After All.
How long is it that the wise and good have ceased to say (striking their pensive bosoms), ‘Here lies
Gay’? It is—how long? But for all that Gay is yet a figure in English letters. As a song-writer he has still a claim on us, and is still able to touch the heart and charm the ear. The lyrics in Acis and Galatea are not unworthy their association with Handel’s immortal melodies, the songs in The Beggars’ Opera have a part in the life and fame of the sweet old tunes from which they can never be divided. I like to believe that in the operas and the Trivia and The Shepherd’s Week is buried the material of a pleasant little book.