iour with regard to me
gives me every reason to feel comfortable; for instance, she is
said to have declared some while ago in Leipzig that she hoped
my opera would be brought out in Dresden. This token would have
fully quieted me, if it had only come directly to my ears or
eyes: hearsay, however, is far too uncertain a thing.

"A month ago I likewise wrote to her, and earnestly begged her
to let me have only a line with the name of the lady-singer whom
she would like to be cast for the part of Irene, so that I might
make a formal list to propose to the management. No answer! Oh,
my best Herr Heine, if your kindness would only allow you a few
words in which to make me acquainted with the intentions of the
adored Devrient! Does she really wish to sing in my opera?--that
is the question.

"Good heavens! only to know how all this stands! I have written
to Herr Tichatschek, and commended myself to his amiability:
shall I be able to count on this gentleman?"

Again, on January 4 of the following year:

"Should it really come to this, that my opera must be laid aside
for the whole winter, I should indeed be inconsolable; and he or
she who might be to blame for this delay would have incurred a
grave responsibility--perhaps for causing me untold sufferings.
I cannot write to Madame Devrient; for that I am much too
excited, and I know too well that my letters make no impression
upon her. But if I have not yet worn out your friendly feeling
toward me, and if I can be assured that you rely upon my fullest
gratitude, I earnestly beg of you to go to Madame Devrient. Tell
her of my astonishment at the news that it is she who hinders my
opera from at length appearing; and that I am in the highest
degree disturbed to learn that she by no means feels that
pleasure in and sympathy for my work which so many flattering
assurances had led me to believe. Give her an inkling of the
misery she would prepare for me, if (as I have now good reason
to fear) a performance of _Rienzi_ could not after all take
place this year! But what am I saying? Though you may be the
most approved friend of Madame Devrient, even you will not have
much influence over her. Therefore, I do not know at all what I
should say, what I must do, or what advise! My one great hope I
place in you, most valued friend! I have w