Beloved Friend!
Every day I am reminded to write to you: today finally I resolved not to set about my daily work — which otherwise is so pressing — before I had satisfied that long-felt reminder.
So now I ask, with the deepest interest, how things stand with your health, about which your last news had so alarmed me? You hoped for some improvement with spring, or — feared, rather, that you would not be improved until spring: has this hope been fulfilled? I should be glad to learn that very soon, since otherwise I should have to assure you of my most sympathetic regret.
I — am troubled also, by absolutely refractory bowels. What should help above all, would be the calming of my nerves, and the removal of troubles, cares, and vexations. I am looking forward hopefully to my garden, which together with the house, I am now planning to occupy in the beginning of May.
The uncertainty of my position in regard to my great enterprise dragged on until the second half of February — to my great torment! Finally it was resolved favourably; the King of Bavaria opened a credit for us of 100,000 thalers, with which we can now place the necessary orders for stage equipment and decorations. Now, after this torturing interval of uncertainty, I can see advancing towards me the whole responsibility of making sure that everything takes place properly, and in the face of this I must hold myself steady.
It will be a fine day for me, when I receive a good report from you: may this arrive soon! I wish all blessings to you and your worthy wife and children: we both greet you all cordially, and I remain ever
Your closely devoted friend,
Richard Wagner
Source: The Letters of Richard Wagner to Anton Pusinelli, trans. and ed. Elbert Lenrow (Alfred A. Knopf, 1932), No. 77