of the roof of the mouth.   

Of the general framing of the long vowels.  
They are framed by the breath passing through somewhat longer organs, made also by the help of the tongue, by placing of it in several parts of the roof of the mouth.   

Of the number of places wherein the vowels are framed.  
They are five: the first taking its beginning in the innermost part of the roof or palate, and so the rest continuing forward, each one orderly in his degree to the last place, being more near to the outmost part of the roof, and in every one of these five places are framed, one short and one long vowel, the particular order of framing of which vowels in their distinct places hereafter ensueth.   

Of the framing of the first short vowel.  
It is framed in the innermost part of the roof of the mouth by the help of the tongue, making of small organ for the passage of the air.   

Of the framing of the first long vowel.  
It is framed in the same place by the help of the tongue, extending & lengthening of the organ through which the breath passeth almost to the place of the next short vowel.   

Of the framing of the second short vowel.  
It is framed somewhat forwarder in the roof by the help of the tongue making also a small organ for the passage of the air.   

Of the second long vowel.  
It is framed in the place of the short, but passeth through a longer organ almost extended to the place of the next short vowel.   

Of the third short vowel.  
It is framed somewhat forwarder in the roof by the help of a small organ framed by the tongue.   

Of the third long vowel.  
It is framed in the place of ' its short, but by the help of a longer organ extended almost to the place of the next short vowel.   

Of the fourth short vowel.  
It is framed also somewhat forwarder and nearer to the outmost part of the roof passing through a short or small organ framed by the tongue.   

Of the fourth long vowel.  
It is framed also in the place of 'tis short, but by the help oa longer organ framed by the tongue, and extended almost to the place of the next short vowel.   

Of the fifth short vowel.  
It is framed in a small organ made by the help of the tongue in a place also somewhat nearer to the outmost part of the roof.   

Of the fifth long vowel.  
It is framed in a longer organ, made in the same place by the help of the tongue, almost extended to the inward place of the consonants, which are framed in the mouth.   

Of Consonants. What are Consonants.  
The breath in them is more strictly hindered, and they be such as may be joined two or more in one syllable, either by themselves, or with a vowel or diphthong.   

Of the number of Consonants.  
They are in number fourteen, and every of them of different quality, in respect of their different manner of framing, and of their different places, wherein they are so framed; thirteen of which consonants are framed in the mouth, and one only in the breast. And first of those in the mouth.   

Of the several orders of framing of the consonants in the mouth.  
They are framed in five sorts, which I have named by several names, as mutes, seminutes, greater obstricts, lesser obstricts and a peculiar.   

Of the particular number of each sort.  
Of mutes there are three, of seminutes three: of the greater obstricts three; of the lesser obstricts three, and one only peculiar.   

Of the number of places wherein these thirteen consonants in the mouth are framed.  
They are framed in three places or regions which may be called the outward, middle, and inward regions, and in every of these places are severally framed one mute, one semmiute, one greater obstrict and one lesser obstrict, and in the middle region the peculiar also is partly framed.   

Of the first place.  
The first or outmost region is the outmost part of the mouth, namely the lips, wherein are framed four consonants, to wit, one mute, one semimute, one greater obstrict, and one lesser obstrict.   

Of the second place.  
The second or middle region is the upper gums or outmost part of the roof of the mouth, enclosed by the help of the tip and edges of the tongue, wherein are framed five consonants; namely one mute, one semimute, one greater obstrict, one lesser obstrict, and the peculiar.   

Of the third place.  
The third or inward region is a more inward part of the mouth enclosed with the flat of the tongue, very near unto the last place of vowels, wherein are likewise framed four consonants: that is, one mute, one seminute, one greater obstrict, and one lesser obstrict.   

What are mutes? of the order of their framing, and of their property.  
The mutes, in respect of the restraint of the motion of the air, are the greatest extreme of all the other sounds, the air in them being more strictly hindered, then in the rest: and they are framed by the quite stopping and cutting off of the breath from ' its motion, which causeth a kind of dumb sound to be uttered, and they are made three differents, in respect of the three different places wherein they are stopped. And these dumb sounds cannot well be uttered, unless they be joined with some other sounds to express themselves by.   

