Without anticipating the criticism which will follow upon performance, we may here give some idea of the scope and character of the Ode. Mr. Joseph Bennett, the writer of the words, has kept strictly in view the exigencies of a musical setting. He has obviously prepared, not a short poem for readers, but one for musical hearers. Hence a variety of rhythm and structure which otherwise would certainly not have been ventured upon. From the same cause arises also the manner in which the subject is laid out, with a view to contrast of musical effect. We may indicate the nature of this arrangement. In the first vocal number, a chorus, the news of the Jubilee is proclaimed, and its diffusion throughout the Empire called for. The second number, a tenor solo, conveys to the Queen the affectionate greetings of her home-lands, declaring that, to keep the feast with unanimity, all weapons of party warfare are laid aside. In the third number the Colonies and Dependencies pay their homage, the idea worked out being that of a procession passing before the throne. First comes the Dominion, followed by Australia, the smaller colonies and islands, and, lastly, by India. Each of these divisions has a section of the chorus to itself. The fifth number, a soprano solo, dwells upon the personal virtues of the Sovereign; while the sixth, and last, opening with a choral prayer for the Empire, continues with lines leading to the National Anthem, for which a new second verse has been written. How far the writer has been guided by consideration for musical opportunities need not, after this outline sketch, be indicated. The spirit in which Mr. Bennett has approached his theme best appears, perhaps, in the opening verses:-- "For fifty years our Queen! Victoria! hail! Take up the cry, glad voices, And pass the strain O'er hill and plain, Peaceful hamlet, roaring city, flowing river, Till all the land rejoices. Wild clanging bells and thund'rous cannon With your loudest shock the air, and make it quiver From Dee to Tamar, Thames to Shannon. "For fifty years our Queen! Victoria! hail! Take up the cry, old ocean, And hoarsely shout The words about. British ships and world-wide British lands will cheer them, Rouse an Empire's full devotion. O blowing wind, come hither, bearing Answering voices, loud acclaiming. Hark! we hear them. They our loyal pride are sharing."