Minna, Minna, what is the matter? This is my sixth letter, and I wait in vain for a second one from you. Do you find my letters and their contents not worthy of an answer? Or do you still hesitate to give me the right answer? By God, if I had not far greater worries about you, I'd be jealous, believing that Otterstedt prevents you from writing. No, I am engaged to you now, and so I assume infidelity is impossible, and it is right, too, that I have complete trust in you. But why do you not write? I demand a letter from you every day. From the time that you have read this demand, I shall consider each day that brings me no letter from you as a breach of faith. O my Minna, will you not so sweeten my misery? Is our separation not punishment enough for what you consider my transgressions? Must you wound me still further?
There are many things I can't discuss with you now—because I don't know what your own point of view is at the moment. This only shall be brought home to you with flaming words—"Never abandon me, never degrade me by disregarding all my misery, my imploring, my admonitions and offers. You would lower me in my own estimation by treating as a trifle my holiest feelings, my manliest resolutions, while still persisting in your own selfish plans." No, this cannot be. These are my first and last words, and so they shall remain, my dear betrothed—you will hear none other than these—or none at all!
I greet and kiss you,
Your
Richard
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 10