The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-06-16
The Deaf m usieIan.


The Deaf Musician.
Ii was the 20lh Of March 1927. In the
poorly furnished apartment Of small house
in Baden in Austria, an old man was ma
king preparations for journey. He hasti-
ly folded within knnpsack few changes
Of linen. The weather was cold, the win
dows were covered with hoarfIost, and yet
only few dying embers burned upon the
hearth. Either the old mans mind was
TOO deeply engrossed to think Of feeding the
fame, or perhaps his scanty resources need
ed careful outstanding to meet the expenses
of his approaching journey.
In truth, the aspect Of the ROOM bespoke
a state Of want rather than Of stiluence.
A bed with curtains Of faded green serge,
a few antique ann-chairs OF vanished wood,
covered with welLworn tapestry, walnut
table, and harpsichord, composed its en-
tire furniture. The harpsichord was strew-
ed with music, partly in manuscript; and
flying sheet covered with nearly illegible
notes, and disfgured by numerous erasures,
showed what had been the old mans recent
employment. The occupier Of this desc
late abode was between fifty and sixty years
of age. His lofty forehead, enciIcled by
locks Of silver gray. beamed with intelli-
gence, although he appeared bowed down
beneath the weight OF some great affection.
A dark fire kindled in his hazel eyes,
and his cheeks, glo,sing with one bright
everish spot of hectic color, contrasted
strangely with the deadly paleness which
overspread the rest of his countenance.
When the knapsack was made up, the old
man approached the table, on which lay
an open letter, stamped with the Vienna
postmark. He took it up, and stood awhile
with his eyes fixed on it, contents, though
it only contained these few words -
My dear Uncle-Pardon me the griel
which ! am occasioning you; but implica
ted in an unhappy trsusaetion, have
Just received an order 10 quit Vienna,
whence am commanded for the future tc
absent myself. beseech you to come to
my aid you alone can save me. Adieu.
JoHS.'
This letter came from nephew whom
he had brought up. and whose disorderly
conduct had render ed necessary the Iigor.
Gus mandate whic h now bunished him from
the capital.
When the old man had perused it once
more, he aPPe AIRED confirmed in his resolu
non, ard WI h his knapsack in one hand
and his walking. stick in the other, he pre-
pared to set out. But on reaching the
threshold, he turned back. and casting {.
look oil deep regret OH this modest asylum
where '.le had long and happily dwelt, hi
sighed then, as il attracted by magic
char N, he returned to his harpsichord. anC
quiz ckly laying down what he held in hi,
M -nds, he ran his fingers over the discolorec
cites OF the instrument. His gloomy anC
detected countenance was gradually Lighted
up with an expression OF intense happiness
and a sublime strain assembled toward,
Heaven, fitting hymn of praise to the Al
mighty. -
As no plunged into these regions Of har
mony, it seemed as if his spirit had biz
adieu to earth, and SCARED TO the realm,
above in search Of consolation. But soor
all was again silent; the old man wept h,
heaved deep sigh, and exclaimed-.Ant
to think that can hear nothingp Alas
he was deaf.
The poor pilgrim again took up his staff
and set forth on his journey. At the turn
ing OF the street, he once more looked rount
on The humble dwelling where he had pass
ed the last ten year OF his life, shut ont b,
his lnhrroity from the sounds Of the exter
nal world. Music for aim only existed
toith'n the soul. He walked on into the
country; for. by way OF outstanding hi.
small store, he was going on foot from Ba
den TO Vienna. The evening closed in
the old man stopped before peasants cot.
taee. he had presumed TOO much on his
strength. having expected, before night
closed IN, TO reach Vienns, from which
tne village oil b aden is only ten leagues
distant. He bad walked vigorously, but
nignt approae' led, and he felt his strength
failing him. lie knocked at the door a
young s'Il opened il, asking him what he
wanted. The old man, who guessed her
question from the movement of her lips,
replied, Hospitality, my good girl Come
"a men, there is always welcome at my
, ,a' hearth for the benighted traveller.
mus cordially invited, he entered large
ROOM, where the frugal evening repast was
sno king upon homely liable. A cover
we quickly laid for him neru the father Of
10 family. and he sat dow, to table with
V-ie friendly household grosip. After sop.
per, be seated himself in an old leathern
armchair by the chimney corner cheer
tul fire blazed upon the hearth. The
mother and daughter cleared the table,
whilst the father opened an old hsrtsichord,
and the three sons took down their instru.
ments which hung against tee wall. They
consisted OF an alto, vioionceIlo, and a
hautboy. -.
The performers s,tuned their instruments,
the mother and daughter seated themselsss
MT Il. -.