Friday, September 30, 2016

Old Nick and Kitty - Czech Folk Tales



from
CZECH FOLK TALES
SELECTED AND TRANSLATED BY DR. JOSEF BAUDIŠ, M.R.I.A.
LECTURER IN COMPARATIVE PHILOLOGY AT THE PRAGUE UNIVERSITY
1917

Old Nick and Kitty was drawn from Josef Kubín, Povídky kladské, i., ii. (in “Národopisný věstník českoslovanský” 1908-1910).

vozové hradby
As is fitting for a folklorist, Josef Kuban ( 7. October 1864 - 31. October 1965) was the son of a shoe-making master in Jicin. Jan Kubin (1832-1921), and his wife Anna Vágnerová (1823-1891) also had a daughter Anna Krupková (1862-1934). His first assignment as a high school teacher was in the Kutna Hora, a city famous for so many things, including Jan Zizka of the first defenestration, but more importantly, who devised the military strategy vozové hradby, a version of which played such a key role in the conquest and settlement of the American West. We'll talk about that another time perhaps. The Kutna Hora,of course, with its myriad shafts into the earth has long been a fertile breeding ground for folk stories. Perhaps it is no wonder that Josef Kuban became a folklorist and ethnographer as well as a dialectician and a literary publicist and writer.


ONCE upon a time there was an old maid-servant on a farm. She was a score or two years old, but she wanted to get married, though nobody would even touch her. She never missed a dance: she was sure to turn up at every one of them, though nobody ever asked her to dance. So at last she said: "I'd dance with Old Nick if only he'd come."

The clock struck eleven and a youth clothed in green entered the room. He went straight up to our Kitty and began to dance with her. All the girls couldn't keep from laughing, but they daren't laugh openly. So they held their aprons over their faces. Kitty was very angry, but she kept on dancing like the wind. She thought: Let the fools laugh; they'd be glad enough to dance with the lad themselves."

It was hard upon twelve now, and Old Nick--for Old Nick it was--had to start for home. But Kitty wouldn't let him go. What was he to do with her? He was absolutely at a loss what to do, for she was clinging on to him behind.

He went to the pond, thinking he'd be able to throw her in. He tried to do it, but she clasped him round the neck and he couldn't manage it. So off he went to Hell with her. But the people of Hell made an outcry against her and wouldn't let her stay at any price.

"Hang it all!" says Old Nick, "I can't go all round the world with her."

At last he met a shepherd: "I say, shepherd," says he, "would you like this maiden here?"

"A nice maiden that is, the ugly old spinster! Keep her for yourself. You can pickle her."

Now, when the devil saw that he was going to fail again, he promised the shepherd a heap of money, only to rid himself of the hideous old crone. But the shepherd refused.

"I'll make it so much," says Old Nick.

"Well, if you will, I agree."

Now, the shepherd was a good-looking fellow, and Kitty was easily persuaded to stay with him. He had lots of money now, and he had the same idea as the devil, to throw her into the pond. What else could he do with such a hideous old hag? He had a great fur coat, and he put it on so high over his head that she couldn't catch hold of his neck, and, plump! off she went into the pond. But, you know, a bad one's a bad one, and you can't get rid of them so easily. So it was with Kitty. She wasn't drowned.

A short time after this, Old Nick had an appointment with a man. I don't exactly know how the case stood, but anyhow the devil was to get him. The man asked the shepherd to save him; he was quite ready to pay him well for it.

"All right," says the shepherd, "I can do that much for you. Old Nick and I are the best of friends."

Now, a crowd of people had collected and they were all wondering how it was going to end. In comes Old Nick. The shepherd runs to meet him and: "Old Kitty's here asking for you," says he.

The devil left things as they were, and before you could say "Jack Robinson" he was off. So it all turned out all right.


do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,
David Byler a.k.a. Canovals
30. rujan 2016



Thursday, September 29, 2016

Sunny Day - Neno Belan



a song for my beloved

Sunny day
good vibrations on a sunny day
all my troubles have gone away
don't you worry, every day's ok
nothing better than a day like this
your the one I wanna kiss
maybe that's a thing I shouldn't miss




Monday, September 26, 2016

Felix the Ghost Breaker



Pat Sullivan Cartoons 1 January 1923 (USA)
Directed by Otto Messmer
Runtime 7 min
Sound Mix Silent
Color Black and White
Aspect Ratio 1.33 : 1
Film Length 200 m
Negative Format 35 mm
Cinematographic Process Spherical
Printed Film Format 35 mm

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Serenada - Oliver Dragojević



as pigeons, suckling kissing


Another wonderful but forlorn Kalegojera - Runjić love song performed by Oliver Dragojević

Stipica Kalogjera is married to singer Maruska Šinković. At last notice they are still living in Zagreb. Stipica began his musical training at age 6 on the Violin. A prolific composer and arranger, he was won several Porin awards together with Arsen Dedić and a lifetime achievement Porin on his own.

Although Zdenko Runjić was born in Slavonski Brod many of his songs were inspired by the folk traditions of Dalmatia. Many of his songs have become classics in the Croatian tradition. He wrote more than two hundred songs just for Oliver Dragojević as well as others performed by other singers.

the english (approximately)

and yes I sunk the boat on the quay
yes I never like it
that always will be dear the happines
as pigeons suckling, kissing


but now another loves those wonderful eyes of yours
and I've lost my only treasure
about love, that unhappiness, you took my heart
La la la la la .............


and that would extinguish the fire
that never you would leave me
that always be dear the happiness
as pigeons, suckling kissing




Jugoton ‎– SY 24220 1987
Vinyl, 7, Single
Side B (Side A: Žuto Lišće Ljubavi)
Arranged By – Stipica Kalogjera
Written-By – Zdenko Runjić


Croatian text:
I da bi brod na rivu ja potopi
Da nikada me nećeš ti zavolit.
Da uvik ćemo draga sritni biti,
Kao golubovi šesne se ljubiti.


Al sada drugi ljubi te divne oči tvoje.
A ja sam te izgubi, jedino zlato moje,
O ljubavi, ti nesritna, ča srce si mi uzela.
La la la la la .......


I da bi ruku ja u vatru stavi
Da nikada me nećeš ti ostavit.
Da uvik ćemo draga sritni biti,
Kao golubovi šesne se ljubiti.



