Page:Everybody's Book of English wit and humour (1880).djvu/68

 The music-seller, who was a warm Haydnist, replied, "No, sir; I have music, it is true, but not for such as you;" and turned his back upon him.

As Haydn was going away, smiling, a gentleman of his acquaintance entered, and accosted him by name. The music-seller, still out of humour, turned round at the name, and said to the person who had just entered the shop, "Haydn! ay, here's a fellow who says he doesn't like that great man's music."

The Englishman laughed, an explanation took place, and the music-seller was for the future acquainted with the man who found fault with Haydn's music.

A few only of Lord North's sayings have reached us, and these, as might be expected, are rather things of which he had chanced to coat over with some sarcasm or epigram that tended to preserve them; they consequently are far from giving an idea of his habitual pleasantry and the gaiety of thought which generally pervaded his speeches. Thus—when a vehement speaker on his own side disclaimed him, calling aloud for his head, turned round and perceived his victim unconsciously indulging in a soft slumber, and, becoming still more exasperated, denounced the Minister for being capable of sleeping while he ruined the country—the latter only complained how cruel it was to be denied the solace which other criminals generally enjoyed—that of having a night's rest before their fate.

When surprised in a like indulgence during the performance of a very inferior artist, who, however, showed equal indignation at so ill-timed a recreation, he contented himself by observing how hard it was that he should be grudged so very natural a release from considerable suffering; but, as if recollecting himself, added, that it was unjust in the gentleman to complain of him for taking the remedy which he had himself been considerate enough to administer.

The same good-humour and drollery quitted him not when in opposition. On Mr Martin's proposal to have a starling placed near the chair and taught to repeat the cry of "Infamous Coalition!" Lord North coolly suggested, that, as long as the worthy member was preserved to them, it would be a needless waste of public money, since the starling might well perform the office by deputy.