Chapter XXIII

_Odes_ (‘Printed for A. Millar in the Strand,’ 1746), and Dodsley’s _Museum_ (iv., 1749).

XXIV-XXV

The first was written ‘after reading Hume’s _History_ in 1780’ (Benham). The second was written in September 1782. The _Royal George_ (108 guns) was being repaired at Spithead (August 29, 1782), when she capsized and sank instantly. Rear-Admiral Richard Kempenfelt was then under orders to proceed to the relief of Gibraltar.

XXVI-XXVIII

The first is from _The Oddities, a Table Entertainment_ (1789-1790), and its original title was _Poor Tom, or the Sailor’s Epitaph_. The second was first sung in _The Wags, or the Camp of Pleasure_ (October 18, 1790). The third was first sung in _A Tour to Land’s End_ (1798), and its original title was _Yo heave ho!_ The first collected edition of Charles Dibdin’s songs was issued in five volumes from 1790 to 1799.