Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1858-12-29
THE MUSICIANS MARRIAGE.


After having passed the summer in.visitin
n pianist, Liszt arrived at Prague in October
D 1916.
The day after he came, his apartment was ell
: ance indicated misery and suffering. The grea
musician received him with cordiality whic
2 he would not, perhaps, have shown to noble
man. Encouraged by his kindness, the visito
said: e | come to you, sir, as brother EX
cusc me if take this title, Notwithstanding tn
distance that divides us; but formerly l coulc
/ giving instruction | gained comfortable liveli
hood. Now, am old, feeble, burdcned with
, large family, and destitute of pupils. live a
Nuremberg, but came to Prague to recover thu
remnant Of a small property which belonged t
the expense Of a long litigation has more thar
morrow, set out for home-penniless."
"And you have come to me? You have
done well, and thank you for this proof o.
to me more than a duty-tis is pleasure. Artist:
should have their purse in common; and it for
tune ncglccts some, in order to treat others bet
ter than they deserve, it only makes it more
necessary to preserve the equilibrium by frater
nal kindness. That is my system; so don't
speak of gratitude, for feel that l only dis
charge debt"
AS lie uttered these generous words, Liszt
opened his drawer in his writing case, and started
when he saw that his usul depository for hi,
money contained but the ducats lie summoned
his servant.
"Wherc is the money ?" he asked.
"There, sir" replied the man, pointing to the
open drawer.
"Tbcrc. Why, there is scarcely anything ''
81 know it, sir, If you please to remember,
I told you yesterday that the cash was nearly
exhausted"
"You sec, my dear BROTHER" said List, s,ni-
ling, that, for the moment, am no richer than
you. But that does not trouble Inc. | 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 want Of
funds"
So saying, he opened another drawer, and
taking out splendid medallion, gave it to the
old man. "There," said he, " that will do. 1t
was present made me by the Emperor Of
AuSiria-Lis own portrait, set in diamonds.
The painting is nothing remarkable, but the
stones arc 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. Liszt would not hear Of a refusal.
and the poor man ut length withdrew, inyoki
the choicest blessings of Heaven on hi, gene
benefactor. He then repaired to the 81: :
the principal jewcller in the city, in order to
sell the diamonds. Seeing miScraby y-dressed
man anxious to dispose of magnificent jewels,
with whose value he appeared unacquanted, the
master of the shop very naturally suspected his
honesty; and while appearing to examine the
diamonds with close attention, lie whispered a
few words in the ear OF one Of his assistants.
The latter went out, and speedily returned, ac-
companed by several s,ldiers of police who
arrested the unhappy artist, in spite Of his pro-
tcstatOnS Of innocence
"You must first come to prison." they said !;
afterwards, yon can give IN explanation to
the magistrate"
The prisoner wrote q few lines to his bonc-
factor, imploring his assistance. List llastcned
to the ,jcwellcr.
"Sir," said he, "you have caused the arrest
Of All innocent man. Come with me m,ned-
atcly, and let u have him released. lie is the
lawful owner of the jewels in question, for |
gave them To him."
But, sir" said the merchant, "who are
you"
"My name is Liszt."
"I don't know any rich man Of that name."
"That may be; yet am tolcrably well
known"
care you aware sir, that these diamonds are
worth six thousand tiorins-that is to say about
five thousand guineas, or twelve thousand
francs ?"
$50 much the better for him on whom
have bestowed them."
But, in order to make such present you
pust be very wealthy"
"My actual fortune consists of three ducats." "
"Then you are Il magician"
BY no means; and yet, by just moving my
fingers, can obtain as much money as wish"
You must be magician"
off you choose, III disclose to you the magic
Iemploy."
List had seen a piano in the parlor behind
the shop lie opened it, and run his fingers
over the keys; then, seized by sudden insplra-
tion, lie improviSed one Of those soul-touching
symphonies peculiar to himself.
As he sounded the first chords, beautiful
young lady entered the room. While the melo-
dy continued, she remained speechless and i'm
movable; then as the last note died away, she
cried, with irresistible enthusiasm. Bravo
Liszt! Its wondrous"
Dost thou know him, then, my daughter ?'
asked the jewelcr.
"This is the first time have had the pleas
ure of seeing or hearing him." replied she
7" but know that none living save List, could
draw such sound from the piano."
EynrpSyed with grace and modesty by Q
young person of remarkable beauty, this adrni-
ration could not fail to be more than flattcring
to the artist. However, after making his best
acknowledgements, List withdrew, in or,lcr to
deliver the prisoner, and accompanied by the
eweller.
Gricvcd at his mistake, the worthy merchant
sought to repair it by inviting the two musl
clans to supper. The honors Of the table were
done by his amiaLle daughter, who appeared nc
less touched at the generosity Of List thar
astoniSlled ct his talent.
That night, the musicians Of the city serena
tlcd their iustrous brother. The next day
the mobiles and most distinguished inhabitants o
Prague presented themselves at the door. They
entrcatctl him to give some concerts, having il
to himself to fix any sum be pleased as 4 re
murclation. Then the jeweller perceived tina
talent, even in pecuniary light, may he more
, valuable than the most precious diamonds
List continued to go to his house, and, to th'
| merchants great joy, he perceived that hi
, ,Iauchtcr was the cause Of his visits. lie begal
to love the company of the musician, and the
fair girl, his only child, certainly did no
hate it.
One morning, the jeweller, coming to thu
| point with German frankness said to Liszt-