A bull in a field near Winford in North Somerset.
SMALL was a remarkably well-made and well-knit man, of honest expression, and as active as a hare.* He was a good fiddler, and taught himself the double bass. The Duke of Dorset, having been informed of his musical talent, sent him as a present a handsome violin, and paid the carriage. Small, like a true and simple-hearted Englishman, returned the compliment, by sending his Grace two bats and balls, also paying the carriage. We may be sure that on both hands the presents were choice of their kind.
Upon one occasion he turned his Orphean accomplishment to good account.* Having to cross two or three fields on his way to a musical party, a vicious bull made at him; when our hero, with the characteristic coolness and presence of mind of a good cricketer, began playing upon his bass,* to the admiration and perfect satisfaction of the mischievous beast.
John Small (1737-1826) played for Hampshire from around 1756 to 1798. He was a cobbler by trade, though he diversified into cricket bats and balls.
Orpheus charmed his way through the Underworld with a lyre given to him by Apollo. See Orpheus and Eurydice.
A corresponding account in ‘The Lads of the Village’ No. 27 Vol. 2 (January 16th, 1875) says he was playing his violin.