The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-02-04
THE MUSICIANS MARRIAGE.

celebrated paintist, Liszt, arrived at prague in
o, tober 1s4e.
The day after he came, his apartment was
entered by stranger-an old man whose
appearance indicated misery and suffering.
The great musician received him with a
cordiality which he would not, perhaps, have
shown to nobleman. Encouraged by his
kindness, the visitor said: II came to YOU,
sir, as a brother. Excuse mo if take this
title, notwithstanding the distance that d.
vides us, but formerly could boast some
skill IN playing the piano, and by giving
instruction gained comfortable lveli.
hood. Now, am old, feeble, burdened
with large family, and destitute of pupils.
| live at Nuremberg, but came to Prague to
recover the remnant of a small proper
ty which belonged to my ancestors
Although nominally successful, the expense
of long litigation has more than swallowed
up the trif1ing sum I recovered. To-mor.
row, set out for home-penniless."
"And you have come to me: You have
done well and thank you for this proof Of
your esteem. To assist brother professors is
to me more than duty-it is a pleasure
Artists should have their purse in common:
and if fortune ncglects some, in order to
treat others better than they deserve, it
only makes it more necessary to preserve
equilibrium by fraternal kindness. That's
my system; so don't speak of gratitude, for
l feel that only discharge debt.
AS he uttered these generous words,
Liszt opened his writing case, and started
when he saw that his usual depository for
his money contained but three ducats. He
summoned his servant.
"Where is the money Z" he asked.
"Tbere, sir" replied the man, pointing 10
The open drawer.
There. Why; there is scarcely any
thingr'
II know it, sir, If you please to remem-
Der, 1 told you yesterday that the cash was
nearly exhausted"
"You see, my dear BROTHER" said Liszt,
smiling, shat for the moment; am no rich
er than you. But that does not trouble
me. [ have credit, and I can make money
start from the keys Of my piano. However,
as you are in haste TO leave Prague and re-
turn 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 EN-
peror Of Austria-his own porta,t, sat in
diamonds. The painting is nothing remark
able, but the stones are fine. Take them
and dispose ofthem, and what ever they
bring shall be yours"
The old musician tried in vain to decline
so rich gift. List would not hear to a
refusal, and the poor man at length with.
drew invoking the choicest blessings ol
Heaven on his generous benefactor. He
then repaired to the shop Of the principal
jeweler in the city, in order to sell the di.
Almonds. Seeing a ,niserable.dressed man
anxious to dispose ofthe magnificent jewels
with whose value lie appeared u1acquaiu,ed,
the master Of the shop very naturally sus-
pected his honesty; and, while appearing to
examine the diamonds With close attention,
be whispered few words in the ear Of one
of his assistants. The latter went out. spec
dily returned, accompanied by several SOL
diers of police, who arrested the unhappy
artist in spite Of his protestation of inno-
ceuce.
"You must first come to prison." they
said )" afterwards, you can give an expla-
netion to the magistrate
The prisoner wrote few lines to bis ben
efactor, imploring his assistance. Liszt
hastened to the jeweller.
"Sir," said be, "you have caused the ar
rest Of an innocent man. Come with me
Immediately, and let us have him released.
he is the lawful owner of the jewels in
question, for gave them to him."
but, sir," said the merchant Hwho are
you!"
my name is List. 90, - ..,~
II don't know any rich man Of that name" !"
THAT may be; yet am tsIsrab1y we'll
known"
care you aware, sir, that these diamonds
are worth six thousand forins-that 10 f6
say about fve thousand guineas, or twelve
thousand francsa I"
$50 much the better for him on whom l
have bestowed them." .,s s.... y,Y
sBus, in ordesto make isuob a prssent
yon must be very wealthy" .":7;ss1. ''ts..
"My actual fortune consists of thrress sduue.
ats" .ss.r;3@~, ~ sEi1as<
HThenayo are = magician."',gI >dT
Hs "By no means; and yet by just e moving
my fingers, + cah obtain aas much money as