Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-11-30
5tstellanp.
Jenny Lind's Kindness of Heart.
STORY FROM BARNUM's AUTOBIOGRAPHY.


from his forthcoming literary work, which is
expected to make its appearance in December.
We understand that, unlike other authors, the
great Snowman has been chiefly embarrassed
by the multiplicity Of publishers who have Of
tered to issue his Autobiography -
In Havana, the house occupied by Jenny
Lind and those who accompanied her from
Europe, as well as my daughter and myself,
tire, just outside the walls. Sgnor Vivalla,
the little Italian juggler and plate dancer,
who, in former years, had performed under
my auspices, called on me frequently He
was in great distress, having lost the use of
his limbs on the left side Of his body from pa
ralysls. He was thus unable to earn liveli-
hood, although he still kept performing dog,
which turned spinning wheel and performed
some curious tricks. One day, as I was
passing him out of the front gate, Miss Lind
inquired Of me who he was | briefly re-
counted to her his history. She expressed
deep interest in his case, and said something
should be set apart for him in the benefit
which she was about to give for charity
Accordingly, when the benefit came off, Miss
Lind appropriated $500 to him, and | made
the necessary arrangements to have him re-
turn to his friends in Italy. At the same ben
eft 81 900 was distributed between two humane
hospitals and a convent. A couple of morn
ings after the benefit our bell was rung, and
the servant announced that I was wanted /
went to the door and found large procession
Of children, neatly dressed and bealing ban
ners, attended by ten or twelve priests dressed
in their rich and flowing robes. I inquired
their business, and was informed that they had
come TO see Miss Lind and thank her in per-
son for her benevolence took their message
and informed Miss Lind that the leading
priests of the convent had come in great state
to see and thank her. 'I will not see them,'
she replied they have nothing to thank me
for. If have done good, it is no more than
my duty, and it is my pleasure do not de-
serve their thanks, will not see them.' /
returned her answer, and the leaders of the
grand procession turned away in dsappoint-
ment.
The same day VivalIa called and brought
her basket of the most luscious fruit that he
could procure. The little fellow was very
happy and extremely grateful. Miss Lind
had gone out for a ride
Cod bless me | am so happy she is
such good lady. shall see my brothers
and sisters again. Oh, she is a very good
lady, said poor Vivalla. overcome by his feel
ings. He begged me to thanks her for him
and give her the fruit As he was passing
out Of the door he hesitated a moment, and
then said Mr.. Barnum, / should like SO
much to have the good lady see my dog turn
a wheel it is very nice; he can spin very
good. Shall | bring the dog and wheel for
herl She is such good lady, wish to
please her very much smiled, and told
him she would not care fo- the dog that he
was quite welcome to the money, and that she
refused TO see the priests from the convent
that morning, because she never received
thanks for favors.
When Jenny came in I gave her the fruit,
and laughingly told her that Vivalla wished to
show her how his performing dog could turn
a spinning-wheel,
Poor man, poor man, do let him come, it
is all the good creature can do for me- ex-
claimed Jenny, and the tears flowed thick and
fast down her cheeks.
Il like that, like that she continued, do
let the poor creature come and bring his dog.
1t will make him SO happy I confess it
made me happy, and exclaimed, for my heart
was full, God bless you, it will make him
cry for joy; he shall come tomorrow saw
VIvalla the same evening, and delighted him
with the intelligence that Jenny would see
his dog perform the next day, at four O'Clock
precisely i will be punctual,' said Vivalla,
in voice trembling with emotion, but was
sure she would like to see my dog perform.
For full half an hour before the time ap-
pointed did Jenny Lind sit in her window on
the second floor, and watch for Vivalla and
his dog. A few minutes before the appointed
hour she saw him coming. 'Ah, here he
comes she exclaimed in delight, as she ran
down stairs and opened the door to admit him.
A negro boy was bringing the small spinning
wheel, while Vivalla led the dog, and handing
the boy silver coin, she motioned him away,
and taking the wheel in her arms she said
This is very kind of you, to come with your
dog follow me, l will carry the wheel up
stairs = her servant offered to take the wheel,
but no, she would let no one carry it but her
self she called US all up to her parlor, and
for one hour did she devote herself to the hap
py Italian She went down on her knees TO
pet.the dog and to ask the Vivalla all sorts OF
questions about his performances, his former
course of life, his friends in Italy and his pres
ent hopes and determinations. Then she sang
aud played for him, gave him refreshments,
and finally insisted on carrying his wheel TO
the door, from whence her servant accompa-
MED Vivalla to his boarding house.
Poor Vivalla He was probably never SO
happy before, but his enjoyment did not ex
ceed that of Miss Lind. That scene alone
would have paid me for all my labors during
the whole musical campaign