I could not have hoped for anything kinder on your part; give me your hand once more as my dear benefactor, and rest assured that I am deeply moved, even to tears, by your self-sacrifice and friendship. Let me say no more, and let us leave it to some happier turn in my fortunes for me to endeavour to thank you with all the energy I could wish! Liszt wishes to give Rienzi at Weimar. Hitherto I have been very much opposed to it, because I think it premature and fear that the performance of this example of an earlier manner will give rise to perplexity about myself. Consideration for you, however, will make me withdraw my objections and I think I may predict to you that Rienzi will soon be in favour everywhere. This is beginning to happen very markedly with the Dutchman. And now once more warmest, heartiest thanks for your unshakable fidelity and friendship! Let me hear news as to how you ultimately succeed with the business.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 316