As the above note shows, Wagner was living in Bülow’s house. I purposely pass over the next two years. Events were coming to a climax. He and I did not agree; but still his friendship never waned or abated one jot. Meanwhile his wife, Minna, had died at Dresden. The two following notes tell their own tale. The first is but a very short communication of what the world had foreseen; the second was the printed card announcing his second marriage, which I presume was sent to all his friends.
(1)
My Dear Ferdinand: You will be no doubt angry with me when you hear that I am soon to marry Bülow’s wife, who has become a convert in order to be divorced.
Yours,
Richard Wagner.
July, 1870.
(2)
We have the honour to announce our marriage, which took place on the 25th August of this year, at the Protestant Church of Lucerne.
Richard Wagner,
Cosima Wagner, née Liszt.
25th August, 1870.