Anecdotes of Great Musicians/Anecdote 91
91.—SONTAG'S REVENGE.
Henrietta Sontag, one of the greatest "queens of song," had to go through at least one severe struggle before she attained the enviable position which she maintained as the greatest singer Germany had produced. It is said that at the beginning of her career she was hissed off the Vienna stage by the friends of her rival, Amelia Steininger. But in spite of this defeat, Sontag persevered until all Europe was at her feet.
Many years later, when she was at the height of her fame, she was one day riding through the streets of Berlin. Soon she came across a little girl leading a blind woman. The kind-hearted songstress was touched by the woman's helplessness, and she impulsively beckoned the child to her with, "Come here, my child, come here. Who is that you are leading by the hand?"
The answer was, "That's my mother, Amelia Steininger. She used to be a great singer, but she lost her voice, and she cried so much about it that now she can't see any more."
Sontag inquired their address and then told the child, "Tell your mother an old acquaintance will call on her this afternoon." The great singer was true to her word. She searched out their lowly abiding place and undertook the care of both mother and daughter. At her request, a skilled oculist tried to restore the woman's sight, but it was in vain.
But Sontag's kindness to her former rival did not stop here. The next week she gave a benefit concert for the poor woman, and it was said that on that occasion Sontag sang as she had never sung before. And who can doubt that with the applause of that vast audience there was mingled the applause of the angels in heaven who rejoice over the good deeds of those below.