the bad singer.
STATE v. LINKHAW. (69 North Carolina, 214; s. c. 12 Am. Rep. 645.)
By Irving Browne.
[The unintentionable disturbance of a religious congregation by discordant singing, when the singer is conscientiously taking part in the services, is not indictable.]
IN North Carolina's health-inspiring woods
Lived the defendant, poor in worldly goods,
But full of grace, an exemplary man
As ever lived since Methodists began.
Upon acquaintance 'twas apparent soon
Nature denied to him the sense of tune,
And though the forests there with pine are rich,
'T was vain to him—he couldn't get the pitch.
In church he warbled with enthusiasm,
Infecting every hearer with a spasm.
His fault was worsened by his holding on
After the other vocalists had done,
And so in many a fervid "winding bout"
He showed them "linked sweetness long drawn out,"
And with a voice stentorian he sang
Until the dim aisles of the tar woods rang,—
Not with the understanding, but with spirit,
As if he wished the heathen world to hear it.
This made one half the congregation shout
With laughter, while the pious and devout
Were scandalized; the wicked were delighted,
But all the good and sober were affrighted.
Once the sad preacher had shut up his book,
Declined to sing the hymn, and angry took
His seat; the ruling elder had refused
To preach, because the music was abused.
On one occasion when the Holy Ghost
Seemed brooding o'er the expectant humble host,
A member asked the brother not to sing
Lest he should on the cause so sacred bring
