Dear Minna,
I have been expecting a message from Carlsruhe day after day, and meant to wait for that; but it seems they can resolve on nothing there. I haven't the least desire left to conduct Lohengrin; I answered Devrient's last absurd report most briefly, and really have a mind, if the Grand Duke wishes it, to tell him the naked truth about D.'s management. On the other hand, I've proposed to the G. D. to arrange a grand concert-performance on some occasion — as formerly at Zurich — at which I would present them with fragments from my new works. Presumably that also will shipwreck on D., whom I simply think of henceforth treating as my enemy. It certainly is woful to make such experiences with regard to wretched presentation of my operas precisely at a theatre controlled by Devr., and it robs me of the last relish for direct dealings with the stage. How greatly you are mistaken if you believe I've been expecting to receive offers from Dresden for the theatre: I merely see by that how much you hold yourself obliged to be the only one to tell me the truth! My God, what do all you people know of me, and how things look within me?!
It is curious how it suddenly occurs to you — and as it seems, quite by the way — to stir up fresh confusion about the residence. My child, decidedly you have too few real cares, too little occupation, since you always find so much leisure to think of yourself and wrongs done or possibly still to be done you! I should really have thought I had expressed myself repeatedly and plainly enough on this Dresden question; but as so many hair-splittings still occur to you, accept the comforting assurance that there is no place in the world to which I should give preference over Dresden for a residence, and as every place is equally indifferent to me, I prefer Dresden to all others because I know you thrive there best, it being after all your home. It is and was arranged that you should settle there, and set apart a room for me. Thus our estimates come cheaper, the dwelling has no need to be large; for I also shall not be going to Dresden to work there, at present, but simply to distract, divert myself, and above all to see how one can stand it. I have good reasons to be a little anxious on that score; but I shall come with the heartfelt wish to find or re-establish peace and comfort there. In the event of new or old troubles arising, however, and my having to prefer for our mutual peace' sake to withdraw at times into some sequestered work-den, it will console me to know that the above arrangement leaves you at least in your accustomed stronghold; and for that, above all other reasons, is Dresden well-seeming and pleasing to me. Consequently I insist on your choosing the dwelling according to your needs, before all: in an unsequestered neighbourhood, where you can see people passing and are not too distant from your female friends; a 1st floor or parterre, with or without sun, as you like best. You know what difficulties there always were in finding an abode to answer all my demands as well, if my principal aim was to work in it; finally we had to take whole houses to ourselves, and then again, you felt remote and lonely. So: it not being so easy to accommodate the interests of both of us, let us abide by a compromise; I deem the one proposed by me the best, but — let us also leave it to time and circumstances whether they can prepare for us in Dresden what most will suit the interests and needs of both of us combined. It — may be — I hope and wish it, and extend my hand to everything. —
The above is my most honest opinion: if it disquiets you, doesn't satisfy you, then — don't be surprised — I should have to think you downright ungrateful. — Now act accordingly, select and begin to solidify the home!
It is painful to me beyond all notion, to keep having to reply to naggings — forgive me — of the last description; absolutely nothing results from them, except discomposure for me. You see how placably I keep on stretching out my hand, and trying to open up roads to the best one could wish; so for Heaven's sake do your part towards it, and don't be for ever upsetting the mind of your husband, who does not belong to you alone, but to his art, to the world and posterity!
I was half inclined to write to Madame Huber this time, to tell you the above as a friend: another time I should really have to do so. Do please be sensible, conquer this eternal mania for wranglings quite unworthy of you; surely you can see, when all's told, that you may rely on me in every way. —
I beseech you, lay that to heart! —
I am thoroughly pleased with my work now: candidly, I shall make a break in it very unwillingly, and am afraid of evil consequences, afraid in general; for who still should trust and hope! I also doubt my hearing Schnorr; in the end it will be merely another vain hope: even his not going to Vienna makes him very indifferent to me.
Now farewell! Greet Jacquot and Mad. Huber.
From his heart
Thy Richard.
Source: Richard to Minna Wagner: Letters to His First Wife, trans. William Ashton Ellis, Vol. 2 (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1909), No. 242