CHAPTER XXI.
NEVER GIVE UP, AND SOME OTHER BALLADS.
Sundry of my short lyrics have gained a great popularity: in particular "Never give up," whereof there are extant--or were--no fewer than eight musical settings.

Of this ballad, three stanzas, I have a strange story to tell.

When I went to Philadelphia, on my first American tour in 1851, I was taken everywhere to see everything; amongst others to Dr.
Kirkland's vast institute for the insane: let me first state that he was not previously told of my coming visit.

When I went over the various wards of the convalescents, I noticed that on each door was a printed placard with my "Never give up" upon it in full.

Naturally I thought it was done so out of compliment.