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Show Cured of Practical Joking. Practical joking has had many followers follow-ers nmoni "great men;" but the manner in which Beethoven was cured of it should bo a lesson to all who still practice the "art." The wifo of a pianist in Vienna was a great admirer cf the composer's com-poser's works, and had f-et her heart on getting a lock of his hair. She induced her husband to get a mutual friend to ask for it; but the friend, being a practical prac-tical joker, instead, of carrying out her wishes, persuaded Beethoven, who also was fond of a practical joke, to send hei a lock cut from a billy goat's beard, the hair of which in texture and color slightly resembled that of the composer's. The lady was very proud of her supposed sup-posed treasure, until another friend, who knew the facts, informed her of the trick, when she was so distressed that her husband wrote an indignant letter to Beethoven. The composer's discourtesy dis-courtesy to a lady being thus brought home to him, he was so ashamed that he immediately wrote a letter of apology, inclining yniiiin-Liclr of Wir; rl he resolved never to be a party to":b j jokes again. New York Ledger. |