“And did he deceive you? what have you proved yourself? Can you for this, hate and maliciously slander him, because he honestly advised you to desist from useless efforts, to limit yourself to a small circle in our art, or rather to become an honest tailor or shoemaker?”
Elias shrugged his shoulders with vexation, squinted sullenly at the speaker, and answered in a fierce tone: “Yes—I hate him! I shall always hate him! what need was there of telling me so? Even if I was in error—I dreamed of fame and gold—and have had neither! Curse him! He has embittered my life; and I will embitter his, whenever it is in my power.”
“Go—wretch!” cried Piccini, full of horror. “Go, we have nothing more in common. The divinity of man is honor; your gods are selfishness—vanity—envy—cowardly malice! Such as you deserve no sympathy—away!” And gnashing his teeth with spite and impotent rage, Elias Hegrin left Piccini’s house.
Piccini’s opera was greatly admired, but that of his adversary obtained a complete victory, and awakened an enthusiasm till then unknown even in Paris.
Followed by the acclamations of the enraptured multitude, after the third representation of his work, Gluck left the opera-house on his way to his quiet home. He was accompanied only by his favorite Mehul, who was to be his guest for the evening, and aid him to celebrate his victory.—Arrived at Gluck’s house, they both entered the room where the collation was prepared, but started with surprise as they entered; for a man, wrapped in his mantle, stood at the window, looking out upon the clear starry night. At the rustling behind him he turned round.
“Signor Piccini!” cried Gluck, surprised.
“Not unwelcome, I hope?” said Piccini, smiling.
“Most welcome, by my troth!” answered Gluck, taking and cordially shaking the offered hand. “Yes, I honor so noble an adversary.”
“Talk no more of adversaries!” cried Piccini earnestly; “our strife is at an end; I acknowledge you for my master, and will be happy and proud to call you my friend! Let the Gluckists and the Piccinists dispute as long as they like; Gluck and Piccini understand each other!”