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xii. collection, as well as to harmonize the new upon a simple and consistent plan throughout. In my former work, some had too much harmony, and others even too little, or such as was not in accordance with the spirit of the words. The musician will best understand the amount of thought required to find characteristic harmonics to melodies of irregular construction, and how much a simple air will sometimes gain by being well fitted.

To the Right Hon. the Earl of Abergavenny I am indebted for the loan of “Lady Nevell’s Virginal Book,” a manuscript collection of music for the virginals, transcribed in 1591. To the late Lord Braybrooke I owe the means of access to Pepys’s collection of ballads, which was indispensable for the due prosecution of the work.

To Mr. J. Payne Collier, F.S.A., I am indebted for the loan of a valuable manuscript of poetry, transcribed in the reign of James I., containing much of still earlier date; and for free access to his collection of ballads and of rare books: to Mr. George Daniel, of Canonbury, for copies of several Elizabethan ballads, which are to be found only in his unique collection; and to Mr. David Laing, F.S.A. Scot., for the loan of several rare books.

To Sir Frederick Madden, K.H., Keeper of the Manuscripts in the British Museum, I am indebted for much information about manuscripts, readily given, and with such uniform courtesy, that it becomes an especial pleasure to acknowledge it.

W. C.