It still further illustrates the relation in which master and pupil stood to each other, and by bringing us in close contact with the former makes us better acquainted with his character.

A particularly curious fact about the letter--considering the nationality of the persons concerned--is its being written in German.

Only a fac-simile of the original, with its clear, firm, though (owing to the writer's old age) cramped penmanship, and its quaint spelling and capricious use of capital and small initials, could fully reveal the expressiveness of this document.
However, even in the translation there may be found some of the man's characteristic old-fashioned formality, grave benevolence, and quiet homeliness.

The outside of the sheet on which the letter is written bears the words, "From the old music-master Adalbert Ziwny [at least this I take to be the meaning of the seven letters followed by dots], kindly to be transmitted to my best friend, Mr.Frederick Chopin, in Paris." The letter itself runs as follows:-- DEAREST MR.

F.CHOPIN,--Wishing you perfect health I have the honour to write to you through Mr.Eduard Wolf.