Popular Music Of The Olden Time Vol 2

Ancient Songs, Ballads, & Dance Tunes, Sheet Music & Lyrics - online book

Home Main Menu Singing & Playing Order & Order Info Support Search Easter Hymns



Share page  Visit Us On FB

Previous Contents Next
THE COMMONWEALTH.                                                 433
PRINCE RUPERT'S MARCH.
This is contained in the first and subsequent editions of The Dancing Master ; in Elizabeth Rogers' MS. Virginal Book; in Gesangh der Zeeden, 12mo., AmsterĀ­dam, 1648; &c.
Prince Rupert commanded the Royalists at the battle of Edgehill, in 1642. He died and was interred with great magnificence in Henry the Seventh's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, in 1682. He was a nephew of Charles I., and the discoverer of mezzotinto, the hint of which he is said to have taken from seeing a 3oldier scraping his rusty musket. The first meazotinto print ever published was the work of his hands, and may be seen in the first edition of Evelyn's Soidptura.
The commencement of this march resembles The British Grenadiers, but is in a minor instead of a major key. Li Gesangh der Zeeden, there are words adapted to it; but I have not found any English ballad name. As " The Lawyers' Lamentation for the loss of Charing Cross" (Loyal Songs, i. 247) suits the measure, I have adapted the words to the tune.