Walker-My_Musical_Ex.. - Walter Cosand

HENSELT 2S7
out before him, yet condescended to take some of us
by the hand. We fail to climb to a height, and can
only reach a gentle slope in art; but we are at least
on the way which leads to ideal perfection. We
can look up with a joyful pain to the heights
which we shall never reach, and say with Elizabeth
Browning, ' I would not wish my art low, to suit my
stature.'
It may interest the reader to read the letters which
passed between Henselt and Eubinstein on this occa-
sion. The first of these letters—the one written in
my room—must have been last, for the friend at
St. Petersburg, who up to the present holds all his
Eussian correspondence, has failed to find it. I give,
however, Eubinstein's reply, written within twenty-
four hours after he had received Henselt's letter.
The letters are exact copies of what has been sent me
from St. Petersburg :
' Dear Hbrr Henselt,
' My
whole career has been based on the
worthiness of artists. Latterly I have become con-
fused, and have almost come to the conclusion that
artists are not nobler than the public. Here comes
your letter. I see, I hear, I believe !
' Permit me to look about for a couple of days, and
then to answer you by word of mouth.
' Yours in art-brotherhood,
' Ant. Eubinstein.'
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