He wrote upwards of twenty works of this kind. For some years he was a "composer to their Majesties," and in fulfilment of his duties in this connection wrote many odes for use on official occasions. These do not count among his best works. He was a voluminous writer of instrumental music, and his sonatas are in advance of any previously written. He wrote, practically for all instruments then extant, but that by which he is principally known as an instrumental composer is his harpsichord music, this instrument having by this time superseded the virginals. One of his last, and perhaps the greatest of his works, was the magnificent "Te Deum and Jubilate" for St. Cecilia's Day. This was for many years sung at the annual Festival of the Sons of the Clergy, but was for some reason or other relinquished in favour of Handel's Dettingen Te Deum. Purcell died when his genius was at the highest point of power and splendour, leaving behind him a name of imperishable memory and a fame that has seldom been eclipsed. His death took place in 1695, the 37th year of his age. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. Over his grave was inscribed the following epitaph: Plaudite, felices, superi, tanto hospite, nostris Pr[ae]fuerat, vestris addite illa choris: Invida nec vobis Purcellum terra reproscat. Questa decus secli, deliciasque breves. Tam cito decessisse, modo cui singula debet Musa, prophana suos religiosa suos. Vivat so vivat, dum vicina organa spirant, Dumque colet numeris turba canora Deum. FOOTNOTES: [14] Novello & Co. [15] Since the above was written I read in the _Evening News_, November 24, 1911, the following words from a lecture delivered by the Dean of St. Paul's: "In its present state" (the Church of England) "it was the product of a political compromise, which was so framed as to include Catholics who would renounce the Pope, and Puritans who were not anarchistic on principle. It was officially Protestant and disliked the name. Ever since the Reformation the reformed churches had been in a state of uncertainty, like a Dotheboys Hall after it had expelled its Squeers, full of earnestness and deep conviction, but undecided as to what kind of church they wanted, how it ought to be governed, what the conditions of membership ought to be and where the seat of authority should reside." [16] A cadence is the end of a musical phrase. [17] A tablet to his memory in Westminster records, in touching language, that he "has gone to that Blessed Place, where only his harmony can be exceeded." [18] He died of consumption. [19] There is a conflict of authorities on this point, but it may be taken for granted that he was but little, if any, older at the time. CHAPTER IV THE DECLINE OF ENGLISH MUSIC