For many years Haydn remained in the peace and quiet of the Esterhazy family life. But, nevertheless his good work was heard of in distant places. He received many invitations to travel to foreign countries. One of these he accepted. He went to England; twice in fact. The night before he left Vienna he and Mozart dined together.
"Do not go on such a long journey," Mozart begged of him. "You are too old and you do not know languages enough to travel through so many countries."
"But," said Haydn, "I know one language that is understood everywhere--the language of music."
Mozart said farewell to his old friend. They never met again.
On the way north, along the Rhine, Haydn met Beethoven at Bonn; and it was arranged that Beethoven should study with Haydn on his return to Vienna.
When the traveler reached Calais he took the boat to Dover in England. He was so enchanted by the sight of the sea that he sat on deck all the way, to watch it. Never before had he seen such a sight, for, we must remember, he was born far inland.
Most men do their best work in their younger years, but in Haydn's later years he wrote two of his greatest works: _The Creation_ and _The Seasons_. _The Creation_ is loved by all people. It is one of a group of favorite oratorios which have found a warm place in the hearts of the people. With it stand _The Messiah_, _Judas Maccabaeus_, _St. Paul_ and _Elijah_. Do you know who composed each of these?
After the English journeys, Haydn lived quietly in Vienna in what is now known as the Haydn house. Should you ever go to Vienna you will be welcomed there by the caretaker, who will show you the rooms in which Haydn lived.
One day toward the end of his life he asked his servant to carry him to the piano. While the members of his household stood near him he played three times, very solemnly, the _Emperor's Song_.
When you have read this page and the next make a story about Haydn's life. Write it in your own words. When you are quite sure you cannot improve it, copy it on pages 15 and 16.
1. He was born at Rohrau, in Hungary, March 31, 1732.
2. He was a few weeks younger than George Washington.
3. As a little boy he loved to hear his father and mother sing.
4. While they sang he played on a "make-believe" violin, of two sticks.