The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-11-02
gcoscnmon ana Ecoteh Musie.

A gentleman, VINO was nrSt-IaVa per-
former of Scotch music on the violin,
spent winter in Exeter, and of course
soon became acquainted with the mu-
sical dilettani Of the place. Dining one
dav with n professor, the conversation
turned upon Scotch music, and strong
argument arose as to it's bearing compe-
tition with foreign music; the SCOTCH
man, whom we shall for the present de-
signate the Fiddler, insisting that when
properly played, nothing could excel it;
tho Professor, on the other hand, insist
ing that it was only fit for barn-yard
"l'll tell you what" says the Fiddler.
'I'll lay you wager of G5 that if a
party OF Scotchmen can be got together,
I'll make them shed tears ono minute,
sing the next, and dance the third"
Done" says the Professor; ''and if
your music is capable of that, I will not
only pay you the f5 with pleasure, but
will be convinced that it is the most en-
livening, pathetic and best music in the
world.
Tho difficulty arose os 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 anniversary Of Burns birth day.
This was a capital opportunity for the
Fiddler; for these young men, being
principally raw-boned and over-grown
Scotch lads, who had recently left their
own country to carry tea in the neigh
| bOrhood, were the very ones upon whom
he was sure to make hit.
| All being now arranged, and the ut
most secresy being agreed upon, the
eventful day was anxiously looked for.
At length it 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 right merry party they were. The
Fiddler was not long in perceiving that
he had got among right musical set,
and he waited patiently till they were fit
for anything. At length he gave wink
to the Professor, who at once proposed
that his friend should favor them with O
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 health to
them that's nwa," and played it in the
most solemn and pathetic manner.
"That's a waefu' tune" said great,
big, raw-boned youth, to his next neigh
Dor.
cit is that, Sandy. There's meikle in
that tune, man. It reminds me O. ane
that's gone;" jamie at the same time
giving o deep sigh, and drawing his
hand over his long, gaunt face, to 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 tune, he would have
%I,o,,, 81 II
fore threw his whole soul into the in
strument, played the tune as he had
never done before; and as the last four
bars of the tune died away like distant
echo, there was not dry cheek amongst
the company. Now is the time, thought
the Fiddler; and without stopping q
moment, struck up, in bold, vigorous
style, "Willie Brew'd Peck O. Maui. "
Out went the handkerchiefs, away went
the tears.
"Chorus!" cried the Fiddler; and in
an instant all struck up
"For we are mao fou, we're no that fou.
But just drappie in our &c;
The cock may craw, tho day may daw,
But are we'll tasto the barley bree"
The song ended, up struck the Fid-
dler, in his best style, the reel of "Jenny
Dang the Weaver"
''Hey, ye devilsi' cried Sandy.
Scotland foreverl" cried Jamie; and
in an instant, tables, chairs, and glasses,
were scattered in all directions, and the
whole party dancing and jumping about
like madmen.
Out ran the affrighted Professor, for
he did not know what might come next, J
up came the landlady with her terrified
train of inmates. But mono burst enter
the room, the hurras and thums on the
floor being 80 boisterous; and it was
only upon the entry of Scotch traveller,
who had just arrived, and who cried to
the Fiddler for any sake to stop, that
order was restored
1t is needless to say that the Profes-
sor paid his bet cheerfully, and was fully
convinced of the effect of Scotch music,
when properly played; and that the
landlady took care that the Fiddler
never came into her house again on
Burns anniversary dinner.
English Paper.
When does AN editor play singular