'Hamburg, 2 December 1854.
'Most beloved Friend,
'How can I describe to you my pleasure at your dear letter! You have already so often made me happy when you have remembered me so affectionately in the letters to your wife, and now I have a letter belonging entirely to myself. It is the first I have had from you; I value it beyond measure. Unfortunately I received it in Hamburg, where I had come to visit my parents; I would much rather have received it from the hand of your wife.
'I expect to return to Düsseldorf in a few days; I long to be there.
'The overmuch praise which you bestow on my variations fills me with happiness. I have been studying your works industriously since the spring; how much I should like to hear your praise of them also! I have passed this year since springtime at Düsseldorf; I shall never forget it, I have learned all the time to love you and your glorious wife more and more.
'I have never yet looked forward so cheerfully and confidently, never believed so firmly in a splendid future as now. How I wish it were near, and nearer still the happy time when you will be quite restored to us.
'I cannot then leave you any more; I shall try to earn more and more of your dear friendship.
'Good-bye, and think of me with affection.
'Your warmly venerating Johannes Brahms.
'My parents and your friends here think of you with the greatest veneration and love. The parents, Herr Marxsen, Otten, and Avé, particularly beg me to give you their most cordial greetings.'[53]