On se réunit à 9 heures.
(Il n’y aura pas de “violon” ni même de piano.)
At midnight, however, the violin was sent for at Liszt’s request, and
not till after two o’clock in the morning did the company disperse. The
walk to the hotel along the fine river embankment in the brilliant
starlight, with the wonderful tones still sounding in one’s brain,
cannot be forgotten. After a brilliant improvisation on the same motives
which Ole Bull had chosen for the violin, Liszt had closed with a
dreamy, tender nocturne.
The master’s real interest in his friend’s work was shown by his chiding
him with warmth for the state of his musical manuscripts which he
insisted on looking through, and which he earnestly entreated him to
prepare for publication.
The following note brought Liszt himself in answer, and the last adieux
were said:—
ILLUSTRE AMI,—En partant, le courage de vous remercier de vive
voix de votre hospitalité princière me fait défaut. Vos précieux
conseils, inséparables compagnons de votre âme, inséparables
souvenirs de lumière de notre réunion après tant d’années
d’épreuves, sont gage sincere d’amitié—gage et promesse en même
temps! Ma chère femme, toute émue sous l’influence de votre génie
si gracieux, me prie d’exprimer sa reconnaissance, et
permettez–moi de souhaiter que l’Etre Suprême vous rende aussi
heureux que possible; voila ce que désire ardemment
Votre dévoué admirateur et ami,