A couple of lines in great haste, so that you may get an answer to-day. After all, there is not much to answer. Only about one thing don't be anxious: your letters have all reached me, and in proper time. I wrote my last letter but one about an hour before yours arrived.
I am going on fairly well. Besides the water business, I am busy building a house on paper with a pair of compasses and ruler. Later on I shall construct it in cardboard. I shall still remain here a fortnight in the snow and cold; but 'tis no matter.
I have already written you about the affair with Härtels; I am now expecting an answer from A. I think the matter will be arranged. But how the whole thing drags!
I have received the Musikalische Zeitung. But this you know: I have already complimented you. During the winter, on principle, I shall idle myself into health, and only sketch just as fancy takes me. I am planning three dramas (the second and third of which are the two Siegfrieds) and a big Vorspiel. When all is ready, I think of carrying it out in my own manner.
Poor, poor fellow! To transcribe X. is truly a heavy job. Best thanks for it. It's just possible I may get hold of his book; but whether I shall read it?
I have written to Härtels about the copy for X. If it must be — greet him from me. But surely I shall not have to write to him?
Take care of little Elsa; it's a good thing the illness is over.
Well, good-bye! Write soon again, will you not? I will not fail to do so; if only I had as much matter as inclination to write to you. Best greetings.
Your
R. W.
Source: Richard Wagner's Letters to His Dresden Friends, Theodor Uhlig, Wilhelm Fischer, and Ferdinand Heine, trans. J. S. Shedlock (Scribner & Welford, 1890), No. 42