The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1857-10-14


ly returned, accompanied by several SOL
diers ofpolice, who arrested the mhap-
py artist, in spite Of his protestations Of
innocence.
"You must first come to prison." they
said, afterwards you can give an cxpla-
nation to the magistrate"
The prisoner wrote few lines to his
hcnelactor, imploring his assistance
Liszt fastened to the .eweler.
ash" said he, "you have caused the
arrest ofan innocent man. Come with
me Immediately aud let us have him re-
leased lie is the lawful owner of the
jewels i'll question, fol- gave them to
him"
"But sir" asked the merchant, ''who
are y9uP
"My name is List"
81 don't know any rich man of that
| name"
''That may be; yet am tolorably well
known"
care you aware, sir, that these da-
| monds are worth six thousands forms
that is to say, about five thousand gum
cas-, or twelve thousand francs %
$50 much the better for him on whom
| have bestowed them"
but in order to make such present,
you must be very wealthy"
"My actual fortune consists of three
du ats"
'"Then you are magician 2"
''By no means; and yet, by Just NOV
ing my fingers, | can obtain as much mon
cy as | wish"
"You must be a magician u
eff you choose III disclose to you the
magic l employ"
Liszt had seen piano in the parlor
behind the shop. He opened it, and ran
his fingers over the keys: and then seized
by sudden inspiration, he improvised
one of those soul-touching symphonies
| peculiar to himself.
AS he sounded the first chords, a beau
tful young girl entered the room. While
the melody continued, she remained
SPECIFICS and immovablc; then, as the
last note died away, she cried with irresis-
tible enthusiasm "Bravo, List! tits
wondrousr
"Dost thou know him, then, my daugh-
ter ?" asked the ieweller.
''Ihis is the first time | have had the
pleasure Of seeing or hearing him." re-
piled she; "but l know that none living,
save Liszt, would draw such sounds from
the piano"
Expressed with grace and modesty, by
ayoung person of remarkable beauty, this
admiration could not fail to be more than
flattering to the artist. However, after
making his best acknowledgements, List
withdrew in order to deliver the pris-
oncr, and was accompanied by the jewel
er.
Grieved by his mistake the worthy
merchant sought to repair it by inviting
the two musicians to supper. The hon-
ors of the table were done by his amia-
BILE daughter,who appeared no less touch
ed at the generosity of List than aston
ished at his talent.
That night the musicians of the city
screnaded their ilustrious brother. The
next day the mobiles and most tlintinguish-
ed inhabitants of Prague presented them
selves at his door. They entreated him
to give some concerts, leaving it to him
self to fix any sum he pleased as remu-
neration. Then the jcweler perceived
that talent, even in a pecuniary light,
may be more value than the most pre-
cious diamonds. List continued to 90 to
his house. and, to the merchants great
joy, he perceived that his daughter was
the cause of these visits He began to
love the company Of the musician, and
the fair girl his only child, certainly did
not hate it.
One morning, the jcwolor, coming to
the point with German frankness said to
Liszt:-
elbow do you like my daughter ?"
"She is an angel !"
'Nhat do you think of marriage ?"
81 think so well oft, that have the
greatest possible inclination to try it."
what would you say to a fortune Of
three million francs?'
II would willing accept it,
"Wcll, we understand each other. My
daughter pleases you, you please my
daughter. Her fortune is ready; be my
son-in-laW."
"With all nv heart"
The marriage was celebrated the fol-
lowing week.
And this, according to the chronicles
of Prague, is true account Of the great
and good pianist List.