117.—ABSENT MINDED.
Concentration of attention to the study in hand is, above all things else, a necessity for him who would produce valuable results. The ability to withdraw the mind from other affairs and to focus one's attention on the subject in hand is most valuable to a composer. Not, however that we would commend that degree of abstraction from every-day affairs that was Beethoven's habit when in the midst of a bit of congenial mental work.
In the history of absent-minded and forgetful men (that remains to be written) Beethoven must certainly have a prominent place.
It is related of him that about the time he was engaged in the "Pastoral" symphony he went into a restaurant and ordered dinner, but as there was some delay in serving the meal, his mind reverted to his composing; and when the waiter came and offered dinner, he waived him away, saying, "Thank you, I have dined," and laying down the price of the meal took his departure.
A friend once presented Beethoven with a noble steed,—and he did what you or I would do under the circumstances,—took a ride around town. After riding it a few times, he proceeded to forget its very existence, and made his journeys on foot or in coach. But he had a servant who was not so neglectful of his opportunity. This man took the horse under his care and used it as his own, after finding that Beethoven no longer inquired for it. He put it up at a stable and carefully paid the bills, lest his master should be reminded of its existence. Then, to reimburse himself for his trouble and expense, he frequently hired the horse out as he had opportunity and pocketed the proceeds.