Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1866-08-11
MISCELLANY.
srnrrhmen and scotch rusie.

A gentleman who was first rate
performer of Scotch music on the viO-
lin, spent a winter at Exeter, and 81
course soon became acquainted with
the musical dilletanti of that place. -
Dining one day with a professor, the
conversation turned upon Scotch music,
and a strong argument arose as TO ITS
bearing competition with foreign music;
the Scotchman, whom We shall for the
present designate the Fiddler, insisted
that when properly played, nothing
could excel it; the professor, on. the
other hand, insisted that it was only fit
for the barn-yard.
''I'H tell YOu what, says the Fiddler,
iii Law wager of Go that If n party
Of Scotchmen can be got together, I'll
make them shed tears one minute, sing
the next and dance the third.
'.DOne, said the professor, 'tand If
Your music is capable of that, | will
not only pay you the five pounds with
pleasure, but will he convinced that 1t
Is the most enliyening, pathetic, ard
best music in the world.
The difficulty arose as to getting an
opportunity for trial. But this was
soon Obviated 10y a third party inform
ing them that a number of young
ScOtchmen dined annually at the old
London Hotel, on the anniversary of
Burns birthday. This was a capital
opportunity for the Fiddler; for these
young men, being principally rawbOned,
overgrOwn Scotch lads, who had fe-
Gently left their own country to carry
tea in the neighbOrhOOd, were the very
ones upon whom he was sure to make a
hit.
All being now arranged, and the ut
most secrecy being agreed upon, the
eventful day was anxiOusly looked for
At length IL came, and the Fiddler and
Professor, by an Introduction to one
OF the party, got an invitation to the
dinner. There were twelve altogether
sat down; and a right merry party they
soon became; for the whisky tOddy was
not spared when the memory of any OF
ScOtia's bards was toasted. The EId-
dler was not long IN peTceiving that he
had got into a right musical set, and he
waited patiently till they were fit for
anything. At length he gave wink to
the Professor, who ut once proposed
that his friend should favor them wit h
a Scotch tune on the violin.
Capital, capitall'' cried the whole
party.
The violin was brought, and all were
In breathless anxiety. The Fiddler
chose for his first tune, 'HeTe's health
to them that's ava" aud played 1t 10
the most solemn and pathetic manner.
That's a waRiu' tune" said a great
big, rawboDed youth to his next neigh
Dor
1T Is that, Sandy. There's meikle
in that time, man. It reminds me
Dane that's game, Jamie, " at the same
time giving a deep sigh, and drawing
his hand over his long, gaunt face 10
hide the tears which were trickling down
his cheeks.
The Fiddler with his keen eye soon
perceived that before he got through
the second part of the time be would
have them all IN the same mood. He
therefore threw his whole sole into the
instrument, and played the tune as he
never played before; and as the last foul
bars died away like distant echo, there
was not "A dry cheek amongst the com
pany. Now Is the time, thought the
Fiddler; and without stopping n mo-
ment. struck up In bold and vigorous
style. willie Brew'd Peck o. Maut.
Dat went the handkerchiefs and away
went the tears.
"Chorusr' cried the Fiddler; and IL
an instant all struck up:
For we're nae fou', we're nae that fau.'
Bot just a drappie in our e'e;
The cock NAV craW, the day may daw,
But aye we'll taste the barley bree.
The song was ended, but up struck
the fiddler in his best style, the reel o.
Jenny dang the Weaver"
"Hey. We devilsl" cried Sandy.
Scotland fOreyerl" cried Jennie; and
in an instant, tables, chairs and glass
es were scattered In all directions, and
the whole party were dancing and jump.
ing like madmen-
Ont ran the af1righted Professor, toi
he did not know what might come next,
ND came the landlady, with her terrified
train of inmates. But none dare enter
the room, the hurras and thumps on the
floor being so boisterOus; and it was
ONLY upOn the entrance of a Scotch
traveller, who had Just arrived, and who
cried TO the fiddler for mercy's sake tC
stop. that order was restored.
IL is needless to say the Professor
paid his bet cheerfully, and was fully
convinced of the effect of Scotch music
when properly played; and that the
Iandlady took care that the Fiddler new
er came into her house again on Burns
anniversary dinner.