[...] I am in an uneasy and anxious frame of mind! The absence of my illustrious Benefactor from the Parsifal performances (unhappily I must understand that it was not voluntary!), and the prospect of a separate performance under conditions which I regard as utterly unfavourable, disturb me to the very soul. It is impossible on these lines for my most exalted Patron to receive that impression of my work which I believed I had prepared for him in the Bayreuth performances. Should our most gracious Master be satisfied, however, all my interest in reviving and perpetuating Parsifal even in Bayreuth may well perish. Why all this trouble, if all can be done so easily privatim and without me?—
In your last friendly letter to my wife you let us see that you cherished a hope that you might perhaps receive His Majesty's command to visit Venice. How we wish that this hope may be fulfilled! Perhaps I might be accorded most gracious communications which would greatly ease my mind. I do not see how I could continue the Dramatic Festival without great risk unless, for another two years, I can rely on the generous support of my exalted Protector by the loan of the royal orchestra and choir without charge. I understand, however, the great sacrifice thereby made on behalf of my enterprise, and—how can I accept this sacrifice with any cheerfulness if I cannot give my most exalted Benefactor even a little pleasure by means of it? [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 2, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 737