Thursday, September 22, 2016

Darkness - David Byler



the belly of the darkness churns in darkness

the darknesses gather, thick, smothering,
the darknesses are alive with darkness
people gather, not here, somewhere else
coversing.
here is dark dark darknessing
the darknesses are alive with darkness
dark tendrils reaching out, suffocating,
descending.
no sound but the hum of machines
no human voices, no human sounds
the darkness gathers, thick, suffocating,
consuming.
dark darkness, dark dark darknessing
the belly of the darkness churns in darkness
the darknesses are alive with darkness
darknessing.


Dal´ se sjetiš nekad mene - Džo Maracic Maki



That you remember me sometimes...

That memory is still remains in the heart
but sometimes it can be painful
The heart asks to whom you give love
who is now in the place of my love


That you remember me sometimes
That you remember my tears
That your heart still cares
Those dear, wonderful memories


That you remember me sometimes
That you remember my tears
That your heart still cares
Those dear, wonderful memories


That you were my sun
still in your heart you remember
Here is a picture of your gentle face
but where is our ancient happiness


That you remember me sometimes
That you remember my tears
That your heart still cares
Those dear, wonderful memories


That you remember me sometimes
That you remember my tears
That your heart still cares
Those dear, wonderful memories


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Ti Si Moja Ljubav Jedina - Ivica Pepelko



You are my only love - Ti si moja ljubav jedina



for Teryne, my only love

According to the Croatian Composers Society (Hrvatsko Drušvo Skladatlja) Ivica Pepelko was born in Slavonia. In his youth he lived in Budinščina and Konjščina, and later in Varazdin before he relocated to the Zagorje. He is an economist who has spent his whole life dedicated to promotion of Kajkav music which is under represented in cultural and social events.

Kajkavian, kajkavščina, is distinguished from Štokavian, the "standard" Croatian speech by, among other features, the habitual choice of "kaj" rather than "što" for "what." Kajkavian is mainly spoken in northern and northwestern Croatia. The major cities in northern Croatia are located in what was historically a Kajkavian-speaking area, mainly Zagreb, Koprivnica, Krapina, Križevci, Varaždin, Čakovec. The typical archaic Kajkavian is today spoken mainly in Hrvatsko Zagorje hills and Međimurje plain, and in adjacent areas of northwestern Croatia where immigrants and the Štokavian standard had much less influence. Kajkavščina may also be heard in the Burgenland and other places.

Pepelko has written the music and lyrics for more than four hundred songs, most of them published. He has received numerous awards for his efforts.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Psalm 47



O clap your hands, all ye people



Psalm 47
King James Version (KJV)
English text followed by Croatian / Engleski tekst slijede hrvatski

1 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
2 For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
5 God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.



Zborovođi. Sinova Korahovih. Psalam.
1 Narodi svi, plješćite rukama, kličite Bogu glasom radosnim.
2 Jer Jahve je to - svevišnji, strašan, kralj velik nad zemljom svom.
3 Narode je nama podložio, pogane stavio pod noge naše,
4 baštinu nam odabrao - ponos Jakova, svoga ljubimca.
5 Uzlazi Bog uz klicanje, Jahve uza zvuke trublje.
6 Pjevajte Bogu, pjevajte, pjevajte kralju našemu, pjevajte!
7 Jer on je kralj nad zemljom svom, pjevajte Bogu, pjevači vrsni!
8 Bog kraljuje nad narodima, stoluje Bog na svetom prijestolju.
9 Prvaci se pribiru poganski k narodu Boga Abrahamova. Božji su svi vlastodršci zemlje, nad svima on je uzvišen.



The Shrewd Steward



You thought this was about money, but this is about you!

Felix Revolts



(Drawn largely from IMdb)
Cartoonist Otto Messmer was born West Hoboken (now Union City), New Jersey, on Aug. 16, 1892. Early on, he showed an aptitude for drawing. He attended the Thomas School of Art in New York City. He found a job with an advertising agency. From 1937 to 1973, Messmer worked for Douglas Leigh, creating many of the massive animated electrical signs that lit up Times Square in New York City.

Influenced by Winsor McCay's animation he began drawing his own comic strips and submitting them to newspapers. He applied to several animation studies in New York for work as a set painter. Producer Jack Cohn at Universal saw his work and hired him as an animator. Cohn introduced Messmer to Pat Sulivan and they wound up with a contract to create a new cartoon character. Messmer made the character a sassy, all-black cat and called the cartoon "Feline Follies". It was quite successful and Paramount ordered an entire series of the cat's adventures. Felix was a huge hit with the public, which took him to heart.

Felix' popularity began to be eclipsed by Mickey Mouse because Paramount didn't jump on to sound cartoons fast enough.

Otto Messmer died on October 28, 1983, in Fort Lee, New Jersey, at 91 years of age.

do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,
David Byler a.k.a. Canovals
19. rujan 2016

do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,

AMAME LENTO - La Prisma



Amame Lento - take the time to love me slowly

Between 1969 and 1998, I was one of about 500 million people who sat down every Sunday night, no matter what, to watch Raúl Velasco's "Siempre en Domingo," (Always on Sunday) modeled loosely after the "Ed Sullivan Show" of another time and place. Among the performers who performed, many of whom made their debut, on the show were Selena Quintanilla Pérez (THE Selena from Texas), Luis Miguel, Gloria Trevi, Lucía Méndez, Dulce, Vicente Fernández, Rocío Dúrcal, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Gloria Estefan and many many others.

Some of the other acts which appeared on the show were ABBA, Tina Turner, David Lee Roth, Whitney Houston, Bryan Adams, Peter Cetera, Richard Clayderman, Richard Marx, The Bangles, Cyndi Lauper, Olivia Newton-John, Barry Manilow, Laura Branigan, Village People, Donna Summer, Shaun Cassidy, Gloria Gaynor, Sheena Easton, Crowded House, Boney M, KWS, Spice Girls, Sammy Davis Jr, Andy Gibb, Jimmy Osmond, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, Level 42, The Outfield and Sting.

Raúl Velasco began this program as co-host of a Sunday afternoon special in 1969 called Domingos Espectaculares (Spectacular Sundays). One of Raúl Velasco's catch phrases was, "Aun hay mas" ("There's more to follow"). For a short while, Siempre en Domingo was known as Aun hay mas because Raúl Velasco would always say these words prior to each intermission or commercial, with the hand gesture that corresponds to a request for a commercial break, similar to what Frank Sinatra might have said or sung, The best is yet to come. . . The phrase and hand gesture became popular in Mexico as a result. (y aún hay más... amigos!)

