| Citation |
PP-P.772.047
20 Jul 1772:11, 12, 13 (39)
From the Original Letters of Caspipina. To Charles
Marseilles, Esq; at New-York. . . [4 paragraphs of general
news and travel plans]
[Letter from Capt. L---, at Tisculum, upon the banks of the
Humber, Nov. 10, 1771]
[Discussion of visit with friends]
After tea, Leonora proposed visiting the lady, whom, in one
of my former letters to you, I characterized under the name
of Almira. We found her at her harpsichord;-- her husband,
whom in the same letter I have called Amyntor, leaning over
her chair, and both accompanying the instrument with their
voices.-- They attempted to rise as soon as we entered the
room; but as we pressed them to let us share in the sweet
entertainment they were giving each other-- they very
obligingly consented.-- It was a plain, simple, little song,
composed by a gentleman of this city, when he was about to
leave England a few years ago, and addressed to a young
lady, a niece of My Lord -----, at whose country seat in
Berkshire, he was most hospitably entertained.-- Almira
favoured me with a copy, which I herewith send to you.
Soon, Myrtilla, must thy friend
Hasten to a distant shore;
May propitious gales attend,
May they waft him safely o'er!
. . . [5 more verses]
There is a simplicity in the sentiment and language here,
that should ever be the principal characteristic of a song.
The measure too is such as considerably aids this
simplicity. Gay and Shenstone excel much in this way; and
'tis no despicable species of poetry. Our old ballads will
ever affect a sensible heart; and there are few modern
songs, that can come in competition with them. The tender-
hearted Leonora wept at every stanza.
. . . [24 more lines]
[signed] T. Caspipina.
Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1772.
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