Weekly Trinity journal., 1857-11-07
The Musician's Marriage.

principal towns of Germany, the celebrated plan
ist Liszt arrived at Prague in October, 1886.
The day after be came, his apartment was en-
tered by stranger-an old man, whose appear
ance indicated misery and suffering. The great
musician received him with cordiality which be
would not, perhaps, have shown to a nobleman.-
Encouraged by his kindness, his visitor said
come to you, sir, as q brother. Excuse me if
take this title, Notwithstanding the distance that
divides us but formerly could boast some skill
in playing on the piano. and by giving instruc-
tion gained comfortable livelihood. Now
am old, feeble, burdened with large family, and
destitute of pupils. live at Nuremberg, but |
came to Prague to seek to recover the remnant of
a small property which belonged to my ancestors.
Although nOminally successful the expense Of a
long litigation has more than swallowed up the
trifing sum recovered. Tomorrow | set out
for home-penniless.'
And you have come to me? You have done
we'll, and thank you for this proof of your es-
teen. To assist a brother professor is to me
more than duty-it is a pleasure. Artists
should have their purse in common and if for
tune neglects some in order to treat others better
than they deserve, it only makes it more necessa-
ry to preserve the equilibrium by fraternal kind
ness. That is my system; so don't speak of
gratitude, for feel that only discharge debt
As he uttered these generous words. Lszt open
ed drawer in his writing case, and started when
he saw that his usual depository for his money
contained out tnree ducats. lie summoned his
servant.
Where is the money p no asked.
There, sir replied the man, pointing to the
open drawer.
There Why, there is scarcely anythingr
81 know it, sir. If you please to remember,
told you yesterday that the cash was nearly ex-
hausted'
You see, my dear brother said List, smiling.
that, for the moment, am no richer than you.
But that does not trouble me. Ihave credit and
can make money start from the keys of my pi.
ano. However, as you are in haste to leave
Prague and return home, you shall not be delay
ed by my present want of funds
So saying. he opened another drawer, and, TAX
ing out splendid medallion, gave it to the old
man. There said he, that will do. 1t was q
present made me by the Emperor of Austria-his
own portrait, set in diamonds. The painting is
nothing remarkable, but the stones are fine Take
them and dispose of them, and whatever they
bring shall be yours
The old musician tried in vain to decline so
rich gift. List would not hear of a refusal,
and the poor man at length withdrew invoking
the choicest blessings OF Heaven on his generous
benefactor. He then repaired to the shop of the
principal jeweller in the city, in order to sell
the diamonds. Seeing miserably dressed man
anxious to dispose of magnificent jewels, with
whose value he appeared unacquainted, the mas
ter of the shop very naturally suspected his hon
esty and while appearing to examine the dia-
monds with close attention, he whispered a few
words in the ear of of his assistants. The
latter went out, and speedily returned accompa-
MED by several soldiers of police, who arrested
the unhappy artist, in spite of his protcsations of
innocence.
You must first come to prison. they said !;
afterwards you can give an explanation to the
magistrate
The prisoner wrote few lines to his beneiac
tor, implorng his assistance. List FASTENED to
the jeweller.
Sir said he, you have caused the arrest Of
ain innocent man. Come with ME Immediately,
and let us have him released. lie is the lawful
owner Of the jewels in question, for | gave them
10 him.
But, sir, asked the merchant, who are you p
My name is List
/ don't know any rich man of that name
That may be yet | am tOlerably well known
Are you aware, sir, that these diamonds are
worth six thousand horins-that is 10 say, about
five thousand guineas, or twelve thousand francsr
SO 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 ducats.'
Then you are u magician p
by no means and yet. by just moving my fin
gers, can obtain as much money as | wish
You must be magician!
If you choose, I'll disclose to you the magic |
employ
List had seen piano in the parlor behind the
shop. lie opened it, and ran his fingers over the
keys; them seized by sudden inspiration, he i'm
provscd one of those soul-touching symphonies
peculiar to himself
As he sounded the first chords a beautiful
young girl entered the room. While the melody
continued, she remained speechless and immova-
BILE then, as the last note died away, she cried,
with irresistible enthusiasm Bravo, List tits
wondrousv
Dost thou know him, then, my daughter p
asked the jeweller.
This is the first time have had the pleasure
of seeing or hearing him. replied she (; but
know that none living, save List, could draw
such sounds from the piano.
Expressed with grace and modesty, by a young
person of remarkable beauty, this admiration
could not fail to be more than fatterng to the
artist. However, after making his best acknow
Judgments, List withdrew in order to deliver
the prisoner, and was accompanied by the jew
eller
Grieved at bis mistake the worthy merchant
sought to repair it by inviting the two musicians
TO supper. The honors of the table were done by
his amiabe daughter, who appeared no less
touched at the generosity of Liszt than astonished
st his talent.
That night the musicians of the city serenaded
their illustrious brother. The next day the mobiles
and most distinguished inhabitants of Prague
presented themselves at his door. They entreat
ed him to give some concerts leaving it to him
self to fix any sum he pleased a remuneration
Then the jsweller perceived that talent, even in
pecuniary light, may be more valuable than the
most precious diamonds. List continued to 60
to his house. and to the merchants great joy, be
perceived that his daughter was the cause of these
visits. He began to love the company of the mu
scian, and the fair GIRL his only child, certainly
did not hate it,
One morning, the jeweller, coming to the pOint
with German frankness, said TO List
How do you like my daughter ?
She is an angel
What do you think of marriage! :!
II think so we'll of it, that have the creates
possible inclination to try it,
What would ycu say to fortune of three mil
lioa franssp
Il would willingly accept it,
Well, we understand each other. My daugh
ter pleases you, you please my daughter. He
fortune is ready be my soa-ia-law'
With all my heart
The marriage was celebrated the following
week.
Aud this according to the chronicles of Prague