Esteemed Lady,
I beg you to consult our friends as to whether they think it possible to take me in this summer. In that manner the goal of my latest troubles might yet be reached. These arose through my endeavour to secure non-interruption of my work by obviating the necessity of a long art-tour in Russia, for this year, through borrowing a capital equivalent to the sum to be earned there. The awful plight into which I fell through not being able to obtain this money, after Russia had been thrown over, is on the point of being smoothed. People who have me and my situation under their eyes, and can judge at close quarters, have found it possible to comprehend, excuse, and therefore also remedy.
As in any case, however, I see myself compelled to abandon my residence here, owing to its proved too great expense, the first question is to secure a quiet and becoming shelter for the time I still require to end my Meistersinger. From a purely practical point of view, this would be found the fittest in the house of the family W[esendonck]. Certainly there have arisen grounds against a permanent removal thither. Nor is that what I suggest. After finishing my work — which, with total freedom from disturbance, can be effected by the end of this summer — I shall turn my steps to Petersburg, probably to remain there for good: should I not decide on this latter course, of a definitive migration to Petersburg, I should probably withdraw to some of my relatives, as I sorely need to lean upon a family.
Just now, on the contrary, it is a mere matter of a speedy refuge for the continuance of my work, which otherwise could hardly escape being given up entirely and for ever.
Well, as earlier invitations to make my abode with them for awhile have not as yet been actually revoked by my friends, I knit therewith the weightiest, nay, the definitely last attempt to save my work.
It is purely for Frau W. to say, whether my workroom shall be arranged in the principal building, or in the little neighbouring house I occupied before. A little necessary furniture still stands at my disposal, and could be used as a help. For the rest, I ask nothing but food and service. In no other way will I become a burden.
Now I beg you to make inquiries as soon as possible, and address myself to you in the first place to ascertain if my wish has any likelihood of being fulfilled.
My heartiest thanks for your many and great proofs of interest; and I beg you, under any circumstances, to preserve me your friendship.
Yours most sincerely
Richard Wagner.
Source: Richard Wagner's Letters to Wesendonck et al., trans. and indexed by William Ashton Ellis (Grant Richards, 1899), No. 56