Paris, May 27, 61. Just arrived back here [26th] I find the Child's dear letter forwarded after me from Vienna, which was to have delighted me there on my birthday. The effect of these lines has been indescribably beautiful, now that Wiedersehen lay between:* a dream had become reality, to melt once more to dreamlike memory ! So there still are means of heartiest invigoration and encouragement ! They are ours, and ever do we win them afresh, because our consciences are pure and free. For sure, we shall hail each other oft again, and every Wiedersehen will weave a lovelier, nobler bloom into the garland of our life ! A thousand faithful greetings from the lately sped ! — At Carlsruhe I had a very pleasant time with the Grand Duke ; his delight was great when I informed him of my firm resolve to give preference to a settlement there, to any other in Germany. Whatever he can do towards assisting me to a suitable abode, he will with alacrity. — I find Liszt still here.f and shall have a longer sight t Liszt writes a friend in the second half of May, " Wagner will be back in 4 or 5 days. — He left a few lines for me ere starting— the same day as I arrived here " (i.e. the 7th or 8th). The "bflsen, schwierigen Periode " of the next sentence in the above must chiefly refer to the serious financial embarrassment in which Wagner had been plunged by deprivation of any returns from the Paris Tannhituser.—lx. of him this evening at my rooms . . . — For the rest, my child, I now am face to face with a bad, a difficult period ; by the beginning of July, when I should re-cross the Rhine in that event, may I have everything well behind me : that's what you must wish me! Meanwhile little Tausig who started from Vienna after me, and punctually caught me up at Carlsruhe — helps me now and then to a playful smile. I look upon him as partly a gift from yourself ! — And many thanks for the pretty presents which I found on retiring to rest and egoistically packed up at once* The wreath I left for you ; I know you will make fine use of it! My heartiest greetings to Otto and the children ! Thanks and love to yourself! Your R. W.
Richard Wagner
Source: Richard Wagner to Mathilde Wesendonck, translated by Ellis, No. 117