Unpunished Rapture

I have lived long enough to notice that, generally, for every high I experience there is a low that follows. Human beings, if they are to be happy, are forced into lives of moderation. Music, however, might be a relative exception to the rule. For, the high brought on by music is a spiritual one and is perhaps most associated physically with a state of tension. Now, the opponent process for a state of physical tension is one of relaxation, which is normally what I experience following a thrilling music performance.

I now quote:

If I were to begin life again, I would devote it to music. It is the only cheap and unpunished rapture upon earth. --Sydney Smith