The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1870-01-28


One beautiful summer day there
t. 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 rustic
pleasurc-houses. At the time of
which l am sreaking it was almost
covered with crowds of people. =
Among number of organ-grinders,
beggars and girls who played on
haTps, 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 this particular festival day he took
his violin and played under tree in
the park. He had a faithful dog with
him, who lay at his feet and held a
hat in his mouth, SO that patsers-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 him much. 1 wonder the
people did not give him more, for he
was truly d pitiable object. His face
was covered with scars received in his
country's battles, and he wore a long
grey coat, which he had kept ever
since he had been i'm the army. He
even had his old sword by his side,
for would not walk in the street with
out carrying his trusty friend with
him. He had only three fingers on
j his right hand, so that he held the
bow with difficulty. A bullet had ia
ken off the two others, and almost at
the same time q cannon-ball had taken
of his left leg. The last money he
had had been spent in buying strings
for his violin, and he was now play
ing with all his strength the military
air he had learned when boy with
his father. He looked sad enough as
he saw the multitude pass by in their
strength, youth and beauty; for he
knew that if he did not obtain some
money that evening he would have to
90 TO bed suppelless. His dog was
better of, for he sometimes found a
bone here and there to satisfy the
cravings of hunger. TsE
1t was late in the afternoon, the
musicians hope were almost like the
snn-they were both going down to-
gether--and he placed his violin down
by his side, and leaned against the
tree, the tears streaming down his
checks. He thought none of that
giddy crowd saw him; but he was
mistaken. Not far off stood gontle-
man 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.
lie then said, any good friend, why
do you not play longer"
"Oh," replied the old man, "my
dear sir, cannot; my arm is so tired
flat 1 cannot hold bow; besides i
have had no dinner, and l have little
prospect of supper"
The stranger resolved to aid him rs
best he could; and giving him piece
of gold, said, II will pay you if you
will lend me your violin for an hour
"Oh," said the musician, "this
piece of money is worth more than a
NAH uOLCn Inv IhInC.
Never mind" said the stranger;
" only want to hire it for one hour"
"Fery well; you can do what you
WILL" said the owner.
The gentleman took the fiddle and
the bow ia his hands, and then said,
Now, you take the money, and will
play. am quite sure the people will
give us something"
The first air had not been finished
before the people, observing the
strange sight, and hearing beautiful
music, stopped moment in curiosi-
ty. Every ore saw that the fine look
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 coachmon of the
splendid carriages begged the people
inside to stop and hear the music
Still the money increased. Gold, sill
yer and copper were thrown into the
hat by old and voung. The dog now
began to growl. What could be the
matter? One gentleman, as he drop
ped large piece of gold into the hat
had struck him on the nose, and he
came very near letting all the money
heavy that he could not hold it any
longer. = ftss 50 - s. -
Empty your hat, old man." said
the people, land we will fill it again
for YOU"
lie pulled out a handkerchief. and
wrapped the money in il. and put in
his violin-bag.
The stranger kept on playing, and
the people cried out, " Bravo! Bra
vow He played first one tune and
then another. The children seemed
carried off with delight. AT last he
played "God bless the Emperor +, an
cisw All hats and caps flew of their
heads, for the people loved their En-
peror. The music came 10 an end !;
the hour was ended, and the perform
or handed hack the violin 10 the man.
THANK you," said the gentleman
may God bless you'll and lac disap-
pcared in the crowd.
"Who is he? who is he:" said lie
people. "Wherc does he. come
from?'
A certain person sitting in one of
the coaches said, al know him. 1t is
Alexander Boucher, the distinguished
violinist. 1t is just like him. lie saw
that poor musician needed help, and
lie 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 had ever been
before, When he weut TO his 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.
Our World.