Yesterday at last I finished my second act with all its many nice (musical) problems, knowing that I have solved them in absolutely original fashion. It is the highest point my art has reached as yet. I must spend one more week over the manuscript and discharge my horrible correspondence. After that I think of gracing Milan and Verona with my presence for a few days on my way, via Como and Lugano, to cross my old St. Gothard. Cheer me with news of yourself before then! [...]
Yesterday Winterberger, who is going to Rome, took leave of me, weeping and sobbing bitterly. Karl, too, when he left in November was incredibly moved. They are all very fond of me and I almost think there is something about me which they venerate. I am leaving Karl here. He does not like it at all. He dreads my departure. [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 2, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 400