Page:The history of Mendelssohn's oratorio 'Elijah'.djvu/52

 HISTORY OF MENDELSSOHN'S ••ELIJAH."

me yet (to come to the Festival without having a certainty as to these two points, and even with the possibility of my answering them at last in the negative), or whether you consider them as so essential that the whole idea of my coming over (much as I would regret it) must be given up with them.
 * The question now is whether you would want

" I beg you will give me an answer to this question as soon as you conveniently can. If the first should be the case (and I hope you fully know how glad I should be to see you again, and to come), I would set at work as hard as I could whenever any leisure is left me to finish my new piece; and at any rate I should propose several others (although not sa extensive ones) for the morning performances. But if the second should be the case, I sincerely hope and trust you would be convinced of my deep regret, and would allow me another year to enjoy of an honour and a treat which I should have been obliged to give up so much against my wishes this time. Be it as it may, I beg you will present my best and most sincere thanks to the Committee, and I beg you will think of me, m}- dear Sir, as of one who shall always feel true gratitude and thankfulness for all the kindness and friendship you have shown to him !

" Very truly yours,

" Felix MENDELSSOIIiN-BARTHOLDV."

Mendelssohn then set vigorously to work at the music. Miss Dolb}-, afterwards Madame Sainton- ( 34 )

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