Ludwig II. to Richard Wagner
On [p. 154, 155 above] are given some letters of Richard Wagner relative to Ludwig II.’s deep attachment to him. Below are some of the actual letters of Ludwig to Wagner. (See Prof. C. Beyer’s book, Ludwig II., König von Bayern.)
“Dear Friend, O I see clearly that your sufferings are deep-rooted! You tell me, beloved friend, that you have looked deep into the hearts of men, and seen there the villainy and corruption that dwells within. Yes, I believe you, and I can well understand that moments come to you of disgust with the human race; yet always will we remember (will we not, beloved?) that there are yet many noble and good people, for whom it is a real pleasure to live and work. And yet you say you are no use for this world!—I pray you, do not despair, your true friend conjures you; have Courage: ‘Love helps us to bear and suffer all things, love brings at last the victor’s crown!’ Love recognises, even in the most corrupt, the germ of good; she alone overcomes all!—Live on, darling of my soul. I recall your own words to you. To learn to forget is a noble work!—Let us be careful to hide the faults of others; it was for all men indeed that the Saviour died and suffered. And now, what a pity that ‘Tristan’ can not be presented to-day; will it perhaps to-morrow? Is there any chance?
Unto death your faithful friend,
Ludwig.”
15th May, 1865.
“Purschling, 4th Aug., 1865.
“My one, my much-loved Friend,—You express to me your sorrow that, as it seems to you, each one of our last meetings has only brought pain and anxiety to me.—Must I then remind my loved one of Brynhilda’s words?—Not only in gladness and enjoyment, but in suffering also Love makes man blest.... When does my friend think of coming to the ‘Hill-Top,’ to the woodland’s aromatic breezes?—Should a stay in that particular spot not altogether suit, why, I beg my dear one to choose any of my other mountain-cabins for his residence.—What is mine is his! Perhaps we may meet on the way between the Wood and the World, as my friend expressed it!... To thee I am wholly devoted; for thee, for thee only to live!