Scan 97
Voice and violin: sketches, anecdotes, and reminiscences by T.L. Phipson, 1898
8 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 79. See the scan on archive.org.
1Once again the character of the music changed; this time to a lovely berceuse or lullaby, so calm and quiet, and so intensely soothing, that before many minutes elapsed the entire audience was reclining with half-closed eyelids upon the capacious cushions of the sofas; an uncontrollable drowsiness overcame first one, then another, until the whole assembly, including the ferocious Bey himself, had gone off into a deep slumber, whilst the violinist continuing, piano, pianissimo, and at the same time withdrawing himself gradually from the hall, passed out of the large folding doors, leaving the Bey and his companions fast asleep!
3When outside the palace the Sicilian made his way quickly towards the coast, where he found his boatmen awaiting him. They set sail and departed without delay.
5On arriving at home Tomarissen wrote another letter to the Bey of Tunis, explaining that he had duly kept his promise of performing in his august presence. He added that the money he had received had enabled him not only to defray the expenses of the journey, but to marry his charming Roxelana.
7The Bey was wrapped in utter amazement when he received that letter. For many months he could talk of nothing but the wonderful playing of the violinist of Palermo; and he made the latter profuse offers to come and reside at Tunis.
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