TO MY WIFE

My dear,

It was you who insisted that I make a book out of the letters written from my heart and from scattered notes. This is the first sorrow that you have ever caused me. I hold it against you so little that I beg you to allow me to dedicate this volume to you, not for what it is or for what it is worth, but because I love to publish everywhere my esteem and my affection for you.

JACQUES OFFENBACH.