Music And Dancing

It was in London, and in 1811. Wcbcr was in a boat on tlic river witli somo ladies, and began to perforni on tbc flute, whicli he played to perfection. But seeing tluit his boat was closely followod by' another, in which -were sovoral young oth'cers, he put lus flute in his puoket. "AVliy lo yon sf.p ].kiyiitg r" said on of tbo otHcevs to Weber. " l-'or the sanie reason that I began," replied tbc composer. " And that is ':" " Becausè it picases me." " Well, then," said the officer, ' take up yoiir Ilute again, or it will ploaso me to throw you iuto thé water." The Composer, soeing that the dialogue was Hiipluusaut to the ladios he was with, paye way and began playing again. Wheii leaving his boat, liowever, he accosted the bold son of Mars, and said : " Sir, the fcar of annoying the people who were with me mude me brook vour insolcnco ; but to-morrow I will havo enthv xitisfaction. We can meet in Hydo park at 10 o'clock. If you have no objections, we will fight with swoids ; wc need no seconds ; the anarrel is only 1ctween you and me, and it is quite uselees t bring in strangers." " Tlie officer accepted the challenge. He was at the rendezvons at the appointed hour, and met Wcbcr as agreod on. He drew his sword, and put himself on gueïd, when Weber presented a pistol at his throat. " Do you mean to murdcr me !" suid the officer. " No," said TVeber, " but be kind enough to put up that sword and dance a minuet, or you are a dead man.' The officer made some objection, but the authoritative and determincd tone of Wobcr seemcd to inflnencc him, and notwithstanding tke arrival of some people on the scène of action, lie went through what he was askcd, or ruther told to do. " Birj" s.-iid the musician, " you compilled me yesterday to play against my wisli - I have compelled you now to dnnce against yours. Our bond is over. Ilowever, if you should bo dissatisfied still. I ain quitu ready to give you any satisfaction you may wish for." The officer held out his hand, and begged his adversary to honor him with his □ieudsbip. From that moment an attaohment sprang npbetween tliem which lastnd to the day the illustrious composer died.