If necessary, therefore, force him to do it,
by my order.
With regard to the causes and excuses for your pretended
"obstinacy, dogmatism," and imaginary "arrogance," I beg you,
dearest friend, to rest assured that you will never find any such
suspicion in me. What you think, feel, compose, is noble and
great - therefore I take a sympathetic interest in it. - The next
time we are together I will merely endeavour to make "amputation"
more bearable to you by chloroform! -
With highest esteem I remain,
Yours in all friendship,
F. Liszt
[Weimar,] October 20th, 1859
222. To Heinrich Porges in Prague.
Dear Friend,
Your letter for the 22nd October gave me heartfelt pleasure, and
you need not be in doubt as to the correctness of the
affectionate and deep perception of my endeavour, which "has
proceeded both from man's need of freedom as well as of love,"
and which, by and with the grace of God, has been impelled to
raise itself toward the "Divine." - I cannot say much on this
subject; but may my works only remain no dumb witnesses, and may
your intimate understanding of them give you some satisfaction.
