Weimar, July 3rd, 1877
Dearest Eduard,
For some weeks I have been much on the go and disturbed in many ways. Several musical performances occasioned me to go about in the neighborhood. On the 17th June some portions of the "Christus Oratorio" were splendidly sung in the Thomaskirche (Leipzig) by the Riedel Verein. Last Friday "Elizabeth" came brilliantly to the fore again in Eisenach, and yesterday Gille, my untiring friend of many years' standing, arranged a large concert of sacred music (with several items of mine), at which I was present.
I do indeed regret that I am not able to accept in person the kind invitation of my beloved nephew Franz for his wedding-day. It would be much better for me to be more with you all!…Enclosed are a few words to Franz. Arrange for my proxy as a witness at the marriage ceremony. Whoever is chosen by you will be worthy and right to me: as for me I should choose my friend Bosendorfer.
I go the day after tomorrow to Berlin for two days; then I am bidden farther and nearer till the end of July. I shall respectfully announce to the Frau Furstin [Princess] my arrival in Rome—beginning of August. Please send me here on the 20th July the money for the journey, and something over—about 1200 marks [about 60 pounds]. I must not have any other debts except moral ones. Our name Liszt in the Hungarian language means Flour: we will provide good wheaten meal "ex adipe frumenti" with thee, Franz, and thy children.
Truly devoted,
F. L.
.—. I shall visit you in the middle of November on the return journey from Rome to Pest,—where I think of spending the winter, as formerly.
Heartiest greetings to your wife and Marie.
210. To Ludwig Bosendorfer