The Secret Sin of Septimus Brope | Saki (H. H. Munro) | A Bitesized Audiobook

Septimus Brope, editor of 'The Cathedral Monthly', is perhaps not the most exciting guest to grace Mrs Riversedge's weekend house party. But Clovis is intrigued to learn from his aunt that a whiff of scandal may surround the respectable writer on church architecture. What is his guilty secret - and how does he really make his living? The story starts at 00:01:30
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:30 The Secret Sin of Septimus Brope
00:21:48 Credits, thanks and further listening
Saki was the pen name of Hector Hugh Munro, one of the greatest masters of the short story form in English. He was born in 1870 in Burma, then part of British India, where his father was an Inspector General for the Imperial Police, but his life was affected by tragedy when he was just two years old: his mother Mary Munro was charged by a cow while visiting family back in England, and she died as a result of her injuries. Hector and his siblings were sent home to England, to live in Devon with his paternal grandmother and two maiden aunts. The aunts (Augusta and Charlotte) were apparently strict and austere and provided much material for future character studies in Saki's satires. After some 10 years or so, Hector eventually "escaped" to boarding school. In his early 20s he followed his father's footsteps and enrolled in the Indian Imperial Police, but was invalided home with fever after little over a year. Turning to writing to make his living, Munro began working as a journalist in the late 1890s. He wrote countless pieces for magazine and newspaper publication, and took up the pen name Saki around 1900. His always witty - and sometimes macabre - stories established his reputation as one of the greatest satirists of the Edwardian era.
Despite being officially over-age for military service, turning 44 at the end of 1914, he enlisted in World War I, turning down the offer of a commission and serving as an ordinary trooper in the 2nd King Edward’s Horse regiment. Tragically, he was killed by a sniper while sheltering in a shell hole during the Battle of the Ancre in November 1916. His last words were reported to be “Put that bloody cigarette out”. His resting place is unknown.
'The Secret Sin of Septimus Brope' first appeared as part of 'The Chronicles of Clovis' by Saki, published by John Lane in 1911.
The thumbnail image for this video incorporates a photograph of Blackpool, a popular seaside resort in north-west England, circa 1905.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2024

[@BitesizedAudio]

A classic comic tale by the Edwardian master satirist, Saki: story starts at 00:01:30. Septimus Brope, editor of 'The Cathedral Monthly', is perhaps not the most exciting guest to grace Mrs Riversedge's weekend house party. But Clovis is intrigued to learn from his aunt that a whiff of scandal may surround the respectable writer on church architecture. What is his guilty secret - and how does he _really_ make his living? If you enjoyed this, you may enjoy listening to some of my previous Saki readings, including: 'The Phantom Luncheon', 'The Seventh Pullet', 'The Recessional', 'Mrs Packletide's Tiger', and more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2fFlZqBqZV1fdU 'The Open Window', 'Tobermory', 'The Hounds of Fate', 'The Lumber Room' and more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIHEqnV9aNqWaqc

[@susangordon1153]

You know, I believe I have received a good many Valentine's Day cards written by Clovis as the sentiment seemed the same. LOL Thank you Simon for this brief reprieve. I doubt we can ever have too much Saki. ❤

[@jackiekirkham9987]

The line " I wonder why a scandal seems so worse under a roof" made me laugh out loud! What a thoroughly enjoyable tale. Thank you for introducing us to Saki and others that I would never have heard about before

[@Lemma01]

HHM is the master - I often wonder what marvels we lost when he almost chose to go to his death in the carnage of WW1. Amidst that deluge of tragedies, this loss still hurts me... thank you, Simon, as ever, for doing this genius wordsmith justice.

[@ritawing1064]

Was just trying to remember the other day which author was shot in WW1 by the unlucky coincidence of the light of a match and a sniper. Of course, it was Saki. QEPD.

[@emlahey]

This is why 3 on a match 🔥 is unlucky

[@maxgc6413]

Such a unique author he was! Saki had such a gift at writing marvelous slices of brilliance. Delivers in both subtly and humor as always.

[@elainemagson213]

Oh Joy! Not only Simon's lovely English voice and versatile narration, but Saki! Thank you.

[@michaelgreaves2375]

I always like a nice shot of Saki!

[@lindalarson5468]

Saki has become my absolute favorite of your authors. Thank you, as always, Simon. Well done.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thank you Linda!

[@brianbailey5626]

One can never go wrong with Saki

[@Maintain_Decorum]

Ever. What a genius. ❤

[@MoonLitChild]

Ahh what a wonderful night to settle in with a new Bite Sized!

[@Nsexpt]

Charming story. I liked your voices of the characters. Saki showed Clovis is a clear light.

[@merlapittman5034]

Saki was a brilliant author, and I love the twists and flashes of humor in his stories. Thank you for this excellent reading of an excellent story!

[@simoneclift3155]

Mr Stanhope your timing is perfect. No sleep for me but I don't care. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I hope you managed to get some sleep in the end!

