Dear Minna,
Yesterday I informed you by telegraph that I was returning to Zurich. Really I have nothing to add to it, excepting that I go direct tomorrow evening, and consequently shall be at home by Wednesday night. You know how I originally meant to return by the Oberland, and thus fetch you en route; but it transpires that the Karls have no present relish for an Alpine tour: moreover you know his whimsicality, so that I gladly save that for another time and good company. Alone, again, I haven't the smallest desire for a mountain trip; I should grudge the money. Nothing would therefore remain for me, if I meant to come to you from here, but the journey by Berne and Lucerne. I was pining for home, however, and in the long run one only bores oneself with Karl, whilst I lacked the convenience for work; also, the weather is frequently bad. So I swiftly resolved to go home for a week, went to Vevey — an hour and a half from here — and telegraphed. On my return I found your letter waiting, for which I thank you very much, as it thoroughly revived me: only, it perplexed me again what to do, since you write that Sulzer meant to meet me up with you as early as the 22nd, instead of the 26th. It would be scarcely worth the trouble now to go to Zurich first, as I should only be able to stay there exactly 2 days if I departed with Sulzer on Saturday. At this moment, after thinking it over, I'm all hesitation again: there, Karl is calling to breakfast; I'll determine then. — Now my mind is made up. If I'm to reach you at the same time as Sulzer, I cannot go to Zurich for 2 days first; I should be sorry for Pepsel, having to leave him behind me so soon again. Therefore I shall come to you from here, so as to arrive the 22nd or at latest the 23rd. By which road, I don't exactly know: if the weather is fine, I probably shall take the Brunig after all; if not, I shall come via Berne and Lucerne. Of course, you can't write me again, as I shouldn't know where you ought to write to; let us hope no mishap may betide you meanwhile. —
But what a marplot Sulzer is! —
Liszt wrote the other day, but nothing of importance. Avenarius also: he is revelling in the remembrance of his visit still.
And so you have a fine theatre with such good actors? Perhaps there'll be a little left of it for me to see! — God, how gladly I'd have stayed entirely at home this summer; I positively deplore the grand time when my humour for work was so good! People should leave me unshorn! —
Now to a speedy reunion! Your reports on your health rejoice me immensely! Farewell, and keep gay till our meeting.
Thy Richard.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 65