Wagner's Letters

Richard Wagner to Mathilde Wesendonck

October 21, 1859 · Paris

Overview

A brief note on the first night in his new Paris house: Mathilde's serene letter has done him good though it shamed him; he resolves on a consecrating silence, regrets that she will miss Tristan, wishes her tranquillity on her Sicilian journey, and complains that he sees no one but workmen.

Letter

I found your letter, Lady-friend, at my new dwelling, when I moved in yesterday to sleep my first night there; the beautiful æsthetic calm in your communications has done me a power of good, although it wellnigh shamed me. Now let me be silent awhile: 'tis the only consecration open to me now; I know how much my silence may be worth. Confide in it! —

I am not to have you at the Tristan! How shall that be possible? — Let me hear that you're tranquil and well on the fortunate isle. —

When I write to you next, it shall be better. For the rest, I'm alone, see no one, and have to do — alas!! — with none but workmen. I am — housing myself once more! —

Hearty greetings to Wesendonck. Thanks and fidelity!

Your R. W.

Source: Richard Wagner to Mathilde Wesendonck, trans. William Ashton Ellis (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1905), No. 97

Previous letter: October 20, 1859 Next letter: October 23, 1859 Back to Letters