He composed twenty-five pieces, called _Water Music_. A boat containing the players followed that in which the king sat. When the music was performed the king asked who composed it. This led to Handel's being invited into the royal boat, where he again won the king's favor. [Illustration: No. 10 WATER MUSIC.] Handel greatly wished to give opera in London and devote his time to it as composer. For many years the writing and staging of operas took all of Handel's time and thought, but he was not destined to make it a true success. Handel was a very fine performer at the keyboard. [Illustration: No. 11 HANDEL AT THE KEYBOARD.] Once again Handel visited his native land. On returning to England, which was to be his home for the future, he was asked by a wealthy gentleman, the Duke of Chandos, to become composer at the ducal residence. Handel accepted this offer and composed much beautiful music, which some day we shall hear. Handel was much beloved in England and was received at court. [Illustration: No. 12 HANDEL IN THE DRESS HE WORE AT THE ENGLISH COURT.] He had tried hard to please the English public as an opera composer, and the disappointment of his failure caused him a severe illness from which he suffered greatly. He lived to write some of the most lovely music the world possesses. Perhaps the most famous of all his oratorios is the _Messiah_. When this was sung for the first time in London the king and all present rose at the words--_For the Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth_. Thus came the custom of rising at the singing of the _Hallelujah Chorus_. Handel loved England and became a naturalized British subject. He had a house in London, which in those days must have been considered a very fine one. He was very fond of gathering bodies of musicians together. Here he is in a familiar group. [Illustration: No. 13 HANDEL IN THE CIRCLE OF HIS MUSICIANS.] A great lover of children, Handel once conducted the _Messiah_ for the benefit of a hospital for little children, to which he gave large sums. Toward the end of his life he became blind. Some one had to lead him to the organ loft, where, with his wonderful skill, he could still charm and delight. The last appearance that Handel made in public was to conduct the _Messiah_. A few days later, on Good Friday, April 13, 1759, he passed away. [Illustration: No. 14 BLIND HANDEL BEING LED TO THE ORGAN.] The English people loved and admired him so much that he was buried in Westminster Abbey. FACTS ABOUT HANDEL Read these facts about Handel, and from them make up the story of his life. Use your own words. After your teacher has read it, copy the story on pages 15 and 16 of this book. 1. He was born in Halle in Germany, February 23, 1685.