My good Minna,
I fancy you will prefer my writing you something in brief at once, to my waiting to write at greater length tomorrow, when I shouldn't have much more to tell you either. For your letter only reached me close on 3 o'clock, and if I am to get my answer off by post-time, I can't be long about it. —
Matters stand in this way, that I expect to be able to go back the end of next week for certain; but I fancy I shall have completely attained my aim then, and better than I could have hoped, in spite of several misadventures now detaining me.
My Mr Amat, to wit, had gone away the very night of my arrival, to give concerts in the provinces, and isn't expected back before next week. His wife gave me very good information, though, and — as it seems highly probable that my Tannhäuser will be taken up in earnest here sooner or later — it is becoming certain that, together with the declaration of my copyright in the pianoforte scores etc., I shall also be able to secure myself the sole right of performance. And the latter really is of great importance; for, not only will it place me in the position to prevent any performance I do not approve of, but, if it does come off at the Grand Opera, I shall also be able to demand full author's rights with tantième etc., which should amount under circumstances to something decent. With Mr de Charnal — the translator, at whose house I am to dine to-day, and who is plaguing me to co-operate with him in a new opera for the Théâtre Lyrique (the ass!) — I have agreed to make no further present enquiries of the management of that theatre, but quietly to register my declaration of copyright; which will then give me the right to lodge a valid protest even on the day of an intended first performance. My strict concern accordingly consists for this time in acquiring that right, and entrusting someone with authority based thereon to prevent any such performance; and Amat will do quite well for that, as it will be to his own advantage in course of time. So I must wait not only for this person's return, but also for arrival of the copies of my operas from Dresden, for which I've written pressingly once more; with the end of next week I hope to have them both behind me. — By the way, this business will bring me into contact with the Saxon ambassador, who is needed for it; which should afford me much amusement! —
Surely you must have received the small sum from Berlin by now? My having left you so in the lurch gives me more anxiety than you believe. It is to be hoped the Vienna affair will be also put straight now. Liszt writes me, he'll send me some money in a few days; in any case I shall send you some of that, as I already know how to help myself here at a pinch. Härtels certainly make me a very different counter-offer — only the half of my demand (400 louis d'or) down, the other half from profits later. However, I shall have to agree to it (for they advance really plausible grounds), and am certain thus to get 100 louis from them at Easter (even if not sooner). Moreover, I have been hawking the Rienzi like sour beer (Hanover, Frankfort, Breslau), urging its prompt production and consequently also a prompt remittance of the fees. If only some of this comes off, we shall be all right, and then — just let me look ahead! The thing shall not repeat itself so soon. —
I have written to England at once, and set forth every ground for my excuse; also begged — in case of confusion arising — to excuse me to Prince Albert. These Zurich Post officials (may Sulzer forgive me!) are really utter...! —
Concerning letters, don't frank them at all in future: the fat letter cost me 4-fold postage — your double stamp being too little. For letters to France have to be terribly thin (at the utmost like this one), and if they are not franked sufficiently, the franco isn't counted at all, but the whole postage must be paid again (according to French rates). Believe me, I didn't let myself be taken in by any portière: that is so! — in return I shan't frank my few letters to you. —
Liszt's other daughter only returns from Germany also this week; her husband (Ollivier) I haven't been able to catch yet (Paris!); I shall call on him tomorrow, though. — Yesterday I dined with Lindemann etc. at the Taverne anglaise (almost nothing but fish!) —
I am writing letters nearly all day long, and expect they'll bear fruit.
— What does Eckert write? —
Now, God be with you for to-day! After dinner I'm to go to the said Théâtre Lyrique (but not Euryanthe!) with Charnal! — Fare wellest of well, and hold as dear as you can
Thy immensely loving Husband.
The Strassburg incident has already got into the newspapers. — The attentat has not affected me at all: make your mind easy about it; I hear nothing of it whatever. —
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 116