This very pretty purple paste references the poem ‘All’s Well’ by English dramatist and songwriter Thomas John Dibdin (1771-1841). The poem was later set to music and became very popular and is most commonly associated with a duet in the comic opera ‘The English Fleet’.

Dibdin worked at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane in London for many years but ended his life in comparative poverty following a poor career move which resulted in his bankruptcy. Whilst relatively unknown today he was of some fame and repute in his lifetime perhaps most notably his work is quoted in Charles Dicken’s Little Dorrit

All’s Well by Thomas John Dibdin

Deserted by the waning moon,

When skies proclaim night’s cheerless noon,

On tower, or fort, or tented ground,

The sentry walks his lonely round;

And should a footstep haply stray

Where caution marks the guarded way:

“Who goes there? Stranger, quickly tell.”

“A friend” – “The word.” “Good night;” “All’s well.”

Or sailing on the midnight deep,

When weary messmates soundly sleep.

The careful watch patrols the deck,

To guard the ship from foes or wreck:

And while his thoughts oft homewards veer,

Some friendly voice salutes his ear –

“What cheer? Brother, quickly tell.”

“Above” – “Below.” “Good night;” “All’s well.”