My good, good Mienel,
I was seized with such woeful home-sickness to-day, that I couldn't write to you, and gave it up. Already I had closed my trunk, when I found no peace before I sent you off another greeting; so I have unpacked the writing-gear again, just to tell you briefly that I'm starting in an hour for Spezia by the steamer, which only goes on Saturdays. That will not prevent my getting your letters safely, though; yesterday I received your second addressed to Turin. So have no fear, but continue addressing to Genoa ("Gênes"); for I am bound to return here, and simply do not know how long I shall remain at Spezia. From Spezia — where I arrive tomorrow morning — I shall write you again at once, also enclosing the lines for Wyss to Liszt. For to-day I will merely add, that I haven't been feeling quite well — presumably owing to the great change of diet; but I fancy the sea-voyage will cure me, even the sea-sickness perhaps. So don't be anxious about me; rather, take good care of yourself — do you hear?
My God, if a poodle hadn't eaten with me yesterday, I should have been all alone again; to-day I nearly broke down with home-sickness — my God! Oh yes — I'm certain to return soon, heavenly beautiful tho' it is here!
Adieu, dear good Mienel! Many, many kisses from
Thy Husband.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 55