Boys Who Became Famous Men: Stories of the Childhood of Poets, Artists, and MusiciansSkinner, Harriet Pearl
General
Boys Who Became Famous Men: Stories of the Childhood of Poets, Artists, and Musicians
Skinner, Harriet Pearl
Biography -- Juvenile literature; Boys -- Biography
The evening was spent in the ducal palace, whither the surgeon had been
summoned with his professional report; and the novel sights and sounds
proved so exciting to Georg that long after he was tucked into his cot
he lay wide awake, thinking of all that he had enjoyed. When sleep did
finally overtake him, he dreamed of the gayly uniformed guards stationed
inside and outside the palace, of the massive corridors, rich with works
of art, and the vast assembly room where the duke had held an audience,
while he himself had looked down from an upper gallery upon the throngs
of men and women, the flowers, the banners, and listened to the music
wafted from the musicians' balcony opposite.
Christian Händel, a nephew of Georg's, although more than twice the
boy's age, was a member of the duke's train, and he had piloted the
small visitor about the place, pointing out to him the things that would
prove of especial interest. He had likewise introduced his young
relative to the musicians, and they, attracted by the boy's
straightforward manner and intelligent replies, cordially received him
among them.
Morning came before Georg realized that he had been asleep, and with
it, Christian, who shook him awake.
"Dress yourself quickly, Georg, for the duke goes to church this
morning, and when he attends, nobody else in the house is permitted to
stay away."
Christian conducted Georg to the organ-loft, that he might better see
the sumptuous chapel and the duke with his richly apparelled retinue
passing in for service.
The white-haired organist, whom Georg had met the night before, greeted
him pleasantly; and Christian left him in care of the aged musician,
while he hurried down to take his place among the crimson-clad
retainers.
When, an hour later, the duke sat in his apartment at breakfast, the
sound of the organ fell upon his ear. Himself a passionate lover of
music, he could readily distinguish the touch of the various players at
court; but this soft and unfamiliar strain caused him to bend forward
with a puzzled look. Gradually the music grew more distinct, and soon
the palace resounded with a strong and stately melody.
"Who is at the organ?" the duke demanded suddenly, glancing inquiringly
at one of his attendants.
"It is the little Händel from Halle, your grace," replied Christian.
"A relative of yours?"
The young man blushed, for he was unwilling to confess to an
eight-year-old uncle; but he told the truth and satisfied his pride by
explaining distinctly,--
"He is my grandfather's youngest son."
"Bring him hither, and his father also."
Christian disappeared, and presently Mr. Händel entered by one door,
just before his son and grandson appeared on the threshold of the other.
The duke motioned the old gentleman to a distant corner, and beckoned
the boy to approach.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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