Andreas Ornithoparcus his Micrologus, or Introduction: containing the art of singing Digested into foure bookes. Not onely profitable, but also necessary for all that are studious of musicke. Also the dimension and perfect vse of the monochord, according to Guido Aretinus. By Iohn Douland lutenist, lute-player, and Bachelor of Musicke in both the Vniuersities. 1609.

Of the speciall precepts of the Counter-point.

HAuing deliuered those things which we thinke necessarie for the Art of setting, now will we in most short Rules open essentially the matter it selfe, as it is.

1 The Cantus being ordered with a Tenor in an Vnison, the Base requires a third below, and the Altus the same aboue. Or the Base a fift below, and the Altus a fourth aboue. But if the Base hold an eight below, the Altus shall agree most fitly in a third aboue, or in a fourth below. But if the Base hold a tenth below, the Altus requires a third aboue, or the same, or a sixt below, as you may see in the figure following.

[illustration]

2 As oft as the Discantus is placed 23. aboue the Tenor, let the Base be placed a third below, and the Altus a sixt aboue, or in an Vnison. But if the Base haue an eight below, for a fift it cannot haue, the Altus shall hold a fourth be∣low. But if the Base hold a tenth below, the Altus requires a third, or a sixt below. Which a Student may proue by such a Scale as goes before.

3 If the Discantus hold place in a fift aboue the Tenor, which it seldome doth, the Base shall be in a sixt below, and the Altus in a third aboue, or in a fourth below. But if the Base be in an eight below, the Altus requires a third aboue, or a fourth, or a sixt below.

4 If the Discantus be in a sixt aboue the Tenor, the Base shalbe in a fift below, and the Altus in a third below, or a fourth aboue. Or if the Base be in an eight below, the Altus shall onely agree in a third aboue; but when the

Base is in a tenth below, the Altus shalbe in a third aboue, or in the same be∣low. It might also be in an eight below, and sound a thirteenth with the Discantus.

5 If the Discantus be placed in an eight aboue the Tenor, the Base will agree well in a third below, & the Altus in a third or sixt aboue, or in a fift below. But when a Base be in the same below, the Altus shalbe in a fourth or sixt aboue, or in a third below. If the Base be in an eight below, the Altus shall sweetly agree in a fift or third aboue. But if the Base fall to a tenth below, the Altus shall hold a third or sixt aboue, or the same below.

6 As oft as the Discantus doth rest in a tenth aboue the Tenor: the Base shall be in a third below, and the Altus in a third, sixt, or eight aboue. But if the Base be found in a third aboue, the Altus shalbe in a third below, or in a fift or eight aboue. But if the Base be in a fift aboue the Tenor, (for below it cannot) the Altus shalbe in a third aboue, or an eight below. But if the Base fall to an eight below, the Altus may be in a fourth below, or in a third or fift aboue.

7 When the Discantus is in a twelfe aboue the Tenor, the Base must be in an eight below, & the Altus in a third, fift, or eight aboue. But when the Base is in a third aboue, the Altus shall be in a fift, eight, or tenth concordantly.

8 If the Discantus be in a fourth aboue the Tenor, the Base requires a a fift below, & the Altus a third or sixt aboue. Contrarily (if you make your Base first) you shall make it with the Discantus. But if a man will make more than 4. parts, let him take the Concords aboue or below, as other parts shall require, obseruing those things which are to be obserued, which we referre to the Setters iudgement.