Just now—at half past four—dearest Minna, I have written the last note of Tristan.
May he rest in peace, and she too!
Today is supposed to be the first performance of Lohengrin in Dresden. If it takes place it would be a very strange and unexpected coincidence.
Well, be that as it may: I am to be congratulated, and you will surely not be the last one to do it.
Now I want first to loaf a few days and—write letters. If the weather stays fine, I'm thinking of climbing Mount Pilatus. The French ambassador (a new one) is again making difficulties for me because of my passport. He tells me that he has first had to report to Paris about it. So I don't yet know exactly when I can start the trip. Before that I'll write to you again, that's understood, and that'll be a real letter. I'm expecting a letter from you which, I hope, is already on the way. You can write to me about this letter and about Lohengrin to Lucerne: if I should finish everything and leave earlier I'll still get the letter. I hope to meet Devrient in Strassburg; if the Grand Duke were at home and available, he would have made it possible for me to spend a day in Karlsruhe. All that is now uncertain. Eventually it is important to me to be able to form some opinion of the artistic forces there. And in October?? Well, let us hope for the best, especially that I'll experience the joy of finally seeing you somewhat healthier and in good spirits. About Paris the next time. For today nothing is certain except that Tristan is finished! This was in my power; but the mean hearts of certain potentates unfortunately aren't in my power.
Well, I can at least say to myself that I'm doing what is mine to do.
Goodbye! Dearest good Minna! Now I'll gradually breathe more easily and look ahead to see what life has in store for us! Farewell, and accept my best and dearest regards!
Your
Richard
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 205