a correct rendering on the part of the artists and the conductor by my presence at the rehearsals.  If, for the purpose of avoiding any possible demonstration, it should be thought necessary, I should be prepared to leave the town after the completion of the rehearsals and before the performance, which would show clearly enough what is alone of importance to me.  In addition to this, I will undertake to avoid in my writings, even of a purely artistic nature, such combative expressions open to misapprehension as may have escaped me formerly in my irritability.  Considering all these declarations, the future need be dealt with no longer, only the past.  And over that it would be well, in the case of an artist, to throw the veil of forgetfulness, not to make it a cause for revenge.  All this you might in conversation explain in a much more comprehensive and conciliatory manner than I could do by letter, especially in a petition for amnesty.

I therefore ask you most fervently, perform this great service of friendship for me.  Sacrifice to me the two days which a visit to Dresden would cost you, and explain the matter with that emphasis which alone can avail.  From no other measure can I expect a definite and positive result.  You alone can speak for me in the manner which is required.  If, for special reasons, you should refuse my demand, it would only remain to me to write to the King myself, and in that case we should have to consider by whom my letter could be forwarded to the King, perhaps through the Weimar ambassador.  In case the King should refuse my request I might fall back upon the intercession of one of the Prussian ministers, which has been offered to me for that purpose.  But I rely little on that, while I expect everything from you and your personal pleading.  Be good enough then to let me know soon what I had better do.

Farewell, and accept the cordial greetings of your

Richard W.

Zurich, April 13th, 1858.

Perhaps you might on the same occasion hand a copy of my
“Nibelungen” poem to the King.

215.

Dearest Richard,

I have not neglected the steps for your return to Germany.  Unfortunately my late efforts and endeavours have not as yet led to a favourable result, which proves by no means that such may not be the case in the future.  Your hint about the roundabout way, viz., Prague, I believe to be an illusion which you ought not to cherish, because it might lead to the most dangerous consequences.

The only thing that I can advise, and which I most urgently request you to do, is to send at once your petition to His Majesty the King of Saxony.