Dear Minna!
I am sorry that I have kept you waiting for news—even after your reminders—for such a long time. I have had very little time to myself; it is especially the involved correspondence that makes demands on me, and I am trying to relieve myself of this business, which takes all of one's time, so that some may remain for my work. The persistent wrong and stupid news reports about me and my undertakings always seem to be invented especially to disturb me by involving me in corrections and denials. So much is certain: after a life as many-sided as mine, the hard period begins at my age, when one must decide whether to respond to the world's claims, or belong only to one's self. The greatest possible simplification therefore became a necessity to me. Merely to be able to see to it that my works are well produced: how many-sided are the experiments and inquiries it requires! And things always get so extremely difficult. I have no time nor thought left for really comfortable correspondence.
This in general for your orientation!
I have duly received all that you sent, and I thank you for them! Just at the time they came I was suffering badly from piles and confined to bed for a rather long time. My first task when I could get out was to see the lawyer whom the Kriete family had directed against me here. Seeing that nobody in Dresden would help me against those demands, I finally found no peace until I had agreed to yearly payments of 200 thalers and interest. Although this put a new stricture on my scarcely balanced budget, I shall always try my best to send you your share regularly. I am glad I can be punctual, especially this time, and send you the quarterly amount before New Year. May you get it in tolerable health and may it contribute somewhat to improve your good humor.
I'll be glad to hear about the good success of my wishes. Farewell until then, affectionately
Your
Richard
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner: The Burrell Collection, ed. John N. Burk (Macmillan, 1950), No. 277