My stay in Paris will not prove unfruitful. People may say of it what they like.—I must mention to you the name of Camille Saint- Saens in Paris, as specially deserving of notice in the Neue Zeitschrft as a distinguished artist, virtuoso and composer. Last year he was in Leipzig, so he told me, and played his Concerto at the Gewandhaus there. But people could not make anything out of him, and in dignified ignorance allowed him to pass. Langhans [A Berlin musical composer and critic who died in 1892.] sees him frequently and could give you fuller information about him for the Zeitschrift.
Give Kahnt my grateful thanks for carefully carrying out the orders from Paris. I mean to wait another year before publishing the "Elizabeth." I also want several illustrations for it, for, as the work is dedicated to the King of Bavaria, I wish it to present the choicest and noblest appearance.
If Kahnt should be disposed to take it next year, I shall be glad to come to some arrangement with him about it. Still I am determined not to have the "Elizabeth" published till then; to several publishers who have offered to undertake the publication I have already replied,—may every kind of printing long be held at a distance from this score.—
Allow me to recommend to your friendly interest a few other things I have at heart.
Ask Kahnt, in my name, not to be sparing in supplying Bulow with copies of the Liszt-compositions he has published. I should more especially like my Quartets for male voices circulated, and a few complimentary copies from Kahnt would be useful in this respect. No fear need be entertained of Bulow's making indiscreet demands, and one may confidently grant him all he wishes.
.—. Hartel will shortly be sending me some music. Please enclose the last numbers of the Neue Zeitschrft in the parcel in order that my ignorance on matters musical may be relieved.
In sincere attachment I remain in unalterable friendship,
Yours,
F. Liszt
Rome, June 19th, 1866