Dear Joe,

Minor point. Asked you for accurate information about the authorship of this song because, in spite of its attribution to St.Thomas More IN PRINT, I rather doubted that its spellings, syntax, grammar, vocabulary, idiom, or subject matter were likely to be his. The later Moore seemed a far likelier possibility, but I had no proof and thought you might, given your training. Was glad to have my suspicions confirmed. (The alternative, though less probable option, other than a simple typo., was that More had written an earlier work, which had been "modernised" in the 18th or 19th century, but that still left the subject matter unaccounted for.) Thanks for the real scoop!

Dear Alice,

Thanks for the additional lyrics; knew there had to be more (no pun intended). Incidentally, my mother had this in a book of vocal exercises, which may explain both the single verse and the sloppy scholarship. Now that I have more to work with, think I'll play with this'un anew! Most grateful; ts'a nifty bit'o work!

Shula