Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-05-04
A STORY OF BEETHOVEN

| In the old city Of Bonn there is little
shop in the RDemerplatz, over which
lodged the great musician ana composer,
Beethoven. He wa. so poor al that time
that he could only go out at night, when
the eyes of the town.people could not note
his shabby clothing yet we hear that be
WAS very happy there with pen, ink, pa
per and books, and above all, piano.
! One Winter evening a friend called in,
hoping to persuade him to take H walk
He found Beethoven sitting without fire
or candle, looking out into the moonlight.
He seemed very sad, but he WAS ut lat
persuaded to go out. As he walked along
he kept declaring his hatred of the world,
his own misery. " No one understands.
said No one loves me, yet have q
heart"
AS the two friends crossed narrow
street Beethoven stopped. There was the
sound Of ar old piano, upon which the
performer was playing with great ex-
preston.
." 1t is piece from my Symphony in
| F ~ cried the comp Iser, with some ex
citement. Listen, how well it is play
ed I"
The house from which the sounds of
music came was very small and hum 5le.
Presently the piano WAS silent. can
not 60 on" said a woman's voice "
cannot do justice to this music yet how
I love it What would not give to
hear it played by one who could render
it we'll ?"
"Ah, dear sister, we are not rich
enough for enjoyment" was the reply in
a mans voice. Why wish for things
beyond our reach, when we have hard
work to pay our rent ?'
Beethoven could be silent no longer.
Let us enter" he said to his friend
and opening the unlocked door he made
his way into poor ro,m. with SCARCELY
any furniture, and that OF the toughest
kind.
"a P"io JOhhlR IIihn "HN rbH'fi ~ u IHDlc
working at shoe, and young girl still
bent over an old piano.
Pardon me-" aid Beethoven; ~
am musician. heard some of your
words ; shall play to you ?"
Thank you but We have no music,
and our piano is very bad," said the
young shoemaker.
How. then, did mademoi.olle learn
-?' But there he stopped, observing
that the young girl was blind.
my sister plays from eur. She heard
a lady in 3ruhl two years ago play this
music"
Beethoven placed himself at the worn
old piano without word. The bother
and sister listened in breathless admira-
ton. a. The tones OF melody came from
his skillfil fingers.
Wonderful man who are von ?"
said tho youth, as at last the music ceas-
ed.
Beethoven raised his head d"eamiv.
and the question was repeated. He smil-
ed then with singular sweetness, ard be-
gan to play from the Symphony in f.
You are Beethoven" cried the young
girl and they entreated Tor more music.
II will improvse Sonata to the
Moon" said the musician. beginning
low, sad strain, as sweet and quiet n the
moonbeams. Then came a light, lively
movement. like fairy dance then
rapid, hurrying finale, which rs it came
to close found his audience in tears.
Adicu," said Beethoven, ri ing all
ruptlv. and going toward the door.
You will come again p said the
brother and sister.
Yes yes | will come and give
Lessons to Msdemoiselle." he said hur-
riedly. And then going home hs sat
down his sonata while it was in his mem
ory. not rising till morning dawned.
But the poor blind girl newer heard the
great composer more-his interest did
not last beyond the excitement OF the
moment, and he never thought OF his.
humble friends again