Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-01-12
What he Did, and who he Was.

~@Nse
What he Did. and Who he Was.
One beautiful summer day there was
great festival iu the large park at Vienna. /
lhis park is called by tao people the Prater.
1t is iuil Of lovely trees, Inc walks, and lit
tle rustic pleasure-hOuses. At the tine of
which 1 am speaking IL was almost covered
with crowds oi people Among number of
organ-uiuders, Oeggars, aud girls who played
ou narps, there stood an Old musician. lie
had once been "a soldier, but his pension was
MT enough to live on. Stll he did not like
TO beg; therefore on this particular festival
day ne took his violin, aud played under
/ tree in tle park. lie had faithful dog with
/ him. which lay at ais feet, and held a hat in
I his mouth, so that passefs-by might cast coins
into il.
On the daywhich havejust mentioned, the
dog sat before hlm with the Old nat. Many
people went by and heard the musician play
inL; 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 country's
battles. and be wore a 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 streets
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
buffet had t4ken of the two others, and al
most at the same time a cannon n-ball had tax
en of his left leg. The last money he had,
had been spent IN buying new strings for bis
violin, aud ne was nov playing with all his
strength the military air he had learned when
a boy with his father. He looked sad enough,
as he saw the multitudcs pass by in their
strength, aud youth and beauty for he knew
that II he did not obtain some money that
evening he would have to 20 to bed supper
less His dog was better of; for he some
times found a bone here and there to satisfy
the cravings Of hunger.
1t was late in the afternoon, the musicians
hopes were almost like the sun--they were
both going down togeiher-aud he placed his
violin down by his side, and leaned against
the tree, the tears streaming down his cheeks
lie 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 aud when he saw that no one
gave the tattered 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, Ee then said, MY
good friend, why do you not play longsr?'
30, replied the old mau, my dear sir,
| cannot; my arm is so tired that | cannot
hold the bow besides have had no dinner,
and have little prospect Of supper"
The stranger resolved to aid him as best he
could and, giving him piece of gold, said
/" will pay you, if you will lend me your
violin for an hour
90" said the musician, this piece of
money is worth more thau haf-a.dozeu fiddles
like mine
Never mind, said the stranger; l." only
want to hire it one hour
Very well you can do what you will, 7"
said the owner.
TIE gentleman took the fiddle aud the bow
in his hands, and then said, " Now, you take
the money, and | will play. l am quite sure
the people will give US something
The first air had not been finished before
the people, observing the strange sight, aud
hearing beautiful music, stopped moment in
curiosity. Every Que saw that the fne-ook-
ing stranger was playing for the poor man
but none knew who he was. By-and-by the
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 larger. Even the
coachman Of the splendid carriages begged
the people inside to stop and hear the music
Still the money increased Gold, silver, and
int l,tk L.. L
young. The dog now began to growl. What
could be the matter? One gentleman as
he dropped 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 peo-
pie, aud we will fill it again for you"
He pulled out handkerchief, and wrapped
the money in it, aud put it in his violin.bag.
The stranger kept on playing, aud the peo-
pie cried out, Bravo bravo He play
ed first one tune and then another. The
children seemed carried away with delight
At last he played, :" God bless the Emperor
Francis " All hats and caps few off their
heads, for the people loved their Emperor.
The music came to an end: the hour was
ended and the performer handed back the
violin to the old man.
/" Thank you" said the gentleman May
God bless you " and he disappeared in the
crowd
"Who is he ? who is he - said the peo-
pie. "Where does he come from ? "
A certain person sitting in one Of the
coaches said, " know him. 1t is Alexander
Boucher, the distinguished violinist. 1t is
just like him. He saw that poor musician
needed help, and he has helped him to good
purpose
The people then gave three cheers for
Boucher, and put more money in the hat. Its
owner went home that evening richer than he
r had ever been before. Whsn he went to his
bed, he folded his hands, and prayed that God
/ might 4" Bless good Boucher /" so that, when
. he should come to be old, he too might have a
friend to help him.-L0'lfelloW.