Tuesday, April 27:
Splendid day, the children lively. R. works a little; we decide on an outing to Fluelen for tomorrow. In the afternoon a visit by Count Bassenheim. Before that R. reads me the description of Katte's death, written in an incredible style, and after that the arrangements made by Friedrich Wilhelm I for his burial.
Today was a muddled sort of day. From Nuitter I had a nasty letter; the gentlemen there are trying to swindle me and are demanding 2,000 francs! This I cannot pay and am despondent about it, on top of being in great pain. Good night, children.
Mortals do not wish to die; that is their weakness, yet I must regard it as the rarest achievement of my soul that I no longer wish to die. Sent the letter to Mathilde to copy.
Wednesday and Thursday, April 28 and 29:
On Wednesday, despite dire prophecies concerning the weather, drove to Brunnen, there took a boat to the Grutli, and then arrived at Fluelen. A night quaintly disturbed by the night watchman, then by Boni's falling out of bed and Loldi's calling for me, finally by Kos's barking at the night watchman.
On Thursday morning drove to Burklen; splendid weather, idyllic hours. In Fluelen R. had already told me during the evening how happy he was; on this morning, beneath crowns of blossoms against a cloudless sky and the overwhelming birdsong, we both feel how much we belong to each other. Via the Axenstrasse to Brunnen, then home by steamer.
Here much trouble with the furniture, too crowded, as I feared. The disturbance in the house much greater than R. expected; he is vexed about it. Letter from Claire: Mama is recovering, but her mind still frenzied.
Spoke much with R. about Munich; the political situation there is really too wretched. The School Law has been rejected by the Upper Chamber, and Prince Otto, who was for the first time entitled to vote, came down against it! I am concerned that Hans does not write to his children. Last night I dreamed I had gone to Munich in order to help him!