am thinking of having a good Italian translation made of this work in order to produce it as an Italian opera at the theatre of Rio Janeiro, which will probably give my “Tannhauser” first.  I mean to dedicate it to the Emperor of Brazil, who will soon receive copies of my last three operas, and all this will, I trust, realise enough to keep me out of harm’s way for a time.  Whether, after that, my “Nibelungen” will appeal to me again I cannot foresee; it depends upon moods over which I have no control.  For once I have used violence against myself.  Just as I was in the most favourable mood I have torn Siegfried from my heart, and placed him under lock and key as one buried alive.  There I shall keep him, and no one shall see anything of him, as I had to shut him out from myself.  Well, perhaps this sleep will do him good; as to his awaking I decide nothing.  I had to fight a hard and painful battle before I got to this point.  Well, it is settled so far.

Your three last Symphonic Poems have once more filled me with painful joy.  While reading them I was forced again to think of my miserable condition, which makes such things mute to me, to me who knows so little how to help himself.  God knows the greatest delight, such as your “Mountain Symphony,” is thus turned to sorrow for me.  But I have made these complaints a thousand times, and there is no help for it.

Some unfortunate person has again sent me a whole heap of ridiculous nonsense about my “Nibelungen,” and probably expects an approving answer in return.  With such puppets have I to deal when I look for human beings.  These are the kind of people who continually trouble themselves about me with astounding faithfulness and constancy.  Good Lord! it is very well for you to talk.

I shall receive R. Pohl with all the respect due to the Weimar art historiographer.  I shall stay in my “refuge,” and shall be pleased to see him.  To speak at last of something hopeful, let me express my greatest joy at your giving me hope of a visit from you in September.  Let me pray you earnestly not to treat this matter lightly, but to turn my hope into confidence.  Try to imagine that you have undertaken to conduct a musical festival here, and then I am sure your passionate conscientiousness will not allow you to stay away.  Really, dearest Franz, such a meeting is a necessity to me this time.  I shall enjoy it like a true gourmet.  Let me soon hear something definite, and greet Altenburg and all its precious contents from the bottom of my heart.  Remain well, for you say that you are well, and once more, love me.

Your

R. W.

As regards my address, the very blind know my footsteps at
Zurich.  About “Tristan” Absolute silence.

245.

Zurich, July 9th, 1857.

My dear Franz,