Best Minna,
Work has made me forget much this time: it has been and is my consolation, without which I shouldn't have known what to do to make head against my fate. Unfortunately, though, I have forgotten all writing as well.
On the 25th I finished the poem, and was hoping to be able to make the necessary fair-copy in about another 3 days. In spite of an industriousness that has damaged my health in the end, I couldn't bring it off before to-day, as I always make a thing like that most accurate.
For the last fortnight I have seen or spoken to only 2 people: Truinet and his father, whom I've met each day at dinner in the Taverne anglaise.
Now I have got the length of departing tomorrow evening. First for Carlsruhe, where the Highnesses expect me Monday for my reading of the new poem. From there I shall write to you properly.
The Berlin visit, which strictly is a pure luxury — alike as regards money and fuss — shall be finally decided on my part within a few days. In the meantime I want to look around in Wiesbaden, Mainz or Biebrich, for an abode for my immediate needs. If I come to Berlin after all (which might just as well be another time) it will be about the 7th or 8th of February.
All particulars as to that, however, from Carlsruhe.
Meanwhile be of good cheer; my poem has succeeded beyond all hope! —
I have just received the stuff from the Szemere, and paid 12 fr. for it.
Farewell, then; greet Jacquot, and wish me bon voyage for tomorrow.
Adieu, good Mutz.
Thy Richard.
If you have anything to communicate to me, or if you want to delight me with a message of any kind, address to J. B. Schott's Söhne in Mainz.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 2 (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1909), No. 231