Here, my dear young lassie, in accordance with your own wish, comes
something that once belonged to Schiller—lilac was his favorite color,
and this is a bit of silk from his _last_ waistcoat. May it be a sweet
remembrance for you! Your Schiller memorial of November 10, 1859,[10]
in the form of a poem, unfortunately did not come to hand; perhaps you
will send me another copy, and will also mention to me the receipt of
this piece of lilac, that I may be set at ease by knowing that it is
in your hands—by seeing your wishes fulfilled.
I always rejoice with all my heart at knowing that Schiller’s spirit
finds a home in young hearts; remain attached to him through all
stages of life, my dear young lady, and kindly accept this little
memento from me.
Respectfully and sincerely yours
Emilie von Gleichen-Russwurm
born von Schiller
Elvira was as enthusiastic for science as for poetry, so it is only
natural that in her treasury of handwritings she wanted to see
represented also him who was at that time the most celebrated of
chemists. He gladdened her with the following letter:
Your lines of July 8 fill me equally with esteem for the writer and
with joy, for they show me a young lady making earnest efforts to
enrich her mind with the incomparable treasures of science; and it
causes me the more pleasure that my writings are among those which
have attracted your interest and attention. I only wish that my
writings may find many such readers of your sex. Accept the assurance
of high esteem with which I sign myself