TOO EASILY EARNED.

Western Star, Issue 2253, 4 November 1898, Page 7

TOO EASILY EARNED.

In 1794, Haydn, the composer, paid a short visit to England,and during this visit he had the honour of receiving the diploma of doctor of music from the University of Oxford. He used to relate an amusing story of his stay in London. A captain in the navy called upon him one morning, and requested him to compose a march for some soldiers he had on board his ship; he would be pleased to give thirty guineas, provided it was written at once, as his ship would sail for Calcutta on the morrow.

Haydn accepted the commission, and the instant the sailor had taken his departure.he sat down to his piano, and in a few minutes the march was finished. Thinkingthe thirty guineas were too easily earned,Haydn composed two other pieces, intending to give the captain his choice, and then make lim a presentof those remaining. " Well, is my march ready ?" inquired the old seaman, bustling in the next morning. •' Quite ready," replied the composer, handing him the march. " Let me hear it on the piano i" " Certainly," and Haydn played the piece through. " Very good," said the captain. " Here are the thirty guineas," and pocketing the march ho walked out of the room. " Stop," cried Hadyn, " I have composed two other marches, and I wish you to take your choice." " 1 like this march, and that is enough," said the old sailor, walking down stairs.

" But 1 wish to make you a present o: them," shouted Hadyn, following him.

"Then I went have them," roared the old captain, and ho bolted out of the front door.