Raul Velasco's funeral on 26 November 2006 was a national event. His body was buried in the “Panteon Frances” where many fans, performers, and press congregated to give Raul the last goodbye.

One evening when the show was riding high, Silvia Tapia Alcázar, a.k.a. "Prisma" appeared on the show. After that first evening she delighted the millions with many repeat appearances. This was the era of vinyl records and cassette tapes - back in the day, millions bought her recordings. Today, Google has mostly forgotten her, but listen to her and hear for yourself why La Prisma has a growing following in the Balkans, a market which Peerless Records/Warner Music Latina never even attempted to penetrate. I cannot help but wonder if Silvia smiles knowing that people in her grandmother's native Croatia are receiving her music and responding with their hearts ...

do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,
David Byler a.k.a. Canovals
19. rujan 2016


Friday, September 16, 2016

Blue Bells of Scotland - Arthur Pryor



The Bluebells of Scotland is the usual modern name for a Scottish folk song (Roud # 13849). It was written by Dora Jordan, an English actress and writer. First published in 1801.

Joseph Haydn wrote a piano trio accompaniment for this song (Hob. XXXIa: 176).

The version usually called "Blue Bells of Scotland" was arranged by Arthur Pryor around 1899 for trombone with accompaniment. Often played with a piano or concert/military band, but also with orchestra or brass band.

According to Wikipedia, Pryor's version is technically challenging and allows the soloist to show off a flowing legato while, in different places, requiring some difficult jumps. The sheer speed and volume of notes also poses a significant challenge. It is in theme and variation form, and opens with a cadenza-like introduction. After the theme, it moves to the allegro section, in which the variations begin. Variation one involves triplets, while variation two involves syncopated sixteenth-eighth note rhythms. The cadenza that follows demonstrates the performer's range; jumping about three and a half octaves from high C to pedal A flat and G, for example. The vivace finale brings all these techniques into one, requiring the trombonist to exhibit advanced range, legato, double tonguing and flexibility.


The words are sometimes given as:
Oh, where, and oh, where is my highland laddie gone,
Oh, where, and oh, where is my highland laddie gone,
He's gone to fight the French, for King George upon the throne,
And it's oh in my heart I wish him safe at home


The details:
Arthur Pryor
Blue Bells of Scotland, for Trombone and Band
Dennis Smith plays with W.W.S.S Wind Ensemble Wm Cole, Conductor, and with Martha Goldstein, organ
Music License: CCA - SA - 2 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
Vis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Arthur_Pryor_-_Blue_Bells_of_Scotland,_for_Trombone_and_Band.ogg
Visuals: Ben Robbins CCA - 3 unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
Vis Wikimedia https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bucknell_Wood_-_Bluebells.jpg
Carpet of Bluebells in Bucknell Woods, Whittlewood Forest, Abthorpe Parish, between Abthorpe and Silverstone in South Northamptonshire
and Michael Maggs https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
Vis Wikimedia https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:MichaelMaggs/Gallery#/media/File:Hyacinthoides_non-scripta_(Common_Bluebell).jpg



do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,
David Byler a.k.a. Canovals
16. rujan 2016


Thursday, September 8, 2016

Maria Morevna - Russian Wonder Tales



Maria Morevna from Wheeler, Post. Russian Wonder Tales. New York: The Century Company, 1912. As read by David Byler

FAR behind the blue sea-ocean, beyond the void places, in a city set in the midst of pleasant meads, there lived a Tsarevitch whose name was Alexei, and he had three sisters, Tsarevna Anna, Tsarevna Olga and Tsarevna Helena. Their mother had long been dead, and when it came the father's time to die he called the Tsarevitch to him and put the three sisters in his care.

"Heed thou, my dear son, my counsel and command," he said. "Keep not thy sisters overlong with thee, nor delay their marriage, but whoever may be first to ask the hand of either of them, to that one, if she consent, give her to be wed."

So the father died and was buried, and the Tsarevitch and his sisters sorrowed, as was right, until time had dulled their grief. Before the Palace was a fenced garden, where, in the cool of the day, they used to walk together, and often as they walked the Tsarevnas would recall their father's words, and would say one to another: "I wonder which will be the first to be wed and what manner of lover will come wooing her."

One day as they strolled under the green trees, plucking red poppies, a great cloud, black as ink and shaped like a hawk, suddenly rose in the sky. "Let us hasten indoors, little sisters," said Tsarevitch Alexei, "for a dreadful storm is about to break." They quickened their steps, and just as they entered the Palace a crash of thunder sounded, the roof split in two and a bright hawk came flying in. It alighted on the floor and was instantly transformed into a handsome youth.

"Greeting to thee, Tsarevitch Alexei," said the youth. "Once I came to thy land as a visitor, but now I come as a suitor. I pray thee give me to wife thy little sister Anna."

"If she choose to wed thee, I shall not forbid," answered the Tsarevitch. "How sayest thou, my sister?"

So comely was the youth that Tsarevna Anna at once agreed, and the same day they were married and set out for the Hawk's Tsardom.

Hours grew into days, and days ran swiftly after one another till a year had vanished as if it had never been. Again one day Tsarevitch Alexei went walking with his two sisters in the green garden, and again there rose up in the sky a cloud like a huge black eagle, with white light- flings flashing across it. "Let us seek shelter, little sisters," he said, "for a terrible whirlwind is rising." They hurried to the Palace, and as they entered it the thunder roared, the ceiling split in two and into the gap came flying an eagle. It alighted on the floor and instantly turned into a comely youth.

"Health to thee, Tsarevitch Alexei!" he said. "Heretofore I came to thy Tsardom as a visitor, but now I come to woo. Give me, I beseech thee, thy little sister Olga for my wife."

"If she so wills, then will I not deny thee," replied the Tsarevitch. "What is thy mind, my sister?"

The Hawk had been well-favored, but the Eagle was more handsome, and Tsarevna Olga lost no time in accepting him, so that same day the marriage was performed and the Eagle took her away to his own country.