Of the semimutes.  
The semimutes are: caused by the quite stopping of the breath from the passage of it through the mouth, so that in their own proper places of restraint they give no sound at all, but by a contrary course, having a restrictive passage through the nostrils, they thereby admit of a sound, And they are made three differents also, by the three places of their stopping.   

Of the greater obstricts.  
They are framed by the stopping of the breath not with a full restraint, but leaving some small passage for it, whereby it may be breathed out at the mouth, And they being not so much restrained as the mutes, nor having so free a passage as the lesser obstricts, are as a mean to those two extremes, and they are also three differents, by reason of their three several places of construction.   

Of the lesser obstricts.  
They are framed after the same manner as the greater, only differ in this, that somewhat greater and freer passage is admitted to them; yet they have not so free a passage as the vowels, but are as a mean between the vowels and greater obstricts, and they are also three differents, in respect of their three several places of construction.   

Of the peculiar.  
It is framed by a special manner only proper to itself, by the stopping of the breath with the tip of the tongue in the outermost part of the roof or middle region of consonants, yet leaving it two several passages between the edges of the inward gums, and both the edges and sides of the tongue, through which the breath passing, and beating against the cheeks, from thence issueth out at the mouth.   

Of the manner of framing, and of the nature of the consonant in the breast.  
This sound in respect of the order of framing of it, differeth not from a mute, but to distinguish it from the other mutes framed in the mouth, I have named it (as heretofore it hath been called) an aspirate, and it is caused by a restraint and sudden stay of the motion of the breath in the breast, before it comes to the passage of the throat, which giveth so small a noise, as it can scarce sensibly be discerned. And it being used before or after any of the other consonants scarce showeth forth itself, but causeth those with whom it is joined, to seem different sounds from their true quality, yet with some kind of resemblance thereunto.   
Finis de voce audienda.   

Vox Videnda. Which is writing, or the Characters of Man's voice.  

What is writing.  
WRiting is an artificial framing of certain marks and Characters different in form and shape for every several sound in man's voice, whereby each simple sound having a proper mark appointed to itself, may by the same be as apparently seen to the eye, as the sound itself is sensibly discerned by the ears.   

Of the general distinction and naming of the Characters of the voice.  
They are generally distinct, and named by cliffs, notes, and letters. The cliffs and notes for the sounds of different quantity pertinent to music, that is, the cliffs to express their several heights, the notes to express their different measures of time, and the letters for the expressing of the sounds of different quality pertinent to speech.   

Of the particular naming and distinction of cliffs.  
They are particularly named accordingly as is set down in the scale of music, as gamut, are, and the rest.   

Of the particular naming and distinction of notes.  
They are called of musicians by several names, as crotchets, quavers, minoms, semibriefes, and such like, according to the different measure of time, wherein their sounds are continued.   

Of the particular naming and distinction of letters.  
All Letters are in some sort distinctly named by their own simple sounds, except only those appointed for the aspirate & mutes, which cannot well be uttered unless they be joined in a composed syllable with some other sound; yet for the better expressing of them, in respect that the short vowels by reason of their slender and unsteady organ give but a wavering and uncertain sound, and of the consonants, the aspirate and mutes of themselves, by reason of the quite stopping of the breath in them, give scarce any sound at all, and the rest by reason of the straight passage of the breath but a dull & muttering kind of sound. It will therefore be requisite in the naming of them to join the short vowels in a syllable ending with some settled consonant, and the consonants in a syllable beginning or ending with some of the vowels, having a more clearer passage, that by the contrarieties of each sort being joined and placed together, both may be made the more perspicuous and sensible to the ear, even as contrary colours laid together seem more apparent, and are better discerned to the eye; that therefore every letter might have a certain and perfect name, I have disposed and ordered them as followeth: The short vowels, to express the names of their several letters, to be severally joined with the aspirate and to enjoy the first part of the syllable, the long vowels being very perfect sounds, to be themselves the names of their own letters. Of consonants, the aspirat to be set before, and joined to the first long vowel. The mutes to be joined in this order, that in the inward region to the second long vowel, that in the middle region, to the third long vowel; and that in the outward region to the fourth long vowel. In which composed syllables the mutes to be first pronounced, and according to this order both the greater & lesser obstricts to be also joined to the same three last mentioned long vowels. But the semimutes to be put after, and joined to certain short vowels, that in the inward region to the second short vowel, that in the middle region to the third short vowel, and that in the outward region to the fourth short vowel: And lastly, the peculiar to be joined in the latter part of a syllable composed of itself, and the third short vowel to express also the names of their several letters, which are hereafter form.   

