human
But why shouldn't he sing 'Simon the Cellarer' at the beginning just as well as at the end?
gpt
Yes, said the vicar,
human
Why, you read that before,
gpt
Yes, yes, said Mr. Pryor,
human
I did, but I don't think they paid much attention, the back benches were rather noisy that evening, and it is a nice length, and seems very suitable. But the difficulty is how to keep 'Simon the Cellarer' and 'Simon the Cyrenian' apart on the programme. I don't know how it is to be managed, I'm sure. I thought perhaps you would play us something appropriate between the song and the reading. I'm afraid some of the audience may smile.
gpt
Appropriate to both Simons?
human
Yes, just so, to both Simons. At least, not exactly that, but something by way of a transition, I suppose.
gpt
I wonder what that would be like, Barbara speculated.
human
I'm really very sorry I can't help you, Mr. Pryor.
gpt
Oh never mind, said the clergyman.
human
I did tell Dickson he might change the name in his song, but he wouldn't, in fact he answered rather flippantly. Well, I suppose I must find another reading, but it's a pity, when I knew of this one. Such a suitable length! Unless, he looked at Reynold,
gpt
No! was charged with intense astonishment and horror.
human
I can't play a note,
gpt
But you could recite something, Mr. Pryor persisted.
human
Now that would really be very kind. Something like the 'Charge of the Light Brigade'--'Into the valley of death,' don't you know, 'Rode the six hundred'--that pleases an audience. We had a young man from Manchester once who did that very well, a _little_ too much action, perhaps, but remarkably well. Or something American--American humour. If it isn't flippant I see no objection to it; one should not be too particular, I think. And it is very popular. Not flippant, and not too broad--but I needn't say that--I feel very safe with you. I'm sure you would not select anything broad.
gpt
It's out of the question, he said,
human
I couldn't think of such a thing. It's utterly impossible. Besides, I shall be gone.
gpt
Well, I'm very sorry, said the vicar,
human
I only thought perhaps you might. He turned to Barbara,
gpt
Your other friend was so very kind at our little harvest home. Mr.--I forget his name--but it was very good of him.
human
Mr. Scarlett,