Dear Minna,
The letter to the King will follow tomorrow. I am unwell and in bad humour. All these things prevent my coming to rest; furnish a little help or money — they won't, you'll see. Also, I should have thought I had written the King and his ministers enough already. Various people, as I read, have already been authorised a free return; I learn from Köchly that he could have returned to Saxony without any fuss even last year. Consequently it is with great bitterness and resentment that I approach such a letter, which will only be made an instrument for my public humbling. You might aptly have informed the Minister, he need merely remind the King of my letter, for instance, transmitted through Seebach last summer.
I really don't know whence to draw a further string of needless words; it puts me in a shocking humour. I've torn up several rough drafts already. Why is it so pressing of a sudden? Should not the permission to tread Saxon soil again be regarded simply as the final long-awaited answer tendered me after countless requests?
Well, perhaps I may have a more placable moment tomorrow; if I hit on a brief sufficient form of wording, you shall have it. But do understand that I have other things in my head besides, which unfortunately I can never get to; whilst my whole load of cares is still left on my neck upon all hands. I'm heartily sick of it!
Now adieu for to-day, and thanks for your good will. No doubt it will soon be done, too; only I'm a bit refractory just now.
Best greetings and wishes from
Thy Richard.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 2 (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1909), No. 236