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FAMOUS SONGS
prior to his projected campaign against the Spaniards. The melody has been attributed to many composers, but it is doubtful if the right one has been discovered. It is to be found in saintly as well as secular productions in varying forms. As for " Vive Henri Quatre," the same obscurity surrounds its origin, save that the first two couplets of this historical lyric have been generally accredited as the composition of Colle, who was born in 1709 and died 1783. But competent authorities have disputed his right to any hand in the matter, and trace the words back to a drinking song of the time of Henri III. The melody is apparently quite original, though the composer's name has not been pre-served. One thing is certain, these couplets have been handed down from generation to generation without losing anything of their spirit or freshness; and were spontaneously adopted by the people as the national anthem of royalty at the Bourbon Restoration. On the day when the Allied Armies entered Paris, April 1st, 1814, crowds flocked to the Opera to see the Emperor Alexander and the King of Prussia. The opera was Spontini's " Vestale," as an overture to which the band performed "Vive Henri IV." amid a perfect storm of
bravos; and at the close of the opera the air
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