Of the order and several forms of the characters for the parts of man's voice.  
For the sound in the throat, seeing it is necessarily in continual composition with the rest, to use any letter or mark for it, would but make writing extraordinary tedious, and work little or no effect, and for that cause I have appointed it no character at all. But for the sounds of different quantity arising of the same, they have excellently of long time been observed of musicans, by placing higher or lower (as the case doth require) of sundry form cliffs, as 𝄢 𝄡 𝄞 signifying thereby the fault, C: solfaut, and G solreut cliffs, that are chiefly in use, upon certain parallel lines drawn one above another to express the height or depth of their sounds, in such and the like sort, as is set down in the three first sections of the ensuing diagram, and by sundry notes thus figured, 톼텮 톺텥 톹텥 𝆹 with divers others, framed for the quavers, Crotchets, Mynoms, Semibriefes, and the like, to express the length or shortness of the time, wherein their sounds are to be continued, which after the placing of any of the cliffs to guide the taking of their true heights, they also set higher or lower, and severally disperse upon and between the same lines, accordingly as the air of the music doth require, in such and other like manner, as in the fourth and last section of the same diagram they are hereafter placed.   

Of the forms of the letters wherewith I have noted the vowels according to the order of their places.  

In the first place.  
The short vowel I have figured thus.—  
The long vowel.—   

In the second place.  
The short vowel.—  
The long vowel.—   

In the third place.  
The short vowel.—  
The long vowel.—   

In the fourth place.  
The short vowel.—  
The long vowel.—   

In the fifth place.  
The short vowel.—  
The long vowel.—   
For the more manifest demonstration of the construction of the vowels, I have here devised and placed this ensuing figure.   

The scale of vowels.  
 
By the archlyne A B, is represented the roof of the mouth, by the point C, from whence the five several lines are drawn, is supposed the root of the tongue, by every of those lines the tongue itself, and by the several angles of the same lines under are supposed certain elevations & bend of the tongue, which cause the five several sounds called short vowels, for which the same characters are framed, and by the several points under are supposed also several elevations of the tongue from any one of the said angles or places of the short vowels, to the said several points, whereby are made certain longer organs, in which are framed the five several sounds called long vowels, for which the said characters are appointed, and by the circle in which O is inscribed, is to be understood the pipe or passage in the throat, through which the breath passeth, before it cometh to be fashioned by any of the organs of the tongue, placed in the roof of the mouth, which in the said figure are afore described.   

Of the forms of the letters which I have observed for the consonants in the mouth, according to the order of their places.  

In the first or outward region.  
For the mute I have put this character.—  
For the semimute this.—  
For the greater obstrict.—  
For the lesser obstrict.—   

In the middle region.  
For the mute this.—  
For the semi-mute.—  
For the greater obstrict.—  
For the lesser obstrict.—  
For the peculiar.—   

In the inward region.  
For the mute this.—  
For the semi-mute.—  
For the greater obstrict.—  
For the lesser obstrict.—    

Of the form of the letter for the aspirate.  
The aspirate I have noted by this small oblique stroke.—  
The pronunciation of these three letters in this order as they here are placed xox by reason of the vicinity of the places of construction is so speedily performed, as that it seems to be but one simple consonant sound, nor indeed can it be discerned to be otherwise, unless by a very diligent observation; and because the same is very frequent in speech, to write it so often at length would be troublesome: Therefore for brevity sake in writing, I have contracted those three letters falling out in that order into one Character thus. xx   

Of the distinguishing of syllables.  
That every syllable might be aptly and severally distinguished, it is here meet to devise some certain accent or mark to be placed over the first letter of the syllable, to signify where it takes beginning. For that accent therefore I have appointed only a little point thus (.) where there is no note of aspiration in any part of the syllable, otherwise I have expressed it with a small stroke parallel to the heads of the letters thus (-) where the syllable hath an aspired note.   

