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by Ada Lovelace (1815 - 1852)

But then, what are these numbers? (2019)
Language: English 
London Weds afternoon 29th Oct
Some of the conversation between us this morn'g, on general topics, 
has been like a special watering to a certain seed which is sprouting, 
(but as yet has not reached the surface of the soil)!
If I could even help to give the despots a shove, 
I sbould certainly feel that I had not lived in vain.
Your hope, & expectation almost, that such a day may arrive, 
gives me great encouragement.
I think, when you do bye and bye see certain productions, 
you will not even despair of my being in time an Autocrat, in my own way; 
before whose marshalled regiments some of the iron rulers 
of the earth may even have to give way!
But of what materials my regiments are to consist, I do not at present divulge. 
I have however the hope that they will be most harmoniously disciplined troops; 
consisting of vast numbers, & marching in irresistible power to the sound of music. 
Is not this very mysterious? Certainly my troops must consist of numbers, 
or they can have no existence at all, & would cease to be the particular sort of troops 
in question. But then, what are these numbers?

Text Authorship:

  • by Ada Lovelace (1815 - 1852) [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]

Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):

  • by Emily Howard (b. 1979), "But then, what are these numbers? (2019)", 2019, copyright © 2019 [ mezzo-soprano and instrumental ensemble ], Peters Edition [sung text checked 1 time]

Researcher for this page: Joost van der Linden [Guest Editor]

This text was added to the website: 2026-05-23
Line count: 18
Word count: 202

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