Though superfluous before and during the surprise, their strains will greatly enhance the subsequent festivities." Thus did Captain Pond accept our challenge.

The Major acknowledged its acceptance in the following brief note: "My dear Pond,--Your letter has highly gratified me.
Between this and April 30th I will make occasion to meet you and arrange details.

Meanwhile, could you discover and send the correct words and tune of an old song I remember hearing sung, when I was a boy, in honour of your town?
It was called, I think, 'The George of Looe'; and if between this and then our musicians learnt to play it, I daresay your men would appreciate the compliment from their (temporary) foes .-- Yours truly," "Sol.

Hymen (_Major_)." But this was before our Vicar's announcement of the Millennium.
Captain Pond promised to obtain, if possible, the words and music of the old song.

"Courtesies such as yours," he wrote, "refine the spirit, while they mitigate the ferocity, of warfare.".