The stage into which this affair has got makes such a step absolutely necessary, and you may be sure that I should not urge you to it if I were not firmly convinced that your return to Germany cannot be brought about in any other way.  As you have already told me that you would write to the King, I feel sure that you will do so without delay.  Send me a copy of your letter to the King.  You should, in the first instance, ask for an amnesty to the extent only that you might be permitted to hear your works at Weymar, because this would be necessary for your intellectual development, and because you felt sure that the Grand Duke of Weymar would receive you in a kindly spirit.  It breaks my heart to have to prescribe such tedious methods, but believe me, in that direction lies your only way to Germany.  When you have once been here for a few weeks the rest will be easily arranged, and I shall give you the necessary information in due course.

In the meantime we must have patience and again patience.

Take heart of grace in the hope which I have by no means abandoned, that we shall see you here.

Your faithful

F. Liszt.

Johanna has been here this last week, and has sung Orpheus and
Romeo with the most enormous applause.

I shall have to tell you many things about her when we meet.

By this post you receive the three first numbers of my Symphonic
Poems, which have just been published.

216.

Dearest Franz,

Your last letter found me again on a sick bed.  Today I am scarcely recovered, and fear another relapse; that is how I am.

Today I received the second instalment of your Symphonic Poems, and I feel all of a sudden so rich that I can scarcely believe it.  Unfortunately it is only with great difficulty that I can gain a clear conception of them.  This would be done with lightning rapidity if you could play them to me.  I am looking forward with the eagerness of a child to studying them.  If I could only be well again!

(Do you want the third act of the “Valkyrie?” My copyist works so slowly that there will be plenty of time for you to let me know your wishes.  The copy of the full score of the “Rhinegold” I expect back from Klindworth before long, and shall send it to you.)

I am going to take a purgative in order to avoid the return of my illness.  I wish I could, instead, start for Purgatory at once.

Adieu.  A thousand thanks for your friendship.

R. W.

217.

Mornex, near Geneva, July 12th, 1856.

My dear Franz,