My dear Friend!
I regret exceedingly to have heard nothing of you for so long! No other cause of anxiety leads me to write to you than this—because it is always so comforting for me to receive a sign of life from you. We are, of a truth, the only two who have understood each other from the beginning as to the execution of the work, and the most beautiful experience so far was the reception on your finished stage. Why have you not thought even once of me of late?
There are many reasons which excuse my silence!
I have not had an easy time since the close of our rehearsals. Surrounded by deceivers, contract breakers, and scoundrels of all sorts, it has been long since I have drawn a free breath.
I have really nothing to say to you at present about business. Difficulties of all sorts, and yet a firm will and confidence!
Frau Jaide has written me a very nice letter. She is evidently the biggest artistic talent and the most sensible artist in our ensemble. I was right in estimating her highly from the very start. It is possible that, without being given one of the larger roles, she will serve me best by undertaking two episodes, both of which require as conspicuous an artist as do the largest roles.
Without such an artist it would be impossible to give these episodes with the strong effect necessary, and in which lie the strength and distinction of our performances as a whole.
Remember me to this great artist and promise her a speedy token of my esteem!
And now hearty greetings to son, mother, daughter, and, above all, to your wife. The same from my wife, the much-tormented one!
Both of us look forward to receiving good news from you.
Cordially,
Your faithful colleague,
Richard Wagner.
Source: The Story of Bayreuth as Told in the Bayreuth Letters of Richard Wagner, trans. and ed. Caroline V. Kerr (Small, Maynard and Company, 1912), No. 86