An old folk-song. A mother wants her daughter to marry a tailor, and not wait for her sailor bold, telling her that it is quite time she was a bride. The daughter says:
My mother wants me to wed with a tailor, And not give me my heart's delight, But give me the man with the tarry trousers, That shine to me like diamonds bright.
TELL ME, SHEPHERDS (_E.D._ 2) _Mazzinghi._
Glee. 'Ye Shepherds, tell me' (or 'The Wreath').
A song for the oak, the brave old oak, Who hath ruled in the greenwood long; Here's health and renown to his broad green crown, And his fifty arms so strong!
For d'ye see, there's a cherub sits smiling aloft To keep watch for the life of Poor Jack.
THE CORDIAL THAT SPARKLED FOR HELEN (_O.C.S._ 61)
Words by _General Burgoyne_. _H.R. Bishop._
If I had a beau, for a soldier who'd go, Do you think I'd say no? No, no, not I.
THE GAY, THE GAY AND FESTIVE SEASON (_O.M.F._)
Perhaps you have all of you heard of a yarn Of a famous large sea snake, That once was seen off the Isle Pitcairn And caught by Admiral Blake.
Words by _Dickens_. The most popular musical setting is that by _Henry Russell_.
THE LIGHT GUITAR (_S.B.T._ 1, _O.C.S._) _Barnett._
Oh leave the gay and festive scene, The halls of dazzling light, And rove with me through forests green Beneath the silent night.
Referring to a disused boiler and a great iron wheel, Dickens says they are
Like the Miller of questionable jollity in the song. They cared for Nobody, no not they, and Nobody cared for them.
The air is found in _The Quaker's Opera_, 1728.
THE RATCATCHER'S DAUGHTER (_Out of Season_)
Dr. Arne translated the words from the _Artaserse_ of Metastasio. This song was the great 'show song' for sopranos for many years. It was originally sung by Miss Brent.
The soldier, tired of war's alarms, Forswears the clang of hostile arms, And scorns the spear and shield; But if the brazen trumpet sound, He burns with conquest to be crowned, And dares again the field.
THE WOODPECKER TAPPING (_D.C._ 36, _L.D._ 35, _S.B.T._ 1, _M.C._ 25)
Every leaf was at rest, and I heard not a sound But the woodpecker tapping the hollow beech-tree.
THEN FAREWELL, MY TRIM-BUILT WHERRY (_O.M.F._)
THERE LET 'EM BE, MERRY AND FREE, TOOR-RUL-LAL-LA (_O.C.S._ 56)