Well then you shall have my roughly drafted studies for the last act [of The Valkyrie] in the next few days. I have been interrupted in it countless times and recently again by a long recurrence of this detestable erysipelas. As I write down nothing except what finally satisfies me in the right mood, you can easily imagine how much time I have needed to select the rare right hours. But you will be amused by the last act; it was done at a sitting. Be glad to think, too, that there will be no more score-sending for a considerable time. Many good things must come my way to put me in the right humour to go on working, and yet in the end I suppose I shall begin again sooner than I would wish! I am still having much trouble over the copying out of your arrangements, but what is finished is now lying neat and clear, ready for Liszt whom I expect soon. Have you finished The Rhinegold? That would be famous!
Richard Wagner
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Volume 1, ed. Altmann/Hull (London: Dent, 1927), No. 297