Anton Bruckner: Letter to Miss Josefine
Kreuzen, June 9, 1867
Dear, kind Miss,
Please do not think, dear Miss Josefine, that I would turn to you in any matter that was none of your concern, but no, I am taking up the pen in the
conviction that you are aware of my silent but continual insistence upon you and in order to importune. My greatest and most sincere request, which I now dare to direct to you, Miss Josefine, is that Miss Josefine would most kindly, frankly, and honestly inform me in writing of her last and final answer for my future peace of mind to the following question: May I place my hopes in you, and request your hand from your dear parents? Or is this not possible, for lack of personal inclination, to take the step into marriage with me? Please, dear Miss Josefine, discuss this with your dear parents but not with anyone else (please maintain the strictest secrecy). My request, once again: Miss Josefine,
please write quite frankly and honestly, and quite decisively, either: I am permitted to court you, or a complete refusal for ever (no half-and-half thing, putting the matter off or circumscribing it, as the final hour is at hand for me). With a kiss of the hand, and yearning for as early and decisive an answer, Anton Bruckner.
