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Task 2. Paraphrase the following sentences

The Serenade

(Extract from the story by G. Bernard Shaw)

Task 1. Read the extract and underline the unknown words and combinations. Tick the ones which you find important to understand the text situation. Circle the ones which meaning you can guess from the context.

 

For the next three months I studied the art of horn-blowing under the direction of an adept. He worried me by his lower middle class manners and his wearisome trick of repeating that the 'orn, as he called it, resembled the human voice more than any other instrument; but he was competent and conscientious; and I was persevering, in spite of some remonstrances from the neighbors. At last I ventured to ask him whether he considered me sufficiently advanced to play a solo in private for a friend.

"Well, Colonel," he said, "I tell you the truth, you haven’t a horn lip for it: at least, not yet. Then, you see, you blow so tremendjous. If you'll believe me, sir, it don't need all the muscle you put into it: it spoils the tone. What was you thinking of playing for your friend?"

"Something that you must teach me. Schubert's serenade."

He stared at me, and shook his head. "It aint written for the hinstrument, sir," he said. "You’ll never play it."

"The first time I play it through without a mistake, I will give you five guineas, besides our regular terms."

This overcame his doubts. I found the execution of the serenade, even after diligent practice, uncertain and very difficult. But I succeeded at last.

"If I was you, Colonel," said my instructor, as he pocketed the five guineas, "I'd keep that tune to myself, and play summat simpler for my friends. You can play it well enough here after half an hour's exercise; but when I'm not at your elbow, you’ll find it won’t come so steady."

I made light of this hint, the prudence of which I now fully recognize. But at that time I was bent on a long cherished project of serenading Linda. Her house, near the northern end of Park Lane, was favorably situated for the purpose; and I had already bribed a servant to admit me to the small pleasure ground that lay between the house and the roadway. Late in June, I learned that she intended to repose for an evening from the fatigues of society. This was my opportunity. At nine o'clock I placed my horn in a travelling bag, and drove to the Marble Arch, where I alighted and walked to my destination. I was arrested by the voice of Porcharlester calling, "Hallo, Colonel!" As I did not wish to be questioned, I thought it best to forestall him by asking whither he was bound.

"I am going to see Linda," he replied. "She contrived to let me know last night that she would be alone all this evening. I don’t mind telling you these things, Colonel: you are a man of honor, and you know how good she is. I adore her. If I could only be certain that it is myself, and not merely my voice that she likes, I should be the happiest man in England."

"I am quite sure that it cannot be your voice," I said.

"Thank you," he exclaimed, grasping my hand: "it's very kind of you to say so; but I hardly dare flatter myself that you are right. It almost chokes me to look at her. Do you know I have never had the pluck to sing that serenade of Schubert's since she told me it was a favorite of hers?"

"Why? Does she not like your singing of it?"

"I tell you I have never ventured to sing it before her, though she is always at me for it. I am half jealous of that confounded tune. But I would do anything to please her; and I am going to surprise her with it tomorrow at Mrs. Locksly Hall's. I have been taking lessons and working like a dog to be able to sing it in really first-rate style. If you meet her, mind you don’t breathe a word of this. It is to be a surprise."

"I have no doubt you will startle her," I said, exulting at the thought that he would be a day too late. I knew that it would take a finer voice than his to bear comparison with the melancholy sweetness, the sombre menace, the self-contained power with which the instrument I carried would respond to a skilful performer. We parted; and I saw him enter the house of Linda. A few minutes later, I was in the garden, looking up at them from my place in the shadow as they sat near the open window. Their conversation did not reach me: I thought he would never go. The night was a little cold; and the ground was damp. Ten o'clock struck - a quarter past - half past - I almost resolved to go home. Had not the tedium been relieved by some pieces which she played on the pianoforte, I could not have held out. At last they rose; and I was now able to distinguish their words.

"Yes," she said, "it is time for you to go." How heartily I agreed with her! "But you might have sung the serenade for me. I have played three times for you."

"I have a frightful cold," he said. "I really cannot. Goodnight."

"What nonsense! You have not the least symptom 'of a cold. No matter: I will never ask you again. Goodnight, Mr. Porcharlester."

"Do not be savage with me," he said. "You shall hear me sing it sooner than you think, perhaps."

"Ah! you say that very significantly. Sooner than I think! If you are preparing a surprise for me, I will forgive you. I shall see you at Mrs. Locksly Hall's tomorrow, I hope."

He assented, and hurried away, fearful, I suppose, lest he should betray his plan. When he was gone, she came to the window, and looked out at the stars. Gazing at her, I forgot my impatience: my teeth ceased to chatter. I took the horn from my travelling bag. She sighed; closed the window; and drew down a white blind. The sight of her hand alone as she did so would have inspired me to excel all my previous efforts. She seated herself so that I could see the shadow of her figure in profile. My hour was come. Park Lane was nearly still: the traffic in Oxford Street was too distant to be distracting.

 

 

Task 2. Paraphrase the following sentences.

  1. I was persevering, in spite of some remonstrances from the neighbors.
  2. At last I ventured to ask him whether he considered me sufficiently advanced to play a solo in private for a friend.
  3. But at that time I was bent on a long cherished project of serenading Linda.
  4. Late in June, I learned that she intended to repose for an evening from the fatigues of society.
  5. At nine o'clock I placed my horn in a travelling bag, and drove to the Marble Arch, where I alighted and walked to my destination.
  6. I was arrested by the voice of Porcharlester calling, "Hallo, Colonel!"
  7. As I did not wish to be questioned, I thought it best to forestall him by asking whither he was bound.
  8. I tell you I have never ventured to sing it before her, though she is always at me for it.
  9. "I have no doubt you will startle her," I said, exulting at the thought that he would be a day too late.
  10. I almost resolved to go home.
  11. He assented, and hurried away, fearful, I suppose, lest he should betray his plan.
  12. The sight of her hand alone as she did so would have inspired me to excel all my previous efforts.

 

Task 3. What do the following sentences mean?

  1. He worried me by his lower middle class manners and his wearisome trick of repeating that the 'orn, as he called it, resembled the human voice more than any other instrument; but he was competent and conscientious.
  2. "I tell you the truth, you haven’t a horn lip for it: at least, not yet. Then, you see, you blow so tremendjous.
  3. "It aint written for the hinstrument, sir," he said.
  4. This overcame his doubts.
  5. "If I was you, Colonel, I'd keep that tune to myself, and play summat simpler for my friends.
  6. I made light of this hint, the prudence of which I now fully recognize.
  7. "She contrived to let me know last night that she would be alone all this evening.
  8. It almost chokes me to look at her.
  9. Do you know I have never had the pluck to sing that serenade of Schubert's since she told me it was a favorite of hers?"
  10. "I am quite sure that it cannot be your voice," I said.
  11. If you meet her, mind you don’t breathe a word of this.
  12. I knew that it would take a finer voice than his to bear comparison with the melancholy sweetness, the sombre menace, the self-contained power with which the instrument I carried would respond to a skilful performer.
  13. Had not the tedium been relieved by some pieces which she played on the pianoforte, I could not have held out.
  14. How heartily I agreed with her!
  15. My hour was come.