One day Mozart and his wife were walking in the Augarten near Vienna. His wife was telling him about her dog’s devotion, and said: “You just pretend to strike me and see how he will jump at you!” Just as Mozart playfully struck his wife on the shoulder, the Emperor stepped from his summer-house.
“Well, well,” said he; “just three weeks married, and fighting already!”
Mozart explained, and the Emperor laughing, asked:
“Do you remember the anecdote of Wagenseil? and how, when I played the violin, you called from among my audience, sometimes ‘Pshaw! that was wrong!’ sometimes, ‘bravo!’”
Mozart’s Generosity
Mozart was very generous. An old and honest piano repairer had put some new strings on his beloved instrument.
“What do I owe you, old friend?” asked Mozart. “I am going away to-morrow and wish to pay you now!”
The old man, who always grew dreadfully embarrassed if any one spoke to him, stammered:
“To be sure—your Honor—I have been here—several—times I beg—a thaler.”
“What, a man like you, come to me for one thaler?” With that he put several ducats into the old man’s hand and fled.