Silent Civilian - The Song Remains Un-Named

“He sat in a casual position on an untidy bed against the far wall. He probably just lay in bed. In one hand he had Zelter's letter, the other he friendlyly extended to me, and his eyes were filled with such kindness and such suffering that all the barriers of shyness immediately collapsed, and I leaned towards him with all the deepest reverence and with all the fervor of my love. He stood up, heartily shook my hand, in the German manner, and said: “You brought me a beautiful letter from Zelter! He is a true champion of true art! “Accustomed for the most part to speaking himself, since he could only take the answers with difficulty, he continued:“ I am unwell, I was very sick; it will be difficult for you to talk with me, because I hear extremely poorly. " “What did I answer then, and did I answer at all - by golly, I don’t remember!” ”...