RAINER MARIA RILKE

I am still living in the town, on the capitol, not far from the
loveliest equestrian statue that has been preserved to us from
Roman art,—that of Marcus Aurelius; but in a few weeks I
shall be moving to a quiet unpretentious room, an old pavilion 14
that lies lost quite deep within a large park, hidden from the
town, its bustle and hazard! There I shall live the whole winter
and rejoice in the great stillness, from which I expect the gift
of good and effective hours. . . .

From there, where I shall be more at home, I will write you
a longer letter, in which I will also deal with what you wrote
to me. Today I must only tell you (and perhaps it is wrong of me
not to have done this before) that the book announced in your
letter (which was to contain works of your own) has not turned
up here. Has it been returned to you, perhaps from Worpswede 2
(Because parcels may not be forwarded abroad.) That is the
happiest possibility, and I should be glad to have it confirmed.
I hope there is no question of its loss,—but indeed in the con-
ditions of the Italian postal system that would be no exceptional
occurrence—unfortunately.

I should have been glad to receive this book (as I should any
token from you); any verses which have come into existence
meanwhile (if you will entrust them to me) I will always read
and re-read and experience as well and as cordially as I can.
With good wishes and greetings

Yours:
RAINER MARIA RILKE.

VI

RoMmE, December 23rd 1903.
My peArR HEerr KArrus,
you shall not go without a greeting from me now that
Christmas is approaching and you are bearing your solitude, in
the midst of the festival, more heavily than usual. But when you

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