"
This, together with "The King: God bless him," and "The Duke of York's
March" were at this period new and favourite tunes all over the British
Empire. In the _Times_, Oct. 3, 1798, under the heading "Drury Lane
Theatre," it is reported that "after the play the news of Admiral
Nelson's victory (over the French under Admiral Brueys at Rosetta)
produced a burst of patriotic exultation that has been rarely witnessed
in a theatre. 'Rule Britannia' was lustily called for from every part of
the house, and Messrs. Kelly, Dignum, Sedgwick, Miss Leak and Mrs. Bland
came forward and sang it, accompanied by numbers of the audience. It was
called for and sung a second time. The acclamations were the loudest and
most fervent we have ever witnessed. The following lines, written for
the occasion, were introduced by Mr. Dignum and Mr. Sedgwick:
"'Again the tributary strain
Of grateful Britons, let us raise;
And to the heroes on the main,
Triumphant add a Nelson's praise.
Though the "Great Nation" proudly boasts
Herself invincible to be,
Yet oft brave Nelson still can prove
Britannia Mistress of the Sea.'
"The audience was not satisfied with this repeated mark of exultation,
but in the effusion of enthusiasic loyalty called for 'God Save the
King,' which was received with reiterated plaudits.
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