FITZWILLIAM (Fanny Elizabeth, née Copeland, 1801-1854, Actress, Wife of Edward)

Enchanting and unusual Autograph Copy, unsigned, of a topical verse she added to the popular song 'Rosin the Beau' at the Bristol Theatre, "Then with gold ships will come in in such thousands / 'Twas the reason you all ought to know / They made a free port of old Bristol / Because she loved Rosin the Bo / For who would count up all the duties / When with gold dust they Rosin the bow / I cant write any more I am so tired", with a pencilled note "Mrs Fitzwilliam ... wrote this at my request one evening at the Bristol Theatre - it being a verse alluding to the Free Port Measure she added to the song ... - It was received with great applause JDS.", ½ side of a folio sheet, original blots and a smudge, [Bristol], no date,

'Old Rosin the Beau' is a pun for a Violin Bow dusted with a block of gold-coloured rosin or resin. The melody is still popular for the jig 'Hamilton House'. In 1848 the Corporation of Bristol bought out the docks company and abolished the duties.

Item Date:  1848

Stock No:  12447      £75

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