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The National Music of America. 163
tragedy of " The Italian Monk," ■ — " after which an entire new song (written by a citizen of Philadelphia), to the tune of 'The President's March,' will be sung, accompanied by a full band and a grand chorus." The success was immediate and emphatic. The theatre was crowded, and the new song redemanded more than half a dozen times. The audience were already familiar with the tune; before its seventh repetition they had familiarised themselves with the words of the refrain, and finally all stood up and joined with Mr. Fox in the chorus :
" Firm united let us be, Rallying round our Liberty. As a band of brothers joined Peace and safety we shall find."
The song was soon heard on the streets. In later times the melody which began in company with "The Italian Monk" was
'See Preble's "History of the Flag of the United States," p. 716. |
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