In order to fulfill its task of progress, the Neue Zeitschrift fur Musik has not spared its editor either in efforts or sacrifices. By the fact that it represents, in a talented and conscientious manner, the opinions and sympathies of my friends and myself, it is in the most advanced, and consequently the most perilous, position of our musical situation; therefore our adversaries lose no opportunity of raising difficulties for it. Our opinions and sympathies will he sustained, I doubt not, by their worth and conviction; but if Your Highness condescends to come to our aid, we shall be both proud and happy—and it is by spreading our ideas through the Press that we can best strengthen our position.
In other words, I am convinced that, in granting your confidence to Mr. Brendel, the sum that Your Highness is pleased to devote to this matter will be employed in the most honest manner, and that most useful to the progress of Art—and that all the honor and gratitude which your munificence deserves will spring from it—as is the earnest desire of him who has the honor to be, Monseigneur, Your Highness's most devoted and humble servant,
F. Liszt
Weymar, August 18th, 1858
205. To Frau Rosa von Milde
[Court opera-singer in Weimar, nee Agthe; the first Elsa in
Lohengrin; a refined and poetical artist]
Weymar, August 25th, 1858
My honored and dear Friend,
If the outward circumstances which you mention in your kind letter are not exactly of the kind that I could wish for you, yet I am egotist enough to be much pleased at its friendly contents towards myself. Accept my warmest thanks for them—and let me tell you how anxious I am that you should like me very much, and how desirous I am to deserve this—as far as it can be deserved; for the best part of a harmonious intimacy must ever remain a free gift.
The "wanton, ragged garments of the Muse," which you abandon with strict generosity, make a show and please almost everywhere. Her sensual charm is not unknown to me; yet I think I may say that it was given me to lay hold of a higher and a pure ideal, and to vow to it my whole endeavors for many years past. You, dear friend, have, through your singing, often led me to this in the best way, without thinking of it. Moreover it always does me so much good when we meet in unity in the same path.—