Belloni is now here, as you know. He talked much of Paris to me again and I find to my amazement that you still have plans of world conquest for me in your head. Oh, you indefatigable man! To be sure, I should have nothing to advance against a translation of Tannhäuser. I admit it would not be a bad thing. Herwegh, too, is working upon me in favour of this Paris scheme. He wants to prepare a very colourful prose translation of the poem. Well, I cannot think seriously of it as yet. My Preface to the Production of Tannhäuser has already made the Leipzigers abandon the opera, a very discreet sign of the recognition of ill-will. On the other hand, I am glad that Schindelmeisser in Wiesbaden has recommenced the study of my opera from the beginning after reading my pamphlet.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 228