Your kind letter I received six days ago through Herr Lewy: so you will understand why it remained unanswered. After all that has now taken place, I have to-day only to answer the point concerning Frau von Weber. What I have learnt concerning W. by this occasion shows me afresh how these ambiguous people are often more honourable and better than one sometimes feels tempted to consider them. Immediately upon the first news of the performance of Der Freischütz here, he inquired of me whether anything could be done for Weber's widow? At first I did not see much hope, but I went to Pillet (the Director of the Opera) and explained the state of affairs: he was surprised, and gave me the hope that he would not be unwilling to give a benefit performance in favour of Weber's heirs. I announced this to W. in all haste, and pressed him to urge Mad. Weber to write to Pillet. Then I remained — I think — quite six weeks without news, and so in astonishment wrote to W. He answered me that he perceived from my letter how for the first time in his life a letter of his must have gone astray: that he and Frau v. Weber had written at once. Thereupon I begged him, as that letter had certainly not reached me, to write once more; which he accordingly did by return. The enclosed letter from Frau v. Weber I at once forwarded through Berlioz to Pillet, pressing the former into the service as a suitable and useful confederate. Then Pillet answered that he had already received a similar letter. (How that fits in, I cannot conceive!) He added that he was ready to give the benefit, only for the moment had to struggle with pecuniary difficulties, etc. In order to put more fire into the matter, I got W. to invite Frau v. Weber to write to Schlesinger; that also was done at once, and the letter was quickly attended to by me. Schlesinger was highly flattered by the confidence of Frau v. Weber, and promised zealously to urge on the matter; so it is not his fault if up to now no step has been taken. The new opera by Halévy stops the way. Schlesinger has, however, promised to make use of the first pause to bring his energy to bear — for which he is the very man: he has influence, and gives up nothing which he has once begun. But, to speak frankly, I nevertheless see no prospect of the desired result: the best moment has been missed, and this was in the first month after the first performance of Der Freischütz. The fourth to the ninth representations were those that enlisted the sympathy of the public here: after these the performances became villainous, and were, moreover, but few in number. For that reason I anxiously waited then for a letter: as this got lost (as I certainly do not doubt), and the second came so late after the favourable moment, it was really already too late for the whole affair. Meanwhile, we do not despair: wonders happen in Paris, and the immortal Freischütz, after so many mortal apparitions, may easily be recalled to life, and for this contingency all measures are taken. My most respectful greetings to Frau v. Weber!
Herr Lewy will himself shortly give you news of his journey: here he has only blown his horn at the Court, in the concert of the Duc d'Orléans. Unfortunately we have not often seen each other. Also I have not been able to show him any particularly great service: however, we have made friends with one another, and appear to be mutually satisfied.
In order not to commence a fresh page, and to compel myself at last to bring this long letter to a close, I write on the margin; your patience will also have got already to the edge. Therefore only this — so far as it can be done with words and strokes of the pen — my thanks! How quickly this word is said, and yet how much it takes to worthily fulfil it! Shall I ever get so far? Ah! if only a deep, strong will sufficed! My dear friend, you show your kindness to me, not surely to gain thanks, still less reward — for could the first flatter, the second satisfy you, you should certainly have bestowed your friendship on another! Yet, I hope from the future! May it be favourable to you, and preserve your dear family in well-being — then has it been a powerful help to me! Farewell, and be assured of the most faithful heart of
Your devoted
Richard Wagner.
14, Rue Jacob.
Source: Richard Wagner's Letters to His Dresden Friends, Theodor Uhlig, Wilhelm Fischer, and Ferdinand Heine, trans. J. S. Shedlock (Scribner & Welford, 1890), No. 156