Eld. P. We will commence this evening by singing the hymn—“How blest was Jacob.” We will sing it to the tune of Ortenville. Widder Tubbs, will you play the instrument? (some old melodeon.)
S. Bob. The metre is too long.
Thos. J. Yes, there is too much tune for the words.
Eld. P. I believe I am running this quire (He takes out a tuning fork and tries it, and commences.) How blest was Ja-a-a-a-cob. Lemme see. I didn’t, get the right key. (tries again) How blest was Ja-a-fol-de-rol-cob.
Thos. J. You had better try some other patriarch, and see if you can run him through the tune.
S. Bob. I knew when the tune and words was added up there would be tune to carry.
Eld. P. Shakespeare Bobbett, do you keep still, and don’t let me ketch you a pressin’ the key to-night.
S. Bob. I shall press as many keys as I am a minter for all you; you are always findin’ fault with sumthin’ or other.
Eld. P. Perhaps we had better try some more familiar hymn. We will sing on page 200. The duet between the sulfireno and the beartone will be sung by the editor of the Augur and Betsey Bobbett.
Miss G. I believe I can sing that full as well as another certain person.