How goes it with you on Ascension day, good Mutz? We have rain again, and so far as I'm concerned, I shouldn't care to join the flight to Heaven; I'd rather fly beneath the earth! —
God, what a melancholy time it is! You're in clover; the cure gives you plenty to do, you have dog, bird, and agreeable male society. Since Monday, when I saw Herwegh, I haven't caught sight of a soul; which quite suits me, all the same. At least I have declined another invitation to the Hubers to-day; to me it isn't any jollity. Yesterday she called, in my absence, to enquire after your health; I shall look in for a moment tomorrow. If only the Herwegh would get confined at last, at least there'd be a human being the more in the world. She has been in labour for 2 days, and Friedrich brought word to-day it had got no forwarder. It must be a truly hard job for her! —
I'm not at all the thing myself. Those Brestenberg visits in bad weather have left their tracks in rheumatisms of all kinds; also I am troubled with my lower parts again, apparently in consequence. Probably you will not get sight of your husband next Saturday: I really should like to fetch back a little good humour for once; but the weather will certainly have to do its share in that. Moreover, I'm just getting true zest for my work and all manner of delicious themes are occurring to me, which I easily might lose 'twixt wind and weather in that open chaise. Should it turn out very fine, however, I'll come for sure; rely on that.
And not a cock crows, not a dog barks, not a cat mews for one; never a sound from abroad. It's really getting on my nerves! Na, send me good tidings yourself, that one at least may have one prospect of things mending. Your having got accustomed to the complete packings so soon, is a good sign. The first time at Vaillant's I felt alarmed in them myself; so don't let that upset you. On the whole I see progress, and hope it will continue.
Unless I were tempted before by fine weather, probably you won't see me again till my birthday, when I hope you'll already be feeling much better. Müller will come with me then, in any case; he promised it me solemnly at the parade.
I really do not know at all what else to tell you. I am so living in my inner world now, that I literally do not remark if aught is happening in the outer. It is possible I may look in on Sulzer to-day, though; perhaps I shall hear something there.
Now, God and Dr Erismann preserve you! I will attend to your commissions; if I do not come Saturday, I shall send you the biscuits for Jacquot. I'm also getting a new ring set with a green stone expressly for you; there was nothing of the sort in stock. — Farewell, be patient and hold out, that you may give joy to
Thy Richard.
(Fipps is a good fellow.)
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 124