The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-04-29
An Episode in the Life of
Ole BTIIl,

in miracles adventure, on the contrary
is dear to us-we listen willingly to it; an!t
such a one as only happens to genius took
place in Bologna in the year 1884
The poor Norman, Ole Bull, whom at tina
time no one knew, had wandered thus tal
southwark. In his fatherland some persons
certainly thought that there was something "
him but the most part, as is generally the
case, predicted that there would be moth
ing in Ole Bull He himself felt he must &C
out into the world in order to cherish the
spark into flame or else to quench it entire
ly. Everything seemed atfirst as if the lat
ter would be the case. He had arrived at
Bologna, but his money was expended, and
there was no place where there was pros
pect of obtaining any-no friend-no coun-
tryman stretched forth helping hand,-he
sat alone in poor attic in one Of the small
streets. 1t was already the second day he
had been here, and he had scarcely tasted
food the water jug and the violin were the
only two things that had cherished the
young and suffering artist. He began to
doubt if he were in possession Of that gift
with which God had endowed him, and in
his dependency breathed into the violin
those tones which now seize our hearts in
such a wonderful manner: those tones
which show us how deeply he has suffered
and felt.
That same evening great concert was to
be given in the principal theatre. Phe house
was filled to ovcrAowing; the Grand Duke
of Tuscany was in the Royal box Madam
Malabran and Monsieur de Berriot were to
lend their able assistance in the performance
of several pieces The concert was about
to commence, but matters looked inauspicious
the managers star was not in the ascend
ant-M. dc Berriot had taken umbragc and
refused to play. All was trouble and con-
fusion on the stage when in this dilemma
the wife of Rossini the composer entered, and
in the midst of the managers distress rela-
ted, that, on the previous evening, as she pas
Sod through one of the narrow streets, she
had suddenly stopped on hearing the strange
tones of an instrument, which certainly re5em-
blod those of violin, but yet seemed to be
different. She had asked the landlord of the
house who it was that lived in the attic whence
the sounds proceeded, and he had replied
that it was young man from the north OIL
Europe; and the instrument he played was
Il certain Tyre, but she felt assured that it
could not be 50 it must either DO anew sort
Of instrument, or an artist that knew how to !
treat his instrument in an unusual man
ner. At the same time, she said, they ought
to send for him. and he might perhaps sup
ply the place Of NJ. de BorIiot by playing |
the pieces that must otherwise be deficient
in the evenings entertainment This advice
was acted upon, and messenger was des- |
patched to the street where Ole Bull sat in
,he attic. To him it was as a message from |
heaven " now or never" thought he and |
hough ILL and exhausted, he took his violin |
Under his ann and accompanied the messen-
yer to the theatre. Two minutes after his ar
'iyal the manager informed the assembled
audience thata young Norwegian, consequent
y"a young savage" would give a specimen
II his skill, instead of NJ De Berriot.
Ole Bull appeared the theatre was brilliant
y Illuminated; he perceived the scruyiuzing
ooks Of the ladies nearest to him one OF
hem, who watched him very closely through
Ter opera glass, smilingly whispered to her
,eighbor, with hooking mien, about the
liHident manners of the artist. He locked
It his clothes, and in the strong blaze of light
hey appeared worse for wear. The lady made
Ter remarks about them,and her smile pierce
ID his very heart. He had taken no notes
Win him which he could give the orchestra
re was conse luently obliged to play without
compartment but now what should he
,lay
II will give them these fantasies which
t this moment cross my mindw anil he
'laycd improyi5atory remembrances of his
wn life, melodies from the mountain of his
omc his struggles with the world, and the
roubcs of his mind it7was as ifeycry thought
'assed through the violin, and revealed it.
elf to the audience. The most astounding
cclamations rcsounded through the house.
Die Bull was called forth again and again
hey still desired anew piece, new improvi-
alton. lie then addressed himself to that
ady whose mockng smile had met on his APP
earancc, and asked her for a theme to vary
'he gave him one from" Norma" lie then
skcd two other ladies, who chose one from
Othello" and one from Moses" " Now"
bought he if I take all three, unite them
Nth each other, and form one piece, | shall
hen llatter each of these ladies i; and, per-
APPS, the composition will produce an effect"
lie did so. Powerfully as the rod of the ma.
ician the bow glided across the strings, while
old drops of sweat tricklcd down his fore
cad. There was fever in his blood it were
the mind would free itself from the body;
re shot from his eyes-hc felt himself swoon-
NC; yet few bold strokes-they were his
asst bodily powers.
Flowers and wrcaths from the charmed
multitude fluttered about him, who, exhausted
y mental conflict and hunger, was nearly
Uniting. He went to his home accompanied {
y music Before the house sounded the ser.
made for the hero of the evening who,
leanwhIe crept up the dark and narrow {
taircase, higher and higher up into his poor
arret, whore he clutchcd the water Jug to {
efresh himself.
When all was silent the landlord came to
i'm, brought him food and drink and gave
better room. The next dry he was inform l
d the theatre was at his service, and that
oncert was to be arranged for him An in
tation from the Duke of Tuscany next fol-
owed and from that moment name and
anne were founded for Ole Bull.
MAMMOTH WIRE ROPE. 4 correspondent
e thn fn,oCphnrin Hoil,vny E,1otto -