My old conservative friend, you are seen through.  Your influence, and more especially your ideas about singing, belong only to a past age.  They date from the last century.  You will be derided with your Jenny Lind and Henrietta Sontag.  They are lifeless images of singers, to be kept in a glass case.  Are you willing to remain ignorant of the magnificent modern style of voice?  Can you not go forward with the advancing age?  Progressive philosophers will rap you over the knuckles.  You imagine that our times will stop for a couple of lectures!  You will yet have to learn what “intellect” signifies.  In short, I should not like to stand in your shoes.  You should conclude your book with “Pater, peccavi.”

Even in misfortune,

Your sympathizing friend,

V.E.