Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1867-06-14
The Musicians Marriage.

iting the principal towns IN Germany, Tue
celebrated pianist, Listz, arrived at Prague,
in October, 1846.
The mex, day after lie came his apart
ment was entered by a stranger--an old
man, whose appearance indicated misery
and suffering. The great musician received
him with cordially which he would not
perhaps, have shown to noblenan. En-
couraged by his kindness, his visitor said
81 come to you, sir, as a brother. 'Ex-
cuse me if take this title, notwithstand-
ing the distance that divides us but for
merly could boast some skill in playing
on piano, and by giving instruction
4 gained comfortable livelihood. Now
& an. old, feeble, burdened with large
family, and destitute of pupils. ! live
at Nurrmburgh, but came to Prague to
seek to recover the remnant of a small
property which belonged 10 my ancestors.
Although nominally successful, the ex-
pense of long litigation has more than
swallowed up the trifling sum ! recovered.
To-day set out for home-penniless.a
aAnd you have come to me? You
have done well, and | thank you for your
esteem. TO assist brother professor Is to
me more than duty, it is pleasure. Ar
lists should have their purse in common
and il fortune neglect some, in order to
treat others better than they deserve, i
only makes it more necessary to preserve
the equilibrium by fraternal kindness.
That's my system; SO don't speak Of graf
itude for feel tha. only discharge a
debt"
AS he ute; ed these generous words,
List opened drawer in his writing case,
and started when he saw that this usual
depository for his money contained but
three ducats. He summoned his servants
Where is my money l" he asked.
"There, SIR replied the man pointing
to the open drawer.
There Why, there's scarcely any
thing.
al know it sir. If you please to re
member, I told you yesterday that the casf
was nearly exhausted
You see, my dear brother" said I4iszt
smiling, :. that for moment am no rich
er than you; but that does not trouble me
have credit, and can make ready mon
ey start from the keys Of my piano. How
ever, as yon are in haste TO leave Pragu
and return home, you shall not be dclaye
by my present want Of funds"
So saying, he opened another drawer
and taking out a splendid medallion, CAV
il to the old man.
There" said he, g that will do 1t wa
present made to me BY the Emperor {
Austria-his own portrait, setfn diamonds
The painting is nothing remarkable, br
the stones are fine. Take them and di;
pose Of them, and whatever they brin
shall be yours"
The old musician tried in vain to refus
so rich gift. List would not hear Of
refusal, and the poor man at length Will
drew after invoking the choicest blessing
Of heaven on his generous benefactor.
He then repaired to the shop OF Il
principal jeweller in the city, in order
sell the diamonds. SEEING misera6
dressed man anxious to dispose Of magni
cent Jewels, with whose value he was u
acquainted, the master of the shop We
naturally suspected his honesty; an
while appearing to examine the damon
with close attention, he whispered f
words in the ear Of one of his assistan
The latter went out and speedily returnt
accompanied by several soldiers of poli'
who arrested the unhappy artist in sp
Of his pro,estations Of innocence.
You must first come to prison." tn
said "afterward you can give an exp
nation to the magistrate
The prisoner wrote few lines to
benefactor, imploring his assistance. Lii
fastened to the jeweller.
Sir" said he, "you have caused
arrest of an innocent man. Come "
me Immediately, and let US have him
leased. He is the lawful owner OF
Jewels in question, for ] gave them to hir
But, sir" asked the merchant,
are you?"
"My name is List.
81 don't know any rich man Of I
name."
"That may be; yet am tolerably v
"a n known"
o,r .Are you aware, sir, that these {
monds are worth six thousand forin
,ow that is to say, about five hundred guin'
. :, or twelve thousand francs"
r;.o so much the better for him on wi
/ have bestowed them"
nc, 81 But in order to make such prei
corn you must be very wealthy"
The "My actual fortune consists Of Il
.