| “Lovely walks and bowery avenues.” (See page 277.) |
Along the Banks of the Rhine.
Bonn—The Birthplace of Beethoven—The Museum—Monument—A Famous Restaurant—College Students—Beer Mugs—Special Tables—Affairs of Honor—Königswinter—Magnificent Views—Drachenfels—The Castle—The Dombruch—Siegfried and the Dragon—A Desecrated Ruin—The Splendor of the Mountains—Many Visitors—View from the Summit—The Students’ Chorus—German Life—A German Breakfast—The Camera—Old Castles and Lofty Mountains—Legends of the Rhine—The Waters of the Rhine—Vineyards.
HIS town like its sister cities is of ancient foundation, having been one of the first Roman fortresses on the Rhine. It is the seat of a university which attracts students from all parts of the world. It is a prosperous looking place with pleasant villas on the river banks, and ancient picturesque houses. There are lovely shaded walks in the public gardens, and a fine view from the Alte Zoll, but the chief interest of the town for us lies in the fact that it is the birthplace of Beethoven. In a small unpretentious house the great musician was born in 1770, and here were composed many of those wonderful harmonies which have thrilled the souls of lovers of music all over the world. The room in which this noble genius first saw the light of day is in the top of the house, a garret ten feet by twelve in size, and contains no furniture whatever: nor is it necessary to remind those who enter it, by aught save the wreath of green which lies peacefully upon the floor, that the spirit whose earthly tabernacle dwelt here breathed forth the fire of heaven.
| “Creative genius. From thy hand What shapes of order, beauty rise, Where waves thy potent, mystic wand, To people ocean, earth and skies.” |
In an adjoining room are stored some pieces of furniture which belonged to Beethoven, and the piano used by him in the composition of some of his most famous sonatas. Some of the ladies of our party are permitted to play upon this sacred instrument. Do they hope to be inspired by the magic spell of the master’s touch still lingering among the keys? The dwelling has been purchased by lovers of the celebrated composer, and fitted up as a Beethoven Museum. Not far off stands the statue of the artist and the monument dedicated to him.