The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-11-29
Two Scenes in the Life of Haydn.
FROM THE GERMAN.

FROM THE GERMAN.
1t is AN early spring day in the year
1907. All Vienna is ont of doors-some
to enjoy the first really mild weather after
a long AID hard winter bnt the majority
to assemh'e in knots at the corners of the
streets .n.l discuss the all absorbing topics
of the approach of the French army, the
loss of another great battle, and the ru-
mored flight of the Emperor from the CAPT
tai. Some people said the whole Imperial
family had left the palace in the night
others that it was impossible, that the
Emperor would never show such cowardice
as to desert his people in the honr of dan
GER AS people went aimlessly hither and
thither inquiring for news, many of them
passed an unpretendipg little house in the
Gumpendorfe1 suburb OF Vienna, which,
surrounded by it's pretty garden and shady
trees, seemed to be quite ont of the noise
and turmoil of the world. Few passed this
house without stopping moment to gaze
at it, and, in case view of the occupants
could be obtained, to make a respectful
bow, for in that house lived Joseph Haydn,
the great musician, the pride of the Wen
nese, for was he not one of themselves, and
had he not resisted all the muniticent Of
fers of the King of England, in order to
come back and end his days in peace in his
own countryP
Absorbed in his nrt, Haydn was little
aware of the disastrous state of things in his
own country, or that the dreaded and hated
Bonaparte was rapidly marching towards
it, with victorious army. On the day
of which we speak, he was seated in his
own room at an open harpsichord, writin
the thoughts that occurred to him, his fine
ewes turned upwards from time to time as
If to seek inspiration from above. His long
white hair, and the stoop in his figure
showed him to be an old man but his
fresh complexion and brilliant eyes told his
Youthful enthusiasm had not been quench
ed by the march of time, and that in heart
and mind he was still young man.
He was employed at that moment in the
composition of the Creation, 1.-The words oil
which had been sent him from England
After reading them over several times, be
had got out paper and ink and was just
beginning to lot down the musical thoughts
that suggested themselves, when a sudden
impulse made him rise and hasten into the
next room. {" No." he exclaimed, hal
aloud, :'such a divine subj ect rs this is not tC
be treated, except with the greatest solemni,
ty both of manner and dress, and so shall
put on my Sunday clothes.' So saying, he
threw off his dressing gown and began tt
attire himself in n suit of clothes which
was placed in readiness in his wardrobe
and which consisted of long satin waist
coat edged with silver and u brown Goa
with mother o'-pearl buttons; then he tiet
carefully round his neck cravat trimmed
with lace and finally took out of an etui {
costly diamond ring, which had been pre-
scented to him by Frederick the Great, ane
put it on his finger ant then he stood befor,
the glass, and he inspected his figure will
some satisfaction. eyes, that will do" In
said with a smile. Only one thing is want
ing" Then going to q drawer, he took care
fully out of a paper n broad blue ribbon,
embroidered in silver characters, and fasten
ed it to his watch. az said should only pu
it on on grand occasions" he exclaimed
sand what can be a grander one than wheI
I am to have the honor of writing thu
praises of my God and my Kingf"
Then going back into his study he fel
on his knees and lifted his eyes to heaven
exclaiming, 80 my Lord Ged, give be
wisdom to execute rightly this work, which
treats of Thee and of the glorious wonder
of Thy Creationi"
Then he sat down at his desk and began
his composition, going from time to time t.
his instrument to play the airs as they ros
in his mind and to try the combination o
chords Like lightning flew his pen owe
the paper, and crowd of beautiful mclo
dies seemed to fill his soul for time, AM
then he stopped. He read again the word
of the poem, but not an appropriate or al
equate expression in music could he nnd
he put his hand to his head sadly, and Ie
the pen glide from the paper. Sudden J..
jumping up he went over to little prize
dieu in the corner, and taking up n rosar,
which lay on it, be passedlit rapidly through
his fingers, saying softly the prayers o
which it was to remind him as he walked
up and down. AT the end, o bright CLEAN
passed over his expressive features, frest
melodies arose 10 his mind, and returning t.
his desk he exclaimed, 81 thank Thee, {
The history Of this blue ribbon a curious one
When Hayden In England he wss made lion of
everywhere % AT one house where be was IN
vited that of Mr. Shaw, every ono OF the lades had
bluo ribbon her hair with the name Haydn embroi
deTed in silver It, and the host had the same MANS
worked fine pearls in the collar OF his coat whct
made IL appear like livery. The hostess before
he took hs leave asked hi. for souvenT and he gave
her little cid sDutbox he had carried Tor some time
and then he aaked IL by giving him some
trife aa Q memorial OF his visit She immediately tool
the blue ribbon from her hair and handed IT 20 hin
telling him 70 for her cake Haydn assured hei
with bow, that he would only weAr q on esy grea