Joseph Kainz, the actor, who was later so celebrated, had, at the beginning of the eighties, an engagement at Munich; he was then twenty-three years of age. The King saw him for the first time in Victor Hugo's Marion de Lorme, in which he played the part of the homeless Didier. His unusually sonorous voice, his lofty glance, and the passionate warmth of his acting captivated Ludwig, who the same evening caused to be delivered to him a valuable sapphire ring. Kainz thanked him in a letter full of fire. In an autograph letter, dated the 1st of May, 1881, his Majesty assured him of his friendly feelings, and of his sincere and hearty wishes for his welfare. He added: "Continue as you have begun, in your arduous and difficult but beautiful and honourable calling. [31]"
Marion de Lorme was repeated as a separate performance on the 4th and the 10th of May, and on each occasion Kainz received a new present from the King. Wishing to know him personally Ludwig summoned him to Schloss Linderhof, where he received him with charming affability. He kept him with him for two whole weeks, making excursions with him and treating him as a friend. During the first meeting the actor had been somewhat reserved and formal; but after they had been a few days together all shyness departed from his side, and Ludwig even permitted him to address him as du. The actor declaimed alternately to and with his Majesty, and their artistic entertainments lasted till late into the night. Kainz was allowed to be present at the private performances. The King undertook to provide for his further education, and corresponded frequently with him. The friendship between the prince and the actor was much talked about and much criticised. "It depresses me greatly when I see that my innocent fancies are trumpeted out before the whole world, and are hatefully criticised," said Ludwig to his new friend. "It has caused me many sad hours. I cannot imagine why I should be grudged my small pleasures, for they do not harm anybody." When on another occasion they were discussing the art of acting, he said: "I guard my ideals anxiously. I do not care to notice small weaknesses, for I do not like the general harmony to be disturbed." He continued reflectively: "It is the same with regard to actors; I see only the person in the interpreter! The actor who plays a noble part I imagine to be a noble person." Kainz demurred to this, saying that although he did not consider himself a villain, it was his wish to play the part of Franz Moor. "No, no," exclaimed the King eagerly; "you must never represent such a hateful character." He went on to speak of the part of Didier. "When Marion de Lorme was repeated," said he, reproachfully, you wore my sapphire ring in the first act. How could the poor, homeless Didier possess such a costly ornament? It offends against the laws of truth." Kainz excused himself on the plea that he had been informed that his Majesty liked his gifts to be honoured, and that it was for this reason he had worn the ring.