Curious.—The origin of the name given by Handel to his composition called “The Harmonious Blacksmith” was a very natural one. He was on a visit to the Duke of Chandos, at Edgware, and, overtaken by heavy rain, he took shelter in a smith’s forge. The ringing strokes of the hammer, combined with the song of the smith, told a story to the lively imagination of the composer, and gave birth to the piece in question.
Laura.—It is not very evident as to when the Manx House of Keys was first established, but it existed in the time of the Dane King, Orry, at the beginning of the tenth century. This sovereign established an independent throne in Mona. The term “Keys” is derived from Kiare es feed, “twenty-four,” and applied to that number of men of the island who form the Lower House, while the Upper House, or Council, is appointed by the crown, and consists of the bishop, archdeacon, clerk of the rolls, and some civil officials.
Strawberry Cream.—Have you learnt any branch of domestic service? If so, make use of it. Better trained servants are much required. You might, at least, look for a situation as schoolroom maid, under nurse, or mother’s help. These would serve to give you practical training.
Lolly.—It is for ladies to recognise gentlemen, if acquaintances, not the reverse. This being the case, we do not see what your bowing to your clergyman can have to do with “fastness.” Of course, the character of the recognition must depend on your position in life. Good Friday is a fast, not a feast day. That is the reason, as you will perceive.
Admirer of the G.O.P.—Why should you ask your clergyman to give you a severe talking to? If you know you deserve it, why not administer it to yourself? Tell your mother that you lament your want of self-control and respect in giving way to unseemly ill-temper, and ask her to help you by a timely check and reproof, and by her prayers to rule your spirit. “He that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that taketh a city.” Leaving off your spectacles will not only make your eyes ache, but injure them, by overstraining the nerves.
Enid.—If the ends of your hair split, you should have them carefully singed by a hairdresser accustomed to do so. You might set all on fire if you attempted to do so yourself. Improve your handwriting by writing copies daily, and perfect your acquaintance with the first three or more rules in arithmetic, and then you will be eligible for a situation as shop assistant.
Gretta’s Sister.—A surgeon should examine your sister’s tongue to see whether it be paralysed. If she can hear, then no other alphabet is needed for her than ours.
Young Stepmother.—The advice of your governess is good. As you have so high an opinion of her discretion, as well as amiability and experience, you had better give her the due authority to act for you. In a month’s time, or during the first quarter, you will see with what success it is attended. One thing is certain, obedience must be enforced.
Hope has some poetic feeling, but whether she will rise to the level of “poetry” in future we could not say, nor could we recommend any magazine or publisher likely to take literary and poetical compositions. That is a question for the industry and perseverance of the writer to solve.
Dorothy Forster.—The lines you send us are very halting, both as to rhyme and reason.