Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1854-01-11
NUMBER 1905.
A TRUE STORY.

Many years since, boy, who thought and dreamed
OF nothing but music wandered into certain largo
establishment iu Boston, where his favorite instrr-
ments were manufactured. Passing into the exten.
sive saloons where these instruments were displayed
he sought out quiet corner, and setting himself at
one of those magnificent pianos, he first looked d.
round to be sure that was listening, and
then began to play Of those beautiful waltzes
of Beethoven, which at that time, so suited his ca
pacity, and suited his heart Borne away IN a de-
licious musical revere he did not for some time OBJ
serve, that figure had stolen up to him and was
listening as he played benevolent face was over
him, and kind voice addressed words of commen.
dation and praise, which, being tho first the boy
had received, sent the blood tingng to his cheeks
The proprietor of the establishment for it was he
then asked the boy if he would like to come and
live among those pianos; discoursing just such
sic 70 purchasers; thus forming, in a word a con-
ncction with his establishment. But books and COL
lege were before the boy; and wondering at the
proposition, he timidy thanked the proprietor and
declinel
Years passed away School and college were
done with, and theEbooks thrown aside The boy
had reached manhood but still the spirit of music
haunted him, and again he found himself in those
spacious saloons. He had Just ceased playing upon
one ofthosc magnificent instruments again. and stood
looking dreamily out Of the window, and down up
on the crowded Washington street" below. Again
a quiet figure stole up to him. and most musical
and pleasant voice began to speak. The person be,
fore him was of small stature, had the manners and
garb of gentleman, dressed in black, with
single magnificent diamond pin in Ms bosom; the
only contrast in his appearance the clean white
apron of a workman, which he wore. 1t was the
proprietor Of the establishment again; who wealthy
as he was had his own little working cabinet, with
exquisite set Of tools and there put the finishing
touch to each of his beautiful instruments; touch
| he entrusted to else The proprietor en-
quired kindly of the young man as to his plans for
| life. These alas, were undetermined The voice of
music was more fascinating than ever; but learned
! profession of some kind seemed to be the wishes
and expectations of his friends. Music however,
was his first and strongest love, and he had some
times thought, if he could but &C abroad to study
| he would decide for that. But lie was poor. His
father had given him his college education and his
blessing as capital for life. A harsh struggle witA
| the word was before him; music, therefore, WAS
| hardly to be thought of.
In the quictcst tone of that low, pleasant voice,
| the proprietor, as though making an ordinary re-
mark reoined, Hell but then, If the sum OF .,fro
| hundred dollarsa year for period Of four gears
a7euM suit your parpose could easily supply yolt
The world grew dim before him. and the young
man almost staggered with surprise but when he
recovered himself, there the quiet gentle
man standing beside him, and looking pleasantly y-out
| Of the window.
Two months afterward the young man sailed for
or, from means with which his own compositions in
| the mean tine furnished him. And whatever of
| knowledge, and whatever of artistic culture and
whatever of success in life, connected with Art,
have since been his he ascrbes entirely to that most
generous and noble-hearted Macaenas of Art. And
to the latest day of his life will never cease to cher
! isl, the mclpoEY of bis first and best friend.
That noble friend was JONAS CIiiCKERING of Bos-
ton, now lying cold in death, and that boy is tho
] present editor Of the " Y. Musical World-the
writer of this article and nothing would have pre-
vented grateful declaration of this noble Decd but
the unwilling condition absolutely imposcd--cf sill
ence: that tie eircunsstanee should be rereaied to
| none but parents. But such condition is surely
Cancelled by death; and long.represscd gratitude
must, at length, proclaim itself to the,world.
| Musical World and Times. :