Friedemann Bach [pp. 805-824]

812 Eriedernann Bacli.
knowing that all virtuous resolution road to K6nigstein. The lord minishas not left my heart!" ter knows all!" -
"0 Fnedemann! how I honor and
admfre you," exclaimed the weeping All that afternoon Sebastian had
girl, as she flung her arins around his spent in reading the latest exercises
neck. and compositions of his son Friede The maid entered quickly, announc- mann, handing sheet after sheet,
ing the minister. when he had read it, to Philip. They
Natalie retreated to the sofa. called for lights as dusk came on.
"Ha! M. Bach," said the count, as At length Sebastian asked his younger
he came in. "I am delighted to see son what he thought of his brother.
you again." Philip knew not what to answer.
"Is it all arranged about the con- "I adinire Friedemann," he sai d.
cert, my dear niece?" "His works move me. I seem at
"I hope so, uncle," answered Na- times to be reading your music, father;
talie. - then comes something strange and
Chan~ing, charming! Madame different. I feel disturbed-I can not
von Bruhl will be enchanted, M. Bach. tell why. I like these compositions~
You will certainly arrange all for the but they give me not untroubled
best. Come very often to visit us; pleasure."
very often. I assure you, my highest "You are right, Philip," said Sebasesteem is yours." tian, with a grave and il~oughtful
Friedemaun, somewhat bewildered, smile. "His works have something
bowed his thanks, and took leave. in them strange and paradoxical. I
The minister looked after him, while find this in his sketches more than
he took a pinch from his jewelled in his elaborate compositions. But I
snuff-box. am not disturbed thereby: I rejoice."
"He has great, very great talent," Philip looked surprised.
he said musingly; and added other "Your own light, glad spirit, Philip,
praises. Then he chatted a little on accords not with the earnest, oft
other subjects, and, looking at his gloomy character of Friedemaun 5
watd~, touched the white forehead of works. He is not yet settled. There
his niece with his lips, suffered her to is something great in him, hardly yet
kiss his hand, and retired from the developed; the form of expression is
room. not defined. Friedemann seeks a new
Friedemann left the house with con- path to the goal. Every strong spirit
fused thoughts. Suddenly M. Scher- has done so. Art ever advances, and
hitz ran round the corner, and seized her temple is not yet finished. The
his hand. perfect dwells not on earth."
"I am going home," said young Philip suggested that his brother's
Bach. imagination, supplying nobler images
"You are not! Come instantly fl~an his industry had produced, still
with me to Faustina Hasse's." soared beyond the reach of practi Are you mad?" cal achievement, and thus left hiin un "Not so near it as yourself, mon satisfied.
ami! The blind bird will not see the There was - a loud knock at the
trap." door; two men entered, asked for the
"What do you mean?" court-organist, and, hearing that he
Saci~' bicit! Come to Faustina's was expected every moment, sat down
with me, or you are to-night on the to wait for him. Sebastian tried to