Mountain advocate., 1921-06-03
THE SONGS
WE LOVE
By John II. DAILY
BEN BOLT

Almost three generations have
agreed on the winning power or
'rBen Bolt"
Il was in 1912 that Thomas
Dunn English, visiting New York,
was asked for a contribution, in
the nature of q poem, TO the New
Mirror Magazine, and Ben Bolt
was the result. lt was very
widely read in America and Eng
land, and the author, Mr.. English,
thought he might increase its
popularity IL put to the music Of
q certain man named Hay. The
melody, evidently unsuited for II,
was never published, and the tune
later printed by English himself
proved to be little better. II was
Nelson Kneass, music teacher Of
New York City. who utilized an
European melody. and evolved the
present well known air. The song
was included in a play THE Bat
tie of Buena Vista" which was
produced in Pittsburgh in 1S4S,
and ben Bolt" completely over
shadowed the drama.
Very rapid was the spread of its
popularity. "Sweet Alice" became
the pet of all classes, and the
lovely melody was heard every
where, in private parlors, minstrel
shows, theatres, and concert halls.
To England "Ben Bolt" was soon
equally dear, and so popular did 1t
become there that many people
are under the impression that II is
q song from the British Isles.
NThis does not mean that its
attraction lessenod here. From
1850 to 1860 it perhaps was at
the height of its popularity. We
can realize how well sounding
were its genteel words on the lips
of courtly ladies and chivalrous
gentlemen of that period. In the
North, even then the home Of
business, 'Ben Bolt" was well
coined as different from the every
day hustle, and in the leisurely
South, the quiet pensiveness or
the song was in keeping with the
unfurried life. But the Civil War
upcooted many customs and inter-
ferred with affairs more vital than
songs. It was scarcely time for
singing, and Ben BOlt'' was OBJ
ecured.
The war ended and brotherly
amfty took the place of strife, but
-sBen Bolt" did not regain it's
former place.
In England it had continued in
favor, but on this side Of the
vater IT was years later, fifty
years after its publication, that 1t
was revived with great enthusi-
asm. 1t was used in 'tTrilby,"
George Du Maurier's famous dra-
ma In the scene where the
hypnottst SvengaH placed Trilby
On the concert stage and through
his wizardry caused her to sing so
wonderfully, the song Ben Bolt"
was employed, and soon it was
once more a general favorite. In
fact 1t is sometimes published as
-The Tri1by Ballad"
The author, Thomas Dunn Eng
Hsh remains known only through
the fame of this song. He was a
man who probably never really
discovered himself. Literature was
likely his true field, but he became
a doctor and q lawyer. Leaving
these professions, he became the
editor of a succession of news
papers and magazines, later moved
TO Virginia. where he took prom
fnent part in politics, and finally
returned North, settling in Newark,
New Jersey.
'fBen Bolt" is a song that will
undoubtedly live long, and like so
many of the favorites, it is because
II tells a simple story that might
be found in anyone's life. 1t is
a song for the time Of quiet and
twilight. when, in the tranquility
of the sunset, we recall the days
and friends who have passed, and
soothed by its charm, sorrow is
borne away. II is an everyday
tale that the loved and familiar
song N"Ben Bolt" relates. To
every generation there is Sweet
Alice" and friends gone, and the
emotions expressed in ben Bolt"
have often been felt by US all.