DEAR MRS. MOSCHELES,--Though I don’t know whether you still care for me
or my Songs, yet,
[Illustration: musical notation
18. “Im Kahn.” Fac-simile from Letter of Dec. 12, 1837. (See page
163.)]
from old habit, I have written this one down for you, whether you sing
it or not; but I do wish you would. What a pity we missed each other
this time in England! I could not get it into my head that we were
really not to meet; and yet, with every day of my stay in London, the
fact was painfully evident. My wife wishes to write herself to thank you
for your kind words. It was dreadful to have to leave her in Germany. It
would have been my greatest joy to show her England properly; but so
much is certain, I have made up my mind not to leave her again at
Düsseldorf when I have to go to Rotterdam. It was too abominable.
I have only this corner left to bid you good-by, and to beg for a sign
of life and friendship when your time permits.[34] May we soon have a
happy meeting!
Yours,