Year: 1870

Touching Incident I'm the Elfe of


Distinguished ViOlinist.


From Early London Days.l


One beautiful summer day there was a
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 tn 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 a soldier, 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 hat In his mouth, so
that passers-by might cast coins into it.


On the day which 1 have Just mentioned
the dog sat before him with the old hat
Many people went by, and heard the mu-
sician playing, bit they did not help him
much. l wonder the people did not give
him more, for he was truly a pitiable oh
ject. His face was covered with scars re-
ceived in his country battles, and he 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, for he would
not walk in the street without carrying his
trusty friend with him. He had only
three fingers on his right hand, so that he
held the bow with difficulty. Abullet had
taken off the two others, ard almost at the
same time a 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
,r-1, l. N,kl II l.. II
sad enough as he saw the multitudes pass
by in their strength, and youth, and
beauty; for he knew that if he did not OBJ
tain some money that evening he would
have to go to bed supperless. His dog was
better off, for he sometimes found n hone
here and there to satisfy the cravings of
hunger.


1t was late in the afternoon, the musi-
clans hopes were almost like the sun-they
were both going down tOgether-and he
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 a gentleman in fine
clothes, who had a kind heart; and when
he saw that no one gave the soldier any
thing he was touched with sympathy. Go
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"


80" 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 1 have little prospect of supper.


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 haif dozen fid-
dies like mine.


''Never mind" said the stranger; 81 only
want to hire IL one hour"


Every we'll; 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 1 will play.
am quite sure the people will give me some
thing"


The first air hadnot been finished before
the people, observing the strange sight,
and hearing beautiful music, stopped
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 drop money
into the hat, and the dog seemed delighted
to receive so many pieces of gold for ms
master. The circle of hearers became
larger and larger Even the cOachmen OF
the splendid carriage begged the people in
side to stop and hear the music. Sull 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 so heavy that he
could not hold it any longer.


Empty your hat, old man," said the
people, ''and we will fill it again for you. 3"
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, "Bravol brsvsl' He
PLAYED first one tune and then another.
The chillren seemed carried off with de-
| light. At last he played "God bless the
! Emperor Francis" All hats and caps flew
off their heads, for the people loved their
emperor. The music came to an end; the
hour was ended, and the performer handed
back the violin TO the happy and delighted
old man.


''Thank you, said the gentleman
''May God bless you!" and he disappeared
7 in the crowd. Who is be, cried the people


A certain person sitting in ono of the
coaches said. 81 know him. 1t is Alexan-
der Boucher, the distinguished violinist.
1t is Just like him. He saw that the poor
musician needed help, and he has helped
him to good purpose.


The people then gave three cheers for
4 N1 t,..N
It's owner went home that evening richer
than he had ever been before. When he
went to his bed he folded his hands and
prayed that God might "bless good
Boucher so that, when he should come to
be old, he, too, might have a friend to help