Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1866-06-23
MISCELLANY.
TIE POOR MISIIIiN.

pls the Prater. lt Is full of lovely trees,
splendid walks, and little rustic pleasure
houses. At the time of which L am
speaking there were people there, some
yOnng and some old, and many sIrang-
ers too. And all those who were there
enjoyed such a scene as they had pTOba-
bly, never behold before.
Be that as it may, the Prater was al
most covered with crowds of people
Among the nnmOer were the organ
grinders, beggars, and girls who played
on haTps. There stood an old must
clan. He had once been "A soldier, bnt
his pension was not sufficient to live
on. Still he don't like 10 beg. There
fore on this particular festival day he
took his old violin and played under an
old tree In the park. He had good
old faithful dog along with him, which
lay at his feet, and held an old hat in
his month, SO that ptssers might cast
coins into it for the old man.
On the day of the festival which 4
have now mentioned, the dog sat before
him with the old hat. Many people
went by and heard the oil musician
playing, but they did not throw much
IN. I wonder the people did not give
him more, for he was truly IA pitiable
object.
His face was covered with sears re-
ceived in his cCuntry's battles, and he
wore long grey coat, such as he had
kept ever since he had been in the
army. He even had his old sword by
his side, and would not consent to walk
the street without his trusty friend with
him. He had only three fingers on his
right hand, so he had to hold the bow
of his violin with these, A bullet had
taken OH the two others, and almost at
the same time cannon ball had taken
off his leg. The last money he had had
been spent IN buying new strings to his
violin, aud he was now playing with all
his strength the old marches he had SO
often heard when a boy with his
father
lie looked sad enough as he saw the
mnltitude5 pass by IN their strength
youth and beauty, but whenever they
laughed 1t was Ike a dagger TO his soul,
for he knew that on that very evening
he wOuld have to go TO he'd suppeTless,
hungry as be was, and lie on IA straw
couch in little garnet room. His old
dog was better of, for he often found a
bone here and there to satisfy his hun
ger.
1t was late in the afiernOOn-hish hopes
We're like the sun, they were both going
down together. He placed his old viO-
lin down by his side, and leaned against
tIee. The tears stTeamed down his
scared cheeks. He thought that none
of that giddy thrODg saw him, but he
was much mistaken. Not far off stood
a gentleman IN fine clothes, who had a
kind heart He listened to the old mu-
sician, and when he saw that no one
gave him anything, his heart was tOnch-
ed with sympathy. He finally went to
the dog, and looking at the hat saw only
two copper coins in it.
He then said to the old musician.
''Aly good friend, why don't You play
longer?'
''Oh, " replied the cd man, "my
dear SIR, can not; my poor old arm is
SO tired that 1 can not hold tie bow;
besides. have had no dinner, and have
little prospect of supper"
The OLD man wiped his feeble hands.
The kind gentleman with whom he
talked resolved to aid him as best he
could. He gave him piece of gold,
and said, IN pay You, If you will loan
me your violin one hour"
''Oh." said the musician, ''this piece
of money Is worth more than half a
dozen old fiddles like mine.
'.Never mind, said the gentleman,
g only want to hire it one EOnr',
Every well; you can do what you
will, said the owner.
The gentleman took the fiddle and
bow Ia his hands, and then said to the
old man, Nov, my mate, You take the
money, and / will play. i am quite
sure people will give us something"
Now, was not that a singular musical
association? They had Just become ac
quainted, and Immediately entered into
AN arrangement to work together for
the public. The strange gentleman be-
gan To play. His mate looked at him
with great wonder; he was so stirred
that he could hardly believe it was his
old violin that such beautiful sounds
came from. Every note was like pearl.
The first piece had not been finished
before the people, observing the strange
sight and hearing such wonderful mu-
sic, stopped a moment IN curiosity
Every one saw that the fine looking
gentleman was playing for the poor
man, but none knew who he was.
By and by the people began to drop
money into the hat, and the old dog
seemed delighted to receive so many
pieces OF gold for his master. The cir
Gle of hearers became larger and larger.
Even the cOachmen of the splendid car
riages begged the people inside to stop
and hear the music. Gold, silver and
copper were thrown into tine hat by tine
old and young. The old dog began to
growl. What In the world could be the
matter? One gentleman, as he dropped
a large piece OF money into the hat,
had strnck him on the nose, and he
came very near letting the hat and
money fall. But 1t soon became so
heavy he could hold it no longer.
empty your hat, old man" said the
people, 'fand we will fill it again for
you"
He pulled out an old handkerchief
and wrapping the money in it, put 1t in
TO his violin bag.
The. stranger kept on playing, and the
people cried out, ''BravOl BravOr' IN
great Joy. He played first one tune and
then anOther-eyen children seemed