I need scarcely ask, dear Abranyi, how you have passed your summer. The chief thing is to hold out steadfastly, and you show this in the noblest manner by your unwearied, meritorious endeavors after the high goal of Art. "Perseverons!"
I think of staying here till the beginning of January, and of returning then direct to Budapest. First of all I must finish a little extra work: as soon as the new setting of the text for the dramatic Oratorio "Der heilige Stanislaus," which Baron Dingelstedt has kindly promised me, comes to hand the composition shall proceed. I am often quite anxious about further writing of music, but I do not give it up, although I do not imagine at all that I can express that which floats before my mind. But my self- dissatisfaction finds ample consolation in the ever-fresh joy at the master-works of the Past and Present:—most of all in Wagner's majestic word-tone-creations. King Ludwig II. of Bavaria rightly addressed "to the Tone-poet Master Richard Wagner."—
Hearty greetings to your family, and ever yours
Sincerely and gratefully,
F. Liszt
September 13th, 1878 (Villa d'Este, Tivoli)
The loss of Augusz touches me most painfully. Since the first performance of the Gran Mass, more than twenty years ago, we have been one in heart. He it was also who especially decided me to carry out my wish to settle myself in Budapest.
After the opening of the new Academical Course write to me about it.
237. To Eduard von Liszt
Dearest Eduard,