ples were impressed on De
Beriot's mind from these teachings: "All obstacles yield to unwearied
pursuit," and "We are not ordinarily willing to do all that we are
really able to accomplish." In after years De Beriot met Jacotot, and
had the pleasure of acknowledging the deep obligation under which he
felt himself bound.

In 1821 young Charles de Beriot had attained the age of nineteen, and
it was determined that he should leave his native town and go to Paris,
where he could receive the teachings of the great masters of the violin.
At this time he was a handsome youth with a strongly knit figure,
somewhat above the middle height, with fine, dark eyes and hair, a
florid complexion, and very gentlemanly appearance. Good blood and
breeding displayed themselves in every movement, and ardent hope shone
in his face. He resided for several months in Brussels, which was
afterward to be his home, and associated with the scenes of his greatest
usefulness, and then pursued his eager way to Paris with a letter of
introduction to Viotti, then director of music at the Grand Opera. De
Beriot's ambition was to play before the veteran violinist of
Europe, and to feed his own hopes on the great master's praise and
encouragement.

"You have a fine style," said Viotti; "give yourself up to the business
of perfecting it; hear all men of talent; profit by everything, but
imitate nothing." There was at this time in Brussels a violinist named
Robrechts, a former pupil of Viotti, and one of the last artists who
derived instruction directly from the celebrated Italian. Andreas
Robrechts was born at Brussels on the 18th of December, 1797, and made
rapid progress as a musician under Planken, a professor, who, like the
late M. Wery, who succeeded him, formed many excellent pupils. He then
entered himself at the Conservatoire of Paris in 1814, where he received
some private lessons from Baillot, while the institution itself was
closed during the occupation by the allied armies.

Viotti, hearing the young Robrechts play, was so struck with his
magnificent tone and broad style that he undertook to give him finishing
lessons, with the approbation of Baillot. This was soon arranged, and
for many years the two violinists were inseparable. He even accompanied
Viotti in his journey to London, where they were heard more than once in
duets. The illustrious Italian had recognized in Robrechts the pupil
who most closely adhered to his style of playing, and