Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1854-01-19
A Tr'ue story.



Manv years snce, boy who thought and dream-
ed Of nothing but mu tic, wandered ieto certain
large estab shment IN Boston, where his. tavorile
instruments were manufactured Passing into the
extensive saloons where these instruments were dis.
played, he sought out a'quiet corner, aud seating
himself at Of those magnificent pianos, he first
looked around, TO be sure that no one listening,
then began to play of those beautiful values Of
Beethoven, which at that time so suited his Capaci.
ty, and suited his heart. Borne away in delicious
musical reverie, he did not for some time observe,
that figure had stolen up to him and was listening
as he played. benevolent face over him, and
kind voice addressed woi ds Of commentator and
praise, which, being the first the boy had received,
sent the blood tinging to his cheeks The proprie-
tor Of the establish neat, for it was he, then asked
the boy il he would like to come and live among
these pianos, dscoursing just such nsic to purchas-
ers; thus forming, in word, connection with his
establishment, But books and college beiore
the boy; and wondering at the proposition, he tim
idly thanked the proprietor and declined.
Years passed away, School and college we're
done with, and the books thrown aside. The boy
had reached manhood; but the spirit Of music
haunted him, and again he found himself in those
spacious saloons. He had just ceased playing up.
on OF those magnificent instruments again, and
stood looking dreamy out OF the window, down
upon the crow ed ''Washinglon Street" below
Again quiet figure stole up to him, and most
sical aud pleasant voice began to speak The per-
son before HIM OF small stature, had the man
ners aud sarb of a gentleman, was dressed in
black, with sNgle magnificent diamond pm in his
bosom; the only contrast in his appearance was
clean white apron Of workman, which he wore.
Ii was the proprietor OF the establishment again;
who, wealthy as he was, had his own little work
Ing cabinet, with an exquisite set Of tools, and there
put the finishing touch he entrusted TO no one else.-
The proprietor inquired kindly of the young mau as
TO his plans Tor life These alas were unde er min.
oi hau o,fp1 Fac
ever; but learned profession Of some kind seemed
to be the wishes and expectations Of hls friends.
Music, however, was his first and strongest love,
and he had sometimes thought, il he could but 60
abroad to study, he would decide for that. But he
was poor. His IA her had given him his college ed,
ucaton and his blessing capital Tor lie. A harsh
struggle with the world was before him music,
therefore, was hardly to be thought Of
In the quietest tone Of that low, pleasant voice,
The proprietor, though making ordinary re-.
mark, rejoined, sWell, but them il the sum Of FIVE
hundred dollars year for period Of four years
would suit YOUR purpose, could easily supply you
with that
The world grew dim before him, and the young
man almost staggered with surprise; bur when
he recovered himself, there the same quiet gel-
teman standing beside him, and looking pleasantly
out oil the window.
Two months afterwards the young man sailed for
Europe, where he passed the allotted time and long
er, from means with which his own compositions in
the mean time furnished him. And whatever of
knowledge, and whatever of artistic culture, and
whatever Of success in lie, as connected with Art,
have since been his, he ,ascI iles entirely to that
most generous and noble hearted Mecaenas of Art.
And to the latest day of his life, he will never cease
cherish the memory Of his f, and beet friend.
That noble friend as JONAS CHIcKERING, of
Boston, now lying cold in death, and that boy is
the present editor of the N. Y. Musical World
the writer OF this arcIe-and nothing would have
prevented agrateiu declaration OF this noble deed,
but the unwilling condition absolutely imposed
OF silence; that the circumstance should be revealed
to but To my parents. But such a condition is
surely cancelled by death ;and long repressed graft
tude must, at length proclaim itself TO the world
Il. S. Wills 5 Musical World and Times