Vienna, December 16, 1917
IX., Berggasse 19

Dear friend,

I gather with satisfaction that you are leading an idyllically peaceful life as an introduction to one still more comfortable and richer in content. Lévy has rendered a service with your transfer. I also hope that you will soon carry out your intention to come to Vienna.

I have vehemently talked Annerl out of going to Budapest during the holidays. It is on no account a suitable time. Ernst had to wait longer than he thought in Szombathely for his transfer to Vienna, and for that reason he wasn't able to carry out his intention. He is now very comfortable here and is living as though in a separate peace.1

I smiled at your optimism in a downright superior fashion. You appear to believe in an “eternal return of the same”2 and to want to overlook entirely the unambiguous downward direction of the curve. There is certainly