CHAPTER VIII.

BOULOGNE, 1839.

Passage to Boulogne--The Mansons, friends of Meyerbeer--Wagner’s visit to Meyerbeer--Character of Meyerbeer--Interests himself in the youthful Wagner--The reading of “Rienzi” libretto--Eulogium of Meyerbeer and promises of help--Meyerbeer feels his way to the purchase of the “Rienzi” book--Wishes Scribe to write one for him similarly spectacular--Wagner and his wife at a restaurant; champagne the “perfection of terrestrial enjoyment”--The Mansons advise him to stay in Boulogne--The “Rienzi” music pleases Meyerbeer, who also, to Wagner’s annoyance, praises his neat writing--The “Das Liebesverbot” draws further laudation from Meyerbeer, and the success of Wagner is prophesied--“Le petit homme avec le grand chien” leaves Boulogne for Paris.....78