For ten years I have not been there; and I long to see again a highly civilised people; else I become myself a barbarian.

Still I am proud of my Hungarians, who really struggle hard, and not without success, to be more than they are now--the first of the barbarians.
"I have for a long time not heard of you.

Of course, in our correspondence your letter was the last, not mine.

It is my own fault.
But you must excuse me still for one year.

Then I hope I can put myself in a more comfortable position.