Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of June 10, 1869

Overview

A painful, sleepless day leaves Cosima confined and anxious over dreams of the absent children and an unanswered telegram. Richard is unwell but reads Don Quixote, while letters, Jewish pamphlet reactions, a Berlin advance for Meistersinger, and discussions of the christening and Hans pass through the laborious day. A telegram confirming the children's safe arrival at the Selisberg and a warm bath for Richard bring late comfort.

Content

Thursday, June 10:

Slept little; severe pains. Obliged to lie constantly in an outstretched position. R. unwell and despondent, concerned at my indisposition. Anxious dreams of the absent children unsettle me. Telegram not answered. Anxious, concerned mood the whole day.

Discussions about the christening; about Hans. In between R. reads Don Quixote, with very refreshing results. Letter from a Dresden Jew, “Ahasverus.” Declaration of the musician Altichul from Pest, a Jew, in the Neue Freie Presse; R.'s telegram: “Elfen Altschul.” Berlin advance, 100 fr. d'or, on Die Meistersinger.

Laborious day. At last in the evening telegram from Selisberg: children arrived safely at the summit at 9 in the evening. Some comfort. After a warm bath in the evening R. also better. Hans discussed several times: earnestly, but without excitement. Much pain and tiredness.