October 30th, 1860
I have sent your charming birthday gift for October 22nd (text and music) to the Princess.
244. To Professor Franz Gotze in Leipzig
Dear, honored Friend,
Do not think me indiscreet if I say something to you about which you yourself must know best. The artistic gifts of your daughter are as rare as they are pronounced. I have heard her sing and declaim several times in the last few days, and each time with increasing interest. Will you not give her carte blanche, and grant your consent to the artistic career which is hers by nature and which can hardly be put aside? [Liszt, like others, was laboring under the mistake (for reasons which cannot be discussed here) that Gotze did not intend his daughter to pursue the career of an artiste, though he had had her educated both as a singer and dramatically.] I know that this may not be a very easy decision for you,—but, much as I usually refrain from giving advice of this kind, yet I cannot do otherwise than make an exception in this case, and intercede with you to let your daughter come out in public—because I am convinced that you will not regret having supported her with fatherly compliance in this.
Dr. Gille much wishes to gain your daughter for the next concert in Jena. I think that a debut there would in any case do her no harm. Later on I shall ask you whether you will allow Auguste shortly to appear here at a Court concert.
Excuse my interference in so delicate a matter by reason of the sincere interest I take in your daughter, and the faithful friendship with which I remain Your unalterably sincerely attached
F. Liszt
Weymar, November 4, 1860
Send a telegram to Gille in reply—if possible, "Yes," as the concert takes place next Sunday.