dearest discovery I have made in Switzerland; up there all is so
joyful, so beautiful, that I long to return--to die there.

There we must meet next summer; I mean to write "Young Siegfried"
there, and you must assist me. Perhaps I shall assist you too.
How full my heart is when I think of it! Many thanks to the
Princess; at her desire, I send the enclosed autograph. Nothing
about business! What do we care about such miserable things? When
shall I see your symphonic poems, your "Faust?"

Farewell, my Franz.



169.

Brynhild sleeps; I am, alas! still awake.

Today I was asked, on the part of the Philharmonic Society of
London, whether I should be inclined to conduct its concerts this
year. I asked in return, (1) Have they got a second conductor for
the commonplace things? and (2) Will the orchestra have as many
rehearsals as I may consider necessary? If they satisfy me as to
all this, shall I accept then? If I could make a little money
without disgrace, I should be pleased enough. Write to me at once
what you think of this.

How are you otherwise? 170

First of all, dearest friend, my best wishes for the new year