“Not for a thousand devils,” cried the captain, who had reached the street by this time, and disappeared quickly. Haydn went at once to learn both the captain’s and his ship’s name, and having succeeded, packed up both marches and, with a note, sent them to the musical salt. He, however, returned the package without opening the note, and Haydn was so furious about it that he tore it to shreds, marches and all.
Had No Use for Haydn’s Music
Another time, while Haydn was sauntering about the streets, he stepped into a music store and asked if they had a selection of good music.
“As much as you wish,” said the proprietor. “Here are some excellent things of Haydn’s!”
“Have no use for them,” said Haydn, curtly.
“What, you have no use for it? For Haydn’s music! What fault have you to find with it?”
“Quite enough! At any rate, I don’t want any of it. Show me some other compositions!”
The merchant, a devoted admirer of Haydn’s, said, indignantly: “It is not necessary, though I have plenty of excellent music, I have none for you!” and turned his back on the composer. At the same moment a gentleman entered who knew Haydn, and spoke to him. The merchant coming up to them said to the Englishman: “What do you think! This old gentleman here has no use for Haydn’s music!” Great was his embarrassment when the gentleman explained.
Haydn’s Kindness
The following story proves what a noble, generous man Haydn was. In 1780 the daughter of an army officer from Coburg wrote to him of a little adventure, asking him to set it to music. This is the story: She and her intended husband, a captain of the army, together with a friend and a poodle were taking a walk. The captain had been praising his dog’s talents, and made a bet with his friend that the dog would find a thaler laid under a bush now, he being sent back for it after their return home. The bet was accepted. Directly after returning home the captain sent his dog back for the money.