Dearest Friend!
I beg you most earnestly to press upon our friend Gießel that he instruct his editor to refrain henceforth from mentioning my name and my affairs in any manner whatsoever. I have had more than enough of the artificial confusion spread about me by the great newspapers, and I do not desire to see it continued here, where basically very few know anything about me. Therefore, I wish to regard any kind of “support” from the Bayreuther Tageblatt to be forfeited.
After this absurd welcome in Bayreuth, I entreat you, as ever, to remain well disposed towards me, while I swear by all gods and devils that I shall be so toward you in like measure.
God grant it!
Faithfully
Yours,
Richard Wagner.
Bayreuth,
24 March, in the evening.
Revised English translation by Jo Cousins [© Jo Cousins | WAGNER Salon]