The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1870-07-29
BLOOMSBURY PA, FRIDAY, JULY 80, 1870. .
COL. DEM. --- VOL. XXXIV.. NO. %.


well, proceeded in the French language
of which he was found to be master.
In concise terms, the valet made
known the object of his visit, and then
awaited a reply. When the name of
Charles DE Beriot was mentioned,
quick flush sufrused the pale, sad coun-
tenance of the young man and his large
clear blue eye sparkled as with pleasur-
able emotion.
For q moment he stood gazing on his
instrument, and then quickly,as though
prompted by sudden determination,
he grasped the violin and bow, at the
same lime eXclaiming:
"I will go with you! Lead the way"
Arriving at the hotel, De Beriot was
found to be insensible, and raving
under the burning heat of the fever.
With ready tact his wife received and
entertained the stranger, in the mean
while writing hurried note to the di-
rector, informing him how utterly i'm
possible it was for De Beriot to fulfill
his engagement that night, by reason
of his sudden and alarming illness. In
recommending the stranger as one suit
able to ill the sick mans place.
Evening came. The immense theatre
was crowded from pit to dome. Charles
De Beriot had been announced to play,
and hence the musical world of Genoa
had thronged to hear the great violinist
bring from his instrument those strains
which have rendered his name immor.
tai.
When the curtain rolled up, the di-
rector appeared, and in a faltering voice
announced the illness of the great mas
ter, and his inability to appear.
Without allowing time for an express
sion of feeling, he rapidly made known
that, under the sanction, and by recon-
mendation of Felicita Malibran, he had
secured substitute. and begged the
audience to at least have Il moments
patience.
Widespread murmuring5 ensued, but
finally order resumed its sway, and in
happy mood the perpieXed director dis
appeared to bring in the substitute.
A moment, and there stood the pale
faced young man, of the Wretched tene-
ment house, before that grand and ma
jestic audience his bow self-possesscd
but there was a strange, wild look in
the large, full eye, that told of thoughts
far away.
But suddenly he awakcns to the real.
ity around; the violin and bow are
placed in position, with an easy, grace
full motion.
Listen! oh, listen! Now the bow
glides slowly, and strange, weird sounds
are stealing throughout the vast audito
rum. How swcet-how plaintive
sc eming TO carry with the story that
some have already read in those large
soft eyes. that are looking far beyont
any present. And then the mood chan
ges, and like Lightning the supple arm
drives the quivcring bow across tn
vey just impression of that wonderful
performance.
De Beriot is forgotten. A death-likt
silence reigns; tears have started un
bidden to the eyes Of strong men lonl
used to such scenes; emotion, intens,
sy mpathy, open admiration, are depic
ted upon every countenance.
The strains grow weaker and weaker
the wearied arm can no longer perform
its duty-and the story Of silent, un
CO mplaining suffering, of want ant
gaunt starvation, of disappointed hope'
and blank despair, has been told, beer
WI ought out in strains Of such music 81
it seldom falls to the lot Of men to tn,
lot Of man to hear.
Suddenly piercing, thrilling or,
rings throughout the building-i
sounds like the voice Of one dying.
Tho violin falls crashing to the stage
the artist is seen sinking slowly to th
floor, as with outstretched hands, ant
in broken tones, he eXclaims:
Give me bread Give me food fO
am starving!"
For an instant the audience remained
silent, struck dumb with blank amaze
ment, and in speechless wonder sat ga
zing upon the senseless form.
But only a moment thus, and thel
amid hurried eXclamations of sympa
thy and kindly commiseration, ther
rolled upward a mighty volume Of Ell
thusiastic applause.
Men wondered at the almost divin
tai ent that they had that night wit
messed; and the question arose:
"Who is he? Where is he from 2"
The audience, at the request of tn,
director, have kept their seats; and, al
ter an interval, the young artist, re
newed and invigorated by bounteou
food and generous wine, again make
his appearance
The scenes Of the earlier part of tht
night are enacted. Again is that won
derful skill displayed, and again ant
again does the vast structure shake ant
quiver under the deafening applause.
Since that night, when friendosS
starving, he cried for food, the name o
this young man has gone forth TO tn,
utmost parts Of the civilized world Al
nations, all countries, all people hav
listened, rs did those on the night O
which we have spoken, to him who's
name has everywhere become house
hold wOrd-thc name of OLE BULL.
~ <<s -
TIE following anecdote is told Of Dr
Cabarrus, the great homeopathic physi
| II. L. Il L.