She was to sing something she had never sung before and possibly written in a style with which she was unfamiliar.

Gay approached her with a sheet of manuscript which he put into her hand.
"You did very well, child," said he encouragingly.

"But I want you to do better.

Dr.Pepusch will play the music for these verses on the harpsichord.

You must listen closely to the melody and take particular note of the way he plays it.