The Plymouth Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1869-1941, 1870-03-10
A Touching Incident i'm the Life of a
Distinguished ViOliniSt.

ONE beautiful summer day there was 9
great festival in the large park at Vienna
This park is called by the people the Pra
ter 1t is full of lovely trees, fine walks
and little pleasure houses. At the time
d of which am speaking it was almost GOV
cred with crowds of people. Among a
number Of organ grinders, beggars and
girls who played on harps there stood an
old musician. He had once been sol
dier but his pension was not enough to
live on. Still, he did not like to beg
therefore, on this particular festival day
he took his violin and played 6nder tree
in the park. He had faithful dog with
him. which lay at his feet and held hat
III his mouth, so that passers-by might
cast coins into it.
On the day which have just mentioned
the dog sat before him with the old hat
Many people went by, and heard the mu-
sician playing, but they did not help him
much. l wonder the people did not give
him more, for he was truly a pitlable OBJ
! iect His face was covered with scars re-
ceived in his country's battles, and he
wore long gray coat, which he had kept
ever since he had been in the army. lie
even had his old sword by his side, for he
would not walk in the street without car
rying 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 as he saw the mul-
titudes pass by in their strength, and
youth and beauty; for he knew that II he
did not obtain some money that evening
he would have to go to bed supperless.
His dog was better off, for he sometimes
found bone here and there to satisfy the
cravings of hunger.
1t was late III the afternoon, the musl-
clans hopes were almost like the sun
they were both going down together
and he placed his violin down by his side,
and leaned against the trees, the tears
streaming down his cheeks. He thought
none of that giddy crowd saw him; but
he was mistaken. Not far Oft stood gen
| tleman in fine clothes, who had kind
heart; and when he saw that no one gave
the soldier anything, he was touched with
sympathy. Going to the dog, and
! looking into the hat, he saw only two small
copper coins in it. He then said, "My
good friend, why do you not play longer:'
co." replied the old man, "my dear sir,
[ cannot; my arm is so tired that | cannot
| hold the bow; besides | have had no din
ner, and have little prospect of supper
The stranger resolved to aid him as
best he could and giving him piece OF
gold, said, Il will pay you if you will
4 :.
60" said the musician, this piece o1
money is worth more than half dozen
fiddles like mine.
"Never mind" said the stranger +; {"
only want to hire it one hour"
"Very well you can do what you VIII,
said the owner.
The gentleman took the fiddle and the
bow in his hands, and then said, Now
YOU take the money, and l will play.
am quite sure the people will give me some
thing"
The first air had not been finished be
fore the people, observing the strange
sight, and hearing beautiful music, stopped
a 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 people began to dror
money into the hat, and the dog seemed
delighted TO receive so many pieces O
gold for his master The circle of hearers
became larger and larger. Even the
coachmen of the splendid carriages begged
the people inside to stop and hear tn,
music. Still the money increased. Gold
silver and copper were thrown into th'
hat by old and young. The dog now be
gan to growl What could be the matter
One gentleman, as he dropped a larg,
piece of money into the hat had strucl
him on the nose and he came very nea
letting all the money fall. But the ha
soon became so heavy that he could no
hold it any longer.
empty your hat, old man." said th
people, land we will I'll it again for you.
He pulled out handkerchief and wrap
ped the money in it and put it in his violin
bag.
The stranger kept on playing, and tn
people cried out, Bravo! bravo" Ill
played first one tune and then another
, The children seemed carried off with de
light. At last he played "God bless tn
Emperor Francis" All hats and cap
flew off their heads, for the people loves
their emperor. The music came to al
end; the hour was ended, and the per
former handed back the violin to tn
happy and delighted old man.
"Thank you," said the gentleman
"May God bless you !" and he disappeare
in the crowd. Who is he, cried the pee
pie?
A certain person sitting in one of th
coaches said, "I know him. 1t is Alex
ander Boucher, the distinguished violinis
1t is just like him. He saw that the poo
musician needed help, and he has helpe
, him to good purpose"
The people then gave three cheers 70
Boucher and put more money in the ha
It's owner went home that evening richie
than he had ever been before. When h
(, went to his bed he folded his hands an
prayed that God might bless goo
Boucher;" so that, when he should com
to be old, he, too, might have friend
help him. Early London Days.