struck me with the force of lightning. While I read Schopenhauer
I was with you, only you did not know it. In this manner I ripen
more and more. I only play with art to pass the time. In what
manner I try to amuse myself you will see from the enclosed
sheet.

For the sake of that most beautiful of my life-dreams "Young
Siegfried," I shall have to finish the "Nibelungen" pieces after
all; the "Valkyrie" has taken so much out of me that I must
indulge in this pleasure; I have got as far as the second half of
the last act. The whole will not be finished till 1856; and in
1858, the tenth year of my Hegira, the performance may take
place, if at all. As I have never in life felt the real bliss of
love, I must erect a monument to the most beautiful of all my
dreams, in which, from beginning to end, that love shall be
thoroughly satiated. I have in my head "Tristan and Isolde," the
simplest but most full-blooded musical conception; with the
"black flag" which floats at the end of it I shall cover myself
to die.

When you have had enough of "Rhinegold," send it to Chorusmaster
Fischer at Dresden, instructing him in my name to give it to the
copyist Wolfel, so that he may finish the copy which he has
begun. Your cheering words about the "Rhinegold" were splendid,
and it has really turned out well. I hope there will be enough
counterpoint in it to please Raff. My anxiety as to this troubles
me very much.

Is M. ill? How can I do anything to help her? She should come in
the summer to Seelisberg, on the lake of Lucerne. It is the