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Once only was he drawn from his seclusion. This was on the 27th
of March 1808, when he appeared in public for the last time at
a performance of "The Creation" at the University. The scene
on this remarkable occasion has been described by many pens.
Naumann, writing of it, says that "such an apotheosis of the
master was witnessed as has but few parallels," and this is no
exaggeration. The performance, which was under the direction
of Salieri, had been arranged in honour of his approaching
seventy-sixth birthday. All the great artists of Vienna were
present, among them Beethoven and Hummel. Prince Esterhazy had
sent his carriage to bring the veteran to the hall, and, as he
was being conveyed in an arm-chair to a place among the princes
and nobles, the whole audience rose to their feet in testimony of
their regard. It was a cold night, and ladies sitting near swathed
him in their costly wraps and lace shawls. The concert began, and
the audience was hushed to silence. When that magnificent passage
was reached, "And there was light," they burst into loud applause,
and Haydn, overcome with excitement, exclaimed, "Not I, but a
Power from above created that." The performance went on, but it
proved too much for the old man, and friends arranged to take him
home at the end of the first part. As he was being carried out,
some of the highest of the land crowded round to take what was
felt to be a last farewell; and Beethoven, forgetting incidents of
early days, bent down and fervently kissed his hand and forehead.
Having reached the door, Haydn asked his bearers to pause and turn
him towards the orchestra. Then, lifting his hand, as if in the
act of blessing, he was borne out into the night.
Next year Vienna was bombarded by the French, and a cannon-ball
fell not far from Haydn's house. He was naturally much alarmed;
but there is no ground for the statement, sometimes made, that
his death was hastened by the fright. On the contrary, he called
out to his servants, who were assisting him to dress: "Children,
don't be frightened; no harm can happen to you while Haydn is
here."
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