Changed the Sentiment.

Otago Witness, Issue 2086, 15 February 1894, Page 49

Changed the Sentiment.

It was at an entertainment given to a boys' club. Under the supervision of some kind ladies the reader was to recite Scott's stirring poem, "Lochinvar." His consternation was extreme when the minister's wiFe, who was president of the temperance society, rushed up to him shortly before the reading of that number and requested him to change the sentiment of the following lines : — And now am I come with this lost love of mine, To tread but one measure, drink one cup of wine, to this version — And now am I come with this beautiful maid, To tread but one measure, drink one lemonade. The usual self-possession of the reader was greatly shaken by this sudden change, and fearing he might forget, he said the lines over and over again. When he at last mounted the platform his mind was quite at rest. With thrilling effect he recited the lines, until he reached the climax by saying — And now am I come with this maiden here, To tread but one measure, drink one glass of beer. The shiver that ran down his back communicated itself to the audience and congealed them into rows of frozen niceties, and the awful solemnity was only broken by convulsive giggles.