Anecdotes of Great Musicians/Anecdote 269
269.—LISZT'S REPLY TO LOUIS PHILIPPE.
In Liszt's essay on "The Position of an Artist in France," he scored King Louis Philippe and his administration quite severely on their niggardly appropriations for music. Ever after that he avoided meeting the king and declined to play at the Tuileries. But some time afterward he came face to face with His Majesty at an exhibition, and the king engaged him in conversation. Liszt could not escape, but only answered with a bow and "Yes, Sire."
"Do you remember," said the king at last, "that you played at my house when you were but a boy and I Duke of Orleans? Much has changed since then."
"Yes," Liszt burst forth, "but not for the better."
The result of this reply was that when the roll of names for the cross of the Legion of Honor was sent to the king, he drew his pen through the name of Franz Liszt.