[Draft] 

{London, around 1879-1880] 

Madame, 

Many years of experience have impressed upon me the principle 
that under no circumstances should one give financial aid to 
strangers. 

Moreover I cannot at this moment raise the sum you want. 
Were I able to do so, I should be under an obligation to use it, as 
I do every penny I can spare, for the relief of our German party 
comrades who are being persecuted by Bismarck. 

Engels to Amélie Engel. Around 1879-80 435 

Besides, since you have connections that will procure you 
audiences with princesses, you are unlikely to experience difficulty 
in extricating yourself from this momentary embarrassment. 

Finally, I cannot refrain from mentioning that, while your visit 
came as a surprise to me, I have since then been equally certain of 
receiving a request of the kind contained in your letter. 

Yours very truly