Friedemann Bach [pp. 805-824]

Friedema'tn Baci~ 815
Something in her face warned the room. The minister walked toward
count not to trifle with her. them, and said in a gentle tone,
"He is probably on his way to "Monsieur Bach, I am concerned
K5nigstein," answered the premier. that you must leave us; but it is ne "For what offence?" asked the cessary. You will go as soon as poslady with a smile of scorn. sible to Merseburg. The place of
"Oh! he needs discipline. The organist in that cathedral is vacant,
whole parish is disgusted at the scan- and I have appointed you to it. I
dalous life led by their court-organist. wish you a pleasant journey."
He edifies the devotional with his or- And with a bow he retired.
gan-playing on Sunday niorning; but "13ravi~s~~io,,no't comte!" cried
joins his fellow-rioters in the wild- the page, laughing heartily. " Rosest orgies at Seconda's, on Sunday cius was a bungling actor to him.
night." Come now, moit ami," turning to
"What have you done wiJ~ his fel- Friedemann-" to your father. He
low-rioters?" knows all."
"They be%oa~ to h~~~ farnihes~' ~rie'teuaann followe~ him out witl~
answered the count with a significant a look of despair. It was a clear,
shrug. starry wmter night. As they came to
"And pass uncensured. Very fair, Bach's house, they heard the hymn
my lord minister! But you are mis- Sebastian was singing. As they entaken. Bach is not on the road to tered the room, he rose and bade his
K6nigstein. He has just had an in- son welcome.
terview with his highness, here, in my "Can you forgive me, father?"
house. I am known to have some murmured Friedemann gloomily.
influence with the elector; and have "I have forgiven you; for I trust
used it." in your ability to amend."
"What have you done, signora?" "No word of reproach?"
exdaimed the minister, shocked into "Your conscience does that; my
a real expression of his feelings. part is to comfort you. Come home
"Silence!" said Faustina haughti- to Leipzig."
ly. "His highness knows all; knows "No," said Friedemann resolutely~
why you have persecuted the unhap- "I will not go home till I am again
py youth, why you would bring mis- worthy to be received there."
ery on the whole family-such a fa- "Are you so resolved?"
mily! Heartless courtier! What can "My life henceforward shall show
you know of the worth of such a that I am true to you, father. I will
man? Fnedemann leaves Dresden; strive to overcome the anguish and
but you must provide him with an- remorse that have wrecked me. If
other place, and one worthy of his I succeed, all will be wJl. If I fail
genius. The elector wills it so." in the struggle-"
She passed out of the room. The "Then conie to my heart, Friedecount walked to the window, looked mann!"
out into the dark night, and drummed "I will."
on the pane in some embarrassment. The son il~rew himself into his faThere was a storm in his breast, but ther's arms.
it was necessary to suppress all agita- The next morning Sebastian and
tion. Presently he turned around, Philip returned to Leipzig, while
and saw Friedemann Bach and the Friedemann set out on his journey
page, Von Scherbitz, standing in the to Merseburg.