Sent to the Devil Read Online Free

Sent to the Devil
Book: Sent to the Devil Read Online Free
Author: Laura Lebow
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the Freyung, she pining for her mother, he for the son he never had. But she has grown to become a lovely woman. I was happy to hear of her engagement to Count Benda. He is a good man. He’ll do his best to make her happy.”
    We stood quietly for a moment.
    â€œWhile you are here, Father Bayer, I would like to ask a favor,” Krause said. “I’d be honored if you would read my latest article and give me your thoughts.”
    â€œMore of your natural religion ideas, Maximilian?” Alois asked, his eyes twinkling.
    Krause laughed. “If you are referring to the idea that religious belief should be instilled in our flock through rational discourse rather than medieval mumbo jumbo, well then, I would say yes, that is my topic.”
    â€œI agree with you that many of the superstitious activities the church encouraged in the past should be abolished,” Alois said. “Worshiping the icons, dressing the statues of the saints and parading them around the city—everyone knows those practices are ridiculous. But if you are arguing that we should not teach about the existence of Heaven and Hell, there is where we part ways.”
    â€œBut surely you don’t believe that we should lead people to God by using fear of retribution and threats of burning in Hell,” Krause protested. “That flies in the face of all modern church philosophy.”
    I stifled a yawn.
    â€œNo, no. Not that,” Alois replied. “I just worry where all this new thinking will lead, that is all. If we take your theories to their logical ends, the laity might question whether the church is necessary at all. That is my fear.”
    I coughed.
    â€œYet you support the emperor’s reform of the church, Father Bayer, do you not?” Krause persisted. “You must admit, the cathedral has changed for the better since Joseph took away control of the church from Rome.” He looked at me. “You’re a priest, Lorenzo. What do you think?”
    I smiled. “I think it’s time for dinner.”
    The priests laughed. “Send your article over to my office, Maximilian,” Alois said. “I’d be happy to read it.” We said our good-byes to Krause and headed outside.
    *   *   *
    Dusk was falling as I made my way home after a pleasant afternoon. We had tried the new catering shop near the Greek church, and the food had been tasty and plentiful. After the waiter had cleared away the dishes, we directed our attention to finishing the bottle of wine I had ordered. Our wide-ranging discussion eventually turned to the cathedral.
    â€œThese new men!” Alois said. “Maximilian, spouting all the new philosophies, and now Dauer, with his political acumen. I can no longer keep up with them. I’m happy to be retired.”
    â€œThere are a lot of new ideas floating around this city,” I agreed.
    â€œBut enough of that,” Alois said. “Tell me. What are you working on now?”
    â€œMozart and I are modifying Don Giovanni for the premiere on May seventh,” I told him.
    â€œThe old Don Juan farce.” Alois laughed. “People never tire of that story.” Don Giovanni, like many other operas and plays that had come before mine, was based on the Don Juan legend, the story of a noted libertine who is dragged to Hell by the ghost of a father whose daughter he had seduced.
    â€œI hope the public here in Vienna is not tired of it,” I said.
    â€œI’m certain they won’t be,” Alois said. He reached over and patted my hand. “You told me it was a hit in Prague last fall. It will be successful here, you’ll see. Tell me, what kind of changes are you making?”
    â€œWell, it is always necessary to change some of the arias to suit the talents of the new cast. Sometimes a singer isn’t comfortable with an aria that hasn’t been tailored to his or her particular voice. Wolfgang prides himself on
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