Hardly Musical

1899

"What man has done, man can do," is a good motto, but it needs to be interpreted in the light of common sense. Every now and then we hear of a man who takes it to mean that a little perseverance will make a Newton or a Beethoven out of the stupidest of us.

Here is a story connected with Liddell, the somewhat over-positive Dean of Christ Church, borrowed from "The Spectator."

Doctor Corfe, the organist of Christ Church, was at this time sorely plagued by one of the choirmen, whose "alto" singing was miserably bad. He came to the dean.

"Mr. Dean, I really cannot have that man singing any longer. He spoils the whole choir. If only he sang 'bass,' it would not so much matter, but such an 'alto' is intolerable."

"Very well, Doctor Corfe," said the dean, "I will deal with the matter."

So the choirman was sent for.

"Doctor Corfe complains of your singing, and says he cannot have you singing 'alto' any longer; but that it would not be so bad if you sang 'bass.' For the future, therefore, be good enough to sing `bass."

"But, Mr. Dean, I cannot sing 'bass,'" rejoined the man.

"Well," answered Liddell, "I am no musician, but sing 'bass' you must! Good morning."

And for many a year afterward, as can be but too well remembered, the man sang "bass" till he was finally shelved. — Youth's Companion.