Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1840-11-24
THE MUSICIAN OF AUGSBURG.
BY DERWENT CONWAY.

the city OF Augsburg. musician WHOSE
name was Nieser. There was no kind
OF musical instrument that he could not
fashion with his own hands, nor was
there any upon which he could not per-
form indifferenty well. He was also
composer; and, although none of his
compositions are nov extant, tradition
informs us that bis reputliion in.lbat as
well as in the other departments Of the
sEi, not only filled the city, but extended
throughout the whole circle Of SuabIa' |
Other causes contributed to swell hIs
fame: he possessed great weaii--ac
quired, il Ras sometimes whispered nov
in the most creditabIe way; and Inc oh'y
inheritor Of it was daughter, whose
beauty and innocence might well nave
been deemed dowry sufficient wlthou'
the prospective charms OF her iaihers
possessions. Esther was indeed almost
Is celebrated Cor the softness OF her eiue
ewes. and tie sweetness Of her smile,
and her many kind actions, as old Nleser
was for his wealth, and the excellence OF
bic stringed Instruments, and the paucl-
~ of his good deeds.
Now. in spite Of the wealth OF old
Nieser, and tho respect which It had OBJ
tained for him, and the, musical celebrity
which he enjoyed, ono sore grievance
pressed heavily upon him. Esther, his
only child, the sole representative OF
long line Of musicians, could scarcely
distinguish one tune from another; and
Il was source of melancholy Onticipa-
tion TO Nieser, that he should leave be-
hind him no heir to that talent which he
held in almost equal estimation with his
riches. But, as Esther grew up, he be-
gan to take consolation in thinking that,
if he could not be the father, he might
live To be the grandsire, Of race OF
siclans. No sooner, therefore, was she
Of a manageable age, than he formed the
singular resolution Of bestowing her,
with a dowry Of two hundred thousand
forms, upnst whomsoever should COM
pose the best sonata, and perform the
principal part in it. This determination
he Immediately published throughout the
city, appointing day for the compet
ton; and he was heard TO affirm, with
great oath, that he would keep his prom
ise, though the sonata should be compos
cd by the demon, aud played by the II
ends own fingers. Some say this wa
spokeo iocnlarly; but it would have beel
better for old Nieser had he never spo
ken it all:it is certain however, that h
wus wicked old man, and no respecte
ofrelgion.
No sooner was the determination q
Nieser the musician known in Augsburg
than tho whole city was in a ferment.-
Many who had never dared TO raise Thei
thoughts so high now Unexpectedly ioun
themselves competitors for The hand q
Esther; for, Independently Of Esther
charms and Neser's forms, professions
reputation was at stake; and where thu
was wanting, vanity suppledits place.
In short, there was not musician il
Augsburgh who was not urged, from on
motive or another, TO enter The lists 70
the prize Of beauty. Morning, noon, ant
night, the streets Of Augsburg were FL
ed with melodious discord. From ever
open window proceeded the sound {
embryo sonatas; nor was any other sui
iect spokenOf throughout the city, tha
the approaching competition, and It's proI
sble issue. A musical fever infected q
ranks; The fayorte airs were caught, an
repeated, and played, and sung, in eVeI
house in Augsburg; the sentineIs at Il
gates hummed sonatas as they paced
and fro; tho shOp-keepers sat amor
their wares singing favOrile movement
and customers, as they entered, took |
the air, forgetful Of their business, al
sung duets across the counter. II is eve
said, that the priests murmured allegro
tos as they lett the confessional and tb
two bars Of presto movement We
found upon the back Of one Of the bis
cps homiliss.
But, amidst all this commotion, the
was one who shared not in the genel
excitation. This was Franz Gorlinge
who, with little more musical talent th
Esther, possessed one Of the best hea
and handsomesI persons in Suaba.
Franz loved the daughter ofthO musicia
and sho, on her part, would rather at a
time have heard her own name, wi
some .endearing word prefxed to
whispered by Franz, than listened TO I
finest sonata that ever was composed !
tween the Rhine and the OdOr. Niese
decree was therefore Of sad import
both Esther and Franz.
It was now the day next to that up,
which the event was TO bo decided, al
Franz had taken no steptowards the a
cOmplishment Of his wishes: and he
was Il possible that he shOuldS He nc
ei composed bar ofmusic in his life:
play simple air on the harpschord 9
hausied all the talent he was master
Late in the evening Franz walked ont
his lodgings, and descended into q
street. The shops we're all shut, al
a ......l, lnao.t1.I. knt' Exk