Highly Venerable Sir!
I have just received your very friendly letter, for which I extend my warmest thanks. The extraordinarily generous gift which you sent me from your exalted sovereigns and their affectionate tributes which, coming from the same source, accompanied the gift—both give me proof of the unusual interest which I was so fortunate as to awaken in the gracious donors. Be good enough to believe my sincere and cordial assurance that that which has now come to me in and from Weimar has made on me an indescribably encouraging and uplifting impression: it would take too long to tell you specifically the source of the deep dejection which has burdened my mind, especially in all that has concerned my art undertakings; it may suffice to tell you that by now I had resigned myself to meeting no further interest in my endeavors. For the first time in years I am given courage by you and my friends in Weimar to hope again; for the last few weeks I have been feeling cheerful, serene, and peaceful. Please accept the great share of gratitude due you, and the assurances of my deep indebtedness for your good will and the fine way in which you have carried it out.
As for the high sovereigns who on their part too have remembered me in such an unexpectedly generous manner, and have so surprisingly rewarded my small merits, please assure them that my heartfelt joy over this kindness will remain as a most thankful remembrance; I sincerely wish that I may have the chance soon (I hope, in the month of May) to repeat these sentiments in person and by word of mouth. Moreover, most honored sir, I too look forward to the opportunity of cultivating your acquaintance more closely; this will be made possible in the near future by the visit to Weimar which is being planned with loving care. You have taken on my case with so much warmth that I should like to show you in return my warmest response.
May I ask you then to keep me favorably in mind until that time and accept again my assurance that it is a long time since anything has so truly pleased and refreshed me as the success in which you have played so important a part.
With the greatest respect and reverence, I remain,
Most faithfully yours,
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 66