Dear Child, you haven't quite correctly understood and estimated the seriousness of my communications; but doubtless that is not given to you yet, and in any case it alters nothing in myself and course of action. So abide by the latter, and infer my sentiments from that; you will never have to complain of it. So — now above all, and for ever, Peace! No more brooding; everything is above-board, and the resolution, ay, the hope stands fast, that all may take a smooth and favourable turn. So — no more about it now! —
The Dresden telegram explained itself the following day — in the evening. Frau Tichatscheck came to visit us with her daughter (on an excursion from Soden, where the daughter is taking baths); she was very distressed not to find you, as the telegram, about which I had to tell her at once, called her back in hot haste. After passing the evening at our house with Müller, she travelled back at 5 next morning. — Tichatscheck (as you will see from the enclosed playbill) sang in Tannhäuser at Berlin a second time, by desire; so — good receipts! — I shall bring you a little souvenir she left behind for you. —
Otherwise nothing has happened. The Wesendoncks arrived the evening before last. He called upon me yesterday and invited me to tea; whereon I very delicately explained to him in writing that we would remain on friendly terms for the future, but without personal intercourse. Let it stop at that, and I most earnestly beg you to abstain from any kind of interference: which would only have results I should be obliged to regard as a fresh breach of your trust! This must be entirely my affair; and I hope you will obey me this time at least. Here it is no question of strength or weakness upon my side, but solely of this: that it has appeared to me the sole resource for avoiding possible unpleasantnesses, provided we mean to remain here. —
I have been invited with Tausig to Wille's to-day. Baumgartner came yesterday afternoon, and opened his mouth to his ears at Tausig's piano-playing. —
Well — we've weather now and no mistake; it's bright and hot, and you'll enjoy the water. Only see to going nicely through your cure again: true, it can't do everything, and the mind must help; but the mind becomes less irritable when bodily comfort increases. The one must help the other, and just as the very best mental distraction would have done you no permanent good if the basis of bodily health were not first re-established, so I hope that both may march hand in hand henceforward to the advancement of your well-being.
I'll hunt for the key. Sunday — for certain, I think — we shall see one another again. Farewell, and — firmly rely on
Thy good Husband!
I have only just received your last letter; so the "Immediate" didn't work! You are enlightened now, tho'. I will tell you more by mouth about the unlucky visit. — Sleep well — and accept best remembrances from all the household. —
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 132