“Mendelssohn is most kind, friendly, and attentive--a master of the highest rank. I can honestly say this in spite of his admiration for my _songs_--of my symphonies, overtures, and _Requiem_ he says never a word! “His _Walpurgis Nacht_ is one of the finest orchestral poems imaginable. “Can you believe that Schumann, the taciturn, was so electrified by my _Offertorium_ that he actually opened his mouth, and, shaking my hand, said: “This _Offertorium_ surpasses all.’” _To_ HELLER. “It really pains me to see a great master like Mendelssohn worried with the paltry task of chorus-master. I never cease marvelling at his patience and politeness. His every remark is calm and pleasant, and his attitude is the more appreciated by those who, like myself, know how rare such patience is. “I have often been accused of rudeness to the ladies of the Opera chorus--a reputation which I own I richly deserve--but the very minute there is question of a choral rehearsal a sort of dull anger takes possession of me, my throat closes up, and I glare at the singers very much like that Gascon who kicked an inoffensive small boy, and, when reproached because the child had done nothing, replied: “‘But just think if he _had_!’ “A charming little incident concluded my Leipzig visit. I had again been ill, and, on leaving, asked my doctor for his account. ‘Write me the theme of your _Offertorium_,’ he said, ‘and sign it, and I shall be your debtor.’ “I hesitated, but finally did as he wished, and then, will you believe that I missed the chance of a charming compliment? I wrote: ‘To Dr Clarus.’ “‘Oh,’ said he, ‘you have added an _l_ to my name.’ “I thought: “‘Patientibus _Carus_, sed inter doctes _Clarus_,’ and had not the sense to say it! “There are times when I am really quite idiotic. “Now for your questions. You ask me to tell you-- “Is there a rival to Madame Schumann as a pianist? I believe not. “Is the musical tendency of Leipzig sound? I will not. “Is it true that the confession of faith here is ‘there is no God but Bach, and Mendelssohn is his prophet?’ I ought not. “If the public is at fault in being contented with Lortzing’s little operas? I cannot. “If I have heard any of those old five-part Masses they think so much of here? I know not. “Good-bye. Write more of your lovely capriccios, and the Lord preserve you from Choral Fugues!” _To_ ERNST.