Letters of Franz Liszt -- Volume 2 / from Rome to the End

by Franz Liszt

Yours most truly,

F. Liszt

Rome, December 26th, 1885

370. To Sophie Menter

Kind Diplomatist and Very Dear Friend,

I am writing my most humble thanks to the Grand Duke Constantine for his gracious invitation, together with the very kindly intentioned consideration of my age and failing eyesight—and especially my unfitness for pianoforte playing and orchestral conducting. This deters me from making any pretensions to a fee; but you know, dear friend, that my small income would not be sufficient to pay for lodging and a carriage in Petersburg. From the 1st to the 12th April I am detained in London. If it is not too late then, to Petersburg comes

Yours ever most faithfully,

F. Liszt

Rome, December 30th, 1885

In the middle of January I return to Budapest. Friendly greetings to the New School, whom I will beg to assist me as a veritable privy council in Petersburg. From the next letter of the Grand Duke Constantine I await the decision whether my journey to Petersburg in the middle of April is accepted or not.