English Translation

Hf Opis. A sketch of the reply to Dr. Beneš's congratulations on the choice. Mr. President, your kind letter moved me and also encouraged me in my task, which I accepted reluctantly and with great self-denial as a hard order of duty. I accepted it when I was looking forward to my modest privacy and literary work, my long-time liking. It was the hardest step of my life, the harder that I am fully aware of my inadequacy. I can only try within the limits of my power "to make the best of it." I am aware that I will soon be severely judged, but the present-ness is perhaps never capable of a fair trial.