Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-31
The Musicians Marriage.

After having passed the summer in visiting
the principal towns in Germany, the celebrated
pianist, Listz, arrived at Prague in October,
1916.
The dsy after he came. his apartment was
entered by stranger--an old man, whose ap-
pearance indicated misery and suffering. The
great musician received him with great cordial.
Ity, which he would not perhaps have shown to
u nobeman. Encouraged by his Kindness, his
visitor said:
II come to you, sir, as 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 in
struction gained comfortable livelihood
Now am old. feeble, burdened with a large
family, and destitute of pupils. | live in Nu
remburg, but came to Prague to seek 10 recove
he remnant OF small property which belonged
to my ancestors. Although nominaly success
tul, the expense Of long litigation has more
Ihan swallowed up the tritiing sum | recovered.
Tomorrow set olt for home-penniless"
"And you have come TO me2 you have done
well, and thank you for this proof of your e.
teen. To assist a brother professor Is to mt
,uore than u duty is pleasure. Artists
should have their purse in COMMON; and II FOL
,une neglects some in order to treat others bet
er than they deserve, it only makes it more ne
cesSary to preserve the equilibrium by fraternal
kindness. That's my system; SO don't speak OF
gratitude, for l feel that | only discharge a
debt"
As he uttered these generous words, Listz o.
pened drawer 10 his writing case, and started
when he saw that bis usual depository for his
money contained but three ducats. He sum
,noned his servant
Where is the money? 2" he asked.
There, iii" replied the man, pointing to the
open drawer.
There why there's scarcely anything!"
~ know it sir If you please to remember |
told you yesterday that the cash was nearly ex-
hausted."
"You see, 1ly dear brother" said Listz, smil.
ing, ''that for the moment am no richer than
YOU; but that does not trouble me. have cred
il, 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 de-
layed 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
present made by the Emperor of Austria his
own portrait set in diamonds. The painting is
nothing remarkable, but the stones are fne.--
bring shall be yours"
The old musician tried in vain to decline so
rich Il gift Lislz would not hear refusal, and
the poor man ut length withdrew, invoking the
choicest blessings of heaven ON his generous ben
efactor He then repaired to the shop of the
principal jeweler in the city, in order to sell the
diamonds. Seeing miSeraby 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
7sty and while appearing to examine the dia.
nOnds with close attention, he whispered few
words in the year Of one of his attendants
The latter went out and soon returned, accom-
panied by several soldiers of the police, who ar
rested the unhappy artist, in spite of his pro-
rcstations 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 benefac-
tor, imploring his assistance. Listz fastened to
the jeweler.
Sir" said he, ''you have caused the arrest
of an innocent man. Come with me Immediate
" and let US have him released He is the law
full owner of the jewels in question, for | gave
them ~ him."
But, sir" said the merchant, "who are you n
MY name is Listz."
Il 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 forinS-that is to say, a.
bout five hundred guiueas, or twelve thousand
fraucs2"
80 much the better for him on whom l have
bestowed them"
But in order to make such present you
must pc very wealthy"
MY actual fortune consists of three ducats."
Then you are mag cian?"
by No means and yet, by just moving my
fingers, can obtain as much money as wish.
you must be a magician!"
'If you choose will disclose to you the mag
ic employ ed"
Listz had seen a piano in the parlor behind
the shop. He opened it aud ran his fingers over
the keys; then, seized by sudden inspiration, he
ilnprovsed one of those soultouching symphonies
peculiar TO himself
As he sounded the first chords, beautiful