"But the emperor has forsaken us," said Conrad; "it is but too true,
master. All Vienna knows it, and all Vienna mourns over it. The
emperor is gone, and so are the empress and the imperial children.
All are gone and off for Presburg."

"Gone! the emperor gone!" muttered Haydn, mournfully, and a deadly
paleness suddenly covered his cheeks. "Oh, poor Austria! poor
people! Thy emperor has forsaken thee--he has fled from thee!"

He sadly inclined his head, and profound sighs escaped from his
breast.

"Do you see now, husband, that I was right?" asked his wife. "Is it
not true that it is high time for us to think of our property, and
to pack up and bury our valuables?"

"No!" exclaimed Haydn, raising his head again; "this is no time to
think of ourselves, and of taking care of our miserable property.
The emperor has left--that means, the emperor is in danger; and
therefore, as his faithful subjects, we should pray for him, and all
our thoughts and wishes should only be devoted to his welfare. In
the hour of danger we should not be faint-hearted, and bow our
heads, but lift them up to God, and hope and trust in Him! Why do
the people of Vienna lament and despair? They should sing and pray,
so that the Lord God above may hear their voices--they should sing
and pray, and I will teach them how!"

And with proud steps Haydn went to the piano, and his hands began to
play gently, at first, a simple and choral-like air; but soon the
melody grew stronger and more impressive. Haydn's face became