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Rome
September 20, 1912
My beloved Old Dear
Just received with great satisfaction your first letter from Vienna, and am very pleased by its news, especially the change in Mathilde's condition, although I wasn't really worried about
her. Do try and persuade her to pass some of her temperature onto the air outside.
By the same mail I received an offer from an English publisher to have The Interpretation of Dreams translated (this is already the third offer I have had to refuse)1 and the announcement of an urgent case, a woman from Cracow. There is no doubt that we shall again have enough to live on so long as I can work.
Rome was certainly the best choice for me. I enjoy it more than ever, probably because this hotel is so beautifully situated. My plan for old age is made: not Cottage,2 but Rome. You and Minna will like it, too.
I can't give you a better idea of the beauty of the weather, the sun, wind and fresh air, than by reminding you of S. Cristoforo.3 For comfort this hotel can be compared with that in Klobenstein.4 Ferenczi has not left me; in fact, since I am all right again he has become a stimulating and understanding companion. Affectionate he always is.
My trouble is not entirely gone, it recurs every two days, but it is infinitely better than it was. Last night after dinner we even went to the theater to see a new patriotic musical comedy. This was a bit too much for me; perhaps it was also the coffee in the entr'acte which didn't agree with me. But now-just before lunch-I am all right again. I must confess I have never taken such care of myself and lived so idly, giving in to every wish and whim. Today I even found and bought a gardenia, the scent of which has put me in the best of moods. Minna knows the flower; it is even nobler than the camellia.
So I hope to return in a refreshed and productive condition; I really have no talent for being seedy. But don't be surprised if I follow Ernst's example and dismiss the idea of curtailing my trip; “I will stay”5-so