There is no authorised version of the National Anthem as the words are a matter of tradition. Additional verses have been added down the years. The first concrete record of its actual use belongs to the stage and 1745, when it was sung at two concerts in London's Drury Lane and Covent Garden theaters. Scotland had risen in favor of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Marshal Wade was in the North to put down the rebellion. A special verse was added which goes:
Lord, grant that Marshal Wade
May by Thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush
And like a torrent rush
Rebellious Scots to crush!
God save the King.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Well, I suppose it's as good as any Sweaty, but hundreds of years don't seem to have either changed the situation much or improved the Scots' poetry techniques!
It's all very interesting and your research will come in handy for my book next year. Thanks a million!
Just as a ps (and before I get jumped on) I will acknowledge the work of Robert Burns, who unfortunately seems to have kept his talent secret and taken it to the grave.
Post a Comment