My poor Muzius,
You cannot think how it distresses me to have left you in such straits for money; so, even the small Berlin return has not come in yet? Really it's incredible! I wrote to Hoffmann forthwith, enclosing the letter to Haslinger, though, as it is the latter who is to send the money at once, and — in case of need — to make it up to a round 1000 fr. Thus you will receive a bill of exchange on Paris, which you must sign for me — I hope it's allowed — best at Schulthess and Rechberg's; the brother of Squire Wyss is there. Perhaps it will be necessary for you to beg it as a special favour, for strictly the bill ought to be signed by myself (unfortunately I didn't think of that yesterday). In the worst event, I shall probably be coming back at the same time myself, or shortly after. To go on with, however, I send you at once what Liszt has sent me: namely, the enclosed 500 fr. He was thoroughly averse to demanding the fee for Rienzi before its production, and therefore advances me on it for the present these 500 fr. from his own — as he says — very empty pocket. I send you the whole of this, that you may have something in hand; for my own part, as I wouldn't rely on even Liszt alone (quite right!), I provisionally borrowed 200 fr. from London, off Praeger, which I only need repay at my convenience. That money will take me back to Zurich. —
Best thanks for your tidings. Though I strictly had no further intentions here than what you know of, already something more might come of it perhaps. Naturally I am hunting no Director, but must lie in wait for their hunting me. That has been done now, under the rose, by the Director of the Théâtre Lyrique, who — notified by Charnal — had me invited to a performance at his theatre, and begged for the honour of presenting himself to me. I was very stand-off towards him; he, on the contrary, couldn't contain himself for civility. I don't quite know what to make of his intentions yet regarding Tannhäuser, and therefore keep silence; but thus much is certain, he wants something of mine. After having seen his theatre, under circumstances I might decide to give him the Rienzi — but not Tannhäuser; as my only object with the affair is money, I am cautious myself. There are several other considerations here inclining me to Rienzi as my first opera for Paris, all of which I'll tell you soon by word of mouth: it isn't so easy to ruin as Tannhäuser, and I would even let them make some alterations in it; touching that fatal dialogue however, the Grand Duke of Baden would have to use his influence with the local Emperor, and get him to give special commands for permitting an exception. For an opera like this would be regarded by the theatre in question as a decided stroke of luck, and I should only give my consent under a contract ensuring the most unusual exertions and the engagement of singers who thoroughly pleased me, as also and finally, under guarantee of very considerable pecuniary advantages. All this may be, dear Minna, and is quite possible; but do not pin your faith to it just yet. I am dining at Ollivier's to-day, who has received me uncommonly cordially and placed his services as advocate entirely at my disposal. He is a personal friend of Mons. Carvalho (director of the Lyrique), and has offered to set everything in order with him when the time comes. That is really something like! —
In that way there would be an earlier result than I anticipated here. I must leave the directorate of the Grand Opera completely on one side for the moment; Meyerbeer still has influence there, and no doubt that theatre must first have its hand forced through Rienzi's success at the opera-house of second rank. But then it will be forced, and I shall be able to lay down any condition I please; nor would Rienzi itself be lost entirely for the Grand Opera later. —
Now don't excite yourself too much; all these are merely plans as yet, but their possibility reposes on the visibly strong desire of the Théâtre Lyrique to have an opera of mine. Only through my personal presence could such openings have been descried and seized; consequently I have no reason to repent any sacrifice incurred for this journey even already.
The above was the chief thing; for the rest, I spend almost the whole day in my cubicle, writing letters and reading. May my small remittance of to-day set you up a little; and forgive the stupid fix in which I placed you. Let Müller only wait till I come back, or for the Vienna money to arrive; I shall write him in a day or two. So the best farewell, dearest Minna! Salute the household for me, stay good to me, and wish plenty of luck to
Thy truly good Husband.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 117