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FAMOUS SONGS
by Foley Hall, and he sang it in 1857. Of the ultimate fate of James Lawson I am unable to give any reliable particulars, but Foley Hall, who looked more like a well-to-do farmer than a musician, died in Chelmsford Gaol, possibly before the publication of the song, as one who was present at his deathbed, and who is still alive, is strongly of opinion that he expired in 1859, attended by his beautiful and heartbroken wife Foley Hall, like most composers and wanderers in Bohemia, was always hard up, and the cause of his incarceration was through some irregularity in the passing of cheques—but over that matter let us draw a veil. Whether Foley Hall or his next-of-kin ever received any royalty for the song I cannot say. Possibly he sold his interests right out. The royalty system of payment was not practised very much thirty-five years ago.
" Ever of Thee" is forgotten now, perhaps, though in the country theatre it used to be almost invariably played in the orchestra when " East Lynne" was put up as an attraction. From a musical point of view the song is beneath serious criticism, though the air is " catchy," and, as for the words, I give them for your verdict: |
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