TOO MUCH EMOTION.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue III, 18 January 1896, Page 78

TOO MUCH EMOTION.

It is seldom that anything really funny happens in a criminal trial in court. Such proceedings are generally melancholy enough. But in France, where the people have a genius for comedy, the courts often supply amusing episodes. Lately a man was brought before a Paris tribunal for stealing a flute out of the window of a musical instrument dealer, and making off with it under his coat. In France the judge cross examines and really prosecutes the accused person ; and the judge asked this man : ‘ What is your occupation ’’ * Flute,’ answered the man, in a tearful tone, * What do you say ?’ *1 say flute, sir—the little flate.’ The prisoner sighed deeply, and his voice all through the examination was full of sorrow. * You are a musician, then. Yon are here charged with theft.’ * Ob, your honor, have pity on a poor man encumbered with a family—encumbered with three children, sir !‘ * It is true that you have three children, but you abandoned them five years ago.’ •Taai was becauss I was so so't-hearte I, your honor ; I could not bear to see them suffer.' * However that may be, on the seventeenth of July last you took a flute from the window of a dealer in the Rue St. Denis, and made off with it under your coat.’ * It was a very little flute, sir—almost a flageolet !’ * What made you take it ?’ * The desire to earn my own living, sir, by playing it. I took a prixs once, sir, at the Conservatory, for playing a flute ; and if I had a flute now I might be a celebrity at this moment—l might be earning my three francs a night.* ‘lndeed!’ said the judge. * Bailiff, bring in the flute which was found in this man’s possession.’ The flute was brought in and placed in the prisoner’s hands. He began to weep softly.’ * Then you are going to—to give it to me?’ he blubbered. • Yon are going to have pity on a poor man ?’ ‘ We are simply going to hear you play,’ said the court. * Me- play ?’ * Certainly. A prize-winner at the Conservatory ought to be willing to give us a specimen of his skill.' * Before all the court * Why, I don’t like to play here— I’m so embarrassed 1’ * Oh, the court will be indulgent. Don’t play anything operatic—just give us “ In the Moonlight,’ or some simple ditty.’ * Without an accompaniment, your honor ?’ ‘Yes.’ The prisoner ran his fingers over the flute uneasily. * £ can’t do it, your honor, I really can’t—my emotion is too much for me !’ The man was sentenced to two months' imprisonment.