I have a suspicion (nothing concrete) that at least the first part of Sullivan's tune is traditional - some people say this, others claim he "got it from a friend", etc. etc. Anybody know?

I wish Sir Arthur had specified his sources. Much easier with something like "O Little Town Of Bethlehem". Tune Forest Green. Adapted and partially composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Collected by him from Mr Garman of Forest Green in Surrey, up the road from RVW! Simples.

I was told at school that "O hush the noise, ye men of strife, And hear the angels sing" referred to the American Civil War. However the words predate the conflict so maybe that's another elegant schoolmasterly theory exploded.