Another year passed swiftly, and one day the Tsarevitch said: "Come, little sister, let us walk in the green garden and refresh ourselves." As they strolled among its flowers, again there rose the cloud, shaped like a great black crow, and he said: "Let us return with all speed to the Palace, for a fierce tornado is upon us." They did so, but before they had had time to sit down, there came a terrific clap of thunder, the ceiling split and opened, and into the room flew a crow. As it alighted it became a graceful youth, who said:

"Prosperity to thee, Tsarevitch Alexei! In the past I came to thy realm as a visitor, but now I come seeking a wife. Grant me, I pray, thy little sister Helena to wed."

"If she favor thy suit, I may not refuse her," returned the Tsarevitch. "Wilt thou say 'aye,' my sister?"

The Hawk and the Eagle had been handsome but the Crow was even more brilliant and splendid than they and Tsarevna Helena agreed without delay. The marriage took place at once and the Crow set out with his bride for his own Tsardom.

Tsarevitch Alexei, left solitary, was sad and lonely and when a whole year had passed without sight or sound of them, he said to himself: "I will go and search for my three little sisters." So he called for his best horse and rode out into the white world.

He rode one day, he rode two days, he rode three days, till he came to a plain whereon a numerous army, with weapons broken and scattered, lay dead and dying. Sitting on his horse he cried aloud: "If there be one man here left alive, let him answer me. Who hath routed this great host?" And one man whose life was yet in him replied where he lay: "These thousand stout warriors, O Tsarevitch, were beaten by Maria Morevna, daughter of three mothers, grand daughter of six grandmothers, sister of nine brothers, the beautiful Tsar's daughter." And saying this he died.

Tsarevitch Alexei rode on, till at length he came to a multitude of white tents pitched by the way, from the finest of which the lovely Maria Morevna came forth to greet him. "health to thee, Tsarevitch," she said. "Whither dost thou ride? Is it by thine own will, or against it?"

Tsarevitch Alexei replied: "Brave men, Tsarevna, ride not anywhere against their will."

The beautiful Tsar's daughter was pleased with his answer. "Well," she said, "if thy business be not pressing, I pray thee stay awhile as my guest."

Tsarevitch Alexei, nothing loath, dismounted and remained the guest of Maria Morevna, and before two days had passed they had fallen deeply in love with one another. She took him with her to her maiden Palace, where they were married with great rejoicing and there they lived many months together in happiness.

Now Maria Morevna was a warrior and at the end of this time there befell a rebellion on her border, so she called together her army and leaving Tsarevitch Alexei in charge of her Palace, rode to the fight. "Guard and rule all things," she bade him, "only on no account open the door of the rocked closet in my inner chamber."

The Tsarevitch promised to obey her command, but she had not gone far on her way before his curiosity over- mastered him. He went to the inner chamber, unlocked and opened the closet door, and there he saw an old man of huge form hanging from a beam, fettered with twelve riveted iron chains.

"Who art thou?" asked the Tsarevitch.

"I am Koshchei the Wizard," answered the old man. "Imprisoned by the father of Maria Morevna, I have suffered tortures here for ten years. Have mercy on me, good youth, and fetch me a little water to cool my parched throat!"

The Tsarevitch pitied the Wizard. "A drink of water can do no harm," he thought, and went and fetched a jugful. The Wizard took it at a single gulp. "My thirst is too great for a single draught to quench," he said. "I pray thee give me another, and when danger threatens thee I will give thee thy life."

Tsarevitch Alexei brought a second jugful and this also Koshchei drank at a draught. "In mercy, give me but one more," he pleaded, "and twice will I give thee thy life when otherwise thou must perish."

The Tsarevitch brought him the third jugful, which Koshchei also drank at a draught, but as soon as he had swallowed it all the Wizard's former strength returned; he strained at the twelve chains and broke them asunder like rotten rope. "My thanks to thee, Tsarevitch!" he shouted. "Thou art as likely now to possess thy Maria Morevna again as to see thine own ears!" He flew out of the window in a whirlwind, overtook the beautiful Tsar's daughter on her way to the war, seized her from the midst of her army and carried her away across three times nine Tsardoms to his own land.

Tsarevitch Alexei, seeing the misfortune his disobedience had wrought, wept bitterly and long. At length he wiped away his tears, and saying to himself, "Whatever may befall I shall not return until I have found Maria Morevna," he set out across three times nine Tsardoms.

He rode one day, he rode two days, and at dawn on the third day he came to a beautiful Palace of white stone whose roof shone like a rainbow. Before the Palace stood an oak tree, on whose topmost branch perched a Hawk. As soon as it saw him, the Hawk flew down from the tree, alighted on the ground and became a handsome youth. "Welcome, my dear brother-in-law," he cried; "how hath God dealt with thee these past three years?" The next moment Tsarevna Anna came running from the Palace, and kissing her brother began to ask him many questions and to tell him of what had befallen her.

Tsarevitch Alexei spent three little days with them, at the end of which time he said: "I can remain no longer, but must go on my search for my wife, Maria Morevna."

His brother-in-law, the Hawk, answered: "It is a far journey. Leave with us thy silver spoon, that we may look upon it and be reminded of thee."

The Tsarevitch left with him the silver spoon and rode on. He rode one day, he rode a second, and on the third, at daybreak, he came to a Palace of gray marble even finer than the Hawk's, whose roof was mother-of-pearl. Before it grew a fir tree and on the tree perched an Eagle, which as soon as it saw him, flew down, alighted, and became a comely young man. "Hasten, wife," cried the Eagle, "our dear brother is coming!" And Tsarevna Olga came running from the Palace, kissed and embraced her brother and began to ply him with questions.

A second three little days Tsarevitch Alexei spent with them and then said: "Farewell, my dear sister and brother- in-law, I go now to search for my wife, the beautiful Tsar's daughter."

"It is many versts to the Castle of Koshchei," said the Eagle, "and what shall we have to remember thee by? Leave with us thy silver fork."

He left with them the silver fork, and rode away A first day he rode, a second day he rode, and on the third day, at sun-up, he found himself approaching a third Palace, of porphyry, roofed with golden tiles, larger and more elegant than the Hawk's and the Eagle's put together- In front of the Palace stood a birch tree on which sat a Crow. The Crow flew down, alighted on the ground and was transformed into a graceful youth. "Come quickly, Tsarevna Helena," he cried, "our little brother is coming!" Then Tsarevna Helena came running from the Palace and met her brother joy fully, embracing him with many questions.

With them also the Tsarevitch abode three little days. when he bade them farewell to continue his search for his wife.

