Bet. Sophrona. I shall sing it, it has been give out, and Elder Peedick, you had better give Miss Gowdy a book. She seem to have to look over with the editor. (Elder Peedick gives the key and they all sing.)
Though the old man rises fearful,
In our hearts renewed by grace,
Yet his work is sad and direful,
That old man is our disgrace.
(Duet—That same verse set to the song, “When thy bosom heaves a sigh.” Betsey and the editor starts. Betsey gets her part too low, they sing it as far as “Though the old man”—when Josiah rises.)
Jos. It is a shame for a woman to sing alone in a room full of men. (He begins and sings the whole verse through to the tune of Greenville.)
Sam. Josiah, if you say another word I’ll part with you. What do you mean, Josiah Allen?
Jos. I’m singing base.
Sam. Do you sit down and behave yourself; she has pitched it to low. It hain’t base.