The strain of the production of “Euryanthe” told severely on the composer’s delicate health, and he returned to Dresden in an exhausted state.  There was no rest for him here, as official duties were pressing.  The malady afflicting his lungs had made rapid progress and he began to fear he should not be long spared to his wife and little ones.

He shook off the apathy and took up his pen once more.  His fame was known all over Europe and many tempting offers came in from all directions.  One of these was from Covent Garden Theater, London, in the summer of 1824, which resulted in a visit to the English capital.  Charles Kemble, the director of Covent Garden, desired Weber to write a new opera for production there.  “Oberon” was the subject at last decided upon; it was taken from an old French romance.  Weber at once set to work on the music of this fairy opera, and with the exception of the overture, had finished the work in time to bring it to London in 1826.  He was ill and suffering at the time he left home, February 7, and it seemed as though he were bidding a final good-by to his wife and little ones.

Arrived in London, Sir George Smart invited him to take up his residence in his house.  Here he had every comfort, a beautiful piano too was placed at his disposal by one of the first makers in London.  “No King could be served with greater love and affection in all things,” he wrote; “I cannot be sufficiently grateful to heaven for the blessings which surround me.”  Here he composed the beautiful Overture to “Oberon” which was only completed a few days before the first performance of the opera.

“Oberon” was given at Covent Garden on April 12.  The house was packed from pit to dome, and the success was tremendous.  Next morning the composer was in a highly nervous and exhausted state, but felt he must keep his promise to Kemble and conduct the first twelve performances of “Oberon.”  He was to have a benefit concert, and hoped through this to have a goodly sum to take back to his little family.  Sad to relate, on the evening chosen, May 26, a heavy rain fell and the hall was nearly empty.  After the concert he was so weak he had to be assisted from the room.  The physician ordered postponement of the journey home, but he cried continually, “I must go to my own—­I must!  Let me see them once more and then God’s will be done.”

The next morning, when they came to call him, all was still in his chamber; he had passed away peacefully in sleep.

Weber was buried in London.  His last wish—­to return home,—­was finally fulfilled.  Eighteen years after, his remains were brought to Dresden, and the composer was at last at home.

IX

FRANZ SCHUBERT

In the old Lichtenthal quarter of the city of Vienna, in the vicinity of the fortifications, there still stands an old house.  It is evidently a public house, for there hangs the sign—­“At the Red Crab.”  Beside this there is a marble tablet fastened above the doorway, which says that Franz Schubert was born in this house.  At the right of his name is placed a lyre crowned with a star, and at the left a laurel wreath within which is placed the date, January 31, 1797.