"Thy search may be in vain," said the Crow, "for the Wizard Koshchei is very powerful and cunning. We would have something to recall thee to us. Leave with us thy silver snuffbox that we may look on it often and know of thy welfare."

So Tsarevitch Alexei left behind the silver snuffbox and again set out. Whether he rode a long way or a short way, by wet roads or dry, he came at last to the Castle of Koshchei, where, walking in the garden, he found his dear one, Maria Morevna. When she saw him the beautiful Tsar's daughter threw herself on his breast, weeping a flood of tears. "O Tsarevitch Alexei!" she cried, "why didst thou disobey my command? Why didst thou open the closet and loose the Wizard to our hurt?"

"I am guilty before thee," answered the Tsarevitch sadly. "But remember not the old things which are past. Come with me and let us fly, while Koshchei is not to be seen. Perchance he will not be able to overtake us." So without more ado he took her up before him on the saddle and put his good steed to its best pace.

Now that day the Wizard had gone hunting. Toward evening he rode back to his Castle, when suddenly his horse stumbled under him. Thereat he rated it, crying, "Why stumblest thou, sorry flag? Hast thou not been well fed, or dost thou feel some misfortune?"

The horse replied: "Master, I feel a misfortune. Tsarevitch Alexei has been here and has carried away thy Maria Morevna."

"Canst thou overtake them?" demanded the Wizard.

"Thou mayest sow a measure of wheat," answered the horse, "thou mayest wait till it is grown, harvest and thresh it, grind the grain to flour, and of it bake five ovens of bread to eat, and after that I should be able to overtake them."

Koshchei put his horse to a gallop and easily overtook Tsarevitch Alexei. "Well," he said, "when thou gayest me to drink, I promised on occasion to give thee thy life. Therefore this time I do not slay thee." Then taking Maria Morevna from him, he returned to his Castle, leaving the Tsarevitch weeping.

Tsarevitch Alexei wept a long time, but weeping was of no avail and at length he dried his tears and at daybreak on the morrow rode again to the Wizard's Castle.

Koshchei was once more gone hunting, and the Tsarevitch, finding Maria Morevna in the garden, said: "Come, mount with me and let us fly."

"Gladly would I," she answered, "but the Wizard will overtake us, and I fear he will slay thee."

"At least we shall have had some hours together," said Tsarevitch Alexei, and taking her up before him, put spurs to his steed.

In the evening Koshchei returned from the hunt, and as he neared his Castle his horse staggered. "What dost thou, starveling hack!" he said. "Art thou underfed, or dost thou scent some evil?"

"I scent an evil, master," the horse answered. "Tsarevitch Alexei has been here, and has borne away thy Maria Morevna."

"Canst thou overtake them?" asked the Wizard.

The horse replied: "Thou mayest scatter a measure of barley, wait till it is high, cut it, thresh it, and of the grain brew beer. Thou mayest drink the beer till thou art tipsy and sleep till thou art sober, and still I should be able to overtake them."

The Wizard put his horse to a gallop and before long overtook Tsarevitch Alexei. "Did I not tell thee," he said, "that thou shouldst as easily see thine own ears as again to possess Maria Morevna? When thou gayest me water I promised to give thee twice thy life. Therefore, for the second time, I forbear to slay thee. But for the third time, beware!" So saying he took Maria Morevna and rode back to his Castle, leaving the Tsarevitch weeping salt tears.

Tsarevitch Alexei wept till his weeping was ended, and when the next day dawned, for the third time he rode to Koshchei's Castle.

This day also the Wizard was absent. He found Maria Morevna and begged her to mount and fly with him. "Most gladly would I," she said, "but the Wizard will overtake us, and this third time he will not spare thee." But he answered: "If I cannot live with thee, I will not live without thee!" So he prevailed on her and took her up before him and spurred away.

When evening was come Koshchei rode home from his hunting, and as he neared his Castle his horse began to sway from side to side. "How now, thou beggarly cob!" he cried. "Dost thou lack fodder, or dost thou perceive some calamity?"

"I perceive a calamity, master," replied the horse. "Tsarevitch Alexei has been here and has ridden away with thy Maria Morevna."

"Canst thou overtake them?" asked the Wizard.

And the horse answered: "Thou mayest strew a measure of flax-seed, wait till it is ripe, and pick, clean and card it. Thou mayest spin thread, weave cloth, sew a garment, and wear the garment into shreds, and even then I should be able to overtake them."

Koshchei made him gallop and at length overtook the Tsarevitch. "Twice I gave thee thy life," he said, "but this third time thou shalt die," He killed his horse with a blow of the sword, dragged the Tsarevitch to the Castle, put him in a cask barred and hooped with iron, and threw the cask into the sea-ocean, while Maria Morevna again he took to himself.

Now the Hawk, the Eagle and the Crow used often to look at the silver spoon, the fork and the snuffbox, and wonder how their brother-in-law fared in his search. One day, looking, they saw that the three pieces of silver were turning black, and they said to themselves: "Our little brother-in-law is in peril of his life." The Hawk flew at once to the Eagle, and together they sought the Crow. Having made their plan, the Crow flew to the west, the Eagle to the east, and the Hawk to the north, and after searching all day they met together to confer.

"I saw naught to remark," said the Hawk, "save a band of crows flying south."

"I saw and questioned them," said the Crow, "and they replied that they sighted something afloat on the sea-ocean."

"And I saw," said the Eagle, "what it was. It was a cask, barred and bound with hoops of iron."

"Brothers," said the Hawk, "let us see what the cask holds."

They flew together to where the cask floated, pulled it to shore, and with sharp beaks and claws picked and tore it apart, and in it to their delight they found their brother-in- law, the Tsarevitch, safe and well. He told them all that had befallen him and begged their counsel.

When they had consulted together, the Crow said: "Our counsel is this. Koshchei's horse is a hundredfold swifter than any other, and for this reason, try as oft as thou wilt, it is sure to overtake thee. Find out where it was foaled, and perchance thou mayest obtain another as swift."

Tsarevitch Alexei, having thanked them, set out again afoot for the Castle of the Wizard, where Maria Morevna wept tears of joy that he was still alive, and to her he said: "Find out, if thou canst, where Koshchei obtained his good horse, and tell me tomorrow."

So that night the beautiful Tsar's daughter said to Koshchei: "All things are open to thee, wise Wizard! Tell me, I pray, where was foaled thy marvelous steed which thrice overtook Tsarevitch Alexei to his death?"

