Year: 1870

From Early London Days.


One beautiful summer day there 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 pleasure-houses. At the time of
which | am speaking it was almost covered
with crowds of people. Among number
of organ-grinders, beggars and girls who
played on harps there stood an old music.
ian. He had once been soldier, but his
pension was not enough to live on. Stin,
be 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 aim, which lay at
his feet and held a hat IN his mouth, so
that passers-by might cast coins into it.


On the day which have just mentioned
the dog Sat before him with the old hat
Many people went by, and heard the mu-
sician playing, but they did not help him
much. 1 wonder the people did not give
him more. for he was truly a pitiable OBJ
ject. HIS face was covered with scars re-
ceivsd in his country's battles, and be wore
a long gray coat, which he had kept ever
since he had been in the army. He even
had his old sword by his side, Tor he would
not walk in the street without carving his
trnssy isiend with him. He had only
three fingers on his right hand, so that he
held the bow with difficulty. A bullet had
taken off the two others, AID almost at the
same time cannon ball had taken off his
left leg. The last money he had had been
spent in buying new strings for his violin
and he was now playing with all his
strength the military air he had learned
when boy with his father. He looked
sad enough as he saw the multitudes pass
by in their strength, and youth, and
beauty; fer he knew that il he Gil not OBJ
tain some money that evening he would
have to go to bed supperless. His dog was
better of, for he sometimes found bone
here and there to satisfy the cravings OF
hunger


1t was late in the afternoon, the musi-
clans hopes were almost like the un-they
were both going down together-and ne
placed his violin down by his side, and
leaned against the tree, the tears streaming
down his cheeks He thought none of that
giddy crowd saw him; but he was mistaken
Not far off stood gentleman i'm fine
clothes. who had kind heart; and when
he saw that no one gave the soldier any
thing, he was touched with sympathy. Co.
ing to the dog, and looking into the hat, he
saw only two small copper coins in it. He
then said. my good friend, why do you
not play longeri"


30, replied the old man, "my dear sir,
cannot; my arm is so tired that cannot
hold the bow; besides have had no din
ner, and have little prospect of sappsr. "


The stranger resolved to aid him as best
he could; and giving him piece of gold.
said, II will pay you if you will lend me
your violin for an hour.


90" said the musician, ''this piece OF
money is worth more than half a dozen fid.
dies like mine"


''Never mind" said the stranger; Il only
want to hire Ii one hour.


''Very well; you can do what you will,
said the owner.


The gentleman took the fiddle and the
bow in his hands, and then said. Now.
| you take the money, and ~ill play.
am quite sure the people will G ye me some.
thing"


The first air hadnot been finished before
the people, observing the strange sight,
and hearing beautiful music, stopped q
moment in curiosity. Every one saw that
the fine looking stranger was playing fol-
the p'or man; but none knew who he was.
| By-andby the people began to drop money
into the hat, and the dog seemed delighted
\
master. The circle of hearers became
larger and larger. Even the coachmen ol
the splendid carriage begged the people in.
side to stop and hear the music. Still the
money increased. Gold, silver and copper
were thrown into the hat by old and young
The dog now began to growl. What could
be the matter? One gentleman, as he drop.
ped large piece of money into the hat
had struck him on the nose, and be came
very near letting all the money fall. But
the hat soon became 80 heavy IL at he
could not hold it any loI ger.


Empty your hat. OLD man." said the
people, 'and we will fill it again for you.
He pulled out . handkerchief aud wrap
ped the money in it and put in his violin
bag.


The stranger kept on playing. and the
people cried out, bravo! bravel' H.
played first one tune and then another
| The chill iren seemed carried off with de
| light. At last he played "God bless tn,
Emperor Francis" All hats and caps iev
off their heads, for the people loved theil
emperor. The music came to au end; tn,
hour was ended, and the performer handed
back the violin to the happy and delighted
old man.


"Thank you," said the gentleman
s.Msy God bless you'll" and he disappeared
in the crowd. Who is be, cried the people
A certain person sitting in one of th,
coaches said. II know him. II is Aiexan
der Boucher, the distinguished viohnist
1t is just like him. he saw tat the poo
musician needed help. and he has helpe'
him TO good purpose"


| The people then gave three cheers TO
Boucher, and put more money in the hat
It's owner went home that evening richie
thsn he had ever been before. When b.
went to his bed he folded his hands an,
prayed that God might '.bless goo'
Boucher" SO that, when he should come T.
be old, he, too, might have friend to hell