My highly esteemed Friend and Patron!
It is a real joy to me, as I sign the contract you place before me, to enter with you into an undertaking so advantageous and honourable to both parties. [...]
Fate has assuredly reserved for me sound health, long life and mental vigour, so that one man in Germany may carry through work really needing two lifetimes. Besides, I still have to make a fine fellow of my son. Now let me serve you as an example, my worthy friend, and do you keep vigorous pace with me! [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 2, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 664