“This day my heart exults with joy, This day that sweetest welcome brings; It greets me in my own young day, And to my youthful heart it sings: ‘I bring both happiness and blessing. Yes, happiness is truly mine, Oh, day so rare, oh, day so fine; My father’s life, so true, so strong, And God’s own love to me belong; His counsel wise I will obey, Hold to the right, take virtue’s way; Yes, father, I am thine my whole life long, My heart is yours;’ so ends my song.” A loud “brava” followed the little poem, which had truly come from his heart, and all complimented Wolfgang because he had acquitted himself so well. Tears stood in his mother’s eyes, and even the men displayed emotion, as if they realized that an unusual inspiration was already manifesting itself in the little one. Wolfgang, however, was somewhat disconcerted by the serious mood of the company. Jumping down from his stool, he loudly shouted, “Let us go to the table, for I am hungry, and mamma has promised me a glass of wine and a big piece of cake.” All laughed and followed the little fellow into an adjoining room, where the table was spread, handsomely decorated with flowers and growing plants. They seated themselves, and more than an hour passed in lively conversation and general intercourse. They were tried and true friends. What they said came truthfully and sincerely from the heart. The afternoon called the father to his duties, for he would not neglect them, even on his birthday, and his guests left at the same time. Toward evening, however, he returned, contented and pleased after a day’s duties well performed. “I have been very happy to-day, mother,” he said to his wife, as he affectionately embraced her. “I am going to begin to-day what I have contemplated for some time, namely, giving piano lessons to our Nannerl. Come here, child. You shall have one at once.” “And give me one too, papa,” said Wolfgang, eagerly. “You will find I can do just as well as Nannerl.” “Why, you silly boy, you can hardly stretch four keys with your little fingers,” said his father, laughing. “Play and laugh with your comrades all you will, and never mind the piano.”