Punch, (coming in) I do not know, 'till I try.[1] Let me see! (takes the stick, and moves slowly about, singing the tune of the "Marche des Marseillois." He hits Scaramouch a slight blow on his high cap, as if by accident)
Scara. You play very well, Mr. Punch; now let me try. I will give you a lesson how to play the fiddle. (takes the stick, and dances to the same tune, hitting Punch a hard blow on the back of his head) There's sweet music for you.
Punch. I no like you playing so well as my own. Let me again. (takes the stick, and dances as before: in the course of his dance he gets behind Scaramouch, and, with a violent blow knocks his head clean off his shoulders) How you like that tune, my good friend? That sweet music, or sour music, eh?[2] He, he, he! (laughing, and throwing away the stick) You'll never hear such another tune, so long as you live, my boy. (sings the tune of "Malbroug," and dances to it) Judy, Judy, my dear! Judy, can't you answer, my dear?
Judy, (within) Well! what do you want, Mr. Punch?
Punch. Come up stairs: I want you.
Judy. Then want must be your master. I'm busy.
Punch, (singing tune, "Malbroug")
Her answer genteel is and civil!
No wonder, you think, if we live ill,
And I wish her sometimes at the Devil,
Since that's all the answer I get.
Yet, why should I grumble and fret,
- ↑ This is a regular "Joe, page 47." Every body must remember Mr. Miller's story of the countryman, who was asked if he could play upon the violin, and who answered that he "did not know, because, as how, he had never tried." There may, however, be some corresponding joke in Italian. We have read it in French.
- ↑
How sour sweet music is, when time is broke."
"Richard II." Act 5, Sc. 5.Substitute head for time, and the line would be very applicable. Had Punch meant any allusion to it, he would have made the quotation and the change.
