Wagner's Letters

Richard Wagner to Mathilde Wesendonck

March 17, 1853 · Zurich

Overview

After an evening on which his temper got the better of him, Wagner apologises to Mathilde for his rudeness, explains that he has long dreaded inflicting his moods on his friends, and resolves to show himself in a better light. He hopes to learn from her husband at Basle that her health has not suffered from his unruly tongue.

Letter

Esteemed Lady!

God will guard you henceforth from my rudenesses; for you certainly perceive by now that it was no idle whim of mine when I often dreaded accepting your kind invitations, lest my nasty temper might torture my good friends as much as it torments myself. If in the future, also, I become more abstinent in this regard — and ought I not to end by being so, after experiences like those of yesterday? — rest assured that it is simply to earn your pardon through presenting myself to you in a better light.

I hope to hear from your husband to-morrow at Basle that at least your precious health has suffered no ulterior harm through my unruly tongue. With this heartfelt wish your kind indulgence is besought by

Richard Wagner.

Source: Richard Wagner to Mathilde Wesendonck, trans. William Ashton Ellis (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1905), No. 4

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