239.—NOT THE GEESE THAT SAVED ROME.
The stories told of Hans von Bülow are legion, but the following is too good to omit:—
Bülow was a master of satire and irony, as the orchestras and choruses which came under his direction could well testify.
On one occasion he rebuked the feminine half of an oratorio chorus which he was rehearsing. While the tenors and basses were singing their parts the sopranos and altos indulged in conversation. They were called to order several times, but paid no attention. Finally von Bülow rapped upon his desk and called out, "Ladies, Rome does not have to be saved to-night," which remark produced the desired effect.