North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-06-12
geltrt gtnry.
THE STORY OF A PIANIST.

The next day after he came, his apart
ment was entered by a stranger-an old
man, whose appearance indicated misery
and suffering. The musician received him
with 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. Ex-
cuse me if take this title, notwithstanding
the distance that divides us but formerly
l could boast some skill of playing on
piano, and by giving instruction / gained
comfortable livelihood. Now l am old,
feeble, burdened with large family, and
destitute of pupils. | live at Nuremburg,
but I came to Prague to seek to recover
the remnant of small property which be-
longed to my ancestors. Although nomi-
nally successful, the expense of long liti-
CATION has more than swallowed up the tri-
fling sum recovered. To day set out
for home, penniless."
"And you have come to me? You have
done well, and | thank You for this proof of
your esteem. To assist brother professor
is to me more than a duty-it is pleasure.
Artists should have their purse in common;
and if fortune neglects some, in order to
treat the otherstbetter than they deserve, it
only makes it more necessary 10 preserve
the equilibrium by fraternal kindness
That's m5 system SO don't speak of graf
itude, for feel that | only discharge
debt"
AS he uttered these generous words,
List opened drawer in his writing-case,
and started when he saw,that his usual de-
pository for money contained but three
ducats. He summoned his servant.
"Where is the money 2" he asked.
There, sir" replied the man, pointing to
the open drawer.
"There :? Why, there's scarcely any
thing"
81 know it, sir. If you please to remem-
Der, told you yesterday that the cash was
| nearly exhausted"
"You see, my dear brother" SAID List,
smiling, ''that for moment am no rich
er than you but that does not trouble me.
| have credit, and l can make ready money
start from the keys of my piano. However
as you are in haste TO leave Prague and
return home, you shall not be delayed by
my present want OF IunQS.
So saying, he opened another drawer,
and, taking out 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. Liszt would not hear of
refusal, and the poor man at length with
| drew, after invoking the choicest blessings
| of Heaven on 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 ofthe magnificent
Jewels, with whose value he was unacquaint-
ed, the man of the shop very naturally sus-
pected his honesty; and, while pretending
to examine the diamonds with .close atten-
ton, he whispered a few words in the ear
| of one of his assistants. The latter went
out, and speedily returned; accompanied by
several soldiers of the police, who arrested
the unhappy artist, in spite of his protesta-
tions Of innocence,
"You come first to prison" they said !;
afterwards you can give an explanation to
the magistrate"
| The prisoner wrote few lines to his
benefactor, imploriDg his assistance, Liszt
hastened to the jeweler;
"Sir," said he,"you have caused the ar
rest of an innocent man. Come with me
Immediately, and let US have him released.
He is the lawful owner of jewels in ques-
tion, for gave them to him."
"But, sir, sir" asked the merchant, "who
are you?'
"Mv name is Liszt." s..
81 don't know of any rich man of that
name"
That may be; yet am tolerably well
known"
"Are you aware, sir, that these diamonds
are worth six thousand forins-that is to
say, about five hundred guineas, or twelve
thousand francs?"
$50 much the better for him on whom
have bestowed them"
"But in order to make such a present
you must be very wealthy"
envy actual fortune consists OF three du-
cats" ..s
"Then you are magician r.
"By no means; and yet, by just NOV
ing my fingers, l can obtain as much mon
ey as | WISH"
"You must be amagician .
eff you choose, I'll disclose to you the
magic employ"
List had seen piano in the-parIor be-
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. -t ESD 1r an
| As he sounded the first chords, beauti-