 persuaded me, that I am not entirely worthless in
a duette myself; and we may enliven our way-faring, by indulging in our
favourite pursuit. It might be of signal advantage to one, ignorant as I, to
hear the opinions and experience of a master in the art.«
    »It is refreshing both to the spirits and to the body, to indulge in
psalmody, in befitting seasons,« returned the master of song, unhesitatingly
complying with her intimation to follow; »and nothing would relieve the mind
more, than such a consoling communion. But four parts are altogether necessary
to the perfection of melody. You have all the manifestations of a soft and rich
treble; I can, by especial aid, carry a full tenor to the highest letter; but we
lack counter and bass! Yon officer of the king, who hesitated to admit me to his
company, might fill the latter, if one may judge from the intonations of his
voice in common dialogue.«
    »Judge not too rashly, from hasty and deceptive appearances,« said the lady,
smiling; »though Major Heyward can assume such deep notes, on occasion, believe
me, his natural tones are better fitted for a mellow tenor, than the bass you
heard.«
    »Is he, then, much practised in the art of psalmody?« demanded her simple
companion.
    Alice felt disposed to laugh, though she succeeded in suppressing her
merriment, ere she answered, -
    »I apprehend that he is rather addicted to profane song. The chances of a
soldier's life, are but little fitted for the encouragement of more sober
inclinations.«
    »Man's voice is given to him, like his other talents, to be used, and not to
be abused. None can say they have ever known me neglect my gifts! I am thankful
that, though my boyhood may be said to have been set apart, like the youth of
the royal David, for the purposes of music, no syllable of rude verse has ever
profaned my lips.«
    »You have, then, limited your efforts to sacred song?«
    »Even so. As the psalms of David exceed all other language, so does the
psalmody that has been fitted to them by the divines and sages of the land,
surpass all vain poetry. Happily, I may say, that I utter nothing but the
thoughts and the wishes of the King of Israel himself; for though the times may
call for some slight changes, yet does this version, which we use in the
colonies of New-England, so
