The success I had was simply appalling.  The astounded audience seemed to remember nothing of the speech of the Orchestral Conductor Royal save the incidental attack I had made upon the court sycophants.  The news of this incredible event spread like wildfire.  The next day I rehearsed Rienzi, which was to be performed the following evening.  I was congratulated on all sides upon my self-sacrificing audacity.  On the day of the performance, however, I was informed by Eisolt, the attendant of the orchestra, that the plans had been changed, and he gave me to understand that thereby there hung a tale.  True enough, the terrible sensation I had made became so great, that the directors feared the most unheard-of demonstrations at any performance of Rienzi.  Then a perfect storm of derision and vituperation broke loose in the press, and I was besieged on all sides to such an extent that it was useless to think of self-defence.  I had even offended the Communal Guard of Saxony, and was challenged by the commander to make a full apology.  But the most inexorable enemies I made were the court officials, especially those holding a minor office, and to this day I still continue to be persecuted by them.  I learned that, as far as it lay in their power, they incessantly besought the King, and finally the director, to deprive me at once of my office.  On account of this I thought it necessary to write to the monarch personally, in order to explain to him that my action was to be regarded more in the light of a thoughtless indiscretion than as a culpable offence.  I sent this letter to Herr von Luttichau, begging him to deliver it to the King, and to arrange at the same time a short leave for me, so that the provoking disturbance should have a chance of dying down during my absence from Dresden.  The striking kindness and goodwill which Herr von Luttichau showed me on this occasion made no little impression upon me, and this I took no pains to conceal from him.  As in the course of time, however, his ill-controlled rage at various things, and especially at a good deal that he had misunderstood in my pamphlet, broke loose, I learned that it was not from any humane motives that he had spoken in such a propitiatory manner to me, but rather by desire of the King himself.  On this point I received most accurate information, and heard that when everybody, and even von Luttichau himself, were besieging the King to visit me with punishment, the King had forbidden any further talk on the subject.  After this very encouraging experience, I flattered myself that the King had understood not only my letter, but also my pamphlet, better than many others.