Page:Selected letters of Mendelssohn 1894.djvu/29

Rh on first looking at an eternal work of art, and feeling its significance or its peculiar impressiveness, not to-day, but before your picture. My first look at the original only gave me what I had already got through you, and it was only after studying it long and minutely that I discovered things which were new to me. On the other hand, the Madonna of Foligno struck me with all the glow of its loveliness. I had a happy morning among all those splendours. As yet I have not seen the statues, and keep a first impression of them for another day.

The 9th.—So every morning brings me new expectations, and every day fulfills them. The sun has just been shining on my breakfast again, and now I am setting to work. At the first opportunity I will send you, my dear Fanny, the Viennese things, and what else is ready, and you, Rebecca, my sketch-book. But this does not satisfy me very well at present, and I want to see a number of sketches by the landscape painters here, and if it may be, get hold of a new manner. I thought of originating one for myself, but no! To-day I am for the Lateran and the ruins of ancient Rome. This evening I am going to a very friendly English family whose acquaintance I have made here. Please send me many letters of introduction. I want to know an endless number of people, especially Italians. So I go on my way gladly and think of you in every moment of enjoyment. Be happy and share with me in the pleasant days that seem to be opening up here. M. B.