BALESTRAND,[18] _September 4, 1849_.
[18] A most beautiful spot, the scene of “Frithiof’s Saga.”
... As I am not certain to meet you in Christiania when I go
there, I write a few words to tell you what a lively interest I
feel in your grand undertaking, the laying of the corner–stone of
a _Norse_ theatre. And next, I have a strong desire to thank you
for the happy hours you made me pass when we were last together.
It would not do for everybody to express their gratitude by
letter, but my artistic conceit makes me feel that the good I
gained from your playing was of another kind than that which most
people received; but, be that as it may, I have often thought that
I must write and thank you some time, and this present occasion is
a good one, since this is to be a sort of business letter. I have
studied to find if there was not some way I could give my mite to
this important work. In any case my suggestion can do no harm if
it should not be practicable. I am thinking naturally of
painting—the decorations. The manner in which this should be done
is no unimportant matter, and especially important is it that it
should be done by a Norseman and be Norse in spirit. As I am
pretty certain not to be depriving any fellow–countrymen of work,
I offer my services. The theatre must pay for the canvas and
colors, or we might procure them in some other way that may occur
to us later. You will best know how the directors would receive my
offer. This much is certain, that it would give me great pleasure
to work for the young theatre in this way. I could have the help
of some of the younger artists in Christiania, as it would be too
hard a task for me alone. It will be delightful if we can talk
this over a fortnight hence in Christiania. The work you have
before you will demand courage and endurance, and I wish you
enough of both, since of necessity many serious obstacles will
surely come in your way. Therefore good courage!—as the song says.
I am living amid all this glory and beauty, and know not whether
to be sad or happy; for it is in every way delightful, but—what
will come of it? The summer joy will soon be past, as already I
must light my fire of an evening as I sit and muse in the chimney
corner; but this is not so bad either. I leave for Christiania in
a week and shall arrive a fortnight hence, when I hope to meet
you.
Your very devoted HANS GUDE.
The following congratulatory letter from the poet Wergeland is
characteristic:—
THE GROTTO, _22d July_.
DEAR OLE,—Welcome _Home_! I am cursing Denmark, in which you will
sympathize with me. You see that I date this from a spot unknown
to you. It is my new country–place, and I look forward to having
you of an evening on my balcony, which commands the most glorious
view the environs of Christiania can offer. I want, too, to ask
you if I should give you the text of what I am now writing. I have
two delightful subjects, but both exotic; the one is Persian, the
other filled with raven–black negroes from the Congo coast and
copper–colored Portuguese. Or do you wish something Norse? The
latter might be preferable, though the Oriental subjects are
exceedingly charming. I dare suggest these, since they are not my
own. Let me know your decision.... I have a Norse vaudeville lying
by me, which I can send you, if you will set it to music....
Having arranged for the business management of the theatre during his
absence, Ole Bull visited Hamburg and Copenhagen. He also went to
Prussia, giving concerts in several cities. At the end of the year he
left Bergen for America, sailing from Liverpool for New York in January,
1852.
Early in March he went to Baltimore to see his counsel, who had written
him of the favorable termination of his suit with Schubert. He also
visited Lexington, Kentucky, among other places; and the following note
from Henry Clay must have been written at that time, though it bears no
date:—