| Citation |
NHG-P.767.005
30 Jan 1767:22 (539)
The following piece, by particular desire, is inserted in
this day's paper, taken from the court Miscellany, &c. for
October 1766. An European Story.
A fiddler and his wife, who had rubbed through life, as most
couples usually do, sometimes good friends, at others not
quite so well; one day happened to have a dispute, which was
conducted with becoming spirit on both sides. The wife was
sure she was right; and the husband was resolv'd to have it
his own way. What was to be done in such a case? The
quarrel grew worse by their explanations, and at last their
fury rose to such a pitch, that each made a vow never to
sleep in the same bed for the future. This was the most
rash vow that could be imagined; for they still were friends
at bottom, and besides they had but one bed in the house;
however resolved they were to go through with it; and, as
they had not separate beds, at night the fiddle case was
laid between them, in order to make a separation. In this
manner they continued for three weeks; every night the
fiddle case being placed as a barrier, to divide them. By
this time, however, each heartily repented of their vow,
their resentment was at an end, and their love began to
return; they wished the fiddle case away, but both had too
much spirit to submit. One night, however, as they were
both lying awake, with the detested fiddle case between
them, the husband happened to sneeze; to this the wife, as
is usual in such cases, bid God bless him: Ay, but, returns
the husband, Giles, do you say that from your heart? Indeed,
I do, my poor Nicholas, cries his wife; I say it with all my
heart. If so, then says the husband, I fancy we had as good
remove the fiddle case.
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