Maryland free press., 1866-12-06
VOLUME I.
The Poor Musician and his Mate.

This park is called by the people the Pra-
ter. It is full Of lovely trees. splendid
walks, and little rustic pleasure houses.
At the time of which am speaking,
there were people there; some young and
some old, and many strangers, too. All
those who were there enjoyed such scene
as they probably had never behed. Be
that as it may, the Prater was almost COW
cred with the crowds of people. Among
the number were organ-grinderS the beg
gars, 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 particular
festival day, he took his old violin and
played under an old tree in the park. He
had good old faithful dog with him,
which lay at his feet; and he held an old
hat in his mouth. so that the passer by
might cast coins in 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 man playing, but they did
not throw much in. I wonder the people
did not give him more. for he was truly
pitiable object. His face was covered with
scars received in battle, and he wore
long gray 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 had three fingers on his right
hand, so he had to hold the bow of the vi
olin with these. A bullet had taken off
the TWO others-and almost at the same
time cannon ball had taken off 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 a boy with his father. He looked
sad enough as he saw the multitude pass
hy 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 little garret room. His old dog was
better off. for he had often found bone
here and there to satisfy the cravings of
hunger. 1t was late in the afternoon. his
hopes were almost like the sun-they we're
both going down tos sether He had pla-
ced his old violin down by his side and
leaned against an old tree The t ears
streamed down his SCARED cheeks. He
thought that none of that giddy crowd saw
him, but be was much mistaken.
Not far of stood q gentleman in fne
clothes. who had kind heart. He listen
e i to the old musician. and when he saw
that no one gave him anything. his hea rt
was touched with sympathy. He finally
went to the dog. and looking into the hat.
saw only two little copper coins in it. He
then said to the old musician
my good friend, why don't you play
longerT'
"Oh.' replied the old man. "My dear
sir. l cannot; my poor old arm is SO tired
that cannot hold the bow; besides,
have no dinner, and have little prospect of
supper
The old man wiped his feeble hands,
The kind gentleman with whom he had
talked resolAed to aid him as best he could,
He gave him piece of gold. aud said:
"rll pay you that if you loan me your
violin for an hour"
"Oh," said the musician, "this piece of
money is worth more than half dozen old
fddles like mine"
"Never mind" said the gentleman, II
only want to hire it one hour"
"Very well, you can do what you will"
ssid 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 I will play. I am quite suro 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 hard
ly believe that it was his old violin that
such beautiful sounds came from. Every
note was like pearl. The 6rst piece had
not been finished before the people, obser-
wing the strange sight, and hearing such
wonderful music, stopped moment in GU
riosity. Every one saw that the fine look
ing 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 30 many rieces ofgold