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“WAGNER IS NOT ONLYTHE GREATEST GENIUS,
HE IS ALSOTHE GREATEST HEART”
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(WAGNER, RICHARD.) WAGNER, COSIMA. Autograph Letter Signed, to
Elisabeth [lacking salutation], giving news of events surrounding her recent wedding to
Wagner. 4 pages, 8vo, written on a folded sheet; horizontal folds.
“[Villa] Tribschen bei Luzern,” 2 September 1870
[500/750]
“
Immediately after having received your dear letter (last Tuesday), my friend, I sent a dispatch in
which I prayed you and Carl to come for the baptism of our little boy [Siegfried, b. 6 June 1869]; I
also begged an answer. As this answer is not arrived, I must think that the movements of the new
formed army [related to Franco-Prussian War?] have prevented the [ex]pedition of the dispatch. . . .
Bulow was very satisfied of his sojourn in Italy [Bülow had left Munich in 1869 and settled in
Italy], and that happily his mother was not with him, for the wors[t] of his pain in Munich had been
the presence of that agitated being. Now I am sure Isa [daughter, Isolde?] does not want to have her
mother either, and as Hans is more delicate, he won’t [offend?] her and get her! . . . Here[‘s] a little
photograph of three of my children; the oldest is nicer as on the picture; the third has been ill a fort-
night which made me very anxious, now it is almost passed. I send also a little image of the house
where we live, and where I am very sad not to have seen you.You see it is very rural indeed, but I like
this spot, it is the only one on earth where I found peace and love. My health has got much better, but
I can endure no noise and no fatigue still; but if I continue to live as I have done for a long time I am
sure I will get all my strength again. I was very surprised to receive so many proofs of sympathy at the
occasion of my wedding day; as I have been completely silent towards everybody, except my sister and
you, I thought every body had either forgotten me or did not care for me; I was extremely touched to
receive property protestations of friendship and devotedness. The family of Wagner has also behaved
with much kindness; and now I only pray God to give me the form to accomplish the great mission he
has confided to me.Wagner is not only the greatest genius, he is also the greatest heart you may think,
and his love to me is something so inexpressible that I always believe the dream, knowing too well I
don’t deserve such a treasure. . . . Daniella [daughter, Daniela?] wrote to her aunt and to her grand-
mother some time ago, but had no answer. I don’t know if they wish not to hear any thing of the
children . . . . I know I would never have been for my children what I am, had I not [met?] the won-
derful being who has delivered me from life and death.Wagner pays his compliments to Carl and his
best regards to you. I embrace you my beloved Elisabeth . . .”