Paris, 3 Rue d'Aumale. Dec. 4, 60. In haste a heartfelt greeting to the precious Child, and some relief! — During the past week my recovery has made good progress. Strength is returning ; I'm looking better ; people are pleased with my appearance. — So it has been a serious warning. It made a great impression on me: I am carefully mapping my future, to be able to fulfil my life-task ; yet I have hopes, again, that I can fulfil it !— Are you better satisfied, dear Liege ? As for Tannhäuser, we'll bide our time ; I don't conduct the band myself, and the rehearsals over — all is over! — Soon more from the Living.
Richard Wagner
Source: Richard Wagner to Mathilde Wesendonck, translated by Ellis, No. 112