O thou who art good Muzius incarnate! —
So! 3 whole days have passed without my being able to write to you! Yesterday I had set apart a special time for it, but when I wanted to commence, behold, that cursed youngster Hermann had gone off with the key of my trunk, and was nowhere to be seen or heard; so that — put out as I was in general — I never came to writing. — Not that I'm going to write much to you, even to-day; we shall have time enough here soon, on the spot, to entertain ourselves by mouth with all past happenings. So merely the main headings to-day, and what you must hear.
Saturday (— I'm all at sea about the days) — yes: Saturday afternoon we left for Strassburg, where the Fürstin meant to part company with us. Bülow (that good young man — he really is!) and Joachim also accompanied us thither, but separated from us midday Sunday, at Strassburg, to return via Carlsruhe. The Fürstin, on the other hand, suddenly made up her mind to come to Paris too; so we arrived here Sunday evening, and Liszt was obliged to descend at the Hotel des Princes (!!!) rue Richelieu, whither he naturally invited me too. He won't hear of my not being his guest, you see; I never get a chance of paying. For that matter, I have to work it duly off; poor beggar, I must sing, read, talk, and explain, — you know how people always tap me! After all, one does it gladly; only sleep is very poor, almost absent in fact.
Yesterday morning I went in search of Kietz: he was in the country, sure enough; but he has been sent for, and I expect to see him soon. I've not yet been to Anders, and to-day I haven't yet been out at all. Last evening we all dined quite domestically with Liszt's 3 children en famille — Berlioz joined us later. — The rest of the day — as I hadn't found Kietz — I sauntered through the streets alone, and had to laugh like a child at the beautiful things in the shops. Of course I never lost you from my thoughts, and heartily looked forward to a thorough rummaging around with you soon; the elegance here has enormously increased, and everything is so seductive that one would like to have thousands in one's pockets, just to be able to take the stuff home. I am positively afraid lest our money might also give out on our very first outing, such a quantity I should like to buy you! So just bring all the money you possess and can lay hands on; for instance, change the 50 thaler at Hug's as well. Simply money: we may need it here; on our return we shall find fresh money waiting, in any case. —
But listen, Mietzel! Liszt is staying on till the 20th, his Fürstin also; therefore I candidly advise you not to come before they've gone (particularly she); it's too gênant. Moreover, I shouldn't at all know what to do about the hotel: here I have a tiny room at Liszt's expense — which gênes me — but when you come, I of course must move out, so that we may lodge (in comfort) at our own expense. All that I'll soon attend to finely: so I recommend you
To start at 8 on Wednesday the 19th, — by 4 in the afternoon you'll be at Basle. Should you want anything there, just send to Herr Merian-Köchlin; he called on me at Basle, and begged me to direct you to him. — Then at 5 on Thursday morning, the 20th, you take the express direct to Paris, where you will be received about 10 in the evening by your good little bubble. The journey is quite agreeable, and not fatiguing; you will stand it well, I hope. Then what an unholy fling we'll have here! Adieu, good old Mine; salute the children (good Pepsel!) — you soon shall hear more from your dear little Dick (Richardchéri).
So address: Hotel des Princes, Rue Richelieu.
(Best thanks for your lllletter to Basle!!!)
On no account trim a bonnet before Paris; you'll be surprised!!
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 58