Two articles are ready for your paper, "Die weisse Frau" [The White Lady] and "Alfonso and Estrella." As soon as the "Montecchi" and the "Favorita" appear you shall receive them [the complete "Gesammelte Schriften," vol. iii, 1]. The "Fliegender Hollander" is also ready, but must be copied.["Gesammelte Schriften," vol. iii., 2.] This article is a very long one, and will take up several of your numbers.
Remember me kindly to your wife, and bear me in friendly remembrance as your willing collaborator and attached friend,
F. Liszt
Weymar, July 7th, 1854
117. To Anton Rubinstein.
[Rubinstein (born 1830, at Wechwotynetz in Russian Bessarabia) gave concerts as early as 1839 in Paris, and Liszt, who was there, welcomed in the boy the future "inheritor of his playing," and helped him in his studies, both during his stay in Paris, and during his stay in Vienna later on, by giving him lessons. When Rubinstein, in 1854, after a long sojourn in Russia, came back to Germany, Liszt gave him a most hospitable reception at the Altenburg at Weimar.]
What are you doing with yourself, my dear Van II.? [From Rubinstein's likeness to Beethoven Liszt jokingly called him Van II. (that is, Van Beethoven)] Are you settled according to your liking at Bieberich, and do you feel in a fine vein of good-humor and work, or are you cultivating the Murrendo[This must refer to some witty joke.] of your invention?
Your luggage van of manuscripts was sent off to you the day after my return, and will have reached you in good condition, I think. I acquit myself herewith of my little debt of one hundred thalers, with many thanks for your obligingness, until the case arises again. A propos of obligingness, will you please send me the letter of introduction for Cornelius's sister, who is about to begin her theatrical career in the choruses of the Italian opera at St. Petersburg? I told Cornelius that you had promised it to me. And I should be very glad to send it him without too much delay. His sister is an excellent young person, not too pretty, but well brought up, and whom one can introduce with a good conscience. It is to be feared that she will feel herself very isolated there, and will get "Heimweh" [homesickness]!
Let me hear from you soon. As regards myself I have very little to tell you at this moment. Weymar is deserted, as the Court is absent. Schade alone is radiant, for he has already got a heap of subscribers to his "Weymar'sche Jahrbucher" [Weimar Year-books], the first number of which is half printed and will definitely appear on the 28th August. Mr. de Beaulieu will not be back for three weeks; in spite of this send me your scenario of the Russian opera as soon as ever you have finished it, for I will see that he has it, and, if there is no political obstacle (which is a very exceptional circumstance in these matters), your work shall be given next November. [The opera "The Siberian Hunters" was, in point of fact, given at Weimar through Liszt's instrumentality.] When you have sufficiently enjoyed the charms of Bieberich, come and see me at the Altenburg. It seems to me that you will be at least as comfortable here as elsewhere (Baden-Baden with Madame * * * excepted!), and Van II may be certain of being always welcome
To his very affectionate friend,