It was not at that time usual to applaud the actors and actresses when the Sovereign was present, until the latter had given the signal. After the first act, however, a great number of those present were so delighted that they could not refrain from recalling Herr and Frau Schnorr von Carolsfeld. No sooner had they done this than hisses were to be heard, though deadened by applause. After the second act the two chief singers were recalled, this time amid unanimous recognition. At eleven o'clock the performance concluded. Once again there was a difference of opinion, and applause and hisses sought for mastery. Herr and Frau Schnorr von Carolsfeld led Wagner on to the stage. He was received with a storm of ovations, though here and there hisses were audible. The King, who had followed the performance with the most strained attention, and who in the third act had been affected to tears, trembled with emotion. He stood up in his box, and clapped enthusiastically. At last there was quiet; the curtain fell. Wagner's genius had conquered. There was not in the whole of Europe a newspaper of any consideration, still less one for the criticism of music, which did not mention this evening. Opinions as to the work were divided, but there was only one opinion as to the excellence of the orchestra under Hans von Bülow's leadership and the singing of Ludwig and Malwina Schnorr von Carolsfeld. A Frenchman who was present wrote [9]: "I doubt that Wagner's Tristan will ever be popular, for it is not remarkable for clearness and simplicity. On the other hand, musicians will find treasures in it.--I have never been present at an opera which so quickly wearies the attention and which demands such an immense amount of mental strain. But neither do I know any with such lofty and enchanting beauties. "We must do the young King the justice to allow that without him the representation could never have been possible. He has worked for it with all his might, and Wagner's triumph is in truth his. Ludwig's behaviour during the five hours that the opera lasted was likewise a feature in the play. Be sure that this young man will cause the world to talk about him! A Monarch of twenty years more open-minded than his Opposition, whom he drives forward--a King who does not draw back before the highest problems in art is a rare figure in history!" Wagner received from his royal protector a letter in which was written: "Uplifted, Divine Friend, "I can hardly wait for the morrow, I long so already for the second performance.... Is it not so, my very dear friend, the courage to create new things will never leave you!... I ask you never to lose heart. I ask it of you in the name of those whom you fill with joy--a joy which otherwise only God grants! "You and God! "To death and after death. In the kingdom on the other side I remain, "Your faithful, "Ludwig."