Dec. 8th. Yesterday I had a hellish lot to do, and this morning too. Now I shall close this letter to you, and then I hope I shall be able to have a cup of coffee. Listen, for Christmas make me a new cigar case, in black, red and gold [Colours symbolising the unity of Germany], those are the only colours I like.

Oh, red as love then be our brethren’s token,
And pure as gold the purpose of our quest,
And chat in death our spirit be not broken,
Black be the riband worn around the breast.