296.

Lucerne, August 19th, 1859.

Dearest Franz,

I should like to thank Princess M. for the news contained in her last letter, and to congratulate her cordially on her impending marriage, but I am ill, and a feverish cold has suppressed all rational thoughts in me.  But as I wanted to give you some news of me without delay, I ask you, for the present, to be the very eloquent interpreter of my sincere feelings to our amiable Child.  The effort thus made, in spite of my indisposition, enables me to add that, although the disappointed hope of your visit, which would have been most welcome just now, fills me with grief, I fully understand that the sacrifice in my favour would have been too great.  On the other hand, I lay the sacrifice made by me at the feet of the happy Child with joyful pride.

As to my fate I can tell you nothing, not knowing myself whither I shall direct my steps.  I should like to live in Paris in absolute retirement, but the French Minister refuses to give me his vise for my passport.  In answer to my remonstrances, he wrote to Paris a fortnight ago, but has had no answer.  I am probably taken for an obstinate conspirator, an opinion which the treatment I receive at the hands of Germany seems to countenance.  I wait for my fate in my little room here, neither longing for Paris nor attracted by any other place that is open to me.  Draseke is still with me, and I enjoy his visit.  Soon he will go too.

Excuse me from writing any more.  Even the effort of these few lines has put me in a perspiration.

Continue to love me, and greet Altenburg a thousand times from

Your

R. W.

“Tristan” has received your welcome with pride and joy.

297.

Dearest friend,

Your letter, received today, has increased my grief at not being able to be with you.  Although I am not much worth as a sick nurse, I should nurse you well, and assist you in passing the time with more ease.  Alas! we are miserable creatures, and the few who have penetrated the deepest secrets of life are the most miserable of all.  That snarling old cur, Schopenhauer, is quite right in saying that we are ridiculous in addressing each other as monsieur or citizen.  Compagnon de misere et de souffrance, or fellow-sufferers, and worse we are, tutti QUANTI, and nothing we can do can make any essential change in this.  The worst is that we know it quite well, and yet never like to believe it.

What is this about the vise of your passport?  Probably the impediment has been removed by this time; otherwise make inquiries as to the quarter from which it arises, whether from the Saxon embassy in Paris, or from the French police.  Steps must be taken accordingly.  It is understood that I am quite at your service in this matter, but I should not like to make a faux pas, and it is necessary, therefore, that I should be more accurately informed by you, in order to apply at once to the right people.