Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of May 20, 1869

Overview

Morning pains follow a restful night, but Richard has moved toward Cosima's view that the elder children should go to Claire in Versailles for the confinement. He works despite poor health, while news from Munich, Leroy's journal scheme, Nietzsche's birthday invitation, and Claire's report that Cosima's mother's insanity has lifted fill the day. Folk songs with Lusch and the beginning of Don Quixote give the evening a warmer domestic close.

Content

Thursday, May 20:

Cramp-like pains in the morning after a restful night. R. resumes our serious talk; during the night he has come closer to my view, and we agree to send the elder children to Claire in Versailles. R. is not well, but works all the same.

From outside the news that the King has attended the performance of Tannhäuser. Apart from this, Düfflipp complains of his withdrawal from public life. Wrote to M. Leroy, to make clear to him that W.’s cause has no need of back-street journals! Then invited Professor Nietzsche for R.’s birthday.

Afterward to town, and a fine May day with R. Found a letter from Claire at the post office; she has seen my mother. Sad description, but the insanity has disappeared.

Much joy with the children on returning home; I have taught Lusch some folk songs, and she sings them prettily. In the evening R. and I begin Don Quixote.