the other slipper, threw it to those in the rear of the house. Both slippers were finally torn in pieces and the fragments carried away by the enthusiastic Italians as mementos of the occasion.
At the close of this incident Malibran was led forward by the happy manager; he explained the circumstances of her appearance at his theater and added that, in view of her saving his credit, he should name his theater after the generous prima donna. And to-day the "Teatro Malibran" stands as a monument to her kindness of heart.
42.—ARTISTIC AVERSION TO EMPTY HONORS.
Many of the great musicians as well as great litterateurs and scientists have scorned the honors and decorations of courts and kings. As a general thing, an institution that honors a really great man with a degree, honors itself more than it does the man. This was the case when Oxford University granted Haydn the title of Doctor of Music. We might imagine how Beethoven would have received the proffer of such a title. His spirit of contempt for orders and decorations was well shown when the Prussian Ambassador at Vienna gave him his choice between fifty ducats, or to be decorated with the insignia of a certain high order. The answer was what we might expect from Beethoven, viz.: "Give me the ducats." Not every one would choose ducats in preference to decorations.
Rameau, one of the great French composers, was equally careless as to honorary distinction. Louis XV bestowed on him the order of St. Michael. Learning that Rameau had not registered it with the proper official, and supposing it was because of his inability to defray the necessary expenses, the King offered to pay the charges.
"I thank your Majesty," Rameau responded, "but let me have the money; I can find a much better use for it."
