An instrumental prelude was originally a short extemporised piece of music played before the piece to be performed. It developed out of the musician's natural tendency to play a few notes on his instrument before commencing, and eventually became a recognised art form in its own right, with publishers advertising books of pre-written preludes appearing in the 17th century.
From that time forth
ECLOGUE VIII
TO POLLIO DAMON ALPHESIBOEUS
Of Damon and Alphesiboeus now,
The heifer wondering forgot to graze,
Unwonted loiterers, stayed their course to.
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