The Shasta courier., 1867-07-20
COURIER
The Musicians Marriage.

After having passed the summer in visit
ing the principal towns of Germany, the
celebrated pianist, Liszt, arrived at Prague
in October, 1876.
The next day after he came, his apart
ment was entered by stranger-an old man.
whose appearance indicated misery and suf.
ferng. The great musician received him
with a cordiality which he would not, per-
haps, have shown to nobleman. Encour-
aged by his kindness, his visitor said:
" come to you, sir, as brother. Excuse
me if | take this title; notwithstanding the
distance that divides US; tut formerly |
could boast some skill in playing on the
piano, and by giving instructions | gained
comfortable livelihood. Now, | am old,
feeble burdened with large family and des-
titute of pupils. live at Nuremberg, but
l came to Prague to seek to recover the rem
nant of small property which belonged to
my ancestors. Although nomnally success
ful, the expense of long litigation has more
than swallowed up the trfiing sum recov-
cred. To day set out for home penniless
And you have come to me? You have
done well, and 1 thank you for this proof of
esteem. To assist brother professor is to
me more than duty, it is pleasure. Ar.
fists should have their purse in common
and If fortune neglects some, in order to
treat others better than they Deserve it only
makes 1T the more necessary to preserve the
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, List
opened a drawer in his writing desk and
started when he saw that his usual deposi.
tory for his money contained but three ducats.
He summoned his servant
'' Where is the money ?' he asked.
There, sir" replied the man, pointing to
the open drawer.
There? Why, there's scarcely any
thing"
' / know i. sir. If you please to remem-
Der, told you yesterday that the cash was
nearly exhausted"
+" You see, my dear brother" said Lizst,
smiling, that for moment | am no richer
than you; but that does not trouble me. [
have credit, and | can make ready 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 a splendid medallion, gave it to
the old man.
There" said he " that will do. 1t was
present made to me by the Emperor of
Austria-his own portrait set in diamonds
The painting is nothing remarkable but the
stones are fine. Take them and dispose of
them, and whatever they bring shall be
yours"
The old musician tried in vain to decline
so rich gift. Lzst would not listen to a
refusal, and the poor man at length withdrew
after invoking the choicest blessings of
Heaven upon his generous benefactor.
He then repaired to the shop of the prin-
cipal jeweler in the city, in order to sell the
diamonds. Seeing a miserably dressed man,
anxious to dispose of magnificent Jewels,
with whose value he was unacquainted, the
master of the shop very naturally suspected
his honesty; and while appearing to exam
Inc the diamonds with close attention, he
whispered few words to one of his assis
tants. The latter went out, but speedily re-
turned, accompanied by several soldiers of
police, who arrested the unhappy artist in
spite of his protestations of innocence
You must first come to prison." they
said, :" afterwards you can give an explana-
tion to the magistrate"
The prisoner wrote few lines to his bene
factor, imploring his assistance. Liszt hast
ened to the Jeweler.
Sir, said he, "you have caused the
arrest of an innocent man, Come with me
Immediately, and let us have him released.
He is the lawful owner of the Jewels in ques-
ton, for | gave them to him.
"But sir" asked the merchant, "who are
your"
my name is List"
= l don't know any rich man of that
name"
THAT may be; yet l am toerably we'll
Known
" Are you aware sir that these diamonds
are worth six thousand forins-that is to
say, about five hundred guineas or twelve
thousand frances"
" So much the better for him upon whom /
have bestowed them"
" But in order to make such present you
must be very wealthy"
MY actual fortune consists of three du-
cats"
men you are magician ~
by no means, and yet, by Just moving
my fingers | can obtain as much money as /
wish
" You must be magician ~
If you choose, I'll disclose to Won the
magic l employ"
Llszt had seen a piano in the parlor he
hind the shop. He opened it and ran his
fingers over the keys; then, seized by sudden
inspiration. he improvised one of those soul
touching symphonies peculiar to himself
As he sounded the first chords, beautiful
young girl entered the room. While the
melody continued she remained speechless
and immovable; then as the last note died
away, she cried, with irrepressible enthu
siasm:
Bravo, Lisztl tits wondrous 70
"Dost thou know him then, my daughter ~
asked the jeweler.
This is the first time that 1 have had the
pleasure OF seeing or hearing him. replied
she; "but | do know that none living
save List, could draw such sounds from the
piano."
Expressed with grace and modesty, by a
young person of remarkable beauty, this ad.
miration could not fail to be fiattering to the
artist. However, after making his best ac
In la6r tc