Litchfield enquirer., 1866-06-28
THE MUsICIANstAND HIS MATE.

Ioii or iovely trees, splenQld walks, and little rustic pleasure houses Attbe time of which .m speaking there were p-ope there, some ynung and some old, ard many strangers too. A d all those who Were there enj,ved such g scene as they had probably never bshelj before, Be that as it may, the Prater was almost covered with the crowds of people .-- Among the number were the organ-gnnders, beggars. and girls who played on, harps.-- There stood an old musician. He had once. b,en soldier, but his pension was not enough to live on. Still he didn't like to beg there fore, on this par,icu ar festival day he toox his viloIln and played und-r an old tree in the park. He had good faithful old dog along with him which lay at his feet. and held an old hat in his mouth, so that passers by might cast coins in it for the poor old man. -.
 ca the day or rne festival which have now meationed, the >dog Sat before him, with the old hat, Many people went by and heard the old muscian plsy ing, but they didn't throw much in. I wonder the people did no, give him more, for he was tluly pitiable ob- ject. Ills face was covered with scars receiv- ed in his country battles, and he wore long gray coat, such as he had kept ever since he had been i4 the army. He even had hls old sword b. 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 his violin with these. A bullet had taken eff the two others, and almost at the same time a cannon ball had taken of his left leg The last money he had, had been spent in buy ing new strings for his violin, and he was now playing with all his strength the old marches be had heard so often when 8 boy with his fa- ther. He looked sad enough as he saw the multitudes pass by in their strength and youth an beauty, but whenever they laughed it was l ke dagger to his soul, for be knew on that very evening he would have to go to bed sup perless, hungry as he was, and lie on straw couch in @ little garret room. His old d ,g was bett'r of, for he often found bone here and thee to Satisfy the cravings of hunger.- It was late in the afternoon, his hopes were al- most like the sua-they were both going dow n tt-@ -A has I H.. .,'sead his nlh xalins down hv bus side, and leaned against an old tree. The tears streamed down his scarrsd cheeks. He thought that none of that giddy crowd saw him, but he vas much m st .ken. Not far of stood gentleman in iue clothes who had kind heart. He listened to the old musician, aud when hs saw that no one gave him any. thing, his heart 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 long, er7' -.' .g-'. &
 'Oh,' replied the old man, my dear sir, cannot; my poor arm is 80 tired that can. no' held 'he bow ; besides, I have had no din. ner, and have little prospect of suppsr.'
 The old man wip' his feeble hands. The kind gentleman with whom he talked re. solved to aid him as best he could. He gave him piece of gold, and said. ....
 m pay you, if you will loan me your vio. lin for one hour
 'Oh!s'id ,hs musician, this piece of mol ey is worth more than half dozen ola Gddles like mins.' .s .-..s,...
 Never mind said the gentleman I only want to hire it one hoar.' F -.-t :. .:.
 Very well you can do what you will. said the owner. e- s-s -t.z~aE
 The gentleman took the fiddle and bow in his hands, and then said to the old man,
 Now my ate, you take the money, and I will pl ?. lam quite sure people will give us something" azi@ @@52 -.t'a o's
 Now, was not that singular musical associ ation? They had just become acquainted, and immediately entered into an arrangement to work together for the public. The strange gentleman began to lay. His mate looked at him with treat wond r; he was 30 stirred that he could hardly believe it was his old vio- lin that such beautiful sounds came from. Ey- cry note was like pearl. The first piece had not been finished before the people, observing the strange sight, and hearing such wonderful music, stopped moment in curiosity. Every one saw that the fne-looking gentleman was playing for the poor man, and none knew who he was. -. ..-.......
 By and by the people began 10 drop money into the hat, and the old dog seemed delighted % receive so many pieces of gold for his mas- ter. The circle of hearers became larger and larger. Even the eoachmen of the splendid carriages begged the people inside to stop and hear the music. Still the money inereased.-t Gold, silver and copper were thrown into the hat by old and young. The old dog began to growl.s What in the world could be the mat ter Che gentleman, as he dropped a piecs oi money into the hat, had struck hl1n on the nose, and he came very near letting the ha. and the money fall. But it soon became so heavy | at he could not hold itany longer.
 Empty your hat, old man, said the people, and we will fill itagain for you \ ..ts8w
 ae pulled out an old handkerchief aad