I have trouble enough at present, chiefly bitter ingratitude, to bear. I am learning to know life, God knows. Winter with all its misery is creeping into my very bones again. I am pale and find little pleasure in anything. I am thinking of rehearsing my Feen here very shortly. In spite of everything I feel my vigour renewed.
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 25