According to the boigraphies of both Ludwig & Wagner, after accepting King Ludwig's ring and portrait, Wagner soon enjoyed the royal patronage of the king. "My only one! My godlike friend!" wrote the monarch to Wagner.
Wagner could hardly believe his good fortune and responded in kind: "O my King! You are divine!"
Because of Ludwig's homosexuality, the passionate letters exchanged between these two have led to some speculation that there was a homosexual relationship between the king and composer. But Ludwig was attracted to Wagner's artistic visions and accomplishments rather than to Wagner the man. (Wagner's physical appearance was undoubtedly a disappointment to the beauty-worshipping king.)
Still, Wagner knew how to manipulate Ludwig on his own terms and was not above encouraging the monarch's fantasies (and generosity). Thus, he responded to Ludwig's purple prose in kind. Thanks to the royal coffers, Wagner was able to mount productions of Tristan und Isolde and Die Meistersinger while finishing the score of the Ring cycle.