55 To Bernhard Cossmann in Baden-Baden
[The addressee became in 1850 solo-violoncellist and chamber virtuoso in Weimar, and, later, in Moscow, and has been, since 1878, a Professor at the Hoch Conservatorium at Frankfort-on-Maine.]
Circumstances! Conditions! My dear sir, these are now the very ceremonious expressions and excuses of theatrical and directorial beings. Unfortunately that is the case here too, although our dear Weymar continuing free, not only from the real cholera, but also from the slighter, but somewhat disagreeable, periodical political cholerina, may peacefully dream by its elm, yet…yet…I am sorry to say I am obliged not to answer your kind letter affirmatively. Should circumstances and conditions, however, turn out as I wish, then the Weymar band would consider it an honor and a pleasure to possess you, my dear sir, as soon as possible as one of its members.
Meanwhile accept the assurance of high regard of yours very sincerely,
F. Liszt
Weymar, September 18th, 1848