The north Iowa times. [volume] (M'Gregor [i.e. McGregor], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1857-09-04
Selettio II s.

SeIGttion rs.
THE MUSICIANS MARRrAo1lpsf
After having passed the summer in
visiting the principal towns of Germany,
the celebrated pianist Listz, arrived at
Prague IN October, 1896 ""' '.f -ss's'
The day after lie came, his apartment
was entered by stranger-an old man,
whose appearance indicated misery aud
suffering. The great musician received
him with a cordiality which he would
not perhaps have shown to nobleman.
Encouraged by his kindness. his visitor
said IL come to you, sir, as brother
Excuse me if / take this title, notwith-
standing the distance that divides US !;
but formerly l could boast some skillir
playing on the piano, and by giving in-
struction / gained a comfortable liveli.
hood. Now am old, feeble, burdened
with large family, and destitut, Of
pupils. I live at Nuremberg. but I
came to Prague to seek to recover the
remnant of small property which be-
longed to my ancestors. Although
nominally successful, the expense Of a
long litigation has more than swallowed
up the tritling sum l recovered. To-
morrow set out for homc-penniless."
"And you have come to me? You
have done well, and thank you for this
proof Of your esteem. 70 assist brother
professor is to me more than duty--it
is pleasure. Artists should have their
purse in common and if fortune neg
Iects some, in order to treat oilers bet
ter than they deserve, it only makes it
more necessary to preserve the equilib-
rum by fraternal kindness. That my
system; so don't speak Of gratitude, for
[ feel that I only discharge debt"
AS he uttered these generous words,
Listz opened a drawer in his writing
case, anil started when he saw that the
usual depository for his money contain
ed but three ducats. He summoned his
| servant. -.,.
Where is the money ?" he asked.
"Thero sir" replied the man, poiut-
ing to the open drawer.
"There ! Why, there's scarcely any
thing !" ......- -. !.
Il know it, sir. If You please to re-
member, l told you yesterday that the
cash was nearly exhausted"
"You see, my dear brother" said
Listz, smiling, "that for the moment l
am no richer than you; bu. that does
not trouble me; l have credit, and can
make money start from the keys of my
piano. However, as you are in haste to
leave Prague and return home, you shall
not be delayed by my present wait OF
funds" ---...... ..... ...
. So saying, he opened another drawer,
and taking out splendid medallion, gave
it to the old man. There" said he,
"lhat will do. 1t was 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 aud dispose c1
them. and whatever they bring shall be
yours" ......... .......
The old musician tried in vain to de.
cline so rich a gift. Listz would no,
hear Of refusal, and the poor man a,
length withdrew, invoking the choicest
blessings of heaven On his generous bene.
factor. He then repaired to the shop
of the principal jewellcr in the city, in
order to sell the diamonds. Seeing a
miserably dressed man anxious to dis.
pose of magnificent jewels with whose
value he appeared unacquainted, the
master of the shop very naturally sus
pected his honesty; aud while appear,
ing to examine the diamonds with Gloss
attention, he whispered few words in
the ear of one of his assistants. The
latter went out and speedily returned
accompanied by several soldiers Of po
lice, who arrested the unhappy artist
in spite of his protcstations Of limo
cence.
"You must first come to prison, they
said afterwards you can give all ex
planation to the magistrate. "
The prisoner wrote few lines TO hi
benefactor, imploring his assistance
Listz hastened to the jeweller. ..
"Sir," said he, "you have caused tn
arrest of an innocent man. Come will
me Immediately and let US have him re
leased. He is the lawful owner of th'
jewels in question, for / gave them tt
him. -s...,...E -r.-.1 ..-
"But, sir," asked the merchant, "wht
are rou - - '
"My name is Listz.", ,.z. .a=s
II dou't know any rich man Of tina
name" .-..g.s. -.,g
we'll known"
care you aware. sir, that these dia
monds are worth six thousand Aorins-
that is to say, aboutfive hundred guineas
t or twelve thousand francs ?" /
$50 much the better for him on whom
have bestowed them.'' I
ssDut in order to make such presen
you must be very wealthy"
"My actual fortune consists Of thre'
ducats."
"Then you are magician !"
"By no means; and vet, by just NOV
ing my fingers. can obtain as mucl
money as l wish.'' a.a
. "You MUST be amagician !"