[...] Did I not tell you plainly and definitely that I am trying to raise money at all costs? [...] Not a word? Not a halfpenny?
Well, then! I haven't another ten gulden—can't pay the rent—can't send anything to my wife who wrote a fortnight ago to say that she had very little left. But this is only temporary. Next Easter and when Tristan is ready I shall have more than I need. Only for the present I am let down on all hands—on all—on all! There is no definite prospect of any money coming in from any quarter. [...]
[...] My Franz, when you see the second act of Tristan you will admit that I need a lot of money. I am a great spendthrift—but really, something does come of it—and you know that. But meditate on it. And never believe I take tiffs with Dingelstedt, the [Grand] Duke [of Weimar] or anyone else very seriously. All I need of the world is money—I have everything else. You and your delight in the first act of Tristan are responsible for this paroxysm of arrogance. When you see the second you will be able to forgive me for doing nothing to-day but cry "Money, money!—it matters not how or whence!" Tristan will pay for all! [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 2, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 384