The first part.

Ma. Thus for the naming and tuning of the notes, it followeth to speak of the diversity of timing of them (for hitherto they have all been of one length or time, every note making up a whole stroke).

Phi. What is a stroke?

Definition of strokes.

Ma. It is a successive motion of the hand, directing the quantity of every note and rest in the song, with equal measure, according to the variety of signs and proportions: this they make three-fold, more, less, and proportionate. The More stroke they call, when the stroke comprehendeth the time of a Brief. The Less, when a time of a Semibreve, and proportionate where it comprehendeth three semibreves, as in a triple or three minims, as in the more prolation, but this you cannot yet understand.

Division of strokes.

Phi. What is the timing of a note?

Definition of time.

Ma. It is a certain space or length, wherein a note may be holden in singing.

Phi. How is that known?

Ma. By the form of the note and the Moode.

Phi. How many forms of notes be there?

Ma. Eight, which be these.

A large. A long. A brief. A semibreve. A minim. A crotchet. A quaver. A semiquaver.
Usual forms of notes.

A musical stave showing note values illustrating the Large, Long, Brief, Semibreve, Minim, Crotchet, Quaver, and Semiquaver, progressing from longest duration to shortest.

Phi. What strokes be these set after every note?

Rests.

Ma. These be called rests or pauses. And what length the notes, Large, Long, Brief, Semibreve or any other signified in sound, the same the rests are (as you call them) strokes, do them in silence. But before we go any further, we must speak of the Ligatures.

Phi. What is a Ligature?

What ligatures be.

Ma. It is a combination or knitting together of two or more notes, altering by their situation and order the value of the same.

Phi. And because we will in learning keep order, I pray speak of them according to their order beginning at the first.

Ma. I am contented, be then attentive and I will both be brief and plain, if your first note lack a tail, the second descending, it is a Long, as in this example,

First notes in Ligature without tails.

A small musical stave illustrating a ligature of two notes with a descending interval, marked with rhythmic values "4 2 4 4 2 4 4" below the notes.