Philip V. King of Spain, being seized with a total dejection of
spirits, which made him refuse to be shaved, and rendered him incapable
of attending council, or transacting affairs of state, the queen,
who had, in vain, tried every common expedient, that was likely to
contribute to his recovery, determined that an experiment should be
made of the effects of music, upon the king, her husband, who was
extremely sensible to its charms. The celebrated Farinelli being then
at Madrid, of whose extraordinary performance, an account had been
transmitted from several parts of Europe, but, particularly from
Paris, her majesty contrived that there should be a concert in a room
adjoining to the king’s apartment, in which this singer performed one
of his most captivating songs. Philip appeared, at first, surprised,
then moved; and, at the end of the second air, made the virtuoso enter
the royal apartment, loading him with compliments and caresses; asked
him how he could sufficiently reward such talents; assuring him, that
he could refuse him nothing. Farinelli, previously instructed, only
begged that his majesty would permit his attendants to shave and dress
him, and that he would endeavour to appear in council as usual. From
this time, the king’s disease gave way to medicine; and the singer
had all the honour of the cure, and, by singing to his majesty every
evening, his favour increased to such a degree, that he was regarded as
first minister.
_Burney’s History of Music._