d this on with continually increasing power, until the passage
where the player seems to stand at the summit of the orchestra, leading
it forward in triumph. Here, indeed, he resembled that great commander
to whom he has been compared, and the tempestuous applause that greeted
him was not unlike an adoring 'Vive l'Empereur.'"

Flattering to his pride, however, as were the universal honors bestowed
on the artist, none were so grateful as those from his own countrymen.
The philanthropy of his conduct had made a deep impression on the
Hungarians. Two cities, Pesth and Odenburg, created him an honorary
citizen; a patent of nobility was solicited for him by the _comitat_ of
Odenburg; and the "sword of honor," according to Hungarian custom, was
presented to him with due solemnities. A brief account from an Hungarian
journal of the time is of interest.

"The national feeling of the Magyars is well known; and proud are they
of that star of the first magnitude which arose out of their nation.
Over the countries of Europe the fame of the Hungarian Liszt came to
them before they had as yet an opportunity of admiring him. The Danube
was swollen by rains, Pesth was inundated, thousands were mourning
the loss of friends and relations or of all their property. During
his absence in Milan Liszt learned that many of his countrymen were
suffering from absolute want. His resolution was taken. The smiling
heaven of Italy, the _dolce far niente_ of Southern life, could not
detain him. The following morning he had quitted Milan and was on his
way to Vienna. He performed for the benefit of those who had suffered
by the inundation at Pesth. His art was the horn of plenty from which
streamed forth blessings for the afflicted. Eighteen months afterward he
came to Pesth, not as the artist in search of pecuniary advantage,
but as a Magyar. He played for the Hungarian national theatre, for the
musical society, for the poor of Pesth and of Odenburg, always before
crowded houses, and the proceeds, fully one hundred thousand francs,
were appropriated for these purposes. Who can wonder that admiration
and pride should arise to enthusiasm in the breasts of his grateful
countrymen? He was complimented by serenades, garlands were thrown
to him; in short, the whole population of Pesth neglected nothing to
manifest their respect, gratitude, and affection. But these honors,
which might have been paid to any other artist of high distinction, did
not satisfy