Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1876-12-07
MOZART +;
OR
THE YOUNG MUSICIAN.
fTranslated from n. Ftench /

month of April, in the year 1862, tina
two children-one girl about eigh
years old, and the other boy, per
haps two years younger-descended
the vine covered hill of Kosoheez, al
the foot of which rushed unanimously
the beautiful and rapid waters of the
Moldau, which are finally lost in the
ancient forests of Bohemia.
Instead of tripping along with the
careless gaiety of their age, the two
children, holding each other by the
hand, walked side by side, with
thoughtful looks and downcast eyes
uniting the gravity of mature age with
the charm and innocence of child
hood
Their attire betokened poverty
the color of the little girls froek was
faded, the clothes of the boy were
much worn, and patched at the elbows
and knees with different colored stuff;
but nevertheless, the neatness with
which their fair hair had been
combed, and their fresh-washed hands
and faces, seemed to indicate the love
and care of mother.
They each had in one hand a piece
of bread, which they looked at now
and then, but did not touch. AS
soon as they reached the foot of the
hill, and were about to enter the
shade of the forest trees, the little
boy broke the silence.
Did you notice sister, he said, the
manner in which mamma gave us our
breakfast this morning and how
she sighed when said, Nothing but
bread y
yes; and she was crying = said
the little girl. 4 saw her tears and
her look, hich seemed to say, 'There
is nothing but bread in the house, and
you must be content with it. But
what are you crying for Wolfgang ?
added Frederick, while she shed tears
herself.
4 cry, because you cry said Wolf
gang 'and also because have only
dry bread for my breakfast =
Poor fellow said Fredelico, dry
Ia tHS yves vi uCi OlOlusi Will q
kiss may you never have a greater
grief. But why do you not eat your
bread 2
Il am not hungry answered the
boy.
sAb, you would not want begging
to eat, if there was something nice
upon your bread = said his sister.
No, indeed answered the boy, Il
am not hungry !!
The little girl drew her brother
toward her. and. parting the hair from
his forehead, she said Il would give
you kiss, and tell You what | was
thinking of this morning, only am
afraid you are too little to talk to of
such things =
Too little! and you are so big, you!'
said Wolfgang, with tone of affected
pity.
But ] am bigger than you 7 said
the little girl.
by an inch or two ; SO you need
not be proud Off 7 answered the
boy.
And | am older than you!
BY few months =
BY some years, sir. But let US
reckon, and not quarrel about it ? said
Frederick, good-humoredly. 4 was
born en- the 30th of January. 1854
'And | was born on the 9th of
January, 1856, said Wolfgang.
That makes two years = sa d the
little girl
'All but three daye!' said the boy.
Yes all but three daysn repeated
the girl But let us think what we
can do to help our parents
what are you talking about, SIS
ter?' said the boy what can we do 2
That is what | am thinking of. O
Heaven what can we do?'
Let us pray to God, sister; and
then, herhaps, we shall think of some
thing said Wolfgang.
You are right, brother let us
pray answered the girl let US kneel
down under this tree ; God will see
rs !!
and hear US too, said Wolfgang.
Mamma says that God always hears
children who pray for their parents =
'Ah then He will hear US favor
ably 7 said Frederick, clasping her
hands.
Wolfang knelt down beside his
sister, putting his bread on the
ground, in order to join his hands
SISTER he then said. shall we not
also pray to our great saint. John
Nepomucene, to assist US ?
Yes, to John Nepomucene !! an
swered Frederick.
Then do you begin, sister and |
will follow answered the boy.
The little girl than said her prayer
and ended by asking for the interces-
sion OF the Bohemian saint, the little
boy repeating the prayers after her.;
and both were SO earnestly engaged
with what they were about, that they
did not perceive man, of somewhat
advanced age and of noble and dis
tinguished appearance, who stood at
some little distance from the tree be-
meath which they knelt.
Our prayer is finished, brother,
said the little girl.
And granted, too said Wolfgang,
rising in his turn.
Already ! exclaimed his sister.
Yes, | thought of something while
you were praying answered Wolf
gang.
Then St John Nepomucene must
have whispered it in your ear = re-
piled his sister.
Il do not know whether it was St.
John Nepomucene, or not but this
is what came into my head You
know that I have a little talent for
playing on the piano but, indeed,
if mamma had not so often said we
must not be vain, | should say | do
not compose badly. And yon, Fred
erica, though you have not so much
power over the instrument as / have,
yet for your age You do not play sc