A. The cast.

B. The arrangement of the rehearsals, at some of which I must be present.

If you desire it, I am prepared to come to Berlin at the end of the theatrical season here (June 24th), in order to arrive at an understanding with you about the whole matter, which cannot be difficult.

As to the honorarium claimed by Wagner, I can assure you in advance that he will make no unreasonable demands, and I shall let you know his decision after communicating once more with him.  As a minor point, concerning my humble self, I may add that although my personal participation in the performance of a work by Wagner would involve a stay in Berlin of about a month, and the sacrifice of time would therefore be considerable, I should be so delighted at the anticipated success of this matter, that I should not like to mix it up with an estimate of my own expenses.

One other point I must mention:  I have heard lately that Wagner makes my direction of his operas an absolute condition for Berlin.  Highly flattered as I must be by Wagner’s confidence, I take the liberty, in accordance with my unlimited power, of considering the question of my direction as a question RESERVEE, which I shall decide later on, according to circumstances.  I hope some means will be found of preserving my responsibility towards Wagner and his works without leading to an intrusion of myself on the Berlin artists.  Accept, etc., etc.

Your obedient servant,

F. L.

Weymar, may 20th, 1854.

N.B.—­Be good enough to send me your final instructions as to this point, whether you want a lump sum down, or royalties, or both.  Write to me at once as to this, and leave it to me to get a plus or a Minus, according to circumstances.

As soon as Hulsen takes another step in the matter, you will hear of it at once, dearest friend.  Write to me about the money point, and let me know your other wishes as to the Berlin performance.

In the meantime keep the above two letters to yourself, as too much has already been said about the Berlin affair.

The arrangement with Dingelstedt has not as yet been settled, but he is coming to Weymar at the end of June.  Probably he intends to wait till the Munich Exhibition is over and to produce “Tannhauser” in the autumn.  He writes that he is sorry not to be able to comply with all your wishes as to the honorarium.  If you have made any special demands, let me know.

I am rather unwell and weary.  This letter-writing, bargaining, and transacting are intolerable to me; by way of relaxation, I am writing a longish article about the “Flying Dutchman”; I hope it will amuse you.  Brendel will publish it completely before the middle of June; in the meantime it is appearing as a Feuilleton in the “Weymar Official Gazette.”

Eugene Wittgenstein has sent me your medallion, which has given me great pleasure.  It is the most faithful likeness of all your portraits.