Then they sketched out some new projects. Servais was in friendly
relations with the director of the "Theâtre de la Monnaie" at Brussels,
and also with Brassin, director of the Conservatory, who was a
Wagnerian fanatic: they wished, with the Master's permission, to try to
arrange for the production of _Lohengrin_ at Brussels, with Richter as
chief of the orchestra.
"If Richter is able to make any money out of the affair, and in that
way to repay himself for what he has lost through me, I agree to it,"
said Wagner, "but only on that condition."
They gave us some commissions for Paris. Cosima wanted some preserves
"such as one finds in the Paris grocers' shops." She also wished me to
take a subscription to the journal called _La Poupée Modèle_, for Senta.
Wagner had been for a long time searching for a particularly delicious
snuff, which could, no doubt, be found at "La Civette."
"For," said he, "while it is true that I smoke, I also take snuff
sometimes, from a beautiful golden snuff box, like an ancient
Marquis.... So you see, I have all the vices, but in moderation."
We tried not to be sad. We had gathered a bountiful harvest of
memories, and we were consoled by our just pride in such a wonderful
friendship.
Moreover they promised us frequent news. Cosima, "who writes letters
like Madame de Sévigné," would be punctual and faithful, "provided
always that one replied to her as faithfully." We would continue then
to hold firmly on high the banner of Art, to fight the good fight, up
to the final triumph of our cause.
And, after the farewell kiss, we went away, stoical, bearing with us
much happiness:
Aux pèlerins d'amour
La vision du dieu parfume le retour!
[Illustration: EXTRACT FROM ONE OF WAGNER'S LETTERS TO MADAME GAUTIER,
SHOWING PART OF SCORE OF THE FIRST ACT IN "PARSIFAL."]
[Illustration: EXTRACT FROM ONE OF WAGNER'S LETTERS TO MADAME GAUTIER,
SHOWING PART OF SCORE OF THE SECOND ACT OF "PARSIFAL."]
[Illustration: EXTRACT FROM ONE OF WAGNER'S LETTERS TO MADAME GAUTIER,
SHOWING PART OF SCORE OF THE LAST ACT OF "PARSIFAL."]