Page:Pocock's Everlasting Songster.djvu/11

 In fome companies the Chairman gives the three firft Toafts, which I mould recommend always to be jrj r ft The KING. Second The QUEEN. and Third The ROYAL FAMILY, and .then proceed to his right and left-hand friends for their 's in rotation, in this rule it is neceilary to be provided with a Toaft or Sentiment ready ; therefore never be backward in being prepared to behave like a Man of the World ; nor on the other hand, be forward in rendering to the Prefident any Voluntary Toaft or Song out of your turn until it has been called for. It has been found upon experience that moft men are too vain of their abilities, and that a Voluntary Songfter. is of all the mod troublefomef his fongs are like an alarum when once he has liberty to begin there is no poiTibility of flopping him : befides it breaks the regularity of the fociety, and the Chairman by indulging h\..y. in his humour, lofes part of his dignity. It is undoubtedly pleafing to hear a good Songfter, but if fuc'i is in the room, and is not perfonally known to the Prelident, I have no doubt but fome perlbn in company will en deavour privately to acquaint him therewith; this in duces me to treat on proper behaviour when called upon by the Chairman or preceding Songfter ior a Song, and in compliance to their requeft not to hefi- tate, but do your beft endeavour, only a verfe will convince the company you are not in the habit of fmging, and they will be pleafecl by returning y~u thanks for your obliging difpoiition : but contrary behaviour, in refuting to iatisfy them, the moft prefling entreaties will be made on the prefun.ption of your excellent voice, and after a long time delayed in felicitations, you then comply ; and if it does not equal their expectations, a dilfatisfaction prevails, and they are forry ior their application.

The

�� �