[From an undated rough draft of a letter in the possession of Herr O. A. Schulz, bookseller in Leipzig. (The date has been ascertained from a letter to Mihalovich.)—The addressee was the well-known Hungarian statesman.]
[Villa d'Este, December 6th, 1874]
Dear and Very Honored Friend,
Your excellent letter of the 27th November reached me here yesterday evening. I hasten to give you my very sincere thanks, and to add a frank reply on the question of the Academy of Music.
First of all I think the "moyen violent" [violent means] of Huszar, which will deliver us from barren tittle-tattle, is right; let us throw the Seeschlange [sea serpent] into the Danube, and if he wants an epitaph here is one: "It is better to do nothing than to do stupidities."
Now, are we the stupid ones?—The Government is much interested in this affair; the Sovereign's decision has been obtained; I know not what official publication has followed. You yourself, dear Count, have brilliantly persuaded the Chamber of Deputies that the said Academy would be of use in raising Art in Hungary; my necessary humble reserve has been taken by the public as consent.—Is it possible now to take no account of such precedents, and to draw back when it is a question of advancing? I do not think so, and I am quite of your opinion, as wise as it is opportune.
In spite of the difficulties of a position embroiled with divers worries, and in spite of the scantiness of the financial means, we ought to stick to our affirmative position and not in the least to give way.
As to my "personal convenience," which you are good enough to take into such kind consideration, permit me to assure you anew that I aspire to one only blessing—quiet time for work in my own room. Orare et laborare. The point of honor, which no one understands better than yourself, attaches me to Hungary, our country. May I fulfil there all my duty of gratitude!—
I shall be back at Pest (Fischplatz) on the 10th February, and shall rejoice to hear the Ballade of our valiant friend Mihalovich, to whom I shall write tomorrow.
Yours from my heart,