“He has covered himself with glory. His pupils have carried off all the prizes this year; he can wallow in laurels, though he certainly might find a more comfortable bed!
“Here ends my scribble; I press your learned hand.”
To Humbert Ferrand.
“10th November 1866.—Dear Humbert,—I ought to be in Vienna, but the concert is put off. I suppose that Faust was not learnt to their satisfaction, and they only wish me to hear it when it is nearly ready.
“It will be a real joy to listen to it again; I have not heard the whole of it since it was performed twelve years ago in Dresden.
“The Alcestis rehearsals have done me good; never did it appear so grand, and surely never before was it so finely rendered.
“A whole new generation has arisen to worship.
“The other day a lady near me sobbed so violently that every one around noticed her, and I got crowds of letters thanking me for my devoted care for Gluck.
“Ingres is not the only one of our Institute colleagues who comes constantly; most of the painters and sculptors love the beautiful Antique, of which the very sorrow is not disfiguring.
“I am sending you the pocket-score; you will easily read it and I am sure will enjoy it.”