Of the manner of placing of the aspirate.  
The aspirate note being for the least of all the simple sounds, is as it were too small to be accounted or placed amongst the other letters, yet too big to be termed an accent. Nevertheless for that it is of so frequent use amongst the other letters, to avoid tediousness in writing, and for ease of work, I have appointed it (as aforesaid) this small Character () to be fixed to either or both ends of the long accent, as the case shall require in this order, to wit, if a syllable begin with an aspirat, and end not with it (which I call former aspired) then to fix it at the hither end of the accent towards the left hand thus () if a syllable begin without an aspirate, and end aspired (which I call latter aspired) than to fix at it the further end of the accent next unto the right hand thus () and if both beginning and ending of a syllable be aspired, which I call double aspired, then to fix it at both ends of the accent thus. ()   

Of Tones.  
There is yet one thing more, very necessary to be known and carefully to be observed in pronunciation, to wit, the elevation and depression of the voice used in speech, being in manner different from the rising and falling of the voice in the sounds of different quantity spoken of before, and this kind of lifting up and depressing of the voice is caused by a contraction of the lungs and hollow parts of the body, wherein the air is enclosed, sometimes being more speedy sending forth the air through ' its passages with a swift motion, whereby the sound of the speech is made more forcible to be heard, and sometimes being more slow, & more weakly pressing forth the air, whereby the sound of the speech is somewhat lessened, and by this different motion and expulsion of the air, three kinds of utterances usual in the pronunciation of words do arise all differing in proportion, which Grammarians generally do call toni, and particularly distinguish them, 

Acutus being the highest,  
Gravis being the lowest,  
Circumflexus being the mean.     

Kind's of utterance of each syllable.  
And in the continued course of the speech two syllables following together are never pronounced both in one tone, but each syllable is always uttered either higher or lower than the last preceding in the word or sentence.   

Of the figuring of the tones.  
They are thus figured by Grammarians, namely the acute or highest tone by an oblique stroke ascending towards the right hand in this manner, (´) the lowest tone by an oblike stroke descending towards the right hand thus (`) and the circumflex being the mean between the other two by both the strokes joined together with the points downward thus, () which tones it is most convenient to place so near as may be at the beginning of each syllable; but this circumflex note I wholly omit, and for ease of work only use the other two, so that any syllable having no tone marked over it may be taken for the circumflex or mean between the highest & lowest. And if either of these two tones happen to fall out in a syllable wholly unaspired, then that so happening being placed over the first letter of the syllable may serve to show the beginning of the syllable, in stead of this little point of distinction (.) which before I thought meet to observe, and in such case that point is to be omittde.    

Breve de voce poema Latinum in novo ordine literarum ante edocto, juxta Anglicanam nostram pronuntiationem conscriptum.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉    

Idem poema in ordine literarum modò usitato.  

parva licet, tenuisque licet, mihi magna potestas:  
Per terram victrix per mare sum domina,  
Quem calor & frigus cingant, mihi subiacet aer,  
Aequè ut participem, sic Deus instituit.  
Non mihi magna cohors, mea si quadrata caterua,  
Quinque tibi solùm praestat ubique latus,  
Quos si dux sapiens nectat simùl ordine recto.  
Sunt facilesque boni, sunt rigidique boni:  
Hos ducit si quandò expers ratione, remissi.  
Barbari, & insulsi terribilesque forent:  
Qualis ego, tantae cui vires? nomina cunctis  
Imposui, nomen VOX quoque fingo mihi;  
Mentis ego interpres, artis cunctaeque Magistra,  
Expositrix velox discriminis varij.  
Doctrinae radix caelos & tartara rampi.  
Tangunt & fructus mors modo, vita modo;  
Me famam Latiumque sagax, me Graecia docta,  
Me tenuit primum, sancta judaea decus.  
Et (jove propitio) me magna Britannia Romam  
Concussit tetram, pandit & inscitiam:  
Hoc tantum reliquis, liceat mihi dicere missis:  
Non mihi sit rector, qui sibi non dominus.    

Epilogus.  

VImina non ultravolucris, nec vincta catenam  
It canis, & fraenum triste reducit equum.  
Mens infausta nimis triplici quae carcere clausa est.  
Quid videt ut discat, quid videt ut doceat  
En ego protulerim subiecta haec, proxima menti.  
Ah, me plus miserum discere vincla vetunt   
FINIS.