and eventually melted into affection. He quickly discovered his
valet's genius, and, by his instructions, directed it into the
line in which Haydn eventually acquired so much distinction.

Haydn himself was enthusiastic in his admiration of Handel. "He
is the father of us all," he said on one occasion. Scarlatti
followed Handel in admiration all over Italy, and, when his name
was mentioned, be crossed himself in token of veneration.
Mozart's recognition of the great composer was not less hearty.
"When he chooses," said he, "Handel strikes like the thunderbolt."
Beethoven hailed him as "The monarch of the musical kingdom."
When Beethoven was dying, one of his friends sent him a present of
Handel's works, in forty volumes. They were brought into his
chamber, and, gazing on them with reanimated eye, be exclaimed,
pointing at them with his finger, "There--there is the truth!"

Haydn not only recognised the genius of the great men who had
passed away, but of his young contemporaries, Mozart and
Beethoven. Small men may be envious of their fellows, but really
great men seek out and love each other. Of Mozart, Haydn wrote "I
only wish I could impress on every friend of music, and on great
men in particular, the same depth of musical sympathy, and
profound appreciation of Mozart's inimitable music, that I myself
feel and enjoy; then nations would vie with each other to possess
such a jewel within their frontiers. Prague ought not only to
strive to retain this precious man, but also to remunerate him;
for without this the history of a great genius is sad indeed....
It enrages me to think that the unparalleled Mozart is not yet
engaged by some imperial or royal court. Forgive my excitement;
but I love the man so dearly!"