The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1871-06-22
JENNY LIND.
Hans. Christian Antlcrscn's kec0ilec'
tiOnS of Her.
lFrom Story of My Life.l


jenny Lind made her first appear
ance in Copenhagen as "Alice" in
Robert le Diable. It was like new
revelation in the realms of art; the
youthfully fresh voice forced itself
into every heart; here reigned truth
and nature; every thing was full of
meaning aud intelligence. Jenny
Lind was the first singer to whom
the Danish students gave serenade; F.;
torches blazed around the hospita-
BILE villa where the serenade was CIV
en-: she expressed her thanks by
again singing some Swedish songs,
and then saw her hasten into the
darkest corner and weep for emotion.
"Yes, yes" said she, 81 will exert
myself; ! will cndravor, | will be
better qualified than | am, when l
again come to Copenhagen"
On the stage she was the great
artistic who rose above all those
aiound her; at home, in her own
chamber, a sensitive young girl, with
all the humanity and piety ola child.
"There will not i'll whole centu-
ry," said Mendelssohn, speaking to
me of Jenny Lind, "be born an
other being so gifted as shc;;" and
his words expressed my full convic-
ton. One feels as she makes her ap-
pearance on the stage that she is a
pure vessel, from which holy
draught will be presented to us.
There is not any thing which can
lessen the impression which Jenny
Lind's greatness on the stage makes,
except her own personal character at
home. An intelligent and child-like
disposition exercises here its aston
ishing power; she is happy-belong-
ing, as it ware, no longer to the
world-a peaceful, quiet home is the
object of her thoughts; and yet she
loves art with her whole soul, and
feels her vocation in it. A noble,
pious disposition like hers can not
be spoiled by homage.
On one occasion only did | hear
her express her joy in her talent and
her lt-consciousness. 1t was dur
inc her last residence in Copen-
hagen. Almost every evening she
appeared either at the opera or at
concerts; every hour was in requisi-
ton. She heard of q society, the OBJ
iect of which was TO assist untOrtu-
nate children, and to take them out
of the hands of their parents, by
whom they were misused, and COM
PEELED either to beg or steal, and to
place them in other and better cir
cumstances. Benevolent people sub
scribed annually q small sum each
for their support; nevertheless, the
means Tor this excellent purpose were
yet small.
"But have not still q disengaged
evening?" said she; "let me give a
nights performance for the benefit
of these poor children; but we will
have double prices"
such performance was given, and
returned large proceeds. When she
was informed of this, and that by
this means q number Ofpoor children
would be benefited for several
years, her countenance beamed, and
tears filled her eyes.
"Is it not beautiful," said she, "that
l can sing so?"
Ivalue her with the feeling Of q
brother, and regard myself happy
that know and understand such a
spirit. God gave to her that peace
that quiet happiness which she wish.
es for herself.
Through Jenny Lind first became
sensible of the holiness there is in
art; through her l learned that one
must not forget ones self in the SER
vice of the Supreme. No hooks, nc
men have had better ormore ennob
ling influence upon me as the poet
than Jenny Lind, and /, therefore
have spoken Of her so long and Sc
WARMLY here