Mienel, Mienel, I've got my leave! I really must say I've been very pleased with Lüttichau again, and especially with his whole manner of treating me. — At first, when I spoke up for the singer that cursed Mme Könneritz had recommended so, there was nothing to be done with him at all — he was a perfect goat; — but when I began about myself, and asked if I might entertain any hope of doing something for my health this summer, his face simply beamed, and with the utmost graciousness said he: "Dear Wagner, you know how fond I am of you, and therefore can easily imagine that your health is of even more account to me than the benefit you are to the institute committed to me. People like yourself must be kept in good spirits and health before all things, so merely tell me, from when do you wish to be free?" — "From the middle of this month," said I. — "And for how long?" — "Until the middle of next month again." — "Good! Just dispose of your time at your pleasure!" etc. That completely touched me, and I didn't disguise it from him: — for you must remember, there's very much to do just now — two new operas to be got up with Moriani in a jiffy. —
So I'm coming, my chick! Only I shall be unable to come before Monday or Tuesday next week. Firstly, I want to conduct yesterday's opera once more, — then I'm invited to Lüttichau's for Sunday; and lastly, my Rienzi scribbling won't be finished earlier, and I do so want to have everything done and behind me, to be able to lead as careless a life with you as if there were nothing in all the world to weigh us down. Indeed I'm looking forward to it very, very much — to ease and repose after labours ended, and strengthening for fresh. —
I hope you got back comfortably to Teplitz. Poor woman, you are certain to be having no good day to-day, through the news you had to bring the Mama! — Nor can I possibly tell you how grieved I was in general for you here! Make up for it all well now, through rest and comfort in the way you live. See, to-day's tidings must surely cheer you up again, for they prove how well I stand here, and with what distinction I'm treated.
Now, goodbye for to-day. Heartiest love to good Klare, and console your Mama to the best of your power! —
I shall write you again the exact date of my coming. Till then, my dear brave wife, fare as well as you can, and fondly remember
Thy Richard.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 12