The boy Samuel served...
Illustration
The boy Samuel served a faithful apprenticeship at the shrine at Shiloh, without seeking personal gain. An Italian organ grinder could -- and should -- have taken a look at this story. The street musician in question made his living playing familiar tunes on the street. He was in the habit of playing selections from "Cavalleria Rusticania" at about half the correct speed. One day he made the mistake of doing so outside the window of the composer of the music, Pietro Mascagni. The composer put up with it as long as he could stand it, then marched outside, confronted the organ grinder, and announced, "I am Mascagni. Let me show you how to play this music correctly." He gave the handle of the hurdy-gurdy a few vigorous turns.
The following day Mascagni again heard the organ-grinder in the street outside. When he peered out his window, he noticed a sign over the instrument: "Pupil Of Mascagni."
