The union Democrat., 1870-03-26
A Touchin. Incident i'm the Life of n Dis.
tinsui>hed Hiolimist.

One beautiful summer day there was great
festival In the large park at Vienna This
park is called by the people the Prater. 1t is
full OF lovely trees, fine walks, and little pleas
ure 6ouSes. At the time of which | am
speaking II was almost covered with crowds
OF people. Among number Of organ-srind-
ers. beggars and girls who played on harps.
there stood an old musician. He had enee
been soldier 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 under tree in the
park. He had faithful dog with him.
which lay at his feet and held a hat in his
mouth, SO that passers-by might cast coins
into il.
On the dav which have just mentioned
the dog sat before him with the old hat.
Meny people went by, and heard the musi-
clan playing, but they did not help him much.
wonder the people did not give him more.
for he was truly ptiable 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 with
out carrying his trusty friend with him. He
had only three fingers on his right hand, so
that he held the bow With difficulty. A bn!-
let 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 a
boy with his father He looked sad enough
as he saw the multitudes pass by in their
strength. and youth and beauty for he knew
that if he did not obtain some money that
evening he would have TO 20 to bed sapper,
less. His dog was better off. for he sometimes
found bone here and there to satisfy the
cravings of hunger.
1t was late in the afternoon. the musicians
hopes We're almost like the sun-they were
both going down together-and he placed his
violin down by his side, and he 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 off stood gen
tleman in fine clothes, who had kind heart;
and when he saw that no one gave the soldier
anything, he vas touched with sympathy.
Going to the dog, and looking into the hat,
he saw only two snail copper coins in it. He
then said, 6 My good friend, why do you not
play longer"
| 60" replied the old man. nv deer 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.
4" will paw you if you will lend me your vio-
lin for an hour"
So" said the musician, ''this riece is
worth more shan half dozen tiddles like
mine"
~ \ Al. T
ly want to hire it one hour
8 Very well you caa 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 j VIII play. | am quite
sure the people will give me something"
The first air had not been finished before
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. Bv-and-
by the people began to drop money into the
hat. and the dog seemed delighted 70 receive
SC many pieces of 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 the
music Still the money increased. Gold.
silver and copper were thrown into the hat
bv old and Young. The deg now began to
growl. What could he the matter? One gen
tleman. 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. "and we will fill it again for YOU"
lie pulled out handkerchief and wrapped
the money in it and put it in his vicl;n-bag,
The stranger kept on playing. and the peo-
pie cried out. "Bravo bravo," lie PLAYED
first one tune and then another. The chill
dren seemed carried off with delight At last
he played "God bless the Emperor Francis"
All hats and caps flew off their heads. for the
people loved their emperor. The music came
to an end the hour was ended. and the per-
former handed back the violin to The happy
and delighted old man.
''Thank you." said the gentleman. "May
God bless ycu :" and he disappeared in the
crowd. Who is he, cried the people?
certain person sitting in one of coaches
said, II know him. Itis Alexander Boucher
the distinguished violinist. 1t is just like
him. Ee saw that the poor musician needed
help, and he has helped him to good purpose"
The people then gave three cheers for
Boucher. and put moro money in the hat. Its
owner went home that evening richer than he
had ever been before. When he went to bed
he folded his hands and prayed that God might
"bless good Boucher;" so that. when he
should come to be old, he. too, might have
friend to help him.-Edrly London Days.
A New WAY OF STEALING CoAT.-At the
fireman's ball. a few nights since, Central
Avenue merchant tailor was approached by a
man who said "Want ta dance?'
lie answered that be did, and the man said:
..Mell here's my Mifa wants to dance