The other day, struck by a sudden thought, I felt I must write and charge you with having overlooked a highly poetical trait in your Columbus. I had read that Columbus was held in Spain by a love affair, and that, strengthened by love, he found renewed strength to endure and to do. In that way, it seemed to me, love rather than politics gave Spain the glory of the discovery.
A glorious love gives me more strength than all the concepts of morality. A high-flown, sentimental mistress would enervate me now, but mine makes me glad and gay. On all sides renunciation leers at me now; who wants to embitter this one delight for me?
I am always extending my activities now. I write for money and have become a contributor to the new musical journal. If I break down, God's will be done. I weep no more. I shall never go to Leipzig again. What is Mendelssohn doing?
Apel helped again.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 23