Koshchei said: "On the shore of the blue sea-ocean there is a meadow, and upon it there courses up and down a wonderful mare. Twelve hay-cutters reap the grass of the meadow, and as many mote with rakes turn it. The mare follows them, devouring the grass they cut. When she bathes the sea rises in huge waves, and when she rubs her sides against the oak trees they fall to the ground like sheaves of oats. Every month she brings forth a foal, and twelve fierce wolves follow her to devour them. Every three years the mare bears a colt with a white star on its forehead, and he who, at the moment it is born, snatches away this foal, fights off the wolves from it and brings it safely away, will possess a steed like to mine."

"Didst thou, O Koshchei," asked Maria Morevna, "gain thy horse by these means?"

"Not I," the Wizard answered. "Across three times nine lands, in the thirtieth Tsardom, on the further side of the River of Fire, there lives an old Baba Yaga. She follows the mare and snatches away each colt which bears on its forehead the white star. She thus has many wonderful horses. I once spent three days tending them, and for re ward she gave me a little foal which became the good horse I ride."

"But how didst thou cross the River of Fire?" asked Maria Morevna.

"As to that," replied the Wizard, "I have in my chest a fine handkerchief. I have only to wave it three times to my right side to have a strong bridge so high that the fire cannot reach it."

Maria Morevna listened attentively, and when Koshchei was asleep she took the fine handkerchief from the chest, brought it to Tsarevitch Alexei, and told him all the Wizard had said.

The Tsarevitch hastened away, crossed three times nine countries, and in the thirtieth Tsardom came to the River of Fire. By means of the magic handkerchief he crossed it and went on to find the old Baba Yaga.

He walked one day, he walked two days, he walked three days, without either food or drink. When he was like to die from hunger he came upon a bird with her fledglings. One of these he caught, when the mother bird, flying near, said: "Tsarevitch, do not, I pray thee, eat my little one, If thou wilt set it free, one day I will serve thee a service."

The Tsarevitch let the fledgling go, and soon thereafter, in a forest, he found a wild bees' hive. He was about to eat the honey when the Queen Bee said: 'Tsarevitch, do not take the honey, since it is food for my subjects. Leave it to me, and one day, in return, I will serve thee a service."

The Tsarevitch left the honey, and went on till he came to the sea-ocean, and on the sand he caught a crayfish. When he was about to eat it, however, the crayfish begged for its life. "Do not eat me, Tsarevitch," it said, "and one day I will serve thee a service." So he let the crayfish go also, and went on his way, so tired and hungry that he could scarcely crawl.

Whether he went a long way or a short way, he came at length, at daybreak, in a forest, to the hut of the old Baba Yaga, turning round and round on hens' legs. About the house were planted twelve poles. On the tops of eleven were men's heads, but the twelfth had none.

Tsarevitch Alexei drew near and said:

Little Hut, little Hut! Stand the way thy mother placed thee, With thy back to the wood and thy face to me!

And when the hut stood still facing him, he climbed up one of the hens' legs and entered. There lay the old witch on the stove, snoring.

The Tsarevitch woke her. "Health to thee, Grandmother!" he said.

"Health to thee, Tsarevitch!" she answered. "Why hast thou come to me? Is it by thine own will, or by need?"

'By both," said Tsarevitch Alexei. "I come to serve thee as herder, to graze thy she-horses and to earn a colt for my payment."

"Why shouldst thou not?" the Baba Yaga said. "With me folk serve no round year, but only three days. If thou dost graze well my mares, I will give thee a steed fit for a hero. But if thou dost lose one of them, thy head shall be set upon my twelfth pole."

Tsarevitch Alexei agreed. The old witch gave him food and drink, and ordered him to take her mares to the open field. He opened the stockade, but the instant they were free they whisked their tails and galloped off in different directions, so that they disappeared before he had scarce time to lift his eyes.

Then the Tsarevitch began to weep and to lament. He sat down on a stone and after weeping for a long time fell asleep.

When the sun was setting a bird woke him by pecking at his sleeve. "Rise, Tsarevitch Alexei," said the bird; "the mares are all in the stockade. I have served thee the service I promised when thou didst loose my little fledgling."

He thanked the bird and went back to the witch's hut, where the Baba Yaga was shouting to her she-horses. "Why did ye come home?" she cried to them angrily.

"Why should we not?" they answered. "We did thy bidding. We galloped far and further, but flocks of birds came flying from the whole world and came near to pecking out our eyes!"

"Well," she bade them, "tomorrow run not on the meadow, but scatter throughout the thick wood."

Tsarevitch Alexei slept soundly. In the morning the old witch sent him out again, saying: "Mind thou losest none today, or thy head shall be put upon my pole!"

He opened the stockade, but the moment they were out the mares switched their tails and set dif running into the pathless woods. And again the Tsarevitch sat down on a stone and wept until he went to sleep.

Scarce, however, had the little sun begun to set behind the trees than a great bee came buzzing and woke him, and said: "Hasten, Tsarevitch Alexei; the mares are all in the stockade, and I have repaid thee for leaving my honey."

He thanked the bee and returned to the hut, where he found the Baba Yaga again scolding her she-horses for returning.

"How could we help it?" they replied. "We obeyed thy command and ran deep into the trackless forest, but thou sands of angry bees came flying from the whole world and stung us till our blood came, and pursued us even here."

"Well," she told them, "tomorrow go neither to the meadow nor to the forest, but swim far out into the sea-ocean."

Again Tsarevitch Alexei slept soundly, and when the next morning came the witch sent him a third time to graze her mares, saying; "Beware I miss no one of them at night, else shall thy head certainly be set upon my house pole."

He loosed the mares from the stockade, but scarce were they outside when they flirted their tails and galloping to the blue sea-ocean plunged into the water up to their necks and swam until they were lost to view. And the Tsarevitch for a third time sat him down on a stone to weep and so fell asleep.

When the sun was low, he woke to find a crayfish nipping his finger. "Come, Tsarevitch Alexei," it said, "the she- horses are all safe in their stalls, and I have served thee my service in payment for my life. Return now to the hut, but show not thyself to the old witch. Go, rather, into the stable and hide thyself behind the manger. In a corner there thou wilt find a shabby little colt which is so poor that it drags its hind legs in the mire. When midnight comes, take this little colt and depart to thine own land."

