Madame Erard placed at my disposal a princely suite in her house, Rue du Mail, 13 (with which Spiridion [Liszt's valet] I was quite satisfied); a carriage also in addition. Thanks to this hospitality my expenses were very much diminished, and I only required 1500 francs..—.
My old friend Belloni has also proved himself most faithful this time in Paris, and saved me many expenses. It is wonderful how honest and disinterested he remains, with all his constant contact with the artist-world!—
Immediately on my return I went to Erfurt for the Tonkunstlcr- Versammlung (from the 22nd to the 25th July). The whole affair went off well. I send you in addition the whole programme. Bulow played in a marvellous and masterly manner.
Everything in Weimar is now in a state of commotion over the
Ducal-Jubilee-Festivities, which begin the day after tomorrow.
The King of the Netherlands, the King of Saxony, Prince Friedrich
Carl of Prussia, several reigning German Dukes and foreign
Princes are expected. Our Emperor and King is sending Prince
Windischgratz with congratulations to the Grand Duke. Victor
Scheffel (the author of "Ekkehard," the "Trompeter von
Sackingen," the "Bergpsalmen," etc.) has written the Festival
Play, which is to be performed in the theater here on the 9th
July. My "Carl-Alexander" March, which was published 20 years ago
(by Bote and Bock) in Berlin, is to serve as Prelude.
For 30 years past I have been incrustated into the Royal house of
Weimar, and shall remain faithful to it.—
My dearest cousin Marie wrote me a loving, witty note with respect to the photograph of her cousin, Ferd. von Saar, which I wanted for my Grand Duke. I will write my thanks to Marie shortly. Send the accompanying lines to Franz in Gratz; I am congratulating him, in them, that you are now grandpapa.
Heartfelt greetings to the Generalissima.
Thy
F.L.
Weimar, July 6th, 1878