Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1867-06-22
THE MUSICIANS MARRIAGE.

After having passed the summer in visit
ing the principle towns Of Germany, the Gel
ebra,ed pianist, Lszt, arrived at Prague, in
October, 1916.
The next day after he came his apartment
was entered by a stranger-an old man,
whose appearance indicated misery and suf.
fering. The great musician received him
with cordialty which he would not, per-
haps have shown to a noblemar. Encoura>
ged by his kindness, his visitor said:
~ come to you, sir, as a brother. Excuse
| me if take this title, notwithstanding what
divides US , bu, formerly could boast some
skill in playing on piano, and by giving
instructions l gained comfortable iveli
hood. Now am old, tesblc, burdened with
q large family, and destitute Of pupils. ]
live at Nuremburg, but l came to Prague,
to seek to recover the remnant of small
property which belonged to my ancestors.
Although nominally y.successfu|, the expense
Of q long litigation has more than swallowed
up the trtliug sum | T. covered. To-day |
set out for home peuniless."
And you have come to me? You have
done we'll, and | thank you for this proof OF
your esteem. To assist brother professor
is to me more than duty, it is a pleasure
Artists should have their purse in comm on
and if turtune neg lect some, in order to treat
others better than they deserve, it only
makes i: more necessary to preserve the
equilibrium by fraternal kindness. Tha.'s
my system; so don't speak Of gratitude, for
| feel that only discharge debt
AS be uttered these generous words, Liszt
opened drawer in his writing case, and
started when be saw thst his usual depos
tory for his money contained but three du-
cats He sum moned his servant
'Where is the money ?" he asked.
"There, sir, replied the man. pointing to
the open drawer.
There Why, there's scarcely anything"
II know it, sir. If yon please to remem-
Der, told you yesterday that the cash was
nearly exhausted"
"lou see, my dear bro,her,' said Liszt
smiling, "that for a moment am no richer
than you; but that does not trouble me. |
have credit and l can make ready money
start IRON the keys Of my piano. However,
as you are in haste to leave Prague and re.
turn home, you shall not te delayed by nv
present want of funds
SO saying he opened another drawer, and
taking cut splendid medallion, gave it to
the old man.
"There,' said he ''lhat will DO was a
present mi de to ne by the Emperor Of Aus.
tra-hls own portrait, set in diamonds. -
The painting is nothing remarkable, but the
stones are fine. Take them, aud whatever
they bring shall be yours"
Tie old musician tried in vain to decline
SO rich gift. Liszt would rot hear OF re
iusa aud the poor man at length withdrew,
after invoking the choicest blessings Of hea-
ven on his generous benelactor.
lie then repaired to the shop Of the prn-
ciple jeweer in the city, in order to sell the
diamonds. Seeing 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 in the ear Of one OF
his assistants. The latter went out, and
speedily returned, accompanied by several
soldiers Of police, who arrested the unhappy
artist in spite Of his protes,ations OF iuuo-
cence.
"Iou must first come to prison. they
said "uferwards you can give an explana>
tion to the mngistrate.'
The prisoner wrote few lines to his ben
etac,or, imploring his assistance. Liszt has
tened 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
lie is the lawful owner Of the jewels in ques-
ton. for gave them to him
"But, sir" asked the merchant, "who are
you?"
MY n>Me is Liszt."
Il don't know any rich man Of that name
THAT may he; yet | am tolerably well
known
"Are you aware, sir, that these diamonds
are worth six thousand horins. tina, is to
say about five hundred guineas, or twelve
thousand francs p
80 much the better for him on whom
have bestowed them.'
"You must be the possessor of grea. wealth
to be SO prodgal in your gifts"
'My actual fortune consists of three du
cats
Then you are a magician
.''ky no means ana yes, ~ jos. usoviug
my fingers. eau obtain as much money as
WISH
"You must be a magician"
'Ir you choose III disclose to you the ma
gic employ
Liszt bad seen piano in the parlor be-
hind the shop. He opened it, and ran bis
fingers over the Keys then, seized by sudden
inspiration, he improvised one of those soul
touching symphonies peculiar to himself
As he sounded the frs, chord, beautiful
young girl entered the rovm While the
melody continued she remained speeches.
and immovable; then, as the last note died
away, she cried, with rrepressibe enthusl-
asm
bravo, Liszs, It's wondrous!"