Besides the many sick and suffering patients who lay claim to your help here, dear good Doctor, you have now also to care for the sick friend who is abroad! For I must regard Richard as a person who is ill!! The entire conception and conduct of his outward life must be characterized as diseased, at least — if not actually wicked!
Unfortunately, I can do little now in the whole affair, not even in writing, because for several weeks I have had to contend again with my old trouble, "headaches," and therefore I am really waiting most longingly for your own helpful advice. Also for the same reason I have not as yet visited my sister-in-law, which is something I have really had at heart, but which on the other hand I was somewhat afraid to do now because of this illness. When you see her, my good Doctor, will you be kind enough to tell her this when occasion offers?
As soon as I feel a little better, I shall write at once to my brother — and naturally only in the sense that you have expressed — for how could one do otherwise? If there were any possibility of helping him, how gladly would it be done! But in the long run, neither we nor others can do it! Only by his own strength — and his splendid talents — can he attain salutary peace of mind and joyful capacity for production!!!! Does he say he has no good fortune?! Oh Lord! He has fortune without end, and every moment it smiles on him, often undeservedly!
Thank you, my good Doctor, for your latest message, and if it's convenient for you — please don't forget the visit you very kindly promised.
Most respectfully yours,
Luise Brockhaus
Source: The Letters of Richard Wagner to Anton Pusinelli, trans. and ed. Elbert Lenrow (Alfred A. Knopf, 1932), No. 99