The Tsarevitch thanked the crayfish, went back to the hut and hid himself behind the manger. And soon he heard the Baba Yaga rating her she-horses for returning.

"How could we remain in the water?" they answered. "We swam to the very middle of the abyss, but hosts of crayfish came creeping from the whole sea-ocean, and with their claws pinched the flesh from our bones, so that to escape them we gladly would have run to the end of the white world."

The old witch waited and waited for the Tsarevitch's return, but at length she fell asleep. At midnight he saddled the shabby colt, led it from the stable and made his way to the River of Fire. He waved the Wizard's handkerchief three times to his right side and a strong high bridge sprang from bank to bank. He led his colt across it, and waving the handkerchief twice to his left side, the bridge shrank and became thin and narrow, till it was but one- third as high and one-third as strong.

Now at daybreak the Baba Yaga woke and missed the colt from the stable. She at once sprang into her iron mortar and started in pursuit, driving with her iron pestle and sweeping away her trail behind her with her kitchen broom. She came to the River of Fire, and seeing the bridge, started to cross it. But she had scarce come to the middle when it gave way, and the old witch, falling into the flaming stream beneath, met her instant death.

As for Tsarevitch Alexei, he grazed his colt twelve mornings at sunrise on the green meadow and it became a horse fit for a hero to ride. Then, mounting, he galloped back to the Tsardom of Koshchei, to the Wizard's Castle. He found Maria Morevna, and said: "Haste and mount before me, for now I have a horse as good as Koshchei's!" He took her on the saddle and rode off at full speed.

In the evening when the Wizard returned, as he neared his Castle, his horse fell upon one knee. "What! thou dawdling bag of bones!" he said. "Dost stumble again? Art thou weak from emptiness or dost thou smell some mishap?"

"I smell a mishap, master," replied the horse; "Tsarevitch Alexei has been here and has ridden away with thy Maria Morevna."

"Canst thou overtake them?" asked Koshchei.

"I cannot tell," the horse answered. "The Tsarevitch has now for his steed my youngest brother."

The Wizard put his horse at its best pace and galloped in pursuit. Whether he rode a long way or a short way, by rough roads or smooth, at length he overtook them and lifted his sword to cut Tsarevitch Alexei to pieces.

At that moment the horse the Tsarevitch rode cried to the other: "O my brother! Why dost thou continue to serve such an unclean monster? Cast him from thy back, and strike him with thy sharp hoofs." And the horse of Koshchei heard the counsel of his brother and threw his rider on the ground and lashed out with his hoofs so cruelly that the Wizard was forced to crawl back to his Castle on all fours.

Then Tsarevitch Alexei mounted Koshchei's horse, and setting Maria Morevna on his own, they rode to visit his brothers-in-law, the Hawk, the Eagle and the Crow.

At each of the three Palaces they were received with rejoicing. "So thou hast gained thy Maria Morevna," they said. "Well, thou didst not take so much trouble for naught, since were one to search the whole world, he could find no other such a beauty!" And when their visits and feastings were ended they rode back to the Tsarevitch's own Tsardom and lived happily together always and got all good things.


do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,
David Byler a.k.a. Canovals
9. rujan 2016


Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Kozak Pjesma i Ples IV



In 2008, Wally Schultz, former Lutheran Hour Speaker, went to Russia representing the Lutheran Hour and Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. He brought back a rabbit skin "babushka" (a hat) and a CD full of of Cossak Dances and Songs which he recorded live for me. I treasure both. I cannot share the hat, but I can share the music and dancing. Enjoy another segment from his CD. There is more of this on Canovals over on Youtube


do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,
David Byler a.k.a. Canovals
7. rujan 2016

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Psalm 46



Psalm 46 as read by David Byler from the King James Version (KJV)
English text followed by Croatian / Engleski tekst slijede hrvatski

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

1 Zborovođi. Sinova Korahovih. Po napjevu "Djevice". Pjesma.
46:2) Bog nam je zaklon i utvrda, pomoćnik spreman u nevolji.
2 (46:3) Stoga, ne bojmo se kad se ljulja zemlja, kad se bregovi ruše u more.
3 (46:4) Nek' buče i bjesne valovi morski, nek' bregovi dršću od žestine njihove: s nama je Jahve nad Vojskama, naša je utvrda Bog Jakovljev!
4 (46:5) Rijeka i rukavci njezini vesele Grad Božji, presveti šator Višnjega.
5 (46:6) Bog je sred njega, poljuljat se neće, od rane zore Bog mu pomaže.
6 (46:7) Ma bješnjeli puci, rušila se carstva, kad glas njegov zagrmi, zemlja se rastopi:
7 (46:8) s nama je Jahve nad Vojskama, naša je utvrda Bog Jakovljev!
8 (46:9) Dođite, gledajte djela Jahvina, strahote koje on na zemlji učini.
9 (46:10) Do nakraj zemlje on ratove prekida, lukove krši i lomi koplja, štitove ognjem sažiže.
10 (46:11) Prestanite i znajte da sam ja Bog, uzvišen nad pucima, nad svom zemljom uzvišen!
11 (46:12) S nama je Jahve nad Vojskama, naša je utvrda Bog Jakovljev!


do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,
David Byler a.k.a. Canovals
30. rujan 2016


Sunday, September 4, 2016

After the Cut



Animated by Zack Schwartz. After working at Disney in the early 1930’s until the Strike in 1941, notably as an art director on Bambi and Fantasia, Schwartz worked under Frank Tashlin at Screen Gems from 1941-1943 and was a founder of United Productions of America (UPA) in 1944 (formerly known as Industrial Films and Poster Service), along with , David Hilberman, and Stephen Bosustow. UPA was an American animation studio active from the 1940s through the 1970s

In 1946, Schwartz sold his interest in the studio and moved to New York, where he worked in television advertising, eventually becoming an advertising agency executive. After teaching at Sheridan College in Ontario, Canada in the '70s and '80s, Schwartz eventually moved to Israel, where he taught at the Animation Center in Tel Aviv.

Schwartz worked mostly in limited animation (reusing common parts between frames, rather than redrawing entire frames) He commented once: “Our camera is closer to being a printing press, in the way we use it, than it is to being a motion picture camera.” “Hell Bent For Election” was made in Zack Schwartz’s apartment because UPA did not have a studio in 1944.

