Oxford, August 4.
_Darby and Joan_ (Vol. iii., p. 38.).--As no one has answered your
correspondent by referring him to a copy of this ballad, I have great
pleasure in calling his attention to _A Collection of Songs, Moral,
Sentimental, Instructive, and Amusing_, 4to. Cambridge, 1805. At p. 152.
of this volume, the "pleasant old ditty" of "Darby and Joan" is given at
length, accompanied with the music. The editor, the Rev. James Plumptre,
M.A., tells us that it is "attributed to Matthew Prior." As this book is
somewhat difficult to procure, your correspondent is welcome to the loan
of my copy.