On the wrapper which contains the two pieces is written:
"The two inclosed pieces of music ware given to me by my worthy friend Dr. Philip Hayes, with an ashurance that they are the handwriting of the celebrated Mr. Handel. The duett, indeed, has all the appearance of being the original conception of that greate man pen'd by himself."
I am desirous of ascertaining from some of your correspondents, better versed than myself in the soul-stirring music of this noble composer, whether the duet has been printed; and if so, where it may be found? The only means of identification which I can supply are these: it is written in two flats, and the words are—
"Và, và, speme infida pur va non ti credo."
W. SPARROW SIMPSON, B.A.
The Layard Family.
—The ancestor of A. H. Layard, the youthful and everywhere celebrated "Navorscher" of Nineveh, came to England with William of Orange. He fought under this prince at the battle of the Boyne. I would ask, whether anything is known of his genealogy before 1688?
Q. Q. Q.
Zeist.