I shall perhaps resume the subject in a supplement. There
is however one which I cannot omit, as it relates to the greater
part of what is to follow. I one day examined the music of
d'Holbach, in his closet. After having looked over many different
kinds, he said, showing me a collection of pieces for the harpsichord:
"These were composed for me; they are full of taste and harmony, and
unknown to everybody but myself. You ought to make a selection from
them for your divertissement." Having in my head more subjects of airs
and symphonies than I could make use of, I was not the least anxious
to have any of his. However, he pressed me so much, that, from a
motive of complaisance, I chose a Pastoral, which I abridged and
converted into a trio, for the entry of the companions of Colette.
Some months afterwards, and whilst the Devin still continued to be
performed, going into Grimm's I found several people about his
harpsichord, whence he hastily rose on my arrival. As I accidentally
looked towards his music stand, I there saw the same collection of the
Baron d'Holbach, opened precisely at the piece he had prevailed upon
me to take, assuring me at the same time that it should never go out
of his hands. Some time afterwards, I again saw the collection open on
the harpsichord of M. d'Epinay, one day when he gave a little concert.
Neither Grimm, nor anybody else, ever spoke to me of the air, and my
reason for mentioning it here is that some time afterwards, a rumor
was spread that I was not the author of Devin.
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