Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of December 10, 1871

Overview

Wagner's absence leaves Cosima in longing and depression, sustained only by a telegram confirming his safe arrival and the promise of a letter. She cannot write much to others, turns Christmas routines over partly to Lusch, and fills the day with the children while mourning alone. Florence newspapers describe public honors for the Lohengrin company, but even that success does not lighten her heaviness.

Content

Sunday, December 10:

Dreary day, longing and depression! — From R. a telegram that he has arrived safely and that he had just written me a little letter. — Letter from Clemens; I can write to nobody and get Lusch to reply. Looked through a Christmas catalogue. Went out with the children. Read, played, ate with them, everything, but mourned alone. My heart is heavy, heavy, heavy. I write to R., but do not know where the letter will find him! — Newspaper from Florence, reporting that the national guard met the Lohengrin company from Bologna at the railroad station.