Baton Rouge tri-weekly gazette & comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1865-18??, 1866-10-18
The Gazette &Gotuet
Scotch Men and Scotch Music.


of course soon became acquainted
with the musical dilletanti of that
place. Dining one day with a Pro-
fessor, the conversation turned upon
Scotch music, and strong argu-
ment arose as to it's bearing competi-
tion with foreign music. The Scotch
man, whom we shall at present des-
ignate 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 rn-yard.
II tell you what said the Fid-
dler, "I'll lay wager Of sf5 that if
a party of Scotchmen can be got to-
gsther I'll make them shed tears one
minute, sing the next, and dance
the third" ~ .-.-
"Done," said the Professor, "and
if your music is capable of that |
will not only pay the se5 with pleas
ure, but will be convinced that it in
the most enlivening, pathetic, and
best music in the world" a-
The difficulty arose as to getting
an opportunity for trial. But this
was soon obviated by third party
informing them that number of
young Scotchmen dined annually at
the Old London Hotel on the ami
versary of Burns birthday. This
was capital opportunity for the
Fiddler; tor these young men, being
principally raw-boned, overgrown
Scotch lads, who had recently left
their own country to carry tea in the
neighborhood, were the very ones
upon whom he was sure to make
hit. ...
All being arranged, and the ut
most secrecy being agreed upon, the
eventtul day was anxiously looked
for At length it came, and the
Fiddler and Professor, by an intro
duction 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 Fiddler
was not long in perceiving that he
had got among right musical set,
and he waited patiently until they
were fit for anything. At length he
gave a wink to the Professor, who at
once proposed that his friend should
favor them with Scotch tune on
the violin.
Capital! capital!" cried the whole
party.
The violin was brought, and all
were in breathless anxiety. The
Fiddler chose for his first tune,
"Here's a Health to them that's
AVA" and played it in the most
solemn and pathetic manner.
That's waefu' tune" said
great big raw-boned youth to his next
neighbor.
alt is that, Sandy. There's
meikle in that tune, man. It re-.
minds me O. ane that's game, JAMIE"
at the same time giving deep sigh,
and drawing his hands over his long,
gaunt face to hide the tears that
were trickling down his cheeks.
The Fiddler, with his keen eye,
soon perceived that before he got
through with the second part of the
tune be would have them all in the
same mood. He therefore threw his
whole soul into the instrument.
played at the tune as he had never
done before, and as the last four
bars of the tune died away like a
distant echo there was not a dry
cheek among the company, Now is
the time, thought the Fiddler, and,
without stopping minute, struck
up in a bold and vigorous style.
willie Brew'd a Peck O Maui"
Out went the handkerchiefs and
away went the tears.
Chorus !" cried the Fiddler; and
in an instant all struck up
"For we're ae fou, we're nae that fou,
But just drappie in our e'e;
The cock may craw. the day may daw,
But aye well taste the barley bree."
The song was ended, but up
struck the Fiddler in his best style
reel, Jenny dang the Weaver"
Hey, ye devils p cried Sandy.
Scotland forever !" cried out
jamie and in an instant table,
chairs and glasses were scattered in
all directions, and the whole party
dancing and Jumping like madmen.
Ont ran the affriphfed Professor