Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1850-05-15
rHE SONG: AND THE SINGER.
EY PERCY b. ST. JOHN.

4 Tale Of the French Revolu,ion--The
HIaTsaiiici,e Hymn--The Trials of Pow
erty, Love aud Fame.
Ii was during the early days Of the
great French Revolution Of 1859, in the
year 1892, when young officer in deli
cate health took up his quarters in the city
Of Marselles for the six months Of his
absence. The officer lived in garret
looking out upon the street, which had for
lis sole furniture harpsichord, bed,
table, and chair. Little but paper ever
entered that apartment, where food and
fuel both were scarce; and yet the young
man generally remained indoors all day
assiduously writing, or rather dot,ng
something on paper, an occupation he al
tcrnated with music.
Thus passed many months. The young
man grew thinner and paler, and his leave
Of absence appeared likely to bring no
convalcscence. But he was handsome
and interesting. despite his sallow hue
Long hair, full beaming eyes that spoke Of
intelligence, and even genius, frankness
of manner, all were prepcssessing in his
favor; and many a smile and look of kind
Illness came to him from beautiful eyes that
he noticed not, nor cared TO notice. In
fact he rarely went out but at night, and
then to walk down by the booming sea,
which made kind Of music he seemed
10 love Sometimes it is true, he would
hang about the theatre door when operas
were to be played. and look with longing
eye within; but he never entered; either
his purse or his inclination failed him
But he always examined with care the
name of the piece and its author and then
walked away to the sea shore, to muse and
mediate.
Shortly after his arrival in Marscillcs.
he visited. one after another, all the music
publishers in town with bundle of man
uscripts in his hand, but his receptionswas
not very favorable, for he LETT them all with
frowning air. and still with his bundle
of manuscripts. Some had detained him
long time, as if estimating the value Of
the goods he offered for sale; but these
were no more tempted than the others TO
try the saleable character of their com
modify.
The house he lodged in had attached to
il large garden. BY permission Of the
landlord, the young man often selected it
for his evening walks, and. despite the
cold. would sometimes sit and muse in a
rude faded bower under the wall at one of
the gables Here he would occasionally
even sing. III low tone. some Of his own
compositions. 1t happened once or twice
trudcd from window above him. seemins 9
to listen The young man at length no.
tced this
Pardon, lady" said he one evening.
perhaps disturb you!''
Not at ALL" she replied; II am fond
Of music, very fond. and the airs YOU hum
new TO me. Pray, if not rude ques-
ton, whose are ,hey!'
"Ci,oycnne,' he answered dillidently
'.they are my own"
..Indeedr' cried the lady with anima-
ton, land have you never published
them!'
II shall never try-again," he murmur-
cd, utterins the last word in despairine
tone. which. however, reached the ears o.
the young woman.
"Good-nigh.. citoyen' said she. and
she closed her window The composer
sighed. rose and went out to take his usua
walk by the sea-beach there, before the
grandeur and sublimity Of the ocean. and
waves. to forget the world. his poverty
and his crushed visions Of glory and re
nown-,he day-dream of all superio
minds-a dream far ohener punishment
than rewards for Of those who sigh TO
fame. few indeed are successful.
Scarcely had he left the house. when
ladv habited in a cloak and hood. entered
it: and after somewhat heightened con
ference with his concierge. ascended to hi
room. and remained there about an hour
t the end Of that time she vanished.
was midnight when the composer return
ed. He entered with difficulty. the Cere
bus Of the lodge being asleep. and ascen
ded TO his wretched room. He had left
Uttered and dirty. withou, light. fire. o
food To his surprise a cheerful blaz
sent its rays beneath the door. He open
ed il, not without alarm. and found hi
apartment, neatly ordered. fire burning
lamp. and on the table a supper. Tn
Young man frowned, and gazed sternl
at the scene.