Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1855-01-03
PEDRO yI2LAsQU AND THE Ma
CT(tt Il An


cHAxeE OF BRILL1AST RRosPEoTs:
Pedro Yelasques was the most renown-
ed singer that the cathedral of Valladolid
could boast of. He was the great attrac-
5tion. at all the high solemnities, and his
merit and musical organic alton rang thro'
out all Spain. Pedro Yelasques possess
ed magnificent tenor voice. OF course
his natural vanity, and the praises be-
slowed upon him, caused him TO find his
empire too confined, and his soul painted
for more extended arena than the organ
loft of the cathedral of VaIladolid. 1t
happened there came to Yalladolid cell
brated magician named Mendozus, who,
it was reported, worked the most astoun-
ding prodigies. Pedro Yelasques imme-
diarely sadd He'd his mule, aud sought the
dwelling of the magician Meudozus. He
tied his mule to the door-post, and enter
ed his dwelling.
'.1llustrious Dou,' said Pedro Velas-
ques. ''there can be little doubt that my
name has already reached you. l am
Pedro Velasques, the magnificent tenor
singer of the cathedral of f-Yalladolid.-
Weary of vegetalipg in position SO OBJ
scure. and SO unworthy of my talent, l
have recourse to your skill, that it may
enable me to achieve the most lofty pin
nacles Of art. Should reach the apex,
my gratitude toward you, illustrious Don,
shall be boundless."
"Your gratitude !" replied Mendozus,
with an air of ofincredulity. .''Fhe human
race is ungrateful-it is an old saying,
which nobody can deny.'
"Ah illustrious Don, rely upon my
rvor1 mn foitII on6 M \, bonOr'
cit is we'll !" replied Mendozus: "upon
your promise viii call into action all The
resources of my art" Then opening
small door which communicated with The
kitchen. ''Jacinta,' - he cried, with. a stem
torian Voice, put two partlidges on the
spit, Pedro Veiasques, the magnificent
tenor singer of the cathedral Of Yallado-
lid, dimes with usAo-day."s
| He then conducted his guest into an OBJ
scute chamber, which he called his labo.
ratory, and which was filled with books
Of magic and vafiously shaped alchemical
instruments. There were seen at The va
rious angles of the chamber myriads of III
ny demons, with crimson aud purple com.
plexions, and hairy skins, and yellow mus
taches, and shut up in cages like squir1
Lrels. When these beheId Pedro enter
they ssluted him with grotesque attitudes,
and cut the most quaint capors.
"Be seated" !" said Mendozus; t.Lhe sci
er ce which profess is peculiarly dry we
will moisten it with t.tilask Of fXeres.'' S
He then opened trap, descended some
steps, and returned with long sea green
bottle in his hand; then murmuring some
unintelligible words, he'illed the-two
glasses, and emptied into one OF them
twelve drops of blood red liquor, and
presented it, to Pedro VeIasques, who
swallowed it with a Wry face. II is not
known. what mystery followed in the lab
oratory of the alchemist.
Soon after the or9anist of the cathedral
of Valladolid died, aud some hidden in-
fuence seconded SO well the movements
of Pedro Velasqaes, that he was nomipa-
ted to fill the situation of the deceased. =
Mendozus, the principal iustrumento of this
rapid elevation, came in person to feiici-
tate the newly elected organist, and at tue
same time TO solicit slight service in re-
turn. Pedro VelasqueS received his friend
in an hospitable and amiable manner, but
he begged 10 be excused, as he could not
Immediately show his gratitude-.'p,ess
ing demands had impoverished him, and
he must establish himself in his new post,
but for all that my friend, do not aban-
don me; exert yourself more than ever for
my advancement, and will pay my debt
with good interest,""
Mendozus bowed, and left the new or
ganist without reply. He continued, in
the meanwhile, TO labor SO we'll in>his IA
Vor, that Pedro Velasques soon saw his
fame extent throughout all Spain, and he
was some time subsequently, nominated
master of the chapel 10 the cathedral oil
ESevile. Mendozus continued to serve
him in his new residence, and after his in
stallation, came humbly TO impIore his
good will.
81 ask not for money" he said, 81 on=
ly desire the small employment of choris-
ter for my son, whom wish TO see ter
inmate his musical studies under your en-
lighteued direction"
al will give him better than that" re-
lplied the new maestro; ..buL wait little
longer, l have now to find places for "a
number of youths recommended by pee.
pie of the highest distinction; as soon as /
can rid myself of these importunities your
son shall fud in me most Jealous pa
tron. In the mean time he shall lose no
thing by the delay, for without doubt
shall make during the time favorable
step in the arts. and the higher mount
the more my friends may rely upon me. =
Without allowing himselfIo be diseour-
aged by this answer, the magician conf
nued to exercise ali the resources of his
art to elevate Pedro Velasques, and his
zeal was soon recompensed. The King,
of Spain heard such eulogiums OF The
MAESTRO of Seville, that he desired 10 hear
him. Pedro was summoned 10 court, and
played and sung in the royal presence
The monarch elinced SO lively satisfac
ton that he constituted Pedro director oil
the fetes and spectscies OF the palace.