I ask your indulgence, troubling you with a petition, Sirs, the success of which means very much to me. In substance it is a request for work upon revisions and arrangements for the pianoforte, touching which I can offer for your consideration the most recent examples of my work in proof of my ability. I am driven to make this application by lack of employment and the desire to obtain work of this nature.
To convince you, Sirs, of my usefulness, I venture to offer myself for gratuitous test-work in both departments, and, should I have the good fortune to win your confidence by this means, I should hold it an honour to serve you at less than the usual rate of pay. Punctuality and exactitude in my work will be my constant endeavour, in order that I may win your further confidence.
In the hope of receiving some such trial-work at your earliest convenience, I remain, Sirs, your humble servant,
Richard Wagner, Stud. Mus.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 2