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STORIES OF
achieved a glorious reception and lasting popu-larity. The emperor was so pleased that he sent Haydn his portrait as a compliment to his success. It was a masterpiece of compositi n, and remained a favourite with the composer until his death. He introduced a wonderful set of variations on it into his "Kaiser Quartett." During his last illness in May, 1809, Vienna was again besieged and occupied by the hated Napoleon's troops, and some shot fell not far from where he was dwelling. And though he was treated with the greatest respect by the French officers, some of whom visited him, the bombardment doubtless hastened his death. Towards the close he was greatly alarmed, but cried out to his servants, feeble as he was, " Children, don't be frightened; no harm can happen to you while Haydn is by." The last visit he received, the French being in full occu-pation, was from a French officer, who sang " In Native Worth" very impressively. Haydn was deeply affected, and embraced the singer. On the 26th of May, 1809, he gathered his servants around him for the last time. He was carried to the piano, and played once more the Emperor's Hymn, and five days later he was dead.
And now let us turn our attention to France,
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