Charles Dickens and Music Part 24

Moore's _Irish Melodies_.

THE DAs.h.i.+NG WHITE SERGEANT (_D.C._ 28)

Words by _General Burgoyne_. _H.R. Bishop._

If I had a beau, for a soldier who'd go, Do you think I'd say no? No, no, not I.

THE GAY, THE GAY AND FESTIVE SEASON (_O.M.F._)

See 'The Light Guitar.'

THE GREAT SEA SNAKE

Set to the air 'Rampant Moll.'

Perhaps you have all of you heard of a yarn Of a famous large sea snake, That once was seen off the Isle Pitcairn And caught by Admiral Blake.

See p. 16.

THE IVY GREEN (_P.P._ 6.)

Words by _d.i.c.kens_. The most popular musical setting is that by _Henry Russell_.

THE LIGHT GUITAR (_S.B.T._ 1, _O.C.S._) _Barnett._

Oh leave the gay and festive scene, The halls of dazzling light, And rove with me through forests green Beneath the silent night.

THE MILLER OF THE DEE (_O.M.F._ ii. 1)

Words, c. 1762. Tune, 1728.

Referring to a disused boiler and a great iron wheel, d.i.c.kens says they are

Like the Miller of questionable jollity in the song.

They cared for n.o.body, no not they, and n.o.body cared for them.

The air is found in _The Quaker's Opera_, 1728.

THE RATCATCHER'S DAUGHTER (_Out of Season_)

See p. 98.

THE SEVEN AGES (_S.B.S._ 14)

See pp. 91, 92.

THE SOLDIER, TIRED (_S.B.C._ 4) _Arne._

Dr. Arne translated the words from the _Artaserse_ of Metastasio. This song was the great 'show song' for sopranos for many years. It was originally sung by Miss Brent.

The soldier, tired of war's alarms, Forswears the clang of hostile arms, And scorns the spear and s.h.i.+eld; But if the brazen trumpet sound, He burns with conquest to be crowned, And dares again the field.

THE WOODp.e.c.k.e.r TAPPING (_D.C._ 36, _L.D._ 35, _S.B.T._ 1, _M.C._ 25)

Words by _Moore_. _M. Kelly._

Every leaf was at rest, and I heard not a sound But the woodp.e.c.k.e.r tapping the hollow beech-tree.

THE YOUNG MAY MOON

See p. 131.

THEN FAREWELL, MY TRIM-BUILT WHERRY (_O.M.F._)

See p. 133.

THERE LET 'EM BE, MERRY AND FREE, TOOR-RUL-LAL-LA (_O.C.S._ 56)

Probably original.

THOUGH LOST TO SIGHT, TO MEMORY DEAR (_D. & S._ 48)

Words and music by _G. Linley_.

Tho' lost to sight, to mem'ry dear Thou ever wilt remain, One only hope my heart can cheer: The hope to meet again.

THROWN ON THE WIDE WORLD (_O.M.F._)

See p. 133.

TIME OF DAY (_S.B.C._ 8)

See p. 92.