Your Munich news showed you to me in your ever serene artistic element, which I cordially enjoyed with you.  Your encounter with X. I regret.  All I told you of the man was, that at one time I was pleased with his voice and manner, but could form no judgment whatever of his method.  As you were no longer able to hear him sing, and as none of his pupils was sufficiently advanced to let you hear some real thing, I can well understand that the poor man must have bored you terribly with his theory; but I thank you for the trouble you have taken, and shall make use of your hint.  I thought you would have been able to let me know something about Dingelstedt, and his conduct towards “Tannhauser,” etc.  Probably there was nothing pleasant to tell, and you remained silent in consequence.  A thousand thanks to the most excellent Princess for the most astonishing cushion, and especially for the famous German letter.  I sent her a short answer to Munich, but it probably did not reach you.

To the good Child I shall write shortly; continue to love me all three of you.  I need it.  Best remembrances from my wife.  Farewell, and let me soon hear something comforting.

Yours longingly,

R. W.

231.

Dearest Franz,

I must think of protecting myself against any conceivable unpleasantness in connection with the impending warlike troubles in Switzerland.

Could not the Grand Duke get me from the Prince of Prussia, as chief of the army, a safe conduct against any possible ill-treatment or imprisonment on the part of the Prussian authorities?  If this is impossible, I should have to fly to France in case of a Prussian occupation, which would be unpleasant to me.  I am sure you will be good enough to do all in your power to set my mind at rest.

Of course the best thing would be if I could soon come to Weimar; but it appears that none of the difficulties of my position will be spared me.

Shall I hear from you soon?

A thousand loving and longing greetings.

232.

January lst, 1857.

Dearest Richard,

I am in bed once more, covered with the whole flora of my Zurich ills.  Unfortunately I am no longer near you, and must be content to celebrate the New Year with you by letter.  You could not meet with better luck than I wish you from the bottom of my heart.  The hope of serving you and, perhaps, of living together with you soon for some time, keeps me active and cheerful, although the external aspects are not of the most favourable kind.  At Carlsruhe, where I stayed a day three weeks ago, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess spoke with the warmest interest of your works.  ("Lohengrin” was being studied for production at Christmas.) Our Grand Duke here did the same at my arrival, adding, however, his apprehension, that for the present nothing could be done for you, and that I must have patience.  How sick I am of this patience you may easily imagine.