Anecdote Of Handel

Handel was one of the most humorous of mortals and at the same time one oj the most irritable. His best jokes were perpetrated frequently during his most violent bursts of passion. Having to bring out one oi his oratorios in a provincial towu in England, he began to look about for such material to complete his orchestra and choius as the place might afford. One and another was recommended, as usual, as being a splendid singer, a great placer, and so on. After a while, such as were colleotable were gathered together in a room, and after preliiuinaries, Handel made his appearance, puffing, both arms full of manuscript. " Gentlemen," quoth he, " you all read cianusoript ï " " Yes, yes," responded from all parta of the room. " We play in the churoh," added an old man behind a violincello. " Very well, play dis," said Handel, distributing the parts. This done and a few ezplanations delivered, Handel retired to a distant part of the room to enjoy the effeot. The stumbling, fumbling, and blundering that ensued is said to have been indescribable. Handel's sensitiva ear and impetuous spirit could not long brook the insult, and clapping his hands to his ears, he rah to the old gentleman of the violincello, and shaking his fist furiously at the terrifled man and the instrument, said, " You blay in de church ! - very well - you inay blay in de church - for we read, De Lord is long suffering, of great kinduess, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin; you sal blay in de church, but you sal not blay for me ! " and snatching together his manuscripts, he rushed out of the room, leaving his astonished performers to draw their own conclusions.