181.—HAYDN'S RECEPTION BY PRINCE ESTERHAZY.
Haydn spent some time in the service of Count Motzin, a wealthy noble. At an entertainment given by the latter there was present Prince Esterhazy, whose wealth and station exceeded that of his entertainer. During the evening there was played a symphony by Haydn which so delighted the Prince that he determined to take its composer into his service. So he sent word to Haydn to come to his palace. At the appointed time Haydn appeared before this august personage. The Prince glanced carelessly at the slight figure that stood before him and said:—
"Is this, then, the composer of the music I heard last night?—a Moor, I should judge, by his complexion." The composer blushed in embarrassment. "And you write such music? You do not look it. Haydn—Haydn—I recollect the name; and I believe I was told that you were not well paid for your labors?"
"I have not been fortunate, your Highness, I "
"Well, you shall have no reason to complain in my service. My secretary shall fix your appointments; and name whatever else you desire. Understand me, for all of your profession find me liberal. Now then, Sir Moor, you may go; and let it be your first care to provide yourself with a new coat, a wig and buckles, and heels to your shoes. I will have you respectable in appearance as well as in talents; so let me have no more shabby professors. And do your best, my little dusky, to recruit in flesh—'twill add to the stature; and to relieve your olive with a shade of the ruddy. Such spindle masters would be a walking discredit to our larder, which is truly a spendthrift one."
So saying he laughingly dismissed the humble musician. But to-day who knows aught of that proud prince as compared with the fame of that same Joseph Haydn.