[@lawrence142002]

I have loved Saki's stories since I was first introduced to them in my middle school literature class. He had such a brilliant wit and his stories had so much more panache than the normally dry kid stories we were normally made to read.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I wish I'd read him at school!

[@tommiller1315]

From the start, I had an idea Septimus was only rehearsing his part of a dramatic stage production. Thank you Simon, for providing your excellent renditions of short stories from the past.

[@marciedewolff9357]

Yippie!!!! Thank you Simon for a new story, and a Saki to boot! Always listen at night before bed. Having a hard time waiting. 🤣

[@GrandOldMovies]

Another superb reading of Saki! I enjoy all your readings of this wonderful, witty writer!

[@crystalclear6864]

That was an hilarious story. Love Saki. Well Narrated . the whole package from music , visuals and historical content involved in these ‘bite-sized’narrations provide a professional touch that shows respect for the listener as well as the professionalism of the narrator.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Much appreciated, thank you

[@along5925]

SAKI!!! HOORAY! Thank you Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome!

[@THEPAGEBURNER1979]

Saved by Simon always right on time. Saki looks like he should have been a mobster😂

[@user-qv5tl9om7l]

Thank you Simon I love these short stories.

[@stacycentral]

The Joplin ragtime is a great match!

[@jackalina91]

You know Simon, this is the absolute best thing that anyone could do for me at the moment. Saki told by you to make me laugh! Thank you so very much! ♥️

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help!

[@suitov]

Florrie lends herself wonderfully to "flurry", my dear Mr Brope. _Florrie, ever in a flurry,_ _With a duster watch her scurry,_ _Whisk away my care and worry,_ _With her busy smile._

[@Gumblina1]

Saki has become one of my favorites 😍 thank you

[@JensLarsson-vi5py]

Still the best of your genre . Mr Stanhope !

[@stevenverhaegen8729]

😂 Nice one! And hat little intro/outro tune somehow brought to mind 'Love on a branch line', that delightful BBC series. 😂

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Well, talk about "just what I needed", I find the singular Simon Stanhope, a Saki story, and a quiet room all to myself. Well except for Rose the dog Thank you, Simon.

[@vickif.4645]

What a lovely surprise for this to show up today. Goody! Thank you, Simon ❤️

[@nickybaker1338]

"Simon is a diamond.".....😁😍

[@user-xd7dk3oy3q]

Another brilliant Saki story, many,many thanks, your channel just goes from strength to strength, what a gem 💎!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thanks Julie

[@adriennedunne1748]

Hahahahaha 😅😅😅😅😂 that was brilliant. I've never heard Saki before. Absolutely wonderful. Clovis was very quick at cashing in on the situation. Thank you Simon. I really enjoyed that.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful, thanks Adrienne. Yes, Saki is quite remarkable, I'm glad to know you're enjoying him. I see you've since listened to some of the compilations of his stories I put together last year. More to come... I hope to manage a third compilation in due course!

[@Mike8981]

Thank you so much for your work Simon! Utterly marvellous!

[@Aiko2-26-9]

Thank you, Simon. A delightful tale, brilliantly told.

[@clairegreenaway9653]

Well that certainly put a smile on my face Simon, Thankyou !

[@ropeburnsrussell]

No one like Clovis. Thankyou.

[@lilitheden748]

Dear Simon, I want to thank u for bringing us these beautiful stories. When you bring them to life with your voice it’s like I’m watching the characters in real life having their adventures. Because I suffer from chronic pain your stories are very important to me. They give somewhat relief on especially bad days. I am sure that there are others out there that have similar experience and appreciate your efforts. You see reading a story is much more than just the deed. It’s also the pleasure and importance that the listener gives to it that makes it come alive. Thanks for all the hours of enjoyment you gave me.

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm so glad if these stories help you, thanks so much for your comment. Best wishes

[@taliabee8661]

Bally splendid! What a lovely surprise 😀♥️

[@cruisepaige]

I’ve never read this one nor heard it before! What a treat.

[@sonjawells4265]

Thank you, Simon❤

[@ursamajor7468]

I haven’t heard a Saki story in decades. I must go through your numerous Saki recordings. So well done!

[@mariameere5807]

Thank you so much Simon for yet another masterpiece from both Saki and you! Great acting as usual!🙏🌟 ♥️🧡💛🤍💜

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you Maria. Nice new pic, by the way!

[@ritawing1064]

So happy to have found this channel! Full of favourites!

[@BitesizedAudio]

I'm glad you found your way here too! Thanks for listening

[@user-ln3kh3ku4u]

Evening complete. Thank u simon ❤

[@rosiemcnaughton9933]

My smile for the day...Thank you! 😊

[@hartless76]

Wonderful performance!

[@crystalclear6864]

Fantastic! Saki!

[@sandraelder1101]

Hey, a Saki that’s funny and clever but not morbid. Fun as always. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@BitesizedAudio]

Indeed, some of them can be a little dark!

