Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of February 16, 1872

Overview

Wagner has a terrible night, the weather turns bleak again, and she is overcome with fear for his health as they both think about Fiteo's recent death. His remark that everyone is dying deepens the sense of isolation and loss. In the evening she reads him the novel, and a line from Dante leads him to praise the poet's vast grasp of the Middle Ages.

Content

Friday, February 16:

R. unfortunately had a very bad night; to add to that, snow and fog. He also thinks of Fiteo’s death (14 days ago today!). “All are dying,” he says, “one is left alone.”

I am very despondent, overcome by indescribable fears for his life; how gloomy everything is when he is unwell!

In the evening I read him the novel; a quotation from Dante brings R. to the magnificent genius of this poet: “He has given us the entire Middle Ages.”