The Duke was a generous friend to musicians. His castle contained a chapel with a fine organ. The singers in the chapel choir soon discovered that little Handel was a very musical child. One day when he was in the choir gallery, they let him try the organ. The boy climbed timidly up on the big organ bench, but as soon as his fingers touched the keys he forgot where he was. He did not know that the Duke was listening in the chapel below. He never once thought of his father's anger. The Duke was amazed by the boy's playing. He praised the little organist and filled his pockets with gold pieces Then he told the astonished father that it was a grave mistake to make the child a lawyer against his will. Dr. Handel was secretly much disappointed. He still wished to have his son a lawyer, but he could not oppose the great Duke. Very unwillingly he agreed that George should take music lessons from the organist of the cathedral at Halle. There let the pealing organ blow, And bring all Heaven before mine eyes. -Milton. |