| Citation |
VGW(RI.774.045
18 Aug 1774:13 (432)
An odd accident happened on Tuesday morning last: Doctor
Arne being engaged to hire a band, and write music to an ode
to be performed that day for the benefit of a public
charity, he accordingly packed up his composition, along
with some instruments, in a hackney coach, and set out for
the appointed place. Stopping at a coffeehouse just by, to
enquire for a gentleman at the bar, he desired the coachman
to take care of his papers, and he would be out immediately.
The coachman, from this caution, we suppose, imagining them
of more value, took a French leave, and has not been heard
of since, to the great disappointment of the doctor, who
forgot to take the number of his coach, as well as the
audience. The correspondent who sent us this intelligence
remarks, that it is rather surprising so excellent a judge
in music as Doctor Arne could be so easily hummed.
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