50.—A QUEEN'S REGARD FOR HER MUSIC TEACHER.
The following, told of Empress Catherine of Russia, shows that queens may be just, as well as quick-tempered or spiteful. It is said that at one time the music teacher of the Empress, Paesiello, a celebrated composer, was the cause of jealousy on the part of a certain marshal. Perhaps it was caused by many favors shown the musician by the queen, who appreciated his worth and talent. At any rate, the marshal became so angered as to give Paesiello a blow, which was returned with such good interest and vigor that the military officer was the surprised recipient of a sound drubbing.
Hastening off to the Empress he made complaint that he had been struck by the musician, and to strike a marshal of the Russian empire was worthy of dire punishment. The Empress laughed at his complaint, saying, "Sir, you forgot your dignity in striking an unoffending man and a great artist; and as to rank, it is in my power to make fifty marshals, but not one Paesiello."