Best Friend,
A rascal gives more than he has; I fancy I've just two minutes to dispose of, so they shall bring you a laconic note.
Don't entertain the smallest doubt as to my exerting myself superhumanly at present. Yesterday morning at past 2, after a night of vigil, I finished the remainder of my new compositions for Tannhäuser; the same day I found it necessary to undertake a further alteration, in the Minstrels' Tourney, for which I require a clear head. Rehearsals every morning, and 4 times a-week in the evening. Moreover the old tale — each and every accessory to attend to myself: at 11 o'clock this morning a rehearsal with the horns for the hunting-music; impossible to get them anywhere in Paris, but made possible at last through personal exertions of the most inconceivable sort. Atrocious lumbering of a wagon with any number of wheels, but no coachman! I have to be everywhere; for much, nay all, is so unwonted to the people! Special practice, or personal drudgery (if you will), with the singers, who are all beginning to feel how much they have to learn over again from me. Then a growing rush of unavoidables! — My pulling through — a perfect wonder! The performance on 15th to 20th February. If you can come yourself, it will be a great delight to me! I need something pleasant — believe me there!
I have hopes of a fine, highly-finished performance, though not supplied throughout with quite the most appropriate talents (non-extant!). My alterations have turned out very notably, and make the coming execution most interesting to myself.
I must be off for a mise en scène of the Reception of the Guests at the Wartburg. At 7 o'clock this evening a full orchestral rehearsal. Before table, at 4 o'clock, a Concert-committee, to which I must go to ensure Liszt's appearance in Paris. Adieu! A thousand greetings!
Your
R. W.
Source: Richard Wagner's Letters to Wesendonck et al., trans. and indexed by William Ashton Ellis (Grant Richards, 1899), No. 31