I enjoyed seeing him covering sheets
of music paper with rapid notation, and then humming the newly
born product of his musical imagination. As I had a fairly good
treble voice, and could read a part easily, Farmer often selected
me to try one of his new compositions at "house-singing," where
the boys formed an exceedingly critical audience. Either the new
song was approved of, or it was received in chilling silence.
Farmer in moments of excitement perspired more than any human
being I have ever seen. Going to his house one afternoon, I found
him bathed in perspiration, writing away for dear life. He
motioned me to remain silent, and went on writing. Presently he
jumped up, and exclaimed triumphantly, "I have got it! I have got
it at last!" He then showed me the words he was setting to music.
They began:
"Forty years on, when afar and asunder,
Parted are those who are singing to-day."
"I wrote another tune to it first," explained Farmer, "a bright
tune, a regular bell-tinkle" (his invariable expression for a
catchy tune), "but Bowen's words are too fine for that.
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