Good Kietz,
Best Ernest!
Beloved Benedikt!
Dear Friend!
Dearest Brother!
etc., etc.
We got a bottle of rum as a present; next Sunday we will prepare some punch. You will come, I hope?
Take once more the trusted sword and slash through the knot of my misfortune! The enclosed letters are of great importance to me, as you may well imagine; they have to be dispatched by the next mail. But I can't manage the postage these days. Reach into your magic pocket and lay it out; do me this one more favor! At the end of the month will come the explanation and money too, for you; you may rely on it, never worry! You will do what I ask; I count on you.
Besides—an errand for me—
I have locked myself up in a country house to put the last touches on the Holländer; the town won't see me again until he flies. Meanwhile, there is an urgent business for you. Look at this pawn ticket. On the 15th of last month the date for redemption or renewal actually expired. But when I went to see about it, they granted me without any trouble the four additional weeks I asked. So, until the 15th of this month the pawn is safe; and I know now that they certainly will grant me another postponement too, until the end of this month or the beginning of next. I know it from this last time. All you'll need to do is talk to them. Now, since you have a real passion for spouting French eloquence, do me the favor of going to the address on the ticket, rue Saint-Honoré, and talking to the people or, rather, asking what is the very furthest extension they will give? Do you understand? If you are afraid of getting stuck with your eloquence, then ask Lehrs, who won't be able to talk anyway on account of hoarseness; but the two of you together should get somewhere. Be kind enough to notify me quickly about everything. Do you hear? The country air is gorgeous, fresh and brisk. Our teeth are chattering. If I had 100 fr. to pay Jadin, I would move to town right away; you know where I live: 14 rue Jacob. The whole story next time we meet. When will that be? Do you have trouble moving out? I hope you haven't already left? etc., etc., etc. Hearty greetings from me and Minna. God preserve you and your hair.
Your
Richard Wagner
Meudon, October 13, 1841
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 38