The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-10-06

Chow shall we answer tnee, VINO mVSo
what is life, and what's death,
And who 10 lover
We dwcllin light, and day or night
"A We know not-know BOT eve or morn.
The Poor Musician and his Nate.
One beautiful summer day there was .
great festival In the large park ct Vienna.
This park 10 called by the people the Pra-
ter. II il full Of lovely trees, splendid
walks, andlittle rustic pleasure houses.
At the time Of which am speaking,
there were people there some young and
some old, and many strangers, too. An
those. who were there enjoyed such .
scene as they had probably never beheld.
Be that as 1t may, the prater was almost
covered with the crowds of people.
Among the number were organ grinders,
the beggars, and the girls who played on
harps. There stood an old musician. He
had once been soldier, but his pension
was not enough to live on. Still he did
not like to beg. Therefore, on this par
ticular festival day, he took his violin and
played under an old tree in the park. He
had good faithful old dog with him,
which lay at his feet; and he held an old
hat in his mouth, so that apasser-by might
cast coins into it for the poor old man.
On the day Of the festival which ! have
mentioned, the dog sat before him with
the old hat. Many people went by and
heard the old musician playing, but they
didn't throw much in. / wonder the peo-
pie did not give him more, for he was truly
a pitiable object. His face was covered
with scars received in his country's bat
ties, 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 in the
streets without carrying his trusty friend
with him. He had only three fingers on
his right hand, so he had to hold the bow
Of the violin with these. A bullet had
taken off the two others-and almost at the
same time a cannon ball had taken of one
of his legs. The last money he had had
been spent in buying new strings for his
violin, and he was now playing with all his
strength the old marches he had learned
when boy with his father. He looked
sad enough as he saw the multitude pass
by in their strength, and youth, and beau
ty; but whenever they laughed, it was like
a dagger to his soul, for he knew that very
evening he would 60 to bed supperless,
hungry as he was, and lie on straw couch,
in a little garnet room. His old dog was
better off, for no had often found bone
here and there to satisfy the cravings Of
hunger. 1t was late id the afternoon, his
hopes were almost like the sun-they were
both going down together. lie had placed
his old violin down by his side and leaned
against an old tree. The tears streamed
down his SCARED cheeks. He thought
that none of that Idly crowd saw him,
but he was much mistaken.
Not far off stood gentleman in fine clothes,
who had kind heart. He listened % the
old musician, and when he saw that no one
gave him anything, his heart was touched
with sympathy. He finally went to the dog,
and looking into the hat, saw only two lit
tie copper coins in it. He then said to the
old musician:
"My good friend, why don't you play
longer?"
"Oh," replied the old man, ".my dear
sir, cannot; my poor old arm is SO tired
that cannot hold the bow besides, have
no dinner, and have little prospect Of sup
per-"
The old man wiped his feeble hands.
The kind gentleman with whom he had
talked resolved to aid him as best he could.
He gave him piece of gold, and said
"I'll pay you that if you'll loan me your
violin for an 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, Il
only want to hire it one hour"
every well, you can do what you will"
said the owner.
The gentleman took the fiddle and bow
in his hands, and then said to the old man
"Now, my mate, you take the money,
and will play. / am quite sure people
will give us something"
The strange gentleman began to play.
His mate looked at him with great Won
der; he was so stirred that he could hardly
believe that it was his old violin that such
beautiful sounds came from. Every note
was like a pearl. The first piece had not
been finished before the people, observing
the strange sight, and hearing such Won
derful music, stopped a moment in curl
osity. Every one saw that the fine-looking
gentleman was playing for the poor old
man, but none knew who he was.
By-and-by the people began to drop mo-
ney into the hat, and the old dog seemed
delighted to receive so many pieces of gold
for his master. The circle of hearers be-
came larger. Even the coachmen Of the
splendid carriages begged the people in
side to stop and hear the music. Still the
money increased. Gold, silver, and cop
per were thrown into the hat by old and
Young. The dog began to growl.
What in the world could be the matter
One gentleman, as he dropped large
piece of money into the hat, struck him on
the nose, and he came very near letting
the hat and money fall. But it soon be-
came SO heavy that he could hold it nc
longer.
"Empty your hat, old man." said the
people, "and we will fill 1t again for you. y
He pulled out an old handkerchief
wrapped the money in it, and put 1t in his
violin bag.
The stranger kept on playing, and the
people cried out, Bravo! bravo" in
great joy. lie played one tune, and then
another-even the children seemed carried
away with rapture. At last he played that
splendid sonnet "God bless the Emperor
Francis" All hats and caps flew off their
heads, for the people loved their Emperor
The song finally came to a close-the hour
was endcd-and the musician handed back
the violin to the old man.
"Thank ,you," said he. "May God
bless YOU" and he disappeared in the
crowd.
"Who is he +? who is he p said the PEG.
ME. Where did he come from W