Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of December 12, 1872

Overview

R. wakes badly and feels too unwell to keep his appointment with the Duke, but he still goes later in the day and presents his case directly rather than accepting ceremonial honors. The audience leaves him charmed by both the Duke and Duchess, whom he finds thoughtful and encouraging. Afterward we leave for Leipzig, where Herr von Normann shows me around the palace before we join the whole family in the evening. Everyone is together, but R. is exhausted by the day.

Content

Thursday, December 12:

R. had a very bad night and feels so unwell that he asks the Duke for a postponement of his audience. He goes there at 12 o'clock. He had been invited to a meal, but refused the invitation, saying he was not seeking marks of honor, but wanted simply to lay his proposition in front of the Duke. He returns very charmed by the Duchess as well as the Duke, both earnest, sympathetic, encouraging.

We leave at 2 o'clock, after Herr von Normann showed me around the palace. In the evening in Leipzig, the whole family: Clemens with his young wife, Hermann, the rector of the university, Ottilie, and Anna. Very pleasant, but R. is tired.