Through Fraulein Hundt (whom, together with her friend Ingeborg Stark, you received so amiably) I heard a good many things about your way of life in Paris.  “Tannhauser”, with ballet, and a contest of translators as well as of minstrels, are immediately before you.  It will be a tough piece of work for you, and I advise as many walks and cooling baths as possible.  Fips should teach you a little philosophic patience during the rehearsals.  Frau Burde-Ney told me lately when she was “starring” here, that she intended to go to Paris for a few days, in order to study Isolde with you.  She has the necessary stuff ("Wupptich” they say at Dresden) for it.

A thousand thanks for the score which Hartel has sent me.  You know best how all this is sung from my very soul.  Let me know when convenient what you consider most desirable in regard to the performance of “Tristan.”  At Carlsruhe it seems impossible, and Devrient was inclined to bet that “Tristan” could not be performed anywhere else either, unless you consented to considerable alterations.  This is by no means my opinion, and as often as Devrient said no, I replied yes.  His stage experience is, no doubt, older than mine, but nevertheless I have perfect confidence in my opinion of such things.  You know for what reasons I did not, at the time, beg “Tristan” for Weymar, and you will approve of my passive attitude.  If, as I should not like to think, no favourable chances for the speedy performance of this marvellous work turn up, and if, for the present, you will be satisfied with a performance here, I firmly believe that I can arrange it for next season (1861).  Let me know your views when you write again.  Meanwhile I remain, with all my heart,

Your own

F. Liszt.

Weymar, May 31st, 1860.

I shall remain here till the return of the Princess.  Whether Berlioz will reply to your letter, couched in the barbarous French of Genius, in our sense, appears somewhat doubtful.  The more’s the pity.

303.

Paris, June 15th, 1860.

Can you induce Herr D. to send me a prompt reply to my last letter?  The question at stake is whether or not I shall be able to do something for the health of my wife this summer in accordance with the doctor’s prescription.  I must know this.  At the same time I must declare that I shall not accept less than 1,000 francs.

I do not want to encroach upon you, but what you can do without injuring yourself, do please, as soon as possible.

If they think me worth that sum at Weimar I shall expect the bill of exchange by return of post.

Adieu.

Your

Rich.  Wagner.

16, Rue Newton, champs Elysees.

304.

Dearest Franz,

According to a letter just received, D. thinks it necessary to refuse me the thousand francs I had asked for, and offers me thirty louis d’or instead.