John Abell

John Abell ws an English musician, possessed a very fine tenor voice, and was attached to the chapel of Charles II., King of England. This prince had an idea of sending him to Venice to show the Italians what a fine voice England could produce. In the Revolution if 1688, Abell was banished from England as a Papist. Then he went from place to place giving concerts, and met with good success in Holland and Hamburg. He earned much money and received magnificent presents; but he squandered all he had, and was finally obliged to travel on foot with his lute on his back. When he arrived at Warsaw, the King of Poland, who had heard of his wonderful playing and singing, sent forhim; but Abell excused himself from appearing in the royal presence, saying he had a very bad cold. The king then ordered that he should be brought to court. He was taken into a large hall with a gallery around it, in which were seated the king and his suite. Abell was placed in an armchair, which was hoisted by means of a pulley; after which several bears were let into the hall, and Abell was told to take his choice between being eaten by the bears, and singing. He chose the latter, and his cold was instantly cured. Some years after, he obtained permission to return to England. He manifested his gratitude by dedicating a collection of songs in different languages to King William. This work was published in London, 1701. One of his songs bears the title, "Pills to Purge Melancholy." Abell lived to a good old age, and died in Cambridge, Eng., in 1724.