Mention has previously been made of the music to _Macbeth_ as the composition of Purcell; probably the recognition of the excellence and effectiveness of this work induced the managers of the theatres to give him further employment; for in 1676 we find him composing music for at least three plays--Shadwell's _Epsom-Wells_, Dryden's _Aurenge-Zebe_, and Shadwell's _Libertine_. The latter contains a four-part chorus, "In these delightful, pleasant groves," still popular with choral societies. The whole of the music of _The Libertine_ is very bold, and would be an interesting work to revive for its merits; it is further curious from the fact that the libretto is founded on the same story which was long years afterwards adopted by Mozart for his opera, _Don Giovanni_. In 1677 Purcell wrote the music for Mrs. Behn's tragedy, _Abdelazor_, and also the music, solo and chorus, of an ode "On the death of his Worthy Friend, Mr. Matthew Locke, musick composer in ordinary to His Majesty, and Organist of Her Majesties Chappel, who Dyed in August 1677." The words of the ode are as follow:-- "What hope for us remains now he is gone? He that knew all the power of numbers flown; Alas! too soon; even he Whose skilful harmony Had charms for all the ills that we endure, And could apply a certain cure. From pointed griefs he'd take the pain away; Even ill nature did his lyre obey, And in kind thoughts his artful hand repay: His layes to anger and to war could move, Then calm the tempest they had raised with love, And with soft sounds to gentle thoughts incline, No passion reign'd, where he did not combine. He knew such mystic touches, that in death Could cure the fear, or stop the parting breath: And if to die had been his fear Or life his care, He with his lyre could call, And could unite his spirits to the fight, And vanquish Death in his own field of night. Pleased with some powerful Hallelujah He, wrapp'd in the joys of his own harmonie, Sung on, and flew up to the Deitie." Of the intimacy which existed between Locke and the Purcell family we had some indication in the paragraph previously quoted from Pepys, where he spoke of Purcell's father; and that the son was on similarly friendly terms with Locke is certain. Locke lived in the Savoy, and from thence he penned the following letter[21] to Purcell:-- "DEAR HARRY,--Some of the gentlemen of His Majesties musick will honor my poor lodgings with their company this evening, and I would have you come and join them: bring with thee, Harry, thy last anthem, and also the canon we tried over together at our last meeting. Thine in all kindness, "M. LOCKE. "_Savoy, March 16._"