Two Kinds of Bills

Musicians do get lucky sometimes—but the windfalls are rare enough that they stick in the memory. Everyone loves the story of Paganini’s gift to Berlioz. Some artists are born rich, some earn fortunes, and a very small number have money simply thrust upon them.

Here’s what happened to the composer Michael William Balfe one day in Paris. He was about to leave for Italy; the carriage was ready, he stepped in, and just as he was about to depart, a gentleman hurried up and handed him a small packet. Balfe was asked to accept it—but not to open it until he was well on his journey.

Balfe agreed… and the moment the stranger left, curiosity won. He tore the packet open. Out fell a letter—and a 1,000‑franc banknote. The writer said he’d been charmed by Balfe’s talent, and, hoping to help the young composer, risked sending the money. Balfe’s own funds were running low, so it felt like a streak of pure good luck.

Then luck changed outfits. Another stranger arrived with a second communication—this one requesting immediate attention. Balfe opened it, half‑expecting more bills to rain down. Out dropped a bill of a different kind: an account for over 600 francs, with a request for immediate payment. With a sigh he handed over the 1,000‑franc note and pocketed the change.

He left quickly, fearing more ‘notes and bills’—just not the friendly kind. And he couldn’t help thinking: if he’d waited a few minutes, he could honestly have said he couldn’t pay, and later discovered himself in possession of the full 1,000 francs.