The Brown Book

Diary Entry of August 22, 1868

Overview

An additional stanza to the Mastersingers dedication acknowledges Wagner's withdrawal from the King. He places the work at Ludwig's feet and hopes its music will remain close to his friend's heart.

Content

Saturday, August 22:

Nachtrag zur Widmung der MS
Nun lasse demuthvoll das Glück mich büssen
dass ich so herrlich hoch Dir nahe stand:
hat ferne Dir der Meister weichen müssen,
drückt’ er zum Abschied Dir die Freundeshand,
nun lieg’ sein Werk zu seines Königs Füssen,
dort wo es Schutz und höchste Gnade fand.
Und durft’ ihm wonnig eine Weise glücken,
die mög’ an ’s Herz nun hold der Freund sich drücken!

Addendum to Dedication of MS!

Let Fortune now make me humbly atone
for standing near to you so grandly high:
far had the Master to withdraw from you,
when in farewell he pressed your friendly hand.
Now at his Monarch’s feet his labour lies,
where it found patronage and highest favour.
And should his music prove a sweet success,
may my friend now press it sweetly to his heart.