I ask you therefore, definitely and finally, whether you will take the initiative in this matter?  At the same time I would draw your attention to the fact that, after mature consideration, I must abide by the character of my demand.  An appointment at Weimar, although it might leave me at perfect liberty and even be equal to yours, I could not accept, because the salary would not be sufficient for my purpose.  It would not help me radically, and would therefore imply all the dangers of a palliative measure.  Once more, I require an absolute settlement of my external circumstances, which will provide for and exercise a decided influence on my future artistic creativeness.  I shall be forty-six next birthday, and therefore speak of about ten years at the utmost.

If you have reasons for not entering into my request, or for declining to concern yourself with it personally, let me know plainly and definitely.  I could explain those reasons from your peculiar position, and they would not in the least interfere with our friendship.  Let me know in that case whether you advise me to apply myself to the Grand Duke of Weimar, in order to induce him to place himself at the head of the aforesaid combination of princes.  If you do not think this advisable, I am determined to ask D. whether he will intercede for me with another prince.  If he also refuses, my last resource will be to apply to that prince myself.  On the success of this step will depend my further relations to Germany, as to which in such circumstances I have quite made up my mind.

My request, whether it be addressed to you, or D., or one of the princes, will be accompanied by a clear and convincing exposition of my circumstances, my position towards the artistic world, and my individual qualities, and wants.  At the same time I shall state precisely what I promise to do in return for such a pension.  In the first instance, and whether my return to Germany will be granted or not, I shall undertake to continue the creation of new works.  All my works, present and future, will be given to the various court theatres gratis.  Finally, as soon as I am allowed to return to Germany I will, by special desire, undertake to superintend in person the study and production of my operas, and, if it should be wished, of other works, the representation of which would be for the benefit and honour of art.

This letter, dear Franz, is the first I have written in this fateful new year 1859.  It is addressed to you, and deals with a subject which will be of decisive influence on my future life.  May Heaven and our friendship reward it with success!

Answer me soon definitely and decisively, for I repeat that I do not want my request to be in any way connected with the amnesty.  A thousand cordial greetings to the ladies, to whom I shall soon write a pleasant letter.

Your

R. W.

281.

Dearest Franz,