Dear Wesendonck,
My last words to your wife were my blessing on the rearing of your children! — Your news has profoundly shocked me. Accept the brimming tears of a friend as tribute of his love! — The children, too, had become very dear to me. I shall sadly miss the little Guido when I think of your house!
O heavens! All is so earnest, so earnest! There is nothing for us, save to clothe this earnestness with gentleness and softness: but let us not rebel against it! It is our exaltation, and will become our salvation!
I am still under the first impression of your news. How gladly would I fly at once to comfort you. May my sincerest sympathy afford you the consolation that I am deeply suffering with you!
And so above the early grave of the dear little fellow — thanks! — and a heartfelt farewell!
Your
Richard Wagner.
Source: Richard Wagner's Letters to Wesendonck et al., trans. and indexed by William Ashton Ellis (Grant Richards, 1899), No. 17