Franz Liszt, a friend of Wagner's, became greatly interested in
_Lohengrin_. Under his direction it was sung in a small town. All who
heard it liked the beautiful story and still more beautiful music.
Soon nearly every one in Germany had heard _Lohengrin_, the beautiful
opera of the Swan Knight.
Wagner, far from home, was cheered by the news that his opera was well
liked. He longed to hear it himself. He said: "Nearly every German has
heard _Lohengrin_. Soon I shall be the only one who has not heard it."
After many years Wagner returned to the Fatherland. He and the king of
Bavaria became great friends. The king had heard _Lohengrin_ sung many
times. It was his favorite opera. It is said that he used to dress
himself in armor like Lohengrin's and sail about the lake in a swan boat
for hours at a time.
The king thought the theaters in Germany were not well built. He thought
that a special opera house should be erected in which Wagner's operas
could be given. Plans were made and a model opera house was built.
Many people throughout Germany became interested in Wagner's opera
house, as it was called. The money that they gave, with the sum given by
the king, paid for the building. The building, which Wagner himself
planned, is still used, and Wagner's operas are still sung there.
The last opera that Wagner composed is called _Parsifal_. Many think it
is finer even than _The Rhinegold_ and _Lohengrin_. Like _Lohengrin_ it
tells a story of the Holy Grail.
In 1870 Wagner was married for the second time. The last years of his
life were spent in Venice, with his wife and children. Theirs was a
bright and happy home, for the gentle Wagner was a kind and loving
father. All the people of Venice loved him. In a short time all the poor
and needy of the city knew the great-hearted man, for he was ever ready
to help those in trouble.
Wagner's unselfish life and sweet character won him many friends. At his
death people on both sides of the Atlantic mourned for him.
The great composer died in Venice, and his body was taken to Germany for
burial. At every station on the way to Germany, fresh flowers were
scattered on the casket. The king sent a beautiful wreath, on which were
words meaning, _To the Deathless One_.
[Music: (The Rhinegold.) (Motif.)]