McGuffey's Alternate First[-sixth] Reader by William Holmes McGuffey

Author:William Holmes McGuffey
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Van Antwerp, Bragg & co.
Published: 1888-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

the owners of which he ventured to express the pain which filled his soul. Therefore a stream of sorrowful tones flowed from his violin, such, perhaps, as no instrument had ever produced before, ending in the threatening, sharp, and cold despair of helplessness.

11. The listeners sat as if enchanted by some supernatural power, and scarcely ventured to breathe. They seemed to be touched by a sentiment that changed the pleasure of harmony into a feeling of pain. At last the wild grief of the player subsided, merging into a quiet sadness which animated all hearts like a refreshing dew. The artist had hardly finished when he was greeted with a storm of applause such as is rarely heard in any assembly. The curtain fell at the order of the director—the musician tottered out, and then sank into the arms of those who had hastened out to congratulate him.

12. ** Bread!" was the only word which proceeded from his pale lips, and while they were leading the exhausted artist into an adjoining room to give him food, the house still resounded with the loud applause of the audience.

13. During the second part of the concert, he had so far recovered that he had regained his self-control. The unaccustomed enjoyment of a good meal, of which he had been so long deprived, had a wonderfully invigorating effect on his weakened nerves.

14. The conclusion of the concert, which was to consist of a violin solo, approached. The directors consulted together, in his presence, as to whether they should allow him to appear again. But he said, with determination, ^^ Yes, I will play—I must play," and he hastened a second time upon the scene of his triumph. Even now he did not understand the enthusiastic applause with which he was greeted. He seized the bow, and spoke again to his audience, but this time in quite different tones.

15. In light, joyous notes he seemed to relate reminis-

cences of his youth; he described the peace of his home, round which blew the fresh breezes of the North. He rejoiced that he had found the object of his life; he expressed his gratitude that his efforts had been appreciated—and all this he told in the most thrilling tones that ever proceeded from a violin. It seemed to him as if the star of his future had risen that evening, and he told them so with joy.

16. For a second time the curtain fell, separating him from the public, which was beside itself with delight, and again he heard nothing of the resounding applause. He sank down unconscious, not from exhaustion, but from joy at his triumph. A deep, healthful sleep refreshed him.

17. The next day but little else was talked about in Bologna except the marvelous talent of the young musician. The directors of the Academy appeared at his lodging with the promised remuneration. The first musicians of the city offered him their services, and to help him out of his pitiable condition another concert was arranged, this time for his benefit.

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