After writing to you from Leipzig I waited only for the performance of my Symphony at the Gewandhaus Concert, which was successful, and then, about the end of January, set out for Wurzburg, where I am now living. As you know, I have a brother [Albert] here whom I had been intending to visit for some time. Quite by chance I found a short engagement almost at once as conductor at the theatre which will keep me here almost till Easter.
I sat down to-day, rummaged in my writing-case, and found a partly written letter to you of a date which seems very long ago to me. I was almost overwhelmed by the thought that we are now so much nearer to each other, and that is why I am at once setting myself to finish what I began. I will be silent about the events of the mind and soul; we are so near that I find myself almost speaking aloud to you.
Dearest and best of friends, hearken to the most earnest petition I have ever made to you. If it is in any way possible, in any way practicable, traverse the eighteen miles which separate us as soon as you can and come to me, if only for a few days. Oh, even one glimpse would make me endlessly happy! Tell me, can you make this sacrifice for our friendship's sake? You can only do so if you love me as I love you, and, indeed, I must almost despair of that. I cannot possibly leave here, but rest assured that if I could I would hasten to your embrace, though it is perhaps easier for you than for me.
If it is impossible for you to come, at least write to me and tell me how long you are staying in Heidelberg, and I will try to get there later and pay you a visit. What a reunion that will be! It will console me for the past and for the future. Yes, my Theodore, the future too presses heavily upon me; life is beginning to seem an extremely grave affair.
I must see if I can find some sanctuary this summer where I can finish my opera Die Feen before winter. I have finished the libretto and have begun the composition. I can go to Leipzig at any moment, indeed, but I am determined against living in this town which will some day be the origin of my fame; one must always appear as a novelty to one's own countrymen, especially as rivalry and cabals have appeared even thus early! Moreover I must now see where I can earn something, which I cannot do in Leipzig.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 5