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228 National Music of the World.
had purged out of the land the lute in the orie window, the pleasant part-song in the pleached walk or even those astounding lessons by Dr. John Bull tabulated in Queen Elizabeth's 'Virginal Book, which I take leave to believe Queen Elizabeth ma) have looked at, but can never have played.
From the time of the Restoration Music begar again to raise her head in England, though checked again by the sarcasms of what has been so strangely called our 'Augustan age;' but never, whether hei head was high or low, has melody worn in this land of ours that distinct family face of her own which is to be found in Wales, Ireland, or Scotland. That which we have enjoyed seems to me referable to every country or district save those of pure England—with some exception.
And, following out this idea, I am afraid that I shall shock some of my readers by saying that all the old snatches of song in Shakespeare's plays seem more questionable than characteristic. Mr. Chappell himÂself points out that Ophelia's snatch of song, 'And he will not come again,' is identical with a tune the burden of which is, 'And she cannot hold her tongue.' I can add, it closely resembles a third melody, 'Sweet Nelly, my heart's delight.' |
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