Year: 1870




81 Distinguished ViOlinist.


ONE beautiful summer day there was
great festival in the large park at Vienna.
This park is called by the people the Pra-
ter. IL is full of lovely trees, fine walks,
and little pleasurehOuses. AT the time
of which am speaking II was almost Gov
cred with crowds Of people Among a
humber of organ-grinders, beggars and
girls who played on harps there stood an
old musician. He had once been sol.
dier but his pension was not enough to
live on. StilL he did not like to beg
therefore, on this particular festival day,
he took his violin and played under a tree
in the park. He had faithful dog with
him. which lay at his feet and held q hat
In his mouth, 80 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. l wonder the people did not give
him more, for he was truly pitiable OBJ
iect. His face was covered with scars re-
ceived in his country's battles, and he
wore long gray coat, which he had kept
ever since he had been in the army. He
even had his old sword by his side, for he
would not walk in the street without car
rying his trusty friend 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, and
almost at the same time cannon ball had
taken Oft 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 mul.
titudes pass by in their strength, and
youth and beauty; for he knew that II he
did not obtain some money that evening
he would have to go to bed supperless
His dog was better off, for he sometimes
found bone here and there to satisfy the
cravings Of hunger.


1t was late IN the afternoon, the musi-
clans hopes we're almost like the sun
they were both going down together
and he placed his violin down by his side,
and leaned against the trees, the tears
streaming down his checks, He thought
none of that giddy crowd saw him but
he was mistaken. Not far off STOOD gen
tleman in fine clothes, who had kind
heart and when he saw that no one gave
the soldier anything, he was touched with
sympathy. Going 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 longerY"


60" 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 l have little prospect of supper"


The stranger resolved to aid him as
best he could; and giving him piece OF
gold, said, az will pay you il you will
lend me your violin for an hour"


80" said the musician, "this piece OF
money is worth more than half dozen
fddles like mine"


"Never mind" said the stranger; III
only want to hire it one hour"


Every 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 l will play. l
am quite sure the people will give me some
thing"


The first air had not been finished be
fore the people, observing the strange
sight, and hearing beautiful music, stopped
a moment in curiosity. Every one saw
that the fine looking stranger was playing
| for the poor man but none knew who he
was. By-and-by the people began to droE
money into the hat and the dog seemed
| delighted to receive so many pieces ol
| gold for his master The circle of hearers
became larger and larger. Even the
coachmen of the splendid carriages begged
| the people inside 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 be
gan to growl. What could be the matter
One gentleman, as he dropped large
piece of money into the hat had struck
him on the nose, and he came very neal
letting all the money fall But the ha
soon became so heavy that he could moi
hold it any longer.
s, o"sEmpty your hat, old man." said the
people, "and we will fill it again for you.
: He pulled out handkerchief and wrap
ned the money in it and put it in his violin
bag. HLH 5


The stranger kept on playing, and thu
| people cried out, Bravo bravop III
played first one tune and then another
The children seemed carried off with dc
light. At last he played "God bless thu
Emperor Francis" All hats and cap
flew off their heads, for the people loveC
their emperor. The music came to al
end; the hour was ended, and the per
former handed back the violin to tn,
happy and delighted old man.


"Thauk you" said the gentleman
"May God bless you !" and he disappeared
in the crowd. Who is he, cried the peo
pie?


A certain person sitting in one of tn
coaches said, 81 know him. 1t is Alex
ander Boucher, the distinguished violinist
1t is Just like him. He saw that the poo
musician needed help, and he has helpe'
him to good purpose" ..
The people then gave three cheers 70
Boucher, and put more money in the hat
Its owner went home that evening richie
than he had ever been before. When h
went to his bed he folded his hands ant
prayed that God might bless goo'
Boucher !" so that, when he should com
to be old, he, too, might have friend :
help him.-RdTly London Days.