Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-19
ALEXANDER BOUCHER.
A Touching Incident i'm the Life of
the Distinguished ed ViOlinisf.

great festival in the large park at Vienna.
This park is called by the people the
Prater. 1t is full of lovely trees, fine
i walks, and little pleasure-houses. AT
the time of which am speaking it was
almost covered with crowds of people.
Among a number of organ-grinders, beg
gars, and girls who played on harps,
there stood an old musician. He had
once been a soldier, but his pension was
not enough to live on Still, he did not
like to beg therefore, on ibis particular
day, he took his violin and played under
a tree in the park. He had a faithful dog
with him, which lay at his feet and held
hat in his mouth, so that passers-by
might cast coins into it.
On the day which l have just men
toned the dog sat before him with the
old hat. Many people went by, and
heard the musician playing, but they
did not help him much. | wonder the
people did not give him more, for he
was truly pitiable object. His face was
covered with scars received in his coun-
try's battles; and he wore long gray
coat, which he had kept ever since he
had been in the army He even had his
old sword by his side, for he would not
walk in the street without carrying his
trusty friend with him. He had only
three fingers on his right hand, so that
he held the bow with difficulty A bullet
had taken off the two others, and almost
at the same time cannon ball had taken
off his left leg. The last money he had
had been spent in buying new strings for
his violin, and he was now playing, with
all his strength, the military air he had
learned when boy with his father He
looked sad enough when he saw the null
titude pass by in their strength, and
youth and beauty for he knew that if
he did not obtain some money that even
ing he would have to go to bed supper
less His dog was better off for he
sometimes found q bone here and there
to satisfy the cravings of hunger.
II was late in the afternoon; the musi-
clans hopes like the sun-they were
both going down togethcr-and he placed
his violin down by his side, and leaned
against the tree, the tears streaming
down his cheeks. He thought none of
that giddy crowd saw him; but he was
mistaken. Not far off stood gentleman
in fine clothes, who had a kind heart
and when he saw that no one gave the
soldier anything, he was touched with
sympathy. Going to the dog, and look
ing into the hat, he saw only two copper
coins in it. He then said, My good
friend, why do you not play longerY
ooh, " replied the old man, my dear
sir, / cannot; my arm is so tired that
cannot hold the bow; besides, have had
no dinner, and have little prospects of
supper. "
The stranger resolved to aid him as
best he could and, giving him piece of
gold, said, 81 will pay you if you will
lend me your violin an hour.
"Oh," said the musician, this piece
of money is worth more than half a
dozen fiddles like mine.
Never mind, said the stranger; " l
only wanted to hire it one hour.
Every well; you can do what you will,
said the owner.
The gentleman took the fiddle and the
bow in his hands, and then said, Now,
you take the money, and | will play. |
am quite sure the people will give me
something
The first air had not been finished be-
fore the people, observing the strange
sight. and hearing beautiful music,
stopped moment in curiosity. Every
one saw that the fine looking stranger
was playing for the poor man, but none
knew who he was By and by the peo
people began to drop money into the hat,
and the dog seemed delighted to receive
so many pieces of gold for his master
The circle of hearers became larger and I
larger Even the coachmen of the splen-
did carriages begged the people inside to
stop and hear the music. Still the money
increased. Gold, silver and copper were .
thrown into the hat, by old and young. /
The dog now began to growl. What I
could be the matter? One gentleman as .
he dropped a large piece of money into .
the hat. had struck him on the nose, and .
he came very near letting all the money
fall. But the hat soon became so heavy
that he could not hold it any longer.
Empty your hat, old man, said the
people, and we viii fill it again for
you
He pulled out a handkerchief and
wrapped the money in It and put 1t in
his violin bag.
The stranger kept on playing, and the
people cried out "Bravol bravo He
played first one tune and another. The
children seemed carried off with delight
At last he played "God bless the En-
peror Francisl" All hats and caps few
off their heads. for the people loved their
Emperor. The music came 70 an end;
the hour was ended, aud the performer
handed back the violin to the happy and
delighted old man.
Thank you, said the gentleman.
" MAY God bless youl" and he disap-
pearedin the crowd.
Who is he2" cried the people.
A certain person sitting in one of the
coaches said. l know him; It is Alex
ander Boucher, the distinguished violin
ist. 1t Is just like him; he saw that the
poor musician needed help, and he has (
helped him TO good purpose
The people then gave three cheers for {