1895
[Congregation, with the Old Hundredth ready for the parson to give out some dismissal words.)
Good Old Parson (not at all meaning rhyme) — The light has grown so very dim I scarce can see to read the hymn.
Congregation, taking it up, to the first half of the "Old Hundredth:"
The light has grown so very dim
I scarce can see to read the hymn.
Pause, as usual. Parson (mildly impatient) — I did not mean to read a hymn. I only meant my eyes were dim.
Congregation, to second part of "Old Hundredth:"
I did not mean to read a hymn.
I only meant my eyes were dim.
Parson (out of patience, etc.):
I didn't mean a hymn at all.
I think the devil's in you all.
—E. FitzGerald's Letter to Fanny Kemble in Temple Bar.
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