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[Autograph in the possession of Herr O. A. Schulz, bookseller in Leipzig.--Addressed to a Vienna banker, an intimate friend of Liszt The "Soirees de Vienne," composed on Schubert Valses, are dedicated to him.]
I am very sensible, my dear sir, of your friendly remembrance. Your kind letter found me in the midst of the official hurly- burly of the coronation fetes. What business on earth had I to do with such an affair? I have not the least idea. Thank Heaven we are now at the end of it all, safe and sound, rejoicing, and sated with amusement!
I found at Milan a certain number of my Vienna connections. One or two of the persons whom you will not mention to me (and whose anonymity I respect) were also there. I know that a great many of the people who approach me with a smile on their lips, and protestations of friendship on their tongues, have nothing better to do than to pull me to pieces as best they can as soon as they are outside my door. It is, moreover, the fate of all the world. I resign myself to it willingly, as I do to all the absurd and odious necessities of this lower world. There is, besides, just this much good in these sad experiences of various relations with men--which is, that one learns to relish and appreciate better the devotion of the few friends whom chance has thrown in your path.
In a few days from now I shall start for Bologna, Florence, and Rome. In spite of all my desire to return to Vienna, where people have been so kind and indulgent to me, I do not yet see when I shall be able to get there. However this journey may be put off, I hope, nevertheless, my dear sir, that you will continue till then the affectionate feelings you so kindly entertain towards me. Receive in return my assurances of consideration and affectionate devotion.
F. Liszt
Milan, September 22nd, 1838
Will you be so good as to give the enclosed note to the charming woman who is good enough to remember me so kindly?
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