I cannot quit the subject without alluding to a work composed expressly for the anniversary of the Leicester Infirmary-an Ode to Charity-written by Mr. Cradock, of Gumley, and set to music by Dr. Boyce. The duetto, Here shall soft Charity repair,* and the last chorus, are the only pieces that have been published from the original score, in my possession. Wherever the aid of music is enlisted in the cause of charity, a more powerful appeal cannot be found than is contained in these beautiful and impressive compositions.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE GALLANTRY OF SOLDIERS.

All women are fond of soldiers. They respect them as their national protectors. Their military ardour and manly air are often induced by the passion of love. Women know this, and take a deep interest in a character that is courageous and courteous. The soldier fights with intrepidity, to gain the estimation of one he loves; an emotion that fills every breast, from the general down to the lowest in the ranks. The mounted cavalier is the lady-killer. His chival

Sacred Melodies, Nos. 137 and 138.

ric bearing and prancing horse evince a more brave and daring spirit, than that of the soldier who fights on foot. It was this feeling which carried the Redcross Knights to the holy land-certainly not the lowly spirit of Christianity: it was the Quixotism of love and romance.

During the American war, vast numbers of troops passed through our town, on their way to the western world. In summer time, they arrived in the evening, covered with dust, and set off again in the morning with their bright implements of war. The whole population was roused on these occasions. Crowds of young girls were up by day-break, to join the brave fellows and accompany them as they marched out of town, which they did for miles before they possibly could part. Addison says that women, in their nature, are much more gay and joyous than men; their fibres are more delicate, and their animal spirits more light and volatile. Vivacity is their gift, and beautifully contrasts with the gravity of the man.

It is difficult to conjecture why Leicester never rose to a military station. Barracks were built in many large towns about us, as Northampton, Nottingham, and York. Yet our lasses were seldom treated with the animating sight of these men of war. The following effusion is that of a Nottingham girl upon the expectation of a regiment of the Guards being quartered in that town: