"It is absolutely necessary that you should paint the portrait of
Richard Wagner, it is a disgrace to Germany that no artist of worth has
yet attempted it. Madame Cosima sends the order to you, and leaves you
free to fix your own price."
"I will undertake the work with the greatest pleasure," said Lenbach,
"and I wish no further payment than the honour of having done it if I
should succeed."
"That is indeed worthy of you," said I, holding out my hand to him,
"but Cosima will doubtless feel differently, you must discuss that
question with her."
"There is another portrait which I should also very much love to do,
and it is yours."
"My portrait! You could find time for that?"
"I could do it at once, I beg you to allow me to do it."
O, careless youth! Many times Lenbach spoke again of this portrait,
but the idea of posing wearied me and I evaded the appointments. The
poignant regret that I now feel is surely a sufficient punishment.