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MB SAMUEL WEBBE,

When wands breathe :of? along the lont dop" 'The water: and the peaceful billows sleep"

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PREFACE.

WITH as much attention as he could possibly bestow, the Editor of the following Compilation has selected the words of the most favourite pieces performed at the Glee Club: should he have succeeded to the satisfaction of those gentlemen who have been pleased to honour him with their patronage, he will be no less gratified than obliged. If, however, notwithstanding the assistance that has been afforded him, which calls for, and receives his sincere and grateful acknowledgment, he may have passed over some errors, or have omitted some notices; he looks to that indulgence which is ever inclined, rather to encourage, than repress good intentions; and to pardon, than exaggerate trifling inaccuracies.

On looking over the collection the reader will find, in most instances, the name of the author of the words given to the respective Glees, Madrigals, &c. and, when that has been omitted, the Editor must plead in excuse, doubt in his mind to whom the words were to be ascribed. Should this Work reach another Edition, he hopes to avail himself of

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the corrections of his friends, and to render it still more acceptable.

Difference of opinion has prevailed in the musical world respecting the composition of the popular air, and words of "God save the King;" some account of both may not be uninteresting. Such as strikes the Editor as worthy of consideration is submitted, and in the language of George Saville Carey, by whom it is given, in vindication of his father, for whom he claims the honour of this national song, and to which, it would seem, that he is justly entitled.

"Henry Carey, was the natural son of George Saville, Marquis of Halifax, from whom, and from his family, he received a handsome annuity to the time of his death. It is said there were private reasons why he did not retain the name of Saville himself, though he annexed it to the Christian names of all the male part of his own family. He was a musician by profession, and one of the lower order of poets. His first preceptor in music was Olaüs Westeinson Linnert, a German; he received further instructions from Roseingrave; and, lastly, was in some sort a disciple of Geminiani. Being but slenderly accomplished in his art, his chief em

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