Congress Repairs To Parlor To Hear Rep. Carolyn Maloney Play The Recorder

WASHINGTON—Following a long day of legislation, members of the House of Representatives gathered in the congressional parlor Tuesday to sip dessert liqueurs and listen to Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) play the recorder. “Carolyn, please be a dear and bring out your recorder,” House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) said from his overstuffed leather armchair as he swirled brandy in a large snifter and lit a cigar. “There’s a good girl! I find a little music helps settle the soul after a long, hard day. Now, Carolyn, play that delightful little tune you’ve been practicing and show everyone what you’ve learned—ah, good! Good!” Following a stilted rendition of the traditional folk song “Greensleeves,” Cantor sent Maloney away so the grown-ups could exchange bawdy stories of large-chested ladies from their home districts.