98 , 



sickness or in health, getting or spending Old Time, 

 however we may fancy him moving, fast ,or slow, 

 still holds equably on his silent stealthy pace ; and, 



"Let the day be ever so long, 

 At length it ringeth to even song." 



These candles, however, contrary to the usual 

 progress of things, are growing gradually shorter. 

 Tweddell, I wish you would give us another song, 

 before they reach the vanishing point. You never 

 sing now, I believe, Simpson the more's the pity 

 either at kirk or merry meeting. 



SIMPSON. That is because you never avail 

 yourself of an opportunity of hearing me. I am 

 rather out of song not of voice at this time, remem- 

 bering nothing but a few old ones, which were stan- 

 dards in the days of Incledon, but are now quite out 

 of fashion, or I would give you a treat directly. 



FISHER. I can excuse you, for I have some in- 

 distinct recollection of once hearing you bawling out 

 in the "Storm," and, in conjunction, though not in 

 concert, with another amateur, completely reversing 

 "All's Well." But come, Sandy, do favor us, if you 

 please, and, for to-night, this shall positively be "the 

 last time of asking." Something fishy, if you have 

 such a thing in the cupboard of your memory. 



TWEDDELL. I have just been rummaging, and 

 I think I have hit upon the very thing ; but I expect 

 that you will sing after me. 



FISHER So I win, but not to-night. I will 

 chaunt matins, in the morning, in a style that will 



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