CHAPTER XIX.

1855. _Continued._

The “Ninth Symphony” rehearsed--Surprise of the orchestra--Guildhall, Fafner, and Falsolt--The mint and his projected theatre--Daily promenade of Richard Wagner with dog to Regent’s Park to feed the ducks--Wagner and the introduction of the animal kingdom upon the stage--Unlimited means the key to his passion for realism--Unlimited means the dream of his life--The third concert; “Euryanthe”--Wagner’s habit of snuff-taking while at the piano--His smoking--His irritability--Love for silks and velvets partly due to physical causes--Anger at shams--“Punch” on Wagner--Fourth concert; Wagner insists on leaving England next morning and breaking his engagement--Dissuaded--Fifth concert; success of the “Tannhäuser” overture--Wagner’s forty-second birthday; violet velvet dressing-gown--Signs himself “Conductor of the Philharmonic omnibus,” in allusion to the “full” programmes--Cyprian Potter--The Queen, Prince Consort, and Richard Wagner--Repetition of “Tannhäuser” overture--Berlioz and Wagner--The press and anonymous articles--Anxiety of Wagner to serve Berlioz--The last concert and departure from London, 26th June--A few quotations from the contemporary press.....241