Anderson, treasurer of the Philharmonic Society and conductor of
the Queen's band, came specially to Zurich to arrange the matter
with me. I did not like the idea much, for it is not my vocation
to go to London and conduct Philharmonic concerts, not even for
the purpose of producing some of my compositions, as is their
wish. I have written nothing for concerts. On the other hand, I
felt distinctly that it was necessary for me to turn my back once
for all upon every hope and every desire of taking an active part
in our own artistic life, and for that reason I accepted the hand
held out to me.

London is the only place in the world where I can make it
possible to produce "Lohengrin" myself while the kings and
princes of Germany have something else to do than grant me my
amnesty. It would please me very much if I could induce the
English people next year to get up a splendid German opera with
my works, patronised by the court. I admit that my best
introduction for that purpose will be my appointment as conductor
of the Philharmonic (THE OLD), and so I consented at last to the
sale of myself, although I fetched a very low price: 200 pounds
for four months. I shall be in London at the beginning of March
to conduct eight concerts, the first of which takes place March
12th, and the last June 25th. At the beginning of July I shall be
at Seelisberg. It would be splendid if you could visit me in
London; in any case I must produce something of yours there.
Consider this.

Do not forget Joachim; when I am once in London, I can easily
arrange the matter.