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Foreword |
xv |
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This letter, which I quote correctly, has suggested a classification in the making of this book, — "Military Nonsense Songs," — and Mrs. Gerow's prophecy has been fulfilled. " The Hot Time," although not included in this collection, has become a national song, and the " Salvationers " do sing it, and to words something like this: —
u Salvation 's the best thing in this world, Salvation's the best thing in this world, " etc.
The words given with the tune of " Yankee Doodle " are used because they make a happy jingle of facts which may thus be easily impressed upon a child's mind. The traditional words are the ones appended. Of the words written with the music, Moor's encyclopaedia says: —
" During the summer of 1755, an army was being organized on the banks of the Hudson, nearly opposite Albany, for defence against the French and Indians. Volunteers from the country flocked in, and their rustic appearance, as they drilled to the music of fife and drum, afforded much amusement for the regulars. Dr. Schackburg of the British army, thinking to have a little fun, wrote a melody and presented it to the rustics as one of the most celebrated martial airs. The joke took, and shortly ' Yankee Doodle' was heard throughout the Provincial Army. The tune has been sung to various words since the time of Cromwell, and is said to have been known, for centuries back, as a Spanish national air."
The Stevenson songs are necessarily omitted by reason of copyright complications.
Moore's " Irish Melodies " are not included here as an especial enlightenment or illumination of Irish |
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