Friedemann Bach [pp. 805-824]

Friedernan'~ Bac/~. 813
enter into conversation with them; "I am his friend," replied the page,
but their gruff monosyllables repelled "and have proved it not for the first
him, and an awkward silence ensued. th~e to-day."
In about fifteen minutes the door "And those two strangers-"
was opened unceremoniously, and M. "Were officers sent to arrest him."
von Scherbitz entered. He saluted The page went on to tell his story,
the elder Bach and looked keenly at the hold levity of his manner somethe two strangers. He then announc- what subdued before the dignity of
ed his name to the astonished Sebas- the excellent old man, who sat with
tian, and said he was Fnedemann's his clear, searching eyes fastened upon
friend. him. He began with a preamhle
He will soon return," said the about the strict manner in whid~ Sefather; "these genilemen, also his bastian had brought up his sons, and
friends, are waiting for him." the difference between Friedemaun
"Friends!" echoed the page; and and his brothers. "You are too inplacing himself in front of the two nocent of knowing the woild," he
men, he gazed at them searchingly. continued, "to be able to shield him
After a while he said, against all the dangers that beset the
"~1essieurs, his excellency has lost path of youth. Till he came to Dresno time in sending you, I perceive; den, your son knew nothing of life
but you are too late. Give the lord beyond the paternal dwelling and the
minister the compliments of the page, church of St. Thomas. He has been
M. von Scherbitz, and tell him he received here as the son of an illustriwill find the court-organist, M. Bach, ous artist; he has won a proud disat the house of Signora Hasse. I tinction for himself. Can you wonhave just had the honor of leaving der that applause and flattery have
him there. He will see the elector." turned his head a little? He might
The two men started up without have got over that; but, as ill-luck
speaking, and hastily left the room. would have it, the Countess You
The page threw hh~sAf into a chair Bruhl employed him as her musicand laughed long and loudly. The master. He fell in love with her."
father and son stood in blank surprise, "Is the boy mad?" exdaimed Bach
not knowing what to make of the rising from his chair.
scene. "Friedemaun's first thought after At last Scherbitz recovered his com- ward was of his father. His union
posure. He addressed Sebastian, and with the girl he loved was impossible;
said he had something to communi- equally so his voluntary separation
cate to him in private. from her society. Her uncle bade
"But where is Friedemann?" asked her receive a rich and noble suitor.
both father and son. Compelled to give up hope, the vic "As I said, at the house of Signora tim of the wildest remorse and anHasse." guish, Friedemann fled to dissipation
"What does he there?" asked the for relie~ I strove in vain to help
father. him; but his grief was too new, too
"That is what I came to tell you." fierce and consuming; I looked to
Philip was sent out of the room. time only for the cure. In wild comSebastian seated himsdt, and wifl~ pany only could he find diversion
dignity inquired what the gentleman from maddening thoughts, and I fearwho called himself Fnedemann's friend ed the worst if that resource were dehad to communicate. nied him. Now he has taken a pru