[@marisadallavalle393]

Thank you! So grateful.

[@robertagregory7177]

OMG, this is one of my favorite Saki stories! I can’t wait to hear it!

[@ruthhase-gutierrez9830]

I like to imagine it's you playing the jolly piano tune at the end of the story. It makes me laugh.

[@cindyrhodes]

What perfect narration of a timeless classic! 😍 Thank you!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Cindy

[@mngirl5437]

Great job ❤ Thanks Simon

[@januzzell8631]

Delightful - thank you again

[@emlahey]

😂 I was laughing out loud with delight! The writing is definitely highlighted by your wonderfully droll voice and tones.

[@alidabaxter5849]

I adore Saki - such an extraordinary range of the comic and the mystical, as though wild worlds full of satyrs were just over the hedge from gardens where people ate cucumber sandwiches.

[@lesterbrandt3203]

Aloha, love it

[@SpuktasticAudio]

Very entertaining, maestro. Thank 'ee. ❤

[@amgroves76]

I'm getting very fond of saki thanks to you xD

[@AlgorithmEngagementEntity]

Simon and Saki, I’m good.

[@piearm1271]

Excellent narration. I was lucky enough to find a copy of the Bodley Head Saki recently.

[@traceyearl9468]

Thank you l enjoy your work from a young woman in Australia ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Tracey, much appreciated. Best wishes

[@MsMak12356]

That was very funny and well told!

[@Du-Masses]

Yay...more Saki. I learned about him from this channel so a big thank you.

[@donnavorce8856]

Brilliant

[@londongael414]

Just lovely!

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

Wonderful. Thank you.😊

[@mrmeowmeow710]

Another great video 👍👍

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you for sharing with us 😊

[@MrMrsmcd]

Thanks Simon

[@TicTocRobotSnot]

That was fun.

[@elisabethroos8418]

Got a good laugh of this, the story is brilliant, so is the storyteller Simon!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you!

[@jennyb9641]

Too funny! Loved this one!

[@lizzyrose6580]

That was wonderful! So funny

[@michaeldonahoo461]

Ah the Victorian. They could make blackmail a virtue!

[@ExpressionBunny]

I gave up youtube for lent. This is my first video back, and hearing the intro music again was so delicious!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Wonderful: welcome back!

[@rachelturner7936]

Brilliant.

[@davehopkins1970]

Ha ha excellent thanks Simon 😂

[@williamhagen2792]

Amusing.

[@tammyb8742]

Fantastic

[@deniswilliams2212]

A brilliant light cut short by war the epitome of English dry wit he and Wilde were the masters

[@michaelshea5165]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Much appreciated, thank you Michael

[@ceewood3358]

I bet Florinda thought, "WTH?????!"

[@mijiyoon5575]

I luv that name *Clovis*

[@spews1973]

Delighted to have got what I asked for. Thanks for serving the Saki with style.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome! Glad to know you enjoyed it... more to come

[@smythharris2635]

I enjoy a lot of writers from this period but it makes me sad to see how many were killed in WWI. Saki has no known grave but is listed in a monument to the fallen at Beaumont Hamel.

[@maryglass3658]

I loved this one. Cute twist. Forgive me for saying you made a terrific agitated old lady.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you enjoyed it!

[@jaidebrooke5946]

Immediate like😊

[@stephaniealeman8522]

🎶Sweet Mrs. Riversedge, undying love to you I pledge…🎶

[@BitesizedAudio]

I think a new line of work awaits you! Thanks so much for your support Stephanie

[@stephaniealeman8522]

🙏🏽I’d readily add to my secret sins if there were any profit in it!😊

[@sonjawells4265]

Too funny!😁

[@auntyJanette]

I realize I’m going against the grain, however after listening to many Saki stories, (thank you Simon 🤗) I feel confident in saying I don’t like the man who pens the stories . His stories are worthy, in every aspect, of all the celebration he receives, but I hear an unkind, disgruntled, chippy thread in all of his work.

[@adrianglennbionat]

spicy 🔥

[@buckfaststradler4629]

HH Munro is like a cynical version of PG Wodehouse .

[@bonniemerchant-jj4xs]

👏👏👏👏

[@patriciaramsey5294]

❤

[@deniswilliams2212]

An asp in the apple Charlotte! Oh lord love a duck!! Dry as the Sahara curse war and all that it takes before there time

[@emmaknight3890]

⭐️⭐️⭐️➕

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@nsob8897]

I may have laughed a few times during that story. And I'll admit that it took the second playing of that silly piano tune for me to understand the association to the story. No offense intended to the writer. It really sounds as if it's meant for exactly this sort of....im trying to think of the correct word but the only thing I keep thinking about is the scene in the holy grail where lancelot shouts "idiom!" after Concorde thinks of it for him. Well ok then...I cant find the word I want so "IDIOM!"

[@deloreslowndes762]

OMG lol