[XVII]—[XVIII]
The first is from Dryden’s opera, King Arthur, or the British Worthy (1691). As to the first: ‘A battle is supposed to be given behind the scenes, with drums, trumpets, and military shouts and excursions; after which, the Britons, expressing their joy for the victory, sing this song of triumph.’—Author’s Note.
The second is an extract from Annus Mirabilis (1667).
[XIX]
This famous song, which Heine once declared expressed the whole character of the English people, made its first appearance in The Masque of Alfred (1740).
[XX]
This song is at least as old as the reign of Queen Anne. In the British Museum there are many half-sheet copies, with music. The earliest begins, ‘Here’s a health to the Queen,’ &c.
[XXI]
The first print of our National Anthem is to be found in Harmonica Anglicana, a collation of part songs (circa 1742). This copy consists of two stanzas only. The third made its appearance when Harmonica Anglicana was extended to two volumes, with the new title Thesaurus Musicus. The copy printed in the Gentleman’s Magazine (October 1745) contains the three stanzas given here, and is called, ‘A Song for Two Voices sung at both play-houses.’