Books › Chats on Violins, 1905 › scan 24
Scan 24
Chats on Violins, 1905
10 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 10. See the scan on archive.org.
1not improbable that the eventful reign of Charlemagne scattered it amongst many nations.
3It seems almost incredible that such a much abused instrument should have been so popular, and have lasted through nearly five centuries, even longer; for when viols first began to be heard of a century later, this "rolling stone" of the violin family was still bobbing about.
5Perhaps it was a case of the survival of the fittest, and the little Rebec being strongly made and portable, could be used in a variety of useful ways:—In self-defence, or as a footstool, a poker, a mask before the face; and when it came to pieces its rotund little body might have formed a capital drinking bowl or saucepan.
7Be this as it may, those historic minstrels, the Troubadours and Jongleurs welcomed it; it was so small and portable, so easily tucked away under their great cloaks, and with the addition of a harp, little more could be wanted to charm their patrons.
9From one noble mansion to another these minstrels would roam, wedding music and words in wild song, and wiling away many an hour for the squire, the warrior, and the
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