Musical Instruments
at which a young lady was trying the tones of a Guitar, while her brother ran his lips over a Syrinx. Theodore told his father that he should like to have one. "Your wish shall be gratified," replied Mr. Durnford, "provided that you can tell me the origin of its being so called."
"I think," said Theodore, "that the god Pan fell in love with a nymph called Syrinx, in the train of Diana, who, when pursued by Pan fled for refuge to the river Ladon, her father, who changed her into a reed. Pan observing that the reeds, when agitated by the wind, produced a pleasing sound, connected some of them together, and formed them into a rural pipe, and named it Syrinx."
"Have the goodness to hand me over that Syrinx," said Mr. Durnford, "this young gentleman has won it, by being able to account for the cause of its bearing that name." He now presented it to his delighted son, who received it with a double pleasure, as it was accompanied by the praise of his beloved father, and the smiles of his equally beloved mother. A couple of Tambourines were ordered to be sent home for Maria and Emily, and a triangle for Caroline, and they next proceeded to the
MUSIC SELLER,
Music Seller
to examine the contents of his collection.
This did not occupy much of their time, as the two eldest young ladies, who were tolerably advanced in music, had a large assortment at home, part of which had belonged to their mother when a girl. Mrs. Durnford, however, purchased some pretty airs for the piano, and a few of Moore's sacred songs, which she knew were extremely beautiful; and which she wished Maria and Emily to learn, that they might sing them to their grandpapa, when he next paid them a visit. She was just quitting the counter, when Caroline burst into a loud laugh, pointing to the opposite counter, which was occupied by a