Schwartz won honors for “Robin Hoodlum” (1948) and “The Magic Fluke” (1949) were both produced by UPA and nominated for an Academy Award. “When Magoo Flew” (1953) and “Magoo’s Puddle Jumper” (1955) both won Academy Awards for Best Short Subject (cartoons).

UPA Pictures' legacy in the history of animation has largely been overshadowed by the commercial success and availability of the cartoon libraries of Warner Bros. and Disney. Nonetheless, UPA had a significant impact on animation style, content, and technique, and its innovations were recognized and adopted by the other major animation studios and independent filmmakers all over the world. UPA pioneered the technique of limited animation. Although this style of animation came to be widely used in the 1960s and 1970s as a cost-cutting measure, it was originally intended as a stylistic alternative to the growing trend (particularly at Disney) of recreating cinematic realism in animated films. (Wikipedia)

Schwartz died January 13, 2003 in Israel.
The legacy of his film work remains with us:
1947 “Clearing The Way” (short) (animator)
1947 “Expanding World Relationships” (short) (Production Designer)
1946 “Flight Safety: After the Cut” (short) (layout artist)
1945 “A Few Quick Facts: Fear” (short) (Production Designer)
1945 “A Few Quick Facts: Fear” (short) (layout artist)
1944 “Hell-Bent for Election” (short) (Production Designer)
1944 “Lend Lease” (short) (Production Designer)
1944 “Flat Hatting” (short) (layout artist)
1943 “He Can’t Make It Stick” (short) (layout artist)
1943 “Willoughby’s Magic Hat” (short) (layout artist)
1943 “Professor Small and Mr. Tall” (short) (layout artist)
1943 “The Vitamin G-Man” (short) (layout artist)
1942 “Song of Victory” (short) (layout artist)
1942 “Old Balckout Joe” (short) (layout artist)
1942 “Wolf Chases Pigs” (short) (layout artist)
1942 “Concerto in B Flat Minor” (short) (layout artist)
1940 “Fantasia” (segment “The Sourcer’s Apprentice”) (art director)
1938 “Wynken, Blynken & Nod” (short) (layout artist)

do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,
David Byler a.k.a. Canovals
4. rujan 2016

Friday, September 2, 2016

The Dog's Dinner Party - Joseph Kronheim



THE DOGS' DINNER PARTY.

Harrison Wier 1870
Illustrated by Joseph Martin Kronheim, 1810-1896
Published between 1870
Publisher London; New York: George Routledge and Sons
Pages 16

MB. BLENHEIM was a very gentlemanly dog, and Mrs. Blenheim was quite the lady ; both were well-bred, handsome, and fond of good company. They lived in a nice house, by Hyde Park Corner. Now Mr. Blenheim was one day in the library, dozing in his arm-chair after dinner, when Mrs. B. thus addressed him :

" Rouse up, Blenny dear, and tell me about these notes of invitation for our dinner-party."

" I am rather sleepy,' said he, " so you must read the list over to me'

Mrs. B. read the names of Mr. Tan-Terrier, Mr. Fox-Hound, Mr. Dane, Mr. Mastiff, Mr. Beagle, Mr. Poodle, Mr. Barker Mr. Bull-Dog concluding the list. " Mr. Bull-Dog !" cried Mrs. B., looking vexed, " why do you ask him ? no one considers him respectable."

"It will not do to leave him out, dear!" said Mr. Blenheim, who then got up, and went lazily to the desk to write the invitations.

Pug, the Page, went to Kennel Court, the country box of Mr. Fox-Hound, and found that sporting character near home, wiping his brow after a good hunt. His manners were more blunt than his teeth, and his loud voice could be heard miles off. He was called a "jolly dog," and seldom dined alone. But his great delight was the chase of a fox ; he could then hardly give tongue enough to express his joy. After asking Pug after Mrs. Blenheim's health, he accepted the invitation.

Florio, the Courier, waited on Mr. Barker with his note of invitation. Mr. Barker lived in a snug little house, in a farmyard, where he had the charge of watching over and protecting the live stock. He at first feared he must decline the invitation, but, on second thoughts, he resolved to venture ; it was not a late dinner, and he would manage to get away early. Unluckily, his coat was rather the worse for wear, but he could boast of a handsome collar at any rate, and so he accepted.

When Pug, the Page, reached the dwelling-place of Mr. Bull-Dog, he found him lying close to a bit of an old tub, in a dirty yard, smoking a short pipe very coolly. Mr. Bull-Dog snarled a little at being disturbed, and then read the note. " Oh, you can say I'll be sure to come," said he, "I am always ready for a good feed. Now, young one," said he to Pug, with a growl, " I advise you to cut away as fast as you can!"

At last the day of the grand dinner-party arrived, and the guests all assembled, in good spirits, with keen appetites for the feast. Never had so many sleek, well-dressed dogs met together before, and the variety of their coats and countenances was very striking. All were, in compliment to the gentle hostess, Mrs. Blenheim, on their best behaviour, and great was the harmony that prevailed. Ample justice, too, was done to the good things liberally provided for their entertainment ; and, strange to say, for so large a party and so mixed a company, no excess was committed either in eating or drinking. Social chat was the order of the day ; compliments were ex- changed ; toasts, praising every guest in turn, were proposed and received with cordiality ; speeches were made, which were applauded even when not called for or understood ; and for a long time it seemed that no Lord Mayor's feast could have passed off more brilliantly, or have given greater satisfaction.

Mr. Bull-Dog was, however, missing from among the guests after a time; it seems that he found the sports rather dull, and so had sneaked oft". Presently a great uproar was heard ; and it was found that he had gone below, and had eaten up all the servants' dinner; so they all joined together to punish him,

and after some trouble, contrived to kick him out of the house ; and very foolish he looked, in spite of his tipsy swagger.

As Mr. Bull-Dog had lost his pipe in the street, he thought he would turn into a public-house to get another : here he again misbehaved, and was soon turned out ; some mischievous boys then got hold of him, tied an old tin saucepan to his tail, and chased him through the streets. The faster he ran, the more he bumped himself with the saucepan ; and the more he yelled with pain, the more the boys pelted him with mud and stones. At length he reached his dirty dwelling, more dead than alive.

Poor Mrs. Blenheim ! she was, indeed, much to be pitied, to have her nice dinner-party disturbed by so vulgar a creature. This shows how careful we should be in avoiding low company.


do sljedeći put, blagoslov - until next time, blessings,
David Byler a.k.a. Canovals
2. rujan 2016