Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-10-15


Upon the ground now occupied by the cele-
brated Lloyd's Coffee House, in London, there
stood, in ITO, an establishment OF similar
kind. 1t was the rendezvous Of all the city
merchants who there to transact business.
One day in the autumn of the same year, a
stranger, about six and twenty years of age,
was seated by himself at small table. He
looked with an air of Indifference upon the
crowd OF persons passing to and fro in front OF
him. His brow seemed to contract, as if I'M
der the impression of some sorrowful retlec-
tons, and secret tear from time to time es-
capped from his lively and intelligent eyes.
This young man was named George Freder-
lex Handel. He had only arrived in London
two or three days, and had left Italy for the
English capital upon the recommendation Of
some amateurs of music
Absorbed in his reveries he had not remark
ed that at the same table with himself was
seated tall man Of large proportions, who
appeared to regard with interest the detected
countenance of his OiS-a-uis.
This man was a celebrity. His name was
Jean Jacques Heidegger, born at Zurich, and
married there. Fatal consequences of an in
trigue, however, had compelled him to leave
his country, and trust to his wits for liveli-
hood. rich gentleman, fond Of travelling,
engaged him as his companion. By this
means Heidegger was enabled to see all the
principal cities of Europe, where feeling and
taste for artistic enjoyments developed them
selves. The rich gentleman also conducted
him to London, in which city, by his insnua-
ting manners, he knew how to conciliate the
good graces of the young friends who took
him under their protection. Certain ingenious
observations upon the absurdities Of the mtsce-
en-Scene in operas and masquerades struck the
persons entrusted with their management.
Some splendid arrangements on one occasion
attracted the attention of King George, who
nominated Heldegger mtendant OF the royal
and public advertisements. This employment
gave him, in his sphere, great influence, and
brought him five thousand pounds sterling
year-an enormous sum i'll those times
which, nevertheless, hardly suthced to meet
the calls of his folly and extravaganza.
The exterior of Heldegger presented sim
gular contrast He was, as we have already
said, robust and tall he was also well made.
His features however, were repulsive in their
ugliness, and SO exceptional that he made a
boast Of it. He was even the first to laugh at
his hideous countenance, and make it the OBJ
ject Of inexhaustible jokes. Thus, one day
he offered to make bet with Lord Chester
field that he could not find in all London face
as ugly as his. The wager was accepted, and
Lord Chesterfield introduced as his champion
for the prize very old woman, with nose
like the butt end of lemon. At.sight of her,
the judges of the wager broke forth into peals
of laughter, crying "Heidegger has lost"
He, without moving from his seat, took of his
perruque, placed it on the head OF the old wo-
man, and finished by carrying off the victory.
In fact this change OF custom had an over
whelming effect; under her masculine head
dress the old dame became supportable, while
Heidegger had the veritable phySiOgnomy of a
witch.
A countenance so striking could not fail to
attract the looks of the young artist He rails
ed his eyes to Heidegger, and tancied he saw
in his features an expression Of raillery. cat
last!' exclaimed Heidegger. "You have been
weeping long time like a woman. Be
man." Handel was astonshed. "What right
have you," he asked, "to busy yourself with
my tears 2" 81 do not like to see young peo-
pie bewal themselves shamefully-and for
what For pair of pretty eyes, or rosy
cheek. Remember the words OF Fontenelle-
"A lovely woman is the paradise OF the eyes,
the hell of the soul, and the purgatory OF the
pocket"
"My paradise is snatched from me" muir
INJURED Handel in a low voice. "And that is
what chagrns you? Sooner deliver yourself
up to the will OF an assassin He at least
would put you out of misery" "You despse
women like all debauchees !" "There are no
virtuous women; 1, with my disgusting mask
of a face, even l could undertake to seduce
any woman l chose, no matter whom. l
maintain the same thing in regard to your par
adise"
Handel jumped from his seat. "Sir," he
cried, with tone of voice full of nobleness,
whatever your philosophy may be, 1t gives
you no right to mock an unfortunate wretch.
Allow me to ask you for your address; have
an affair with you" 81 reside in Cornhill
street. and you will always find me at home
at seven o'clock in the morning You have
but to ask for THE Owl the first child you
meet will show you my dwelling. Handel
bowed and departed.
The next day, at seven o'clock precisely,
Handel walked into the chamber OF Inc Oaci.
Heidegger made him a most gracious sauta-
ton "Pray be seated. Will you take u cup
of chocolate with me z" "Sir, have not come
to your house to breakfast with you, but on an
affair" 81 am delighted but before going
out always take my chocolate / do not
wish to change my habits in any way, and
should be most happy il you would do as do.
You decline as you please"
AS soon as breakfast was finished they went
out together Passing before church, Held
egger entered. what on earth are you GO
ing to do there g "To pray, to be sure /; al
ways commence business with PRAYER: that's
my CUSTOM" every well, then, will accom-
pany you" rejoined Handel, upon whom the
sang foid of his adversary made a deep i'm
preston.
On issuing from the church Heidegger di.
rected his steps towards st. James Park.
"What do you intend doing here 2" asked
Handel. II go every morning twice round
the great alley that is my custom" "To-
day think you will renounce it, and you will
not refuse TO fight with me-" "To fight with
you? Indeed / have not the least desire for
such a thing besides, you have not mention
ed the affair you alluded to, and am anxious
10 have your communication. Moreover !
would thank you TO make haste, as the Royal
orchestra Of the opera awaits me for Tie re-
hearsal."
The orchestra of the opera Who are you,
hen E II am Heidegger, the intendant o,
lie kinn's nriYY nlnnsIrn-nnlsn -