What can I say to you of Italy that you do not know, and that you
have not said in such manner as to cause despair for ever to the
makers of observations! - It is always the same status quo, the
excellent and perfectly happy government that you know. - I am
hoping and longing ardently for your next book [probably "Le
Livre du Peuple": Paris, 1837], which I shall read with my whole
heart and soul, as I have read all that you have written for four
years. I shall owe you just so many more good and noble emotions.
Will they remain for ever sterile? Will my life be for ever
tainted with this idle uselessness which weighs upon me? Will the
hour of devotion and of manly action never come? Am I condemned
without respite to this trade of a Merry Andrew and to amuse in
drawing-rooms?
Whatever may be my poor and humble destiny, do not ever doubt my
heart. Do not ever doubt the deep respect and unalterable
devotion with which you have inspired me.
Yours for ever,
F. Liszt
Como, December 18th, 1837
12. To Breitkopf and Hartel in Leipzig
[Autograph in the possession of Herr Hermann Scholtz,
Kammervirtuoso in Dresden.]
I thank you much, gentlemen, for the obliging letter that you
have written me.
