Dearest Mutz, I have nothing at all to write to you, and really am in a fix about it, as you will be expecting a letter from me all the same. No letter for me, no tidings, no occurrence, no call; only bad nights, as I have a sort of crisis again, and am constantly driven from bed and sleep for several hours, when I make studies of dawn effects and other fine things of the kind. In the daytime I am not of much use then, nor in the best of humour; which is a hindrance to my work in particular. Thus each has his torment, though mine is transient this time, and it becomes me ill to vent my lamentations on you poor tormented woman. For that I surely might have awaited news from yourself; for state-of-health is indeed the supreme question with you now, and everything depends on how it promises. Is it progressing a little? Have you anything satisfactory to tell me? My God, I'm really growing somewhat impatient myself, though I was fully prepared for a lingering cure. However, once you've recovered your equilibrium after its last disturbance, I believe a marked improvement will soon appear. Good nights; that is almost the chief point! — Well, Fipsel is helping you again now; I miss him very much again myself. —
Stay, tho', a letter: Bülow has written — about the arrangements (Iphig. and Tristan) and accepted once more with his wife for the end of July. That fits in quite well, and the agreeable distraction of having the house a bit full will serve you very happily as after-cure. Tausig is gradually worming his way into my heart; small bad habits apart, he really is a very intelligent, sympathetic and good-hearted youngster; he seems much attached to me, and often surprises me with a torrent of thanks for my kindness to him. So he forms a very agreeable little companion to me and blues-conductor. Owing to the great heat in his room, he often works in yours beneath me now, where he makes his nest from 12 o'clock without a sound. I hunted out your mantilla and ribbon to-day, and have given them to Friedrich for despatch to you. On the other hand, despite the most diligent search I've been unable to find the lemonade extract and my small umbrella. That must suffice you for this time; I kept thinking something might occur, to make this letter presentable — but nothing has chosen to come; so please put up with it.
Be thoroughly industrious with your cure; be at rest within your heart, and then the heart itself will soon become more restful. Salute the Doctor, and tell him that I hope to find you quite phlegmatic when next I come.
Farewell and send fine tidings soon to
Thy good Husband.
I have had strawberries for the first time to-day; only a few, though. So soon as there are many, you shall get some too. —
The Grand Duke of Baden is winning my heart more and more; he has actually dismissed the Intendant, so I read, and Devrient accordingly remains.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 1 (H. Grevel & Co., 1909), No. 133