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Vienna IX, Berggasse 19
December 17, 1926
Dear Roszi
I have purposely allowed your first period of mourning1 to pass before sending you a few words of sympathy. I feel that someone
who has suffered a great loss is entitled to be left in peace. In fact, I think this period of silence ought to be extended for a long time if the fear of appearing unsympathetic did not compel one to communicate. As it is, anything one can say must sound to the bereaved like so many empty words. The “work of mourning” is an intimate process which cannot stand any interference.
My thoughts go back to another occasion2 of painful mourning which fate brought to you-but to me, too; and I cannot get over it that so much sorrow has been inflicted on you, undeserved as usual in such cases and out of proportion to the strength with which nature has endowed you. Where are we to look for justice? No one inquires after our wishes, our merits, or our claims. But if the wishes of your friends had any power, your life would have taken a happier course.
Old and ailing myself, I can only ask you to believe that my sympathy for you and your family has not faded and will not fade.
Most cordially
Your
Freud
Frau von Freund's mother had died.
Anton von Freund's death (see